Carl Junction sex offender charged with child molestation

Cody Gailen Parsons, 46, Carl Junction, pleaded not guilty today during his arraignment in Jasper County Circuit Court on a third-degree child molestation charge.

According to the probable cause statement, the girl was 11-12 years old on October 7, 2025, the date of the alleged crime.

Parsons is being held in the Jasper County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.

At the time, the latest charge was filed, Parsons was already behind bars, charged with being a sex offender and living within 1,000 feet of a child care facility and for violating conditions of his lifetime supervision.

The details of the latest allegation were provided in the probable cause statement:

The juvenile stated that one time, while alone in the shed behind the residence with Cody Parsons, he placed both of his hands down her pants and under her underwear. She stated that his hands first touched her genital area on the outside and then moved to the inside of her genital area. She described his hands moving while inside her pants.

The juvenile further disclosed that Parsons pressed his penis against her buttocks while pushing her against a wall between storage totes inside the shed. She stated she was scared and attempted to back away until he let her go.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Sex Offender Registry indicates Parsons was convicted in 2010 of the forcible rape of a 29-year-old woman in Barry County.

Joplin police, fire departments investigate arson fires at 205 W. 21st

(From the Joplin Fire Department)

At 12:40 AM, April 14, 2026, the Joplin 911 center received a call regarding a structure fire located at 205 W. 21st Street. Joplin Fire units arrived on scene to find smoke and flames visible from a 2-story residential structure. 

 During initial fire suppression efforts, smoke was seen coming from the house next door (2030 S. Joplin Ave). Crews were divided, and both buildings were searched for victims, and the fire was extinguished. No victims were located and no injuries occurred to civilians or firefighters.

The Joplin Fire Marshal’s office was requested to respond and conduct a cause and origin investigation into the two fires. It was determined that there were no accidental causes to the fires and both fires have been determined to be incendiary in nature. The Joplin Police Department is working with the Joplin Fire Department to investigate the fires.

Individuals with information concerning this incident are encouraged to contact Detective Tiffany Osborne with the Joplin Police Department at 417-623-3131 ext.1649. Information can also be given to the Missouri Arson Hotline at 1-800-392-7766. There is a $ 5,000 reward fund for any information reported to the Missouri Arson Hotline that leads to the arrest of suspects in arson cases.

Missouri income tax repeal plan’s first-year cost jumps to $4.2 billion in Senate

By Rudi Keller

Missouri Independent

The first-year cost of a House-passed proposal to eliminate the Missouri income tax ballooned to $4.2 billion under revisions made in the state Senate that were called “drafting errors” Monday during a committee debate.

Despite the potential costs, and misgivings of some Republican members of the Senate Fiscal Oversight Committee, the bill passed Monday afternoon on a 6-3 party-line vote. The proposal would place a constitutional amendment on a ballot later this year asking voters if they want to give lawmakers the power to increase and expand sales taxes to replace the income tax.

The committee debate was a preview of what is expected when the bill reaches the full Senate. Democrats focused on maintaining services like public schools, while Republicans focused on the growth of state government.

“It is not hyperbolic to say we are going to be in tight straits,” said state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas CIty Democrat. “I do not know how we are going to pay the bills.”

Families will find it easier to pay the bills without a state income tax, said state Sen. Rick Brattin, a Republican from Harrisonville.

“It is incumbent on us to make the tough decisions that every single family has to make every single day,” Brattin said.

Eliminating the income tax is Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe’s top priority for the year. It has generated opposition from a wide-spectrum of advocacy organizations, including business groups like Associated Industries of Missouri and the Missouri Association of Realtors.

When the proposal left the Missouri House, the only potential cost for the coming fiscal year was the $9 million estimated to be the price for adding it to a statewide ballot. If approved, the potential cost for the following fiscal year was $49 million as provisions take effect, with the first big hit — up to $1 billion — on the $13.4 billion in annual general revenue receipts would come in the year ending June 30, 2029.

The cost exploded under the Senate version because the first tax cut would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, as revenue in the first six months of the fiscal year is compared to the revenue from the entire previous year. The result would be an immediate reduction in the top income tax rate from 4.7% to 3.1% and the loss of $4.2 billion.

By the end of fiscal 2029, the income tax would be almost eliminated and the reduction in general revenue would be approximately $8.5 billion.

State Sen. Rusty Black, a Republican from Chillicothe who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, called the language that compares a half of a year of revenue to a full year of revenue a “drafting error” that “will have to be fixed, in order for this to be passed.

The intent, he said, is to allow lawmakers time to write a new sales tax law that would raise the revenue necessary to replace the income tax.

“I do not want to be in charge of the appropriations committee that’s losing $8 billion dollars, and I don’t believe that’s what the plan is,” Black said.

Under the language that will go to the full Senate for debate, the top income tax rate would be cut by one-one-hundredth of a percentage point for every $20 million of revenue that the state received in a base year that was in excess of the revenue received in the following six months of a new fiscal year.

The maximum rate cut of 1.6 percentage points would occur when the difference is $3.2 billion or more.

When the measure passed the House, it included a three-year window for lawmakers to write new tax laws that raise revenue to replace the income tax. It would exempt the new law from constitutional provisions prohibiting sales tax on real estate transactions, goods and services currently not subject to the sales and that taxes on gasoline and diesel must be spent on highways.

The exemption that would allow a sales tax on fuel purchases — the first time in Missouri that fuel has been taxed by price instead of volume — was also called a “drafting error” by House sponsors but the provision was not removed.

To obtain the revenue raised by the income tax without adding new items to tax, lawmakers would have to increase the sales rate — currently 3% for general revenue — by as much as 8.5%. To maintain the sales tax rate at the current level, lawmakers would have to expand its coverage to find another $300 billion of economic activity to tax.

Democrats on the committee warned that the immediate revenue reduction under the Senate version would result in devastating cuts to services while at the same time taxing Missourians for every marketplace transaction.

This will create the most massive tax increase in the state’s history,” said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton. “It will shift the burden to the middle class and the lower middle class and those who can’t afford it.”

Drug trafficking scam targets doctors

(From Missouri Division of Professional Registration)

The Missouri Division of Professional Registration, a division of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI), is alerting medical providers of a drug trafficking scam targeting doctors and other individuals licensed with the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts.

The scam involves fraudulent documents claiming a provider’s license has been suspended for illegal drug trafficking and requesting payment of a government security bond via wire transfer. 

The documents falsely include official-looking letterhead, seals and stamps from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Missouri Division of Professional Registration Central Investigations Unit. The documents also make fraudulent use of DCI Director Angela Nelson’s signature.

Any unexpected notice of license suspension or a request for payment should be treated as suspicious:If any provider receives an unexpected communication regarding license suspension due to drug trafficking or otherwise, stop immediately. 

Do not submit payment in response to any suspicious communications or requests. 

If there is any doubt about the legitimacy of a document or other communication, contact the board at healingarts@pr.mo.gov.

The mission of the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts is to protect the citizens of the state through the licensing of physicians and other health-designated professionals, assessing their competence to practice and their moral character. It is also the board's duty to investigate all complaints against its licensees in a fair and equitable manner.

New Highway Patrol trooper identified as JPD sniper who accidentally killed Clesslyn Crawford

 

Following a two-year court battle, KCUR, a Kansas City public radio station, revealed today that Keaton Siebenaler, who left the Joplin Police Department in August 2025 was the sniper who accidentally killed 2-year-old Clesslyn Crawford March 26, 2002 in Cherokee County, Kansas.

Siebenaler graduated from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy last week and has been assigned to Troop D where he is patrolling Barton and Vernon counties.

The release of Siebenaler's name was part of an agreement with KCUR, according to a statement released last week by the station's attorney, Bernard Rhoads.

The City of Joplin was scheduled to release the officer's name in response to a Sunshine Law request when "John Doe" filed a request November 20, 2023 for a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction.

The sniper was with a JPD contingent that was called in for assistance March 26, 2022 for a standoff at 340 Wyandotte Avenue in Baxter Springs. A female caller told Baxter Springs dispatch she needed helped and when officers arrived, the woman, Taylor Dawn Shutte, 27, was shot to death by Eli Crawford, 37, who then went back into the house with their 2-year-old daughter, Clesslyn Crawford.

Crawford began shooting at officers from the Baxter Springs Police Department and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, who called in additional assistance from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Joplin Police Department SWAT including John Doe.

According to a report issued in September 2023 by the Cherokee County District Attorney's office and including the conclusions of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Eli Crawford fired more than 90 rounds from the trailer window.

Crawford offered a deal to negotiators, according to the report.

"Send my sister and get my baby and everything is fine. Other than that, I have hand grenades and fully automatic weapons that I am getting ready to use. Do you hear me? If you don't do this, then you are going to have a bunch of dead people on your hands."

Negotiations continued for the next 20 minutes interspersed with shots from the trailer. At that point, Siebenaler took the fatal shot.

After that, Crawford fired another shot, killing himself.

Following an investigation, the Cherokee County District Attorney's office determined no charges would be filed against Siebenaler and that he was justified in using deadly force against Eli Crawford, the person he thought he was shooting.

Siebenaler was also cleared in the Joplin Police Department internal investigation.

Fairview man charged with child molestation

A bond reduction hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. April 28 for Cortoney Demetrice Rogers (DOB 1983), Fairview, who pleaded not guilty on a first degree child molestation charge today in Newton County Circuit Court.

Rogers is being held without bond in the Newton County Detention Center.

Rogers was charged with crimes that allegedly took place at his home sometime around 2007 or 2008, according to the probable cause statement.

An interview was conducted with V1 who disclosed that around the years 2007-2008 she went to the home where Cortoney Demetric Rogers resided, which is located in Fairview, Missouri. 

V1 disclosed that during the night she went to sleep on what she referred to as a love seat. V1 disclosed that after falling asleep she woke to hear Cortoney Rogers enter the house through the front door and walk to the love seat where she was sleeping. 

After that, the statement said, Rogers began spooning with her and thrusting and grinding himself against her until she moved away from him.

Aurora man pleads guilty to child pornography charge

During a hearing today in U. S. District Court in Springfield, Zachary Cullen, 26, Aurora, pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography.

A pre-sentence investigation was ordered. No date has been scheduled for sentencing.

Cullen was indicted December 10, 2024 for crimes that took place between June 23, 2021 and February 1, 2022.

Jason Smith: Millions of Americans have benefited from Trump's Working Families Tax Cut

(From Eighth District Congressman Jason Smith)

As the 2026 tax season wraps up on April 15, new data shows millions of Americans have greatly benefited from the Working Families Tax Cuts. Thanks to this landmark legislation, which I authored, this year saw the largest tax refund season in our nation’s history, with more Americans than ever seeing real relief and keeping more of what they earn.

What makes this tax season truly remarkable is the widespread and immediate impact of the new, carefully crafted deductions that President Trump promised to deliver for Americans, and that I fought in Congress to secure.

In fact, a staggering 5.5 million workers have claimed the No Tax on Tips deduction this year so far, putting thousands of dollars back into the pockets of each of those families. I heard the story of one waitress in Southeast Missouri who said that because of this provision, her tax refund was more than $10,000, which will cover her rent for a year plus some groceries on top of that. A DoorDash driver who testified in front of our committee in Las Vegas, Nevada, said that because of No Tax on Tips, she will be able to afford to travel back to see family in Missouri who needs medical care. Because of this provision alone, four million tipped workers are seeing take-home pay boosted by $1,300. This change directly rewards hard work and supports families who depend on every dollar.

No tax on overtime has benefited even more American families, with 23 million workers benefiting from that provision this tax season. To put it into perspective, this deduction is being claimed by over 20% of the total individual returns as of April 8. These working men and women put in extra hours to provide for their families, and now get to keep their hard-earned overtime pay rather than have it taxed away. This provision is boosting take-home pay for these hourly workers by $1,400. Republicans made a commitment to reward those who go the extra mile, not penalize it, and that is exactly what we delivered.

The car loan interest deduction for the purchase of new cars made in the United States is another provision folks are taking advantage of, with more than 1.1 million taxpayers claiming it. For many families, reliable transportation is key to holding a job, getting kids to school, and contributing to their communities. This deduction helps make car ownership more affordable and connects families to opportunity, while at the same time supporting American jobs be incentivizing those Americans to buy cars manufactured right here in the U.S.A.

Seniors are also benefiting from much-needed relief with their new deduction, claimed by nearly 20 million American’s over 65 across the nation. A new $6,000 bonus deduction for each senior over 65 amounts to No Tax on Social Security. Thanks to Republicans, those seniors who worked their entire lives and are enjoying a well-earned retirement are now breathing a sigh of relief.

In total, Americans are on track to receive nearly $400 billion in total refunds this year, with the average individual refund up by more than 10%. The average tax cut for families in Missouri comes out to $3,173. On top of that, families with two kids making under $73,000 now pay ZERO dollars in federal income tax thanks to the Republican tax cuts.

When I became Ways and Means chairman, I told my colleagues in Congress that my priority would be working families, small businesses, and farmers in southeast Missouri and across the nation, not lobbyists or special interests. I am proud of the tax bill I authored and spearheaded in Congress on behalf of President Trump because the facts don’t lie – the Working Families Tax Cuts is delivering real relief for millions of those Americans.

As the tax season comes to a close, I’m proud of the pro-growth, pro-worker, pro-family tax policy we delivered on July 4th of last year. But this is just the beginning, and I will continue fighting for policies that puts more money where it belongs — in Americans’ pockets.

Missouri bill would require hospitals to offer emergency contraception to rape survivors

By Anna Spoerre

Missouri Independent

Missouri hospitals and clinics that perform forensic exams following sexual assault are not required by law to offer emergency contraception to survivors, a coverage inconsistency a bipartisan group of lawmakers is trying to correct with legislation aimed at standardizing care after rape.

The proposal, called the Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act, would require facilities providing emergency care to sexual assault survivors to offer emergency contraception as well as screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. The cost would be covered by the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

Supporters say the bill would fix an uneven system in which hospitals that don’t offer the medication often leave survivors to navigate travel, pharmacies and out-of-pocket costs while racing a narrow window in which the medication is most effective.

“Missouri is a state that is under strain when it comes to access to reproductive healthcare,” said Michelle Trupiano, executive director of Beacon Reproductive Health Network. “So anything we can do to reduce barriers, to make it easier for people to access care, we see as a priority.”

The bill is sponsored by state Reps. Jaclyn Zimmermann, a Democrat from Manchester, and Cecelie Williams, a Republican from Dittmer, and is part of a broader bipartisan push to expand access to contraception in Missouri.

Emergency contraception, often known as the morning-after pill, works by stopping or delaying ovulation. It does not end an existing pregnancy. Providers first administer a pregnancy test; if a patient is already pregnant, the medication is not given. The medication can only be given within five days of the assault, and it decreases in efficacy the further from the initial 24 hour mark it’s taken.

Tonya Vega is the chief nursing executive at SANE Healthcare Services, a Missouri-based nonprofit that provides forensic sexual assault exams for victims across 51 facilities. She has performed more than 600 of these exams over the past decade and said one of the first questions survivors often ask is about emergency contraception.

Vega said about 83% of the patients who receive exams through her organization take emergency contraception. The rest either declined, didn’t qualify because they were outside the timeframe or were assaulted in a way that wouldn’t result in pregnancy.

But not every health care facility stocks or prescribes the medication, Vega said, noting that while the majority of hospitals with religious-affiliations in Missouri do prescribe it, the holdouts are “adamant that they will not offer the medication.”

For those who end up at one of the several emergency departments around the state that don’t offer emergency contraceptives, the news can be “detrimental,” Vega told The Independent.

This is especially true of adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 who make up 36% of the patients SANE sees, Vega said, adding that many survivors don’t seek emergency treatment immediately, but rather a few days after the assault, once they’re started to process what happened.

“It’s one of the most vulnerable populations anyways that we treat,” she said of young victims. “…They’re still growing, they’re still learning, they’re still working with coping.”

Vega recently testified about her experience during a Missouri House Crime and Public Safety Committee hearing on the CARE Act.

She said denying emergency contraception to a survivor at their exam and then putting the onus on them to find a an open pharmacy and potentially pay for that prescription out of pocket can be a monumental task for someone still processing the trauma of the violent crime they just experienced. That’s especially true, she said,if they live in a rural area or have few resources.

Tonya Vega is the chief nursing executive at SANE Healthcare Services, a Missouri-based nonprofit that provides forensic sexual assault exams for victims across 51 facilities. She has performed more than 600 of these exams over the past decade and said one of the first questions survivors often ask is about emergency contraception. 

Vega said about 83% of the patients who receive exams through her organization take emergency contraception. The rest either declined, didn’t qualify because they were outside the timeframe or were assaulted in a way that wouldn’t result in pregnancy.

But not every health care facility stocks or prescribes the medication, Vega said, noting that while the majority of hospitals with religious-affiliations in Missouri do prescribe it, the holdouts are “adamant that they will not offer the medication.”

For those who end up at one of the several emergency departments around the state that don’t offer emergency contraceptives, the news can be “detrimental,” Vega told The Independent.

This is especially true of adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 who make up 36% of the patients SANE sees, Vega said, adding that many survivors don’t seek emergency treatment immediately, but rather a few days after the assault, once they’re started to process what happened.

“It’s one of the most vulnerable populations anyways that we treat,” she said of young victims. “…They’re still growing, they’re still learning, they’re still working with coping.”

Vega recently testified about her experience during a Missouri House Crime and Public Safety Committee hearing on the CARE Act.

She said denying emergency contraception to a survivor at their exam and then putting the onus on them to find a an open pharmacy and potentially pay for that prescription out of pocket can be a monumental task for someone still processing the trauma of the violent crime they just experienced. That’s especially true, she said,if they live in a rural area or have few resources.

Leggett & Platt, Somnigroup International announce merger

(From Leggett & Platt)

Somnigroup International Inc. (NYSE: SGI, “Somnigroup”) and Leggett & Platt, Incorporated (NYSE: LEG, “Leggett & Platt”) today announced that the companies have signed a definitive agreement pursuant to which Somnigroup will acquire Leggett & Platt in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $2.5 billion based on Somnigroup’s closing share price on April 10, 2026.

Under the terms of the agreement, Leggett & Platt shareholders will receive 0.1455 shares of Somnigroup common stock in exchange for each share of Leggett & Platt common stock they own. As a result of the transaction, Leggett & Platt’s shareholders will own approximately 9% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis. The agreement has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of Somnigroup and Leggett & Platt.

The transaction is currently anticipated to close by year-end 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including approval by Leggett & Platt’s shareholders and receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. The transaction does not require Somnigroup shareholder approval.

Following the close of the transaction, Leggett & Platt is expected to operate as a separate business unit within Somnigroup, similar to Tempur Sealy, Mattress Firm, and Dreams and to maintain its offices in Carthage, Missouri. Leggett & Platt’s Chairman and CEO, Karl Glassman, will continue to lead Leggett & Platt following the closing date and will assist with a seamless transition to a new CEO of the Leggett & Platt business unit within twelve months of the closing date.

Somnigroup and Leggett & Platt have collaborated for nearly 50 years to drive innovation in the bedding market. With a deep, longstanding partnership and strong cultural alignment, the companies know each other well, and the combination is expected to further strengthen their ability to deliver innovative bedding products. Together, after giving effect to the transaction, including elimination of intercompany sales, the combined company generated 2025 net sales of approximately $11.2 billion, approximately $1.7 billion of adjusted EBITDA, and $1.1 billion of operating cash flow. The combined company is expected to operate 175 manufacturing facilities across 36 countries worldwide, supported by a global workforce of more than 36,000 colleagues. The combined company will continue to honor Leggett & Platt’s existing supply agreements with customers in the bedding industry.

Leggett & Platt is a diversified manufacturer that designs and produces a broad variety of engineered components and products that can be found in many homes and automobiles. It is a leading supplier of bedding components and solutions; automotive seat comfort and convenience systems; home and work furniture components; geo components; flooring underlayment; and hydraulic cylinders for material handling and heavy construction applications.

Somnigroup Chairman and CEO Scott Thompson said, “We are proud to have Leggett & Platt join Somnigroup. Leggett & Platt’s strong engineering capabilities, diversified end users and cash‑generating financial profile meaningfully enhance our global platform. This combination is consistent with our vertical integration strategy, which drives innovation and value for customers while also enhancing shareholder value. By bringing a successful supply partner into our group, we accelerate our ability to deliver differentiated, consumer‑centric innovation. This combination is evidence of our commitment to disciplined capital allocation centered on long‑term shareholder value creation.”

Leggett & Platt Chairman and CEO Karl Glassman said, “We are pleased to reach this agreement with Somnigroup, a valued long‑standing customer and partner. This transaction provides Leggett & Platt shareholders with the opportunity to participate in the future growth and value creation of a leading global company on a tax deferred basis. On behalf of our Board of Directors and management team, I would like to thank the Leggett & Platt team for their hard work and dedication. For more than 140 years, we have provided our customers with innovation and quality. I believe this combination positions us to continue that track record and deliver compelling strategic and financial value for our customers, employees and shareholders.”

Strategic Rationale
The companies expect the combination to leverage the individual strengths of Somnigroup and Leggett & Platt to realize five strategic benefits.

1.
Continues Vertical Integration Strategy, Enhancing Consumer-Centric Innovation.

The combination enables closer collaboration between component engineering, mattress design, and consumer trends, supporting accelerated innovation cycles and more cost effective consumer-centric product constructions.

2.
Expands Addressable Markets in Bedding and Into Non-Bedding Industries.

The combination provides access to incremental addressable markets beyond bedding, expanding long-term growth opportunities and cash flow generation. Additionally, Leggett & Platt’s diversified sales streams and geographic presence lessen reliance on any single category, product or geographic market, reducing overall volatility.

3.
Reduces Financial Leverage and Drives Operating Cash Flow.

The combination is expected to lower Somnigroup’s net financial leverage and increases financial flexibility. Enhanced balance sheet capacity supports an expanded capital allocation strategy, which we, in turn, expect will drive shareholder value and enhance the combined company’s competitive position.

4.
Drives Immediate Adjusted EPS Accretion Before Synergies.

The combination is expected to be accretive to adjusted EPS before synergies in the first year post close*.

5.
Creates Meaningful Synergy Opportunities.

The combination presents cost synergy opportunities with an expected net positive impact on adjusted EBITDA of $50 million on a fully implemented annual run-rate basis. The main categories of anticipated synergies are sourcing, operations and product innovation. We expect that these synergies will be fully realized over a three-year period, with approximately $10 million benefiting adjusted EBITDA in the first twelve months post-closing.

*Post closing, Somnigroup expects Leggett & Platt’s financial results will be presented as a new reporting segment within the Somnigroup business. Leggett & Platt’s sales to Somnigroup’s other reporting segments will be eliminated, with no impact to reported Leggett & Platt segment profits. In 2025, Somnigroup represented 7% of Leggett & Platt’s net sales. Additionally, in accordance with GAAP, Somnigroup expects to incur approximately $50 million of annualized non-cash expense from the adjustment to fair value of the acquired Leggett & Platt business, which will primarily impact cost of goods sold, and Somnigroup expects to incur approximately $10 million of annualized non-cash expense from the adjustment to fair value of the acquired Leggett & Platt bonds, which will impact interest expense.

Financial Impact
As of December 31, 2025, Leggett & Platt’s net leverage under its credit agreement was 2.4 times adjusted EBITDA. Somnigroup expects to leave Leggett & Platt’s existing long-term bond debt in place following the transaction.

Advisors
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is serving as legal counsel to Somnigroup. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal counsel to Leggett & Platt.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release 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 and Leggett & Platt’s plans, guidance, objectives, goals, strategies, and other information that is not historical information. When used in this release, the words “will,” “targets,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “proposed,” “intends,” “outlook,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. 

These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to Somnigroup’s expectations regarding the impact of the proposed transaction on Somnigroup’s brands, products, customer base, results of operations, or financial position, its share repurchases, adjusted EPS, net leverage, operating cash flow, net income, future performance, cost and run-rate synergies, funding sources, expected capital structure, the financial impact of Leggett & Platt’s existing long-term debt, ability to deleverage after the proposed transaction, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the proposed transaction, the integration of Leggett & Platt with Somnigroup’s business and personnel and Somnigroup’s and Leggett & Platt’s post-acquisition financial reporting. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon current expectations and beliefs and various assumptions. There can be no assurance that these expectations or beliefs will prove correct.

Numerous factors, many of which are beyond Somnigroup’s and Leggett & Platt’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from any that may be expressed herein as forward-looking statements. 

These potential risks include risks associated with Leggett & Platt’s ongoing operations; the ability to obtain the requisite Leggett & Platt shareholder approval; the risk that Somnigroup or Leggett & Platt may be unable to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals required for the proposed transaction (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction); the risk that an event, change or other circumstance could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; the risk of delays in completing the proposed transaction; the ability to successfully integrate Leggett & Platt into Somnigroup’s operations and realize synergies from the proposed transaction and the expected run-rate of such synergies; the possibility that the expected benefits of the acquisition are not realized when expected or at all; the risk that any announcement relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of Somnigroup’s or Leggett & Platt’s common stock; the risk of litigation related to the proposed transaction; the diversion of management time from ongoing business operations and opportunities as a result of the proposed transaction; the risk of adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; 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 and Leggett & Platt; uncertainties arising from national and global events; industry competition; the effects of consolidation of retailers on revenues and costs; consumer acceptance and changes in demand for Somnigroup’s and Leggett & Platt’s products; and other risks inherent in Somnigroup’s and Leggett & Platt’s businesses.

All such factors are difficult to predict, are beyond Somnigroup’s and Leggett & Platt’s control, and are subject to additional risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in Somnigroup’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and those detailed in Leggett & Platt’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. These risks, as well as other risks related to the proposed transaction, will be included in the Form S-4 and proxy statement/prospectus (each as defined below) that Somnigroup and Leggett & Platt intend to file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with the proposed transaction. There may be other factors that may cause Somnigroup’s and Leggett & Platt’s actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Neither Somnigroup nor Leggett & Platt undertakes any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

No Offer or Solicitation
This press release is not intended to be, and shall not constitute, an offer to sell, buy or exchange or the solicitation of an offer to sell, buy or exchange any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, 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. 

Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed transaction, Somnigroup intends to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Form S-4”) that will include a proxy statement of Leggett & Platt and that will also constitute a prospectus of Somnigroup with respect to the shares of Somnigroup common stock to be issued in the proposed transaction (the “proxy statement/prospectus”). The definitive proxy statement/prospectus (if and when available) will be filed with the SEC by, and mailed to shareholders of, Leggett & Platt. Each of Somnigroup and Leggett & Platt may also file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction.


This press release is not a substitute for the Form S-4, the proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Somnigroup 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 FORM S-4, THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. 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. Copies of the documents filed with, or furnished to, the SEC by Somnigroup will be available free of charge on Somnigroup’s website at https://somnigroup.com/investor-resources/financials/sec-filings/default.aspx.Copies of the documents filed with, or furnished to, the SEC by Leggett & Platt will be available free of charge on Leggett & Platt’s website at https://leggett.gcs-web.com/financials/sec-filings. The information included on, or accessible through, Somnigroup’s or Leggett & Platt’s website is not incorporated by reference into this communication.