AI Magazine February 2017 by AI Global Media

www.acquisition-intl.com • February 2017

One World

Television Channel

Numbers Do Not Cry The winner of the Leading Hedge Fund Manager 2017 for Luxembourg award, The Prudent Group, offers international investors the possibility of meaningful investment returns in our Brazilian short term corporate credit business. They run regulated funds in both Luxembourg and in São Paulo, Brazil to achieve this end as the firm’s Jon Malmsäter explains in this exclusive article.

- Making the World a Better Place, Spectrum Partners - Expertise in All Fields of Business Law, El AJERI Lawyers - Making You Feel Happy, Healthy and Wealthy, Agrawal Associates - Investing for the Long-Term, Oklahoma Title - Protecting Brands, Estudio Colmenares - Quality over Quantity, Cavalcanti & Arruda Botelho - Not Losing Interest, Cavmont Bank Ltd - The Smart Choice, Global Prior Art, Inc. - On the Case, OGT Forensic Ltd - Premier IP Powerhouse, Sughrue Mion - Gateway to Europe, Nordven Oy - Lawyers for Innovators, Jayaram Law Group - A High-Quality Service, Nicolson Accountancy - A Strong Team of Legal Experts, Buse Heberer Fromm - Family Comes First, Family Business Matters - Protecting Property Rights, Cabinet Roman - Relocation Relocation, Elite Executive Services Pty Ltd

Legal Force W. Ashton Randall III, Esq

Benefits Plus

AUSTRIA

Editor’s Comment Welcome to the February 2017 edition of AI magazine, which features a wonderful mixture of features including legal issues, IP, accountancy services, information technology, recruitment and M&A to name a few.

No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment.

Heading up this edition is Oklahoma Title & Closing Company, winner of the Most Innovative Law Firm – USA award, an independently owned and operated title company in Oklahoma. In M&A news, Elementis plc recently announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire SRLH Holdings, Inc. (SummitReheis) from an affiliate of One Rock Capital Partners, LLC (One Rock) for an enterprise value of $360 million, (the Acquisition). In other news, Planet of finance recently announced the launch of Pitch Room, an online service that matches private investors with wealth managers and financial advisors. I hope you enjoy reading this edition. Jonathan Miles, Editor Jonathan.Miles@ai-globalmedia.com READ THIS MONTH’S CPD ACCREDITED ISSUE TO GAIN 6 CPD POINTS

How to get in touch AI welcomes news and views from its readers. Correspondence should be sent to; Address: Acquisition International, First Floor Suite F, The Maltsters, 1-2 Wetmore Road, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 1LS. Phone: +44 (0) 1283 712447 Email: reception@acquisition-intl.com Website: www.acquisition-intl.com Find us on...

Inside... NEWS 4 Investing for the Long-Term 8 Oklahoma Title & Closing Company, Inc. Numbers Do Not Cry 9 The Prudent Group Money Makes the World Go Round 10 Development Bank of Samoa (DBS Bank) Protecting Brands 11 Estudio Colmenares & Asociados Making You Feel Happy, Healthy and Wealthy 12 Agrawal Associates Private Wealth Management Mediation and Dispute Resolution - the Holistic Approach 14 Lloyd Platt & Co Quality over Quantity 16 Cavalcanti & Arruda Botelho Advogados A High-Quality Service 17 Nicolson Accountancy

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Not Losing Interest 18 Cavmont Bank Ltd (CBL) On the Case 20 OGT Forensic Ltd Lawyers for Innovators 22 Jayaram Law Group, LTD. Expertise in All Fields of Business Law 23 El AJERI Lawyers Premier IP Powerhouse 24 Sughrue Mion, PLLC Legal Force 26 Randall Greer PLLC Making the World a Better Place 27 Spectrum Partners, LLC A Strong Team of Legal Experts 28 Buse Heberer Fromm The Smart Choice 29 Global Prior Art, Inc. Protecting Property Rights 30 Cabinet Roman

Contents

Not Losing Interest

Legal Force

53 34

Advice You Can Count On

Is the Genie out of the Bottle?

Outstanding Custom Floral Arrangements

Family Comes First 31 Family Business Matters Consulting

No Big Deal? 43 Syed Brokerage & Capital

Attention to Detail 54 Design/Build by Visner Inc.

Gateway to Europe 32 Nordven Oy

Outstanding Custom Floral Arrangements 44 Latrell Flowers, LLC

The Importance of Data Security 56 Midaxo Ltd.

Relocation Relocation 33 Elite Executive Services Pty Ltd

Keeping You Secure 46 LoPresti Law Group, PC

Hedge Your Bets 57 German Asset Managers Group

Advice You Can Count On 34 (HIS) Cummings Global Associates Ltd

Europe’s Only Available International Television Channel Franchise 47 5 Star Film Company Ltd.

The Highest-Quality Service 58 Emmanuel Jacques Almosnino Law Firm

Expertise in Mediation and Arbitration 36 ONAMBELE -ANCHANG & ASSOCIATES Taking Energy Empowerment to the next Level 37 Avant Garde Innovations™

Right on Track 48 Rcapital Solid as a Rock 49 Red Rock Capital Partners, LLC

An International Presence 38 Lugna

Helping You Build Success 50 Grant Thornton

Striving for Perfection 39 SARC Associates

IP Gone Global 51 ORITI PATENTS

Building a Strong Team Spirit 40 Only Marketing Jobs

Trusted Advisors on Relocation 52 R3Location Limited

Advice You Can Rely On 41 Kellerhals Carrard

Is the Genie out of the Bottle? 53 Benefits Plus

Customised Asian Hedge Funds 60 Gen2 Partners Ltd A Wealth of Legal Services 62 RayYin& Partners Shining Bright 64 Clean Energy Enterprises Sector Talk 66 Bureau van Dijk WINNERS’ DIRECTORY 66

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News: from around the world

Elementis - $360 Million Acquisition of SummitReheis Elementis plc recently announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire SRLH Holdings, Inc. (SummitReheis) from an affiliate of One Rock Capital Partners, LLC (One Rock) for an enterprise value of US$360 million, (the Acquisition).

SummitReheis will become part of an enlarged personal care business within Elementis. For the year ended 31 December 2016, SummitReheis is expected to report revenue of $134 million and underlying EBITDA of approximately $28 million. The acquisition enterprise value is equivalent to approximately 11.8x SummitReheis expected underlying EBITDA for 2016 (including run rate cost synergies). SummitReheis is a high quality, high margin specialty chemicals platform that produces a range of critical active ingredients and materials tailored for use in personal care, pharmaceutical and dental products. SummitReheis’ anti-perspirant actives business (more than 60%. of its sales) is the global leader in the manufacture and sale of active ingredients for anti-perspirants and has long standing relationships with key consumer product companies across the Americas, Europe and Asia. Transaction highlights: • Acquisition creates an enlarged personal care business with annual sales of approximately US$200 million, significantly increasing the Group’s presence in this important end market; • Enhanced growth potential driven by the combination of complementary products, customers and a broader geographic presence which together offer cross-selling opportunities; • Critical components for the US$13 billion anti-perspirant market with growth driven by increasing penetration in emerging markets and demand for premium and higher efficacy products in established geographies; • Acquisition will be funded from cash resources and new debt facilities of US$475 million which will be supported by the cash generation characteristics of the enlarged group; • Expected to deliver material earnings accretion and substantial free cash flow accretion in the current financial year and; • Return on invested capital (ROIC) expected to be in line with Elementis’ cost of capital in the first full year of ownership.

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Notification of results and special dividend: • Elementis will report its full year results for the year ended 31 December 2016 on 1 March 2017; • The Board of Elementis can confirm that it expects earnings per share for the year to 31 December 2016 to be in line with current market expectations; • The Board confirms that its consideration of special dividends in respect of 2016 will not be impacted by the Acquisition; Paul Waterman, CEO of Elementis plc said, “at our recent Capital Markets Day presentation, we highlighted the growth prospects in personal care as a key opportunity for Elementis, driven by long term positive demographic trends and an increasingly sophisticated consumer. Our leading position with proprietary hectorite and Rheoluxe® rheology modifiers will be augmented by SummitReheis’ complementary position in specialty additives for anti-perspirants, pharmaceuticals and dental products. “The Group is well positioned to capitalise on this acquisition through the enhanced geographic footprint and strong customer relationships that it brings. Together with our existing business, the acquisition of SummitReheis is transformative for our personal care business, creating a substantial, high return platform that will help accelerate our Reignite Growth strategy.”

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Accelerates growth for both SummitReheis and Elementis as a result of the expanded footprint with key customers and broader geographical reach; Combined business has strong relationships with key consumer products companies; SummitReheis products differentiated by their superior quality and certifications (for example, FDA requirements in the US and ECHA requirements in Europe) and; Benefits expected from the realisation of additional growth opportunities.

Financial highlights • Enterprise value of US$360 million on a cash free, debt free basis; • Immediate adjusted earnings per share accretion expected in the current financial year and double digit adjusted earnings per share accretion in 2018; • Expected to enhance Elementis’ group margin in the current financial year; • Run rate cost synergies of up to US$3 million per annum identified; • ROIC expected to be in line with Elementis’ cost of capital in the first full year of ownership; • Funded through Elementis’ existing cash resources and US$475 million of new debt facilities and; • Elementis to remain prudently financed post acquisition. www.elementisplc.com

Strategic rationale • Personal care market is a significant growth opportunity for Elementis; • Anti-perspirants is a highly attractive, growing segment of the personal care market; • Acquisition creates a $200 million personal care business of Elementis with critical mass and significant growth prospects; o Combines SummitReheis’ key active ingredients for anti-perspirants with Elementis’ enabling technology of hectorites and synthetic polymers;

NEWS / From Around The World

MarketInvoice to Double Lending to £2bn in 2017 MarketInvoice, the world’s largest peer-to-peer online invoice finance platform on 9th February 2017, launched MarketInvoice Pro – an innovative confidential invoice discounting service - using technology to provide finance easier and faster for businesses that have a regular funding need.

Having funded invoices over £1.1bn (to date, since 2011) with an invoice-by-invoice finance product, MarketInvoice is aiming to double its lending in 2017 with the launch of MarketInvoice Pro which offers businesses an open funding line against their outstanding invoices. The ambitious growth target is underlined by significant demand from existing users (1), interest from investors seeking to increase their deployment on the platform and a recent £7.2m investment into MarketInvoice by MCI Capital and Northzone Partners. MarketInvoice has a customer retention rate2 of 81% (mapped over a 5-year period since set-up) and lending has increased 4-fold over the last twelve months, providing (on average) £2,196 every minute to UK businesses. Investor appetite has also grown significantly over the past two years; the number of sophisticated investors active on the platform has increased by 25%, with institutions increasing by 42% and high net worth investors are up by 235%. MarketInvoice’s main strategic ambition is to broaden its reach offering to be able to support a wider range of businesses, from start-ups to businesses looking to scale-up. Ensuring that even more companies can get paid faster by financing their invoices allowing business owners to save time and focus on what’s most important – running their business. Anil Stocker, CEO and co-founder of MarketInvoice commented, “this launch marks a significant milestone for us and signals our intent on shakingup and challenging the mainstream market. Our aim is to build tech-led funding products that are the fastest to set up and easiest to use in the market. MarketInvoice Pro is a natural evolution of our business and brings a fresh and innovative approach to solving the biggest issues for businesses in the UK; available cash-flow.

“Our track-record of exceptional customer service with businesses and their reciprocal trust and faith in us, means we are confident of delivering more funding and success for them. The appetite for asset-based finance is roaring and we aim to forge new ground in this £20bn industry” “As Brexit takes shape, we think the coming months present a significant opportunity for MarketInvoice. In every period of turmoil there exists huge opportunity – we believe our model will mature through this cycle, and prove we are here to stay.” How MarketInvoice Pro works The new confidential invoice discounting line is secured against outstanding invoices. Companies can use the funding line when they need it, and the value of the facility grows as the company grows. MarketInvoice Pro offers one of the fastest funding decisions in the market; MarketInvoice’s system connects to a company’s accounting software to credit score and provide real-time limits and balances. MarketInoivce Pro is supported by an easy to use platform and MarketInvoice’s awardwinning personalised service. (1) Based on MarketInvoice research of 867 companies between October and November 2016. 76% of businesses reported additional capacity for funding from MarketInvoice (2) Based on MarketInvoice data as of 31st January 2016, www.marketinvoice.com

Connecting Private Investors to Global Network of Qualified Wealth Managers On 9th February, Planet of finance has announced the launch of Pitch Room, an online service that matches private investors with wealth managers and financial advisors. For the first time, private investors across the world will be able to find their next wealth manager by answering a few simple questions about their investable assets. Wealth managers will then pitch for their business, outlining how they would look after their portfolio, all online. The Pitch Room makes it easier for private investors to access wealth management services allowing individuals to compare costs and services without the need for expensive intermediaries. At the same time, it enables wealth managers and financial advisors to connect with more potential clients while driving down the cost of customer acquisition. Olivier Collombin, Planet of finance founder said, “we established Planet of finance to empower investors to make smarter choices about how to manage their money and to make it easier for professionals to grow their businesses. Pitch Room is an exciting development in our mission to democratise the wealth management landscape.” Investors with assets totalling more than 270 million dollars have already used Planet of finance to make more educated choices on wealth management and financial advice services. The online network provides access to wealth managers across 61 countries with 976bn dollars AUM. As well as providing powerful client prospecting tools for wealth managers and financial advisors, Planet of finance enables professionals to connect with industry peers to find business partners or expansion opportunities.

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News: from around the world

Palamon Closes Sale of SARquavitae for €550 Million Palamon Capital Partners (Palamon) has completed the sale of SARquavitae (the Company), the leading elderly care provider in Spain for €550 million.

Palamon sold SARquavitae’s operating business to GeriaVi, which holds Geriatros, another leading player in the Spanish elderly care market, and is a subsidiary of DomusVi (a PAI Partners portfolio company) for €440 million. SARquavitae’s property companies were sold to Eurosic Lagune, a third party real estate investor, in a separate transaction prior to the sale. Both sales have together generated a combined investment return of 3.0x for Palamon. SARquavitae is the largest elderly care services provider in Spain, operating 88 facilities nationwide and is active in residential facilities, home care, teleassistance and the provision of at-home medical services. The Company employs approximately 12,000 staff and services 200,000 people per year. Palamon originally invested in SARquavitae in 2009 having identified the opportunity to build a national champion of scale in the fragmented Spanish elderly care sector. Ageing demographics, shifts in social structure and regulatory reform created an ideal environment in which to rapidly grow the business both organically and through acquisitions. In 2011 the Company completed the transformational acquisition of Mapfre Quavitae, making it the largest player in the market. Over Palamon’s hold period, SARquavitae grew revenues from €127 million to more than €330 million and more than tripled EBITDA.

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Julian Carreras, Partner at Palamon commented,” the sale of our investment in SARquavitae represents another impressive outcome for Palamon, generating a 3.0x return for our investors. It underlines the power of our original investment thesis, which predicted the growth in the Spanish elderly care market. We would like to remember at this time Higinio Raventos, founder of SARquavitae, who sadly passed away last year and to thank the management team for building a highly effective working relationship during this period and wish them every success with their new partners.”

Antoni Soler Vicens, CFO of SARquavitae said, “Palamon has been a highly supportive partner and we are delighted with the success of this transaction for our company. We are proud to have built SARquavitae to be the leading operator in the Spanish market not only by size and capability, but also in terms of the quality of care provided. We now look forward to continuing the development of the Company during the next stage of growth as part of a pan-European business.” Aymar Hénin, DomusVi group CEO added, “we are very excited with the acquisition of SARquavitae, which creates a new leader in the Spanish market, and confirms our group’s position as one of the leaders in elderly care in Europe.” For more information visit: www.palamon.com

NEWS / From Around The World

Businesses Must Prepare for a World Trumped for Trade

NCSC’s New Cyberflirts Programme to Boost National Security Skills

President Donald Trump’s protectionist rhetoric at his Presidential inauguration and his subsequent withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) could herald a period where the progress of free trade might well grind to a halt.

Leading security vendor Becrypt on 8th February announced its support of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)’s new CyberFirst programme, which aims to improve the UK’s cyber industry by creating opportunities for talented young people to enter the field.

Businesses with extensive supply chains should therefore take action to insulate themselves against the potential penalties and strident regulation that they could become subject to, according to Nick Miller, head of FMCG at supply chain and business transformation consultancy, Crimson & CO.

The scheme aims to create a positive image of the cyber security industry, encouraging students ranging from secondary school to university to begin their journey to becoming the nation’s next generation of security experts.

At his inauguration, President Trump outlined his intention to pursue an ‘America First’ policy, stating that ‘We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and hire American.’ The first manifestation of this policy was Trump’s definitive decision not to join the TPP – a flagship Obama trade deal encompassing 11 countries in the Pacific rim which, with American membership, would have been responsible for 40% of the world’s trade. The US is currently in the top three global importers and exporter, making it a major driver for global trade. Coinciding with Brexit, which the Prime Minister recently revealed will see Britain lose access to the single market, and a surge of anti-globalisation and anti-free trade sentiment across much of the Western World, Trump’s declarations look likely to augur a period where the various initiatives towards free trade will stutter and grind to a halt and potentially reversing into protectionism. Nick Miller commented on these events, “the march towards free trade has always been somewhat precarious, with cycles of protectionism generally coinciding with lower economic growth and sometimes with recessions. For example, in the midst of the recession in 2009, the World Trade Organisation reported “significant slippage” in adherence to its free trade principles. However, Trump’s statements and actions so far, as well as Brexit, represent a threat to free trade that is an order of magnitude higher than anything we’ve encountered in recent years. “At a time when ‘Made in the World’ is the norm, this undoubtedly could cause problems for many businesses. Global business loves free trade for many reasons – one is that it allows them to find the most effective and lowest cost supplier for goods. It also allows them to move people around

the business on a global scale as they require. These two factors are now endangered. Any restrictions will lead to higher costs of production – and therefore often higher prices, lower sales, and reduced growth.” There are steps businesses can take to help protect themselves against these alarming shifts. Nick Miller outlined a few, “businesses have to be dynamic and fast-moving to help alleviate the potential costs of these restrictions. Many will have complex supply chains, criss-crossing networks extending across the world, and will therefore need to apply some analytical rigour to the task. “One of the steps they can take is do more ‘nearshoring.’ This means sourcing and manufacturing closer to end markets, therefore reducing the expansiveness of the supply chain and vulnerability to anti-free trade measures such as tariffs. As a matter of good practise, organisations should at minimum carry out final packaging and any product customisation close to their end markets. “Moreover, organisations should look for contingencies in differential tax rules in order to reduce the tax burden, as these will not necessarily be affected by any agreements around the transferring of physical goods. Moreover, any kind of trade war or intensifying of trade competition between countries could create opportunities as countries look to compete by differentiating their tax rates.” Nick Miller concluded his thoughts, saying that “geopolitical developments can have dramatic effects on the business community, and organisations should be alert to these possibilities. There are ways to insulate yourself from damage and even to prosper in times of change, if you are prepared to unravel the complex implications of these changes and take the right actions decisively and rapidly.” For more information, crimsonandco.com.

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As a member of the programme, Becrypt will be providing financial support, training and work experience opportunities for students, supporting them through to their degree and first job in the field. Becrypt will also be helping to support some of the 2,500 residential courses NCSC is running for 14-18-year-olds across the country. Bernard Parsons, Co-founder and CEO of Becrypt commented, “it is vital for our national security and economic prosperity that we adequately invest inappropriate cyber skills. I believe the security industry has a duty to help cultivate our home-grown talent into the worldleading workforce of tomorrow, creating future industry leaders and innovators, and we are proud to do our part with the CyberFirst scheme. “As well as nurturing young minds, the government and industry must also work together to help graduates translate their research and pioneering ideas into successful businesses that will continue our proud history of innovation.” Chris Ensor, Deputy Director for NCSC skills and growth said, “this is the first-time government and industry have come together to make a concerted attempt to inspire and support a whole generation of young people to take up a role in cyber security. “Cyber security is a fascinating career choice which is fundamental to our modern digital society and we are delighted our industry colleagues are supporting CyberFirst.”

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Investing for the Long-Term 1612AI49

Company: Oklahoma Title & Closing Company, Inc. Name: Stan Haffner Email: stan@oktitleedmond.com Web: www.oktitleedmond.com Address: 51 E. 30th Street Edmond, Oklahoma 73013 Phone: +1 405 348 9315

Investing for the Long-Term Oklahoma Title & Closing Company, winner of the Most Innovative Law Firm – USA award, has firmly established itself as the largest, financially solid, independently owned and operated title company in Oklahoma. We profile the firm to find out more about the firm’s ambitions, since its inception in 1983. ncorporated in 1983, Oklahoma Title & Closing Company have had a consistent profit margin in good and bad economic times and continue to invest for the long-term growth of the business. This, combined with the stability of First American Title endorsing all settlements, insures the highest level of performance.

Every Oklahoma Title specialist is dedicated to a single goal: making your title transaction work, no matter how complicated it might be. Doing so takes knowledge, experience, access to resources and very often, creative planning. Having said that, more than that, it takes professional dedication, commitment to excellence and a spirit of service. Abstracting An abstract is a history of the chain of title to the property. An abstractor will go to the recorder of deeds for the county in which the property is located and research all documents affecting the property or the parties. The abstractor will then provide a brief synopsis of all the documents, adding to the previous information. The firm’s online services will allow you to order an abstract online and check the status of your abstract.

Closing ‘Closing’ is the final transaction when the seller transfers title of the property to the buyer in exchange for payment. The firm currently offers closing and/or closing coordinating services state wide. In counties where closing coordinating services are provided, the signing fee will vary per transaction. Oklahoma Title & Closing Company, Inc. can provide you with commercial, residential, construction loan and land closings, whether it be for cash transactions, for-sale-by-owner, lenders, realtors, signature closings or refinancing. There are associated fees involved in closing. Title services Title Insurance provides a review of recorded documents affecting your borrower’s property to determine the present condition of the title. It also provides insurance against loss resulting from defects in title and insures the priority of your lien. Oklahoma Title & Closing Company, Inc. is an agent for the following national underwriter: The First American Corporation - ‘Fortune Magazine’ (34-2002) spotlights First American for the fourth year as One of America’s Most Admired Companies. For more information about the company, do visit their website at: www.oktitleedmond.com.

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Numbers Do Not Cry 1702AI13

Company: The Prudent Group Name: Jon Malmsäter Email: jon@prudentgroup.us Web Address: www.prudentgroup.us Address: 2, Boulevard de la Foire L-1528 Luxembourg Phone: +55 11 921 240 006

rudent focuses on short term corporate lending in Brazil. We finance a broad range of businesses mainly in noncyclical areas of the economy. Our aim is to create long-term mutually beneficial relationships with our borrowers and we, furthermore, strive to protect the investments with credit insurance when feasible.

We did in less than six months create our own echo-system of card terminals, processing and receivables discounting. In this business segment we are creating the possibility for Merchants to get rid of their banks. The business is spun off in a separate regulated so-called FIDC named SCF, in which the Luxembourg SICAV SIF, the Prudent Investment Fund, is the sole investor.

Given my background, it is natural for me in the Prudent Partnership to be specialising in the utilisation of trading technology, the foreign exchange aspects of the business and to be speaking to a select group of investors.

On the subject of success, it goes without saying that the staff here are key to our success. Lending is a tricky business and we have had the good fortune to be able to utilise the massive Brazilian economic slump to lure over highly seasoned professionals when building up the Prudent business. Most of our many senior associates have more than 30 years of industry experience and bring a wealth of industry knowledge, large contact networks and good eyes for sensible transactions.

The main challenges that I face are created by the bizarre red-tape stifling innovation and sound business development. Given the massive credit squeeze in Brazil, the opportunities for us to deploy capital soundly are almost endless. I try to stay focused on opportunities where we can create significant barriers to entry through the use of technology and superior control of the business flows. Leading Hedge Fund Manager 2017 Luxembourg Within the Prudent Family, we humbly accept this award as a token of recognition of all the hard work since inception to create a ground-breaking vehicle for international investors into the highly lucrative Brazilian Capital Markets. Personally, I hope that the award will be recognised by potential investors considering to commit some Prudent investment capital. Money management and advisory services In money management and advisory services, ‘numbers do not cry’. The money management business has unfortunately lately taken a most bizarre tack towards the mere size of assets, compared to excellent risk adjusted returns and processes. We are confident that pure skill and excellence will be en vogue soon again. The wider hedge funds industry Prudent is not really a hedge fund in the traditional sense as we solely invest in self-generated short term corporate receivables. Prudent is an operational business active in the Brazilian credit market seeking highly scalable and repeatable transactions. Furthermore, our fees are much lower and our liquidity better than any hedge fund I have seen. Hence, we are a business dressed in the clothes of a hedge fund. Celebrating success One of my proudest achievements in 2016 is that Prudent have managed to enter into the extremely profitable Brazilian credit card receivables arena.

Customer feedback If the ‘customer’ is the borrower in Brazil, then they are extremely pleased with our speedy and efficient credit decisions. They appreciate the long-term approach we take in our relationships. Indeed, many of our borrowers have formed business alliances with our staff members, dating back some 10-20 years which makes Prudent ‘their first call’. If the ‘customer’ is our investors, then they are pleased because we have delivered on our promises - the returns are outstanding - we offer weekly liquidity and our fees are extremely low. Future challenges The regulatory straight-jacket is increasingly stifling and costly. Furthermore, the flight to the largest money managers is creating a highly strange competitive landscape in the business. As said above, I am hoping and praying that investment excellence will determine allocations and not the sheer size of the AuM. In my highly personal view, the world is as dangerous now as it was in the 1930’s. There is a China-bashing, Russia-friendly, nationalistic exreality TV star in the White House, the Brexiting UK is ruled by Theresa Maybe, the Philippines is governed by a self-confessed murderer and there are severe conflicts in Ukraine, Iraq, Syria and in Libya. Given this sordid back-drop, I am quite happy to have a major portion of my own investments in Brazil, where the political landscape is marginally better and the physical location is far away from any potential battle-zones. I hope that more investors will share this view in 2017, when what the deglobalisation demagogues have been shouting about becomes a reality.

Acquisition International - February 2017 9

Money Makes the World Go Round 1701AI09

Company: Development Bank of Samoa (DBS Bank) Name: Migao Tiotio, Manager - Savaii Branch Email: migaot@dbsamoa.ws Web: www.dbsamoa.ws Address: Beach Road, Apia Samoa Phone: +685 20456

Money Makes the World Go Round The Development Bank of Samoa (DBS Bank), winner of 2016 Banker of the Year – Samoa, is mandated to provide financial assistance through the provision of development loans to the general public and the business community to help enhance the economic development and prosperity of our country.

BS Bank offers a variety of lending options to support the advancement of various sectors of the economy including the following: Agriculture and farming; Fishing; Industrial (e.g. bakery, beach fales, buses, clothing, engineering works, farm equipment, food, gas stations, handicraft, hospitality and lawn mowing and more); Infrastructure and; Micro-finance.

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The different lending options DBS Bank offers are classed into three broad categories: • Small loans; • Medium loans and; • Investment loans.

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Protecting Brands 1702AI27

Protecting Brands Company: Estudio Colmenares & Asociados Name: Luis Gayoso Frayssinet Email: luisgf@ colmenares.com.pe Web: www.colmenares.com.pe Address: Bolognesi 125 floor 9, Miraflores, Lima – Peru Phone: 511 4444326

Luis Gayoso Frayssinet speaks to us about how Estudio Colmenares & Asociados (AI’s Ones to Watch in IP 2017, Peru) stands out as one of the most successful IP firms in Peru.

studio Colmenares & Asociados is a leading IP firm based in Lima, Peru. Established in 1904, the firm has been exclusively dedicated to attending IP prosecution and litigation in favour of companies all over the world.

Luis chats to us about the importance of brands, know-how and reputation are an important aspect in business, saying “Intangible are the most valuable asset that a company has. Variables such as reputation, hard work and marketing investment are all projected into the brand.”

“Intangible are the most valuable asset that a company has. Variables such as reputation, hard work and marketing investment are all projected into the brand.”

Following this, Luis talks to us in more detail about what business leaders and organisations need to do in order to maximise their value of their IP assets, whilst also developing, exploiting and safeguarding these assets. “Through an adequate protection of the brand or invention, and eventual use in the market, an organisation may maximise the value of their IP asset. In fact, a brand without protection may be vulnerable to piracy attacks or other organisations that may take advantage of an already acquired fame of such asset. “Most business leaders are very keen on creating bright new products, services and ideas, however they lack of knowledge about how to achieve the best protection of such new assets, that is why they should seek support on highly reliable IP specialists to profit the best advice and the best long term protection for those new born ideas.” In order to stand out from other companies in their sector, Estudio Colmenares & Asociados recognises the importance of a quick and efficient service in order to give clients the best possible service. “IP is constantly changing and clients are always demanding the best and quickest service. Our firm is the top one in Peru at filing online applications, which is the fastest way to have immediate protection. Also, part of our new application process, contemplates a quick search for possible obstacles that may prevent a normal application process. Other from that, we are constantly monitoring new regulations and informing the relevant ones to clients, via online or published in our web page.” In addition to a high-quality service, Estudio Colmenares & Asociados ensures it hires the right staff. Luis explains the vital role that staff play at the firm. “Our staff has invaluable experience in the IP field, our different areas are working as a solid block to achieve a common goal, provide the best service at the shortest time.” Estudio Colmenares & Asociados faces many challenges in 2017 related directly to modifications in the IP laws and local regulations, which are being constantly monitored. The firm acknowledges it must adapt to changes and advise clients in relation to these, which this firm is more than capable of.

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Making You Feel Happy, Healthy and Wealthy 1612AI22

Making You Feel Happy, Healthy and Wealthy Company: Agrawal Associates Private Wealth Management Name: Girish Agrawal Email: agrawal.associates@ igprivatewealth.com Web: www.agrawalassociates.ca Address: Calgary, Alberta Phone: 403.727.2800 or 1.888.996.9990

Based in Calgary, Alberta, Girish Agrawal (Leading Financial Consultant of the Year, Agrawal Associates Private Wealth Management – Canada) helps clients in ten areas of their financial lives: investment management, retirement planning, risk management, tax planning, cash flow planning, debt management, estate planning, business planning, intergenerational transactions and philanthropic solutions.

grawal Associates provides wealth management solutions for their clients. We chat with Girish Agrawal, who explains what the firm provides to clients.

“At Agrawal Associates we look at everything from retirement planning to debt management, cash flow management and more. At the end of the day, our goal is to ensure our clients are happy, healthy and wealthy — in that order. “Our firm boasts a significant population of oil and gas professionals, medical professionals, business owners and retirees. Those are our primary demographics; however, when we speak about the ideal client there are three pieces of criteria that we follow: • Personality match. It has to be a personality fit on both sides, where our approaches and styles match. • Value addition. By joining us, I must be able to determine the client will gain value. If they are already doing okay, I will let the client know of some small adjustments they can make with their existing advisors.

•

Business value. While we want to see some value for our business, this piece is secondary if the other two criteria are met.

“When we work with clients, we work with their existing advisors as well — lawyers, accountants, etc. — to create a synchronized plan. Agrawal Associates doesn’t simply provide investment solutions — we provide support and guidance in ten areas of wealth management including business, tax planning, and risk management. Our job is to assess the financial impact of client’s choices and intentions, and then we work with their other advisors to ensure clients receive an effective solution to their needs.” At Agrawal Associates, Girish is the Principal, with more than 25 years of financial accounting, tax, business, investment and estate planning experience. He explains his areas of speciality. “With a solid understanding of financial concepts, I have been able to develop further ways of creating and identifying solutions for clients. It has also allowed me to create a vision and ethical standards for my team and my practice, to ensure clients are served in the most appropriate manner.” Girish concludes the interview by outlining the firm’s plans for 2017 and beyond. “Our priority is always growing and expanding service levels for clients — what else can we do for them? It’s important to me that our team continually looks at how to make life more efficient and comfortable for our clients. “Improving service is one key factor to expanding our team, and also giving back to the community. Calgary has been struggling economically over the last few years with the drop in oil prices. By hiring three to five new team members in 2017, we can give a few individuals the support they need to feed their families. It’s an initiative we’re encouraging other business owners to participate in as well.”

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1702AI79

Company: Lloyd Platt & Co Name: Vanessa Lloyd Platt Email: lloydplatt@ divorcesolicitors.com Web: www.divorcesolicitors.com Address: 3rd Floor, Elscot House, Arcadia Avenue, London N3 2JU Phone: 020 8343 2998 Fax: 020 8343 4950

Mediation and Dispute Resolution the Holistic Approach Vanessa Lloyd Platt tells us about her firm, its innovative approach, and what sets it aside from the competition. loyd Platt & Co is a niche matrimonial family and divorce firm based in London. We are specialists in dealing with the following work: Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements; Divorce & Separation; Dissolution of Civil Partnerships; Criminal Defence; Adoption; Children & Parenting Issues; Cohabitation; Collaborative Law; Financial Settlement in Divorce; Help for Grandparents; Mediation; Pensions – Divorce or Dissolution; Protection for Harassment & Domestic Violence; Same Sex Marriage & Civil Partnership and; Specialists in dealing with Pet based disputes.

L • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The firm has been ongoing since October 1992 and is based in North London. The firm generally is known for innovative approaches to various different issues. Vanessa explains in more detail: “We have led the field in changes to various aspects of the law, whether it is in relation to short marriage cases, financial cases or those relating to grandparents. We have a substantive number of quoted cases as a result. We

created the world’s first ever Pet-nuptial Agreement to fill the current hole in the law regarding how pets of any nature can be dealt with as a result of any kind of matrimonial dispute. This has now been used as a precedent worldwide. “The firm not only deals in the day to day cases but offers specialist advice to our clients on a pragmatic basis that can end disputes that may have been ongoing for some years with other firms or without resolution. The firm offers mediation, but has recently set up a new form of dispute resolution to assist grandparents in resolving their disputes where mediation appears to have failed on an almost countrywide basis. We are ever hopeful that this format which seems to be working will be rolled out across the country. “We believe that what sets us clearly apart from other firms who offer the same services is that we take each case and look at every lateral possibility to resolve the matter rather than in a straight jacketed manner which does not fit the particular case. At least one third of our work is taking over cases from other practitioners who have failed to see other methods of resolving the dispute or strategies. “Our clients have said that the service that we offer is much deeper and more holistic in dealing with all aspects of their matter than any other firms.” Recently, the firm was awarded a title in the Global Excellence Awards, and Vanessa tells us more about what this award truly means to her and the firm. “We are extremely excited to have won the award for the 2017 Ones to Watch in Law in our jurisdiction,” she enthuses. “This is particularly so as we have been campaigning for so many issues over a period of time, namely: • Issues concerning rights for fathers in contact disputes; • Rights for cohabitees and; • More recently have been lobbying for grandparents rights to be recognised and appreciated. “The award means a lot to me personally as the director of the firm but for all of the staff at the firm it is very heart-warming that our work and caring approach has been recognised.”

14 Acquisition International - February 2017

Mediation and Dispute Resolution - the Holistic Approach

The firm has experienced huge success over the last few years due to its innovative approach and Vanessa also sees a very bright future ahead. “The firm hopes that it will continue to carry on the successful approach that it has in previous years but more importantly in 2017 we are paving the way for a change in the law for grandparents and will be lobbying Parliament until such time as a change is brought and the need for grandparents to apply for leave before applying for permission to see their grandchildren eradicated. We will working closely with MP’s and grandparent organisations across the country until our hope is achieved. “No one quite knows what challenges may face legal firms as a result of Brexit, but we hope that we will be market leaders, and continue with innovative ideas to bring help to many people who otherwise feel abandoned by the legal system. “Having worked within the legal profession for over 38 years, it is apparent that the law can at times become stuck with practitioners only too ready to stay within a system that does not serve the people as it was intended. This firm will continue to shift the law wherever possible and move boundaries and bring in new ideas which will be followed by other practitioners. “It is vital that we never stop looking for new areas that need improvement in the law, particularly in the family arena in order to bring help to many people who have hitherto felt that they had no proper remedies. The innovation spurs us in to doing better work.”

Acquisition International - February 2017 15

Quality over Quantity 1612AI31

Company: Cavalcanti & Arruda Botelho Advogados Name: Adriane Alves Pitto Email: contato@ cabadvogados.com.br Web: www.cabadvogados.com Address: Rua Pedroso Alvarenga, 900 5º andar, São Paulo, SP Phone: +55 11 3078 5404

Quality over Quantity The Law Office of Cavalcanti & Arruda Botelho is dedicated exclusively to criminal law, in all areas, and to pursuing a standard of excellence in its professional practice.

assionate for criminal law and deeply committed to the individual rights that are the foundations of good defence, our attorneys defend with equal dedication accusations of so-called ‘common’ crimes and major federal cases.

The compact structure of our office is intentional assuring clients that at least one partner will be participating in all our cases. This hands-on care for each case is the trademark of our office. Our priority is always with the quality of legal services provided and not the quantity of cases, which is why Cavalcanti & Arruda Botelho has distinguished itself in courts throughout the country. The firm of Cavalcanti & Arruda Botelho Advogados has been involved in most of the more complex and notorious criminal suits in Brazil over the last years. Although the firm’s permanent concern is protecting the names of its clients, which means we cannot identify specific cases, the following recent successes of the firm’s attorneys can be highlighted: • Crime Against the Law of Public Competitive Bids; • Antitrust; • Crimes against the consumer; • International cooperation (joint work with correspondent offices); • Foreign currency flight; • Tax evasion; • Smuggling and illicit trade;

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• • • • • • • • • •

Crime of corporate larceny (assistant to prosecution); Malfeasance or negligence in office; Crime against the environment; Crime against the financial system; Crime against traffic laws; Preventive detention; Crime of active corruption; Criminal possession of a firearm; Drug trafficking and; Domestic violence.

Social responsibility The Institute for the Defence of the Right of Defence (IDDD) is an organisation of civil society of public interest (OSCIP) created in 2000 by a group of attorneys committed to the defence of the right to full defence. Its main purpose is to promote the continuance and amplification of the right to defence against the current of discourse in favour of the hardening of criminal procedures. The IDDD works to assure that the right to defence is not understood by society as an ally of impunity but, rather, as a fundamental right of all citizens. To achieve its objectives, the IDDD is widely active both in educational and cultural programmes and in pro bono work for people of little means. The Pro Bono Institute’s mission is to contribute to the broadening of access to justice by means of stimulating pro bono representation, by free legal help, by disseminating knowledge of the law, and by making legal professionals aware of the social role of practicing law.

A High-Quality Service 1702AI20

Nicolson Accountancy Company: Nicolson Accountancy Name: Sue Nicolson Email: sue@ nicolsonaccountancy.co.uk Web: www. nicolsonaccountancy.co.uk Address: Trinity House, 31 Lynedoch Street, Glasgow, G3 6EF Phone: +44 (0) 141 237 3878

A High-Quality Service Multi-award winning Nicolson Accountancy are one of the leading firms of accountants in Glasgow and Kilmarnock, and are the top firm of accountants in the Western Isles of Scotland. We were pleased to recently win the Most Innovative Accountancy Firm award.

e have never been limited by our geography, and we act for over 2,000 clients across the UK and throughout Europe and the USA. We deliver a highquality, highly personal, professional service to every one of our clients.

Whether the business is big or small, above all we are determined to make sure that you have the best possible professional service. The services are delivered to you by qualified accountants, and to the highest possible standard. We go far beyond the traditional role of an accountancy firm to deliver a much more personal professional service. We help clients ranging from the smallest selfemployed person to international companies turning over in excess of ÂŁ100m, and from Scottish Councils to foreign state investment companies. We have the knowledge and experience you would expect from accountants to deliver a complete menu of services to each business. All with the personal touch that comes from speaking directly to a professional qualified accountant. Nicolson Accountancy deliver the full range of business services for business of all sizes and to anyone needing excellent accounting services, tax advice, payroll and business support. We partner with our clients to deliver a personalised service whether that be a simple tax return or a renegotiation of facilities with the bank, we are always there to provide support and professional advice.

The firm has grown significantly over the past number of years both organically and inorganically. We acquired two other practices in 2015 and 2016 which has grown our client base and staff. In addition, we have recently recruited a specialist Tax Manager who has experience in working with HMRC and provide additional advice to our clients. We provide a service that is bespoke and personalised depending upon the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirements. We do not believe in a one size fits all solution which our clients appreciate and value. We have daily requests from new clients to become their accountants due to personal recommendation. Our staff are our key asset and without them, Nicolson Accountancy would not have achieved the success that it has had. All staff are fully trained and multi-disciplined so that clients can feel confident that they are receiving top class advice and service. Client satisfaction is excellent and measured by the volume of personal recommendations that we receive. All accountants must embrace IT and ensure that they use it to its full advantage. The days of quill pens and paper are over and the industry must move with the times to remain efficient and able to support businesses.

Acquisition International - February 2017 17

1701AI106

Not Losing Interest Company: Cavmont Bank Ltd (CBL) Name: Chilunga Chill Puta Email: ChilungaChill.Puta -Dunham@cavmont.com.zm Web: www.cavmont.com.zm Address: Piziya Office Park, Thabo Mbeki Road, Lusaka 38474, Zambia Phone: +260 21 136 0105

Cavmont Bank Ltdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision is to be a world class bank rated amongst the best in Zambia with a focus on partnering with all their stakeholders. Following their success in winning the 2016 Banker of the Year Zambia award, we profile their work to provide tailored, convenient banking products and services through their outstanding customer service.

avmont Bank Ltd (CBL) is a registered commercial bank in Zambia with more than 50,000 clients and 240 employees. The bank was established on 1st January 2004, following a merger between Cavmont Merchant Bank Ltd, (inc. October 1992) and New Capital Bank Plc., (inc. June 1992).

In 2006, the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holding company, Cavmont Capital Holdings Zambia Plc (CCHZ), sought a strategic investment partner and identified Capricorn Investment Holdings Limited (CIH). CIH acquired a 44.2% shareholding in CCHZ in 2007. Discussions held with the Bank of Zambia to find an acceptable manner to recapitalise Cavmont Bank through a rights issue by CCHZ were concluded successfully, with CIH underwriting the rights issue. Consequently, CCHZ raised additional share capital of more than K15.4 billion in 2007 and the repositioning of Cavmont Bank commenced. Cavmont Bank has 19 branches located in Lusaka (6), Chingola, Ndola, Kitwe (2), Chililabombwe, Mbala, Mpulungu, Solwezi, Chipata, Kasama, Mansa, Mwense and Mufumbwe. Services Cavmont Bank provides corporate, investment, retail banking and community banking services and

the following are the solutions they use quicken transaction for their customers: Real Time Gross Settlement - RTGS Allows customers with payments of over KR100,000 K100M to settle funds in real time. It is a fast, same day credit to the payee and risk of funds returning to the sender are eliminated. DDACC - This is a Direct Debit and Credit Clearing (DDACC) payment system that settles funds directly to the recipients account. For payments in excess of KR50,000 - K50M but less than KR100,000 K100M, customers are advised to use this service. Standing Order - Allows you as the customer to agree with the bank to send a specific amount of money from your account to make regular payments on a specified day. Telegraphic Transfers - Local and international transfer of foreign currency from an account holder to a non-account holder at any of their branches. Drafts - These cheques are drawn on international correspondent banks and are therefore accepted worldwide. The drafts are issued in the following currencies: US Dollar, South African Rand, Pound Sterling and Euro. Managers Cheques - These cheques are drawn on Cavmont Bank and are accepted country wide. Foreign Exchange - The bank offers foreign exchange services with coverage in all the major convertible currencies. Their sales team is available to provide customers with strategies and the best possible solutions to help them make informed decisions. They also offer foreign currency notes to their customers. Investments - Cavmont Bank offers its customers various investment products that are tailor made to suit their needs. These range from term deposits and fixed deposits to asset backed securities. The treasury team is always available to offer advice to customers on how they can earn a good return on their investment(s). Government paper - The bank is an agent for the Bank of Zambia for Government Securities. Cavmont is currently one of the few commercial banks that offer the off tender facility for Government Securities.

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Not Losing Interest

Financial markets news - Cavmont Bank produces a daily market update which gives their customers an edge on information. The daily newsletter provides current money market and foreign exchange rates as well as major commodity prices. Cavmont Bank offers the following personal banking products: • Current Account; • Extra Capital Account; • Cavmont Savers Bonus Account and; • Cavmont Bank Savings Account. What is the Cavmont Bank Current Account? The Cavmont Bank Current Account is a cheque account designed to meet your everyday banking needs, allowing you to manage your finances easily at any time of the day. With the Cavmont Bank Current Account, you will receive a cheque book, free deposit books and free monthly statements. The current account also allows clients access to overdraft and loan facilities. What is the Cavmont Bank Extra Capital Account? The Extra Capital Account is a cheque account designed for that business individual that is really pressed with time as it has benefits that will make your visit to the branch easier. With the Extra Capital Account, you will receive a cheque book, free deposit books and free monthly statements. This account also allows clients attractive interest rates, access to overdraft and loan facilities. What is the Cavmont Bank Savers Bonus Account? The Cavmont Bank Savers Bonus Account is a great savings account, which entitles you to four free withdrawals per month, free deposit book and four quarterly statements also for free. Features and Benefits With the Cavmont Savers Bonus Account the account holder, spouse and up to four children or registered dependants can claim KR2,000 K2,000,000 in the event of a bereavement. This account also offers account holders competitive interest rates, access to loans as well as KR2,000 - K2,000,000 of funeral cover underwritten by the Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZISC) for all clients with a balance of KR200 - K200,000 or more. What is the Cavmont Bank Savings Account? The Cavmont Bank Savings Account is a savings account designed to meet your everyday banking needs, allowing you to manage your savings easily at any time of the day. Cavmont Bank offers two types of savings accounts, Ordinary Savings and Pension Savings which is aimed at pensioners who have attained retirement age and are in receipt of pension funds. With the Cavmont Bank Savings Account holders receive a competitive interest rate, free quarterly statements, four free withdrawals per month as well as access to loans. For more information on the bank’s wide array of products, feel free to contact them to find out more.

Acquisition International - February 2017 19

1702AI68

On the Case Company: OGT Forensic Ltd Name: Dr John Douse Email: info@forensic-expert.org Web: forensic-expert.org Address: PO Box 711, Taunton, TA4 4ZN UK Phone: UK 0800 587 2283, Mobile: 07766 286 001

The UK based firm OGT Forensic Ltd, proud winner of Expert Witness Services of the Year 2016 – UK award, specialises in the analysis of case circumstances, the preparation of reports, assisting legal teams and the court in the interpretation of the scientific evidence, and the presentation of oral evidence. e specialise in the most complex of cases involving accusations of serious misconduct, (e.g. terrorism, murder, rape, assault, industrial explosive accidents) in criminal, civil, health and safety prosecutions and public enquiries, that are in progress within the court system in the UK and also worldwide.

“MDMB CHMICA” A synthetic cannabinoid legal high thought to have been the most potent version ever synthesised, (having an estimated effective dosage of tens of micrograms), and implicated in a murder case in 2016. PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA PUBLIC DOMAIN

The fields of expertise involve aspects of forensic chemistry, (especially ultra-trace analysis and quality control), in the fields of explosives and incendiaries (including improvised devices), drugs toxicology and toxins, DNA, and gunshot residue, along with a range of other less common forensic chemical and other problems. (e.g. security dyes, CS gas and military training matters in cases of private individuals returning from war zones).

“We continue to offer our services to those who might require them. The continuous progress of scientific discovery worldwide renders the process ever more efficient and indeed fascinating.”

PAN AM 103 LOCKERBIE INCIDENT Techniques that I developed over a 17 year period were used, by me, to identify the likely explosive implicated in this event. SOURCE: AIR ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BRANCH REPORT

20 Acquisition International - February 2017

has the effect of frequently overcoming the opinion of opposing experts. This principle forms the entire basis and cornerstone of the fairness of the judicial process, which allows the defence to have the opportunity to examine with every method, and to make every effort, to demonstrate the possibility that there could be an innocent explanation for the prosecution evidence. Indeed, failure by the defence to exercise due diligence in this matter has been throughout history the cause of miscarriages of justice, and which can be so legally and politically damaging. What sets the business apart from others in the field The edge that we bring to our work involves experience in the fields of expertise offered, e.g. pioneering development of the techniques used worldwide for the trace analysis of explosives, and drugs in blood (along with the associated quality control techniques), and also practical experience, such as, not only, trialling the deployment of improvised explosive devices but also training others in such applications. We also thoroughly examine all aspects, including circumstantial evidence, in all cases, (a process described by one private defendant (acquitted) as ‘relentless’) and this aspect of our work is often the game changer.

This broad level of experience arises from my work at UK forensic laboratories (London Met. Police and Forensic Explosives) and also 25 years’ reserve military training resulting in a period as a special forces demolition instructor.

We also bring to the attention of the barrister any evidence that we find, not only in our areas of expertise but also in other areas of forensic science, for other experts to consider.

A number of the techniques and quality control procedures currently used in forensic science were pioneered and published by myself (e.g. the trace analysis of drugs and explosives, as commented by the Judge at the Lockerbie Enquiry) during a period of research, where I was tasked to examine the entire spectrum of forensic analytical problems with the aim of developing new improved techniques of forensic analysis.

An example of this was a case of death by dangerous driving, and where patient questioning of the defendant in prison (much against the Courts opinion) revealed that the true cause of the incident was likely to have been due to the extremely poor state of maintenance and design of the company vehicle, and also revealed that the majority of the alcohol and drugs had been likely to have been consumed post incident.

My role as an expert witness My role as an expert witness requires the absolute and thorough examination and interpretation of the case circumstances, along with mastery of the ever more rapidly increasing, vast volume of international scientific research and discovery, in order to be absolutely sure, in each case, that nothing has been missed. This combination of effort

Advances in science have allowed us to avoid almost entirely opinions based upon subjective considerations, and all evidence is now supported by the latest research up to the time of the presentation of the evidence by the prosecution during the trial. Time and again this allows us to prevail even in cases where we are opposed by the most eminent and experienced experts fielded by the prosecution.

On the Case

This situation occurs both in our fields of expertise, and indirectly also in areas outside of our expertise; and where our diligent research and investigation (e.g. interviewing with empathy severely traumatised individuals in prison) allows us to uncover the true events that may have occurred in a case. In particular, also, our sheer length of experience and involvement in a range of (often High Profile) trials (e.g. involving explosives, ricin, insulin, polonium) has honed our skills so as to be able to provide very rapid and effective assistance to the Courts even in the most complex trials, and sometimes in several specialities simultaneously. Such a case occurred in 2016 where vast amounts of evidence had to be processed (due to the failure of another expert) in a very short time (e.g. 250,000 pages of explosives downloads and hundreds of exhibits, along with a cannabis growing operation), in a period of ten days (charge of terrorist offences removed and minor suspended sentencing achieved)).

Main Image: Castor beans containing ricin. A simple extraction of the stored fat yields a highly toxic preparation that was implicated in an attempted murder case in Southern Ireland in 2008, and which involved a “hit man” from Las Vegas, with importation of the extract concealed in a contact lens case. SOURCE: HEDI BOUGANMI (2014)

Spontaneous stress induced hermaphroditism of a female cannabis plant, implicated in the limitation of the yield of a cannabis growing operation in a case in 2016. PHOTO: ALCHIMIAWEB.COM

The unique nature of the general training as a forensic scientist, (where for example one must routinely consider the best ways to administer toxins such as ricin, nerve agents and polonium (a situation very much ‘outside of the box’ for the normal clinician!)) has the effect of allowing insight into the causes and sequential events that are likely to have occurred during incidents in complex cases covered by e.g. public enquiries, and where other more specialist experts may lack the broad, general, unorthodox, scientific vision required in order to be able to reliably elucidate cause. Expert opinions – contribution to case outcomes Where a case outcome depends upon the nature and interpretation of the scientific evidence, our evidence frequently is the deciding and decisive factor in the result of a case. Prominent examples of such effects in 2016 involved a major international defence company where an HSE criminal prosecution was in progress, and where we were able (from our practical experience of explosives and also theoretical knowledge) to demonstrate that all five major complaints had no basis in scientific theory. This saved the firm an estimated 5 million UK Pounds in fines, along with other potential adverse sequelae. This outcome resulted in the instructing legal firm and also the defendant expressing the view that they were ‘delighted’ with my performance. Similarly, an accusation of murder (euthanasia) was overcome by diligent examination of the entire casefile which revealed the true cause as having been likely to have been the necessary prescription of the powerful drug fentanyl that had escaped the prosecution investigation. The future of the business We continue to offer our services to those who might require them. The continuous progress of scientific discovery worldwide renders the process ever more efficient and indeed fascinating.

Combusting “Magic Flash Paper”. My research had demonstrated the hazards of this highly combustible material, resulting in an HSE investigation in 2012. This was relevant to a case where a fatality occurred in 2016 during a warehouse fire owned by a UK firm selling magic paraphernalia.

“Flash X-Ray image of a shaped charge (a directed energy, high explosive, weapon used for destroying targets) penetrating as steel plate.” SOURCE: History warweapons.com

Acquisition International - February 2017 21

Lawyers for Innovators 1702AI16

Company: Jayaram Law Group, LTD. Name: Vivek Jayram Email: vivek@jayaramlaw.com Web: www.jayaramlaw.com Address: 125 S. Clark Street 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 / 135 E 57th St New York, NY 10022 Phone: + 1 646-325 9855

Lawyers for Innovators Jayaram Law Group, LTD. is a law firm that advises innovative companies around the world on critical trademark, copyright and corporate matters and disputes. We are lean, aggressive, and know a thing or two about today’s evolving business environments. We are pleased to have been awarded the Most Innovative Law Firm award.

ur firm leverages technology to deliver efficient and creative strategies to protect your business and build your brand. Although our firm is most widely known for providing comprehensive trademark and copyright counselling to American, European, and Asian companies that value their IP, we have organically become outside general counsel to these firms and others over time.

Because an experienced founder will understand the value in obtaining competent IP advice early on, we are often times the first firm that a company approaches in their corporate life. As a result, we also guide our clients on issues related to corporate formation, employment law, the negotiation of customer agreements, and other corporate governance and operational matters. Standing out from the crowd I am an entrepreneur. Because of our size and structure, we are able to act fast and pivot to accommodate our clients’ oscillating needs. Importantly, we have a significant amount of litigation experience in addition to our transactional experience, so we don’t over lawyer any matter because we know what issues might give rise to a dispute and which others can be dealt with more informally. Although we can work on an hourly basis if a client requests, we prefer to work on a flat fee basis, because this approach encourages efficiency and helps our clients meet their budgetary concerns. As an entrepreneur myself, my clients often tell me that I am able to understand my client’s problems better than what they’d expect from a lawyer. Everybody knows that virtually anything can be accomplished from anywhere in 2017. With that in mind, it will remain critical for firms like mine to provide global service and flexibility while also understanding that there’s no universal solution for each client’s issue; so, the challenge is to embrace a global marketplace while providing hyper-tailored solutions to sophisticated clients. 2016 Most Innovative Law Firm Of course, we are honoured to receive this award. Our firm’s trademark is ‘Lawyers for Innovators’. We don’t have any industry focus. For example, we represent companies disrupting the healthcare market through innovative technology platforms, others who are developing new forms of cyber security, and still others that are pushing the bounds of visual art and design. Our clients share only the common aspiration to innovate in their respective

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spaces. Philosophically, we are aligned closely with that objective. The ability and willingness to innovate The legal profession has historically failed to adapt to contemporary trends prevailing in today’s corporate world. Until recently, however, I think these failures have been largely excused because there was so little disruption in the legal space and companies had little choice but to use firms that subscribed to the traditional model. I think that law firms who refuse or are unable to innovate will ultimately disappear, giving way to a new generation of firms whose focus will be on providing competent and efficient services in a way that can be easily consumed by today’s entrepreneurs. Most of our clients come referred to us from existing clients, other firms, or trusted sources with whom we have done business in the past. We are also active in various business, arts, culture, and technology communities in and around the United States, and attract a number of clients from those affiliations as well. The future Our staff are essential to our success. Each of them shares our core values, and each of them adds a different skill set that allows us to remain competitive in this contemporary landscape we have been discussing. We tend to attract professionals interested in doing away with the inefficiencies rampant in the legal marketplace, and so our firm naturally attracts clients who share an interest in innovation. The cohesiveness of our team is undeniable, and is a big part of why we are successful. As we continue to grow, however, it will be a challenge to maintain that close-knit sense of camaraderie while also growing as a company. For those reading this outside the US, we particularly enjoy working with foreign companies who are interested in protecting their trademarks or commencing business here in the US; I find that we learn a lot from the cross-border exchange, and at this point we’ve handled so many matters for European, Latin American, and Asian clients that I think we’re a comfortable choice for foreign businesses. For companies here in the US, I would encourage you to consider firms like ours that are trying to provide sophisticated legal services tailored to innovative companies, all at a fraction of the cost of our competitors.

Expertise in All Fields of Business Law 1702AI12

Company: El AJERI Lawyers Name: Mohamed lotfi EL AJERI, Managing Partner Email: mlelajeri@eal.tn Web: www.elajerilawyers.com

Expertise in all Fields of Business Law We are a Tunisian law firm of international standing specialised in business law, recently chosen as part of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;2016 African Excellenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; awards. We provide solutions to the many legal issues a company may face today and offer expertise in all fields of business law.

ighly involved with all of our clients, we assist them throughout the life of the project: from the conception and creation, as it develops and legal issues arise, including special transactions in Tunisia or abroad. We do this by providing our clients with the most advanced knowledge, competence and technical means available.

Experienced in all fields of business law, our attorneys are attentive and listen proactively to understand the real needs of the client. In addition, we always look out for the best interests of the client and provide a custom-fit, personalised service for companies of any size or field of operation. We are members of several international networks and are known by the most famous international business lawyers, indeed our attorneys have built up personal and privileged relationships with the greatest lawyers abroad. This competitive

advantage allows our clients access to the most effective and specialised solutions at anytime, anywhere in the world. El AJERI Lawyers works with a large number of clients, both those in traditional industry sectors and those in the field of innovation. We play an important leading role in consulting, representation and business assistance. Every day, we represent and assist world leaders in their field. Our clients include: - Tunisian and foreign companies; - Companies listed on the stock exchange or not; - Emerging companies and; - Foreign investors. For more information on the services we offer, feel free to browse our website.

Acquisition International - February 2017 23

1702AI10

Company: Sughrue Mion, PLLC Name: Brian W. Hannon Email: bhannon@sughrue.com Web: www.sughrue.com Address: 2100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037 Phone: 202 293 7060

Premier IP Powerhouse Brian W. Hannon shares his thoughts on how Sughrue Mion, a successful patent law firm based in Washington DC, USA, has become award winning in Acquisition International’s Leading Advisor category.

ughrue Mion PLLC is an IP boutique that provides strategic counselling to clients in obtaining, maintaining and capitalising on their intellectual property. When litigation is unavoidable Sughrue’s experienced trial attorneys obtain results that further its clients’ business objectives. Sughrue lawyers have particular expertise before the International Trade Commission and extensive experience in all matters before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Federal and state trial courts and the U.S. Courts of Appeal.

A recognised leader in intellectual property law, Sughrue has obtained more U.S. patents for clients than any other firm in the world and is consistently ranked among the top U.S. firms annually for the number of issued U.S. patents and trademarks. Brian outlines his role at the firm and how his day to day responsibilities contribute to the wider firm.

“Protecting intellectual property - the property of ideas - demands experience, substantive knowledge and a commitment to the client’s needs. Sughrue rises to meet these challenges every day.” “I am the practice group leader for the largest group in the firm - the electrical/mechanical group. In my role, I develop the vision of our group. This involves communicating the long-term direction of the firm and establishing short term goals to help these long-term objectives. I help to build consensus throughout the group and work to gain the commitment of my partners to our practice vision. I ensure the alignment of people; that partners all have input and are heard and that all opinions are considered and communicated to the group. “As the EM practice group leader, I am accountable for effecting change and for the execution of the firm strategies through client development and marketing activities and I help people become involved in events and organisations that will help us achieve our long-term goals. As the EM

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Leader, I work to ensure that we are not only a working organisation, but one that fosters learning, collegiality and a desire to provide the best advice possible.” Brian discusses more in depth about what the firm does in the industry. He tells us what the firm can offer potential, future clients whilst also briefly describing the firm’s international stature. “First and foremost, Sughrue is a leader in patent preparation and prosecution. In addition, our practice consists of trial and appellate litigation in the federal courts with regular appearances in the U.S. District Courts, U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Administrative Courts. Because of our diverse client base we are equally experienced in managing litigation for our clients internationally. Our focus is on protecting the universe of our clients’ intellectual properties and assuring that protectable rights remain freely available. While some firms specialise in litigation and others in intellectual property, our Litigation Practice Group brings these skills together into a formidable team. “For over 40 years, Sughrue Mion, PLLC has been internationally recognised for its expertise in USPTO post grant proceedings, including patent interferences and ex parte and inter-partes reexamination. Sughrue’s post grant practice group has extensive experience in this specialised area of administrative litigation. Our team of specialists has successfully advocated clients’ interests across the spectrum of technologies, in the USPTO, district courts and the Federal Circuit. “Sughrue is an international firm in every sense of the word. We are experienced in handling worldwide patent and trademark portfolios, and have major clients throughout the world, for example, in Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, India and Europe. All our patent attorneys have technical degrees, speak many languages, and travel the world on a regular basis to meet with clients and speak at international conferences as authorities on Intellectual Property issues.” Dealing with clients is a vital component of any firm and Sughrue is no exception. Brian describes what approach the firm takes to client service.

Premier IP Powerhouse

“We are committed to focusing on our clients’ business objectives and are fully dedicated to learning about their business processes and helping them manage and develop an IP portfolio that will help meet and exceed their overall business goals. “We protect ideas and for half a century we have been helping our clients develop, obtain, protect and leverage property rights borne of their intellectual capital. From a sub microscopic sequence of DNA to a vast constellation of satellites circling the globe, from publicity rights to the goodwill of a universally known brand, this is the universe of ideas we explore. And when it comes to serving our clients, we go beyond traditional boundaries, advocating innovative theories and redefining the frontiers of law as they apply to creativity and invention. “Protecting intellectual property - the property of ideas - demands experience, substantive knowledge and a commitment to the client’s needs. Sughrue rises to meet these challenges every day.” In the future, Sughrue plans to continue to provide quality IP service to existing domestic and international clients. Over time, their vision serves to promote the Sughrue Name and capabilities and to continually enhance its recognition as a premier intellectual property powerhouse. In the short term, Sughrue aims to achieve continued growth and recognition as a leader and expert in the field of Inter Partes Review and continued growth in Intellectual Property Litigation.

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Legal Force 1702AI01

Legal Force Company: Randall Greer PLLC Name: W. Ashton Randall III, Esq. Email: arandall@rglaw.com Web: www.rglaw.com Address: 5910 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 925, Dallas, TX, USA 75206 Phone: + 1 214 628 9966

W. Ashton Randall III (Leading Advisors of the Year) provides corporate guidance during complex business disputes and transactions to a variety of industries, including investment funds, financial services, real estate, construction/development, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, transportation, and oil and gas interests across the United States and several foreign countries.

andall | Greer PLLC specializes in corporate matters, at-risk deals, complex legal disputes, commercial litigation, and domestic and international arbitrations.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, USA, Randall | Greer PLLC was formed in 2011 when the founding members left major law firms to streamline their delivery of sophisticated legal services in the rapidly evolving global market. Founding Member W. Ashton Randall III spoke to me about his experience, the Firm’s modernized structure, and its focus on clients’ business needs.

over 50 cases to final verdict/award. In addition, I have negotiated contracts and arbitrated matters in Europe and the Caribbean.” Serving an array of companies, Ashton discusses the type of clients he serves and what the Firm offers potential future clients. “We represent businesses across multiple industries, including: equity funds, lending institutions, commercial real estate and investment ventures, healthcare, construction, technology, manufacturing, oil and gas, automobile, railroad, trucking, and shipping.

“Whether handling a transaction through closing, or fighting a heated legal battle through final resolution, it’s a privilege to walk with our clients every step of the way.” “I handle a wide range of corporate organization, management, and transactions, as well as, litigation and arbitrations involving commercial and intellectual property matters, investment ventures, acquisitions, and contracts. Our co-founder James B. Greer is a veteran commercial litigator, who represents businesses, financial institutions, and investors in complex business litigation, including class actions and multi-district litigation, around the country. James is truly one of the brightest, hardest working lawyers I know, which is why so many companies trust his counsel. “I have negotiated, closed, mediated, litigated and/or arbitrated (under AAA, ICDR, ICC, JAMS, and FINRA rules) over a billion dollars in legal disputes and deals. In addition to my corporate/ transactional practice, I am experienced in state, federal, bankruptcy, and appellate court practice in multiple jurisdictions across the country. I maintain bar licenses in Texas, the District of Columbia, and Mississippi and have been admitted into 19 federal district courts, federal circuit courts of appeal, and bankruptcy courts, along with multiple state courts around the United States. I have resolved thousands of litigation matters and tried/arbitrated

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“Corporate officers trust us to solve their business problems, close deals, negotiate pitfalls and changing markets, defend their business interests, and fight for their legal rights. Our lawyers are comfortable in the boardroom and at the court house. Whether handling a transaction through closing, or fighting a heated legal battle through final resolution, it’s a privilege to walk with our clients every step of the way.” A vital cog in the workings of any business is the role that staff and technology play. Ashton explains how their modernized firm structure achieves better results for clients by leveraging expertise with stateof-the art technologies. “Experienced, tech-savvy legal teams are invaluable to our clients’ success. We use the latest cloud-based applications to reduce the size of legal teams, while expediting our analysis and preparation of client work-product across time zones and continents. Combined, we achieve better, faster results, with less cost.” With efficient client services and a dedicated team, Randall | Greer PLLC has a bright and prosperous future ahead.

Making the World a Better Place 1702AI02

Company: Spectrum Partners, LLC Name: Angela Jenkins-Lester Email: ajenkinslester@ spectrumpartners.net Web: www.spectrumpartners.net Address: 200 Centennial Avenue, Suite 200, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA Phone: +1 888 880 7732

Making the World a Better Place Spectrum Partners, LLC is a full-service enterprise information technology management and consulting firm, providing a wide range of advanced technology solutions. We caught up with Angela Jenkins-Lester to find out more, following the firm’s recent success in the Leading Advisors of the Year award. pectrum Partners, LLC serves as a trusted advisor for all enterprise information technology needs and with the capability to assess, design, deploy, operate, and maintain data, voice, video, and converged technologies seamlessly within wired and wireless infrastructures. Their key differentiator is ensuring product and system interoperability with a focus on Certification and Accreditation (C&A).

The firm has their headquarters in New Jersey and co-headquarters in Pennsylvania. As an advisor in the company, Jenkins-Lester focuses on wireless and internet capabilities. The specific areas of the firm’s expertise are “to ensure that IT infrastructure is set up correctly which allows the firm to deliver this concisely and effectively” Jenkins-Lester explains. It is true that advisors carry out very important work behind the scenes, as evidenced by the work of Spectrum Partners, LLC as a trusted advisor. They focus on the marketplace, such as the government, and pick up communications work if the customer has concerns regarding IT security and reliability.

Clients with whom the firm has worked with include: • USA - Fort Hood • Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) • Department of State (Taiwan) • Fort Knox Ireland Army Community Hospital (IACH) • Merck & Company, Inc. • City of Philadelphia, PA “Advisors contribute massively to a company’s success because they are on the ground floor, getting into specific opportunities, if a company wants to grow through the use of technology. We can offer a company the best in terms of capability and also in solving their IT problems.” “In terms of our clients, they come to us via referrals, and I believe that treating them with respect can go a long way. Looking to the future, I do see any potential problems as opportunities. If I did not, I would be bored. The firm is planning to grow, but having said that I don’t want to overstate and under deliver. We hope to grow from an infrastructure standpoint for our key clients.” “Finally, I must add that I am very excited to be a part of enterprise information technology management and consulting and I truly believe that Spectrum Partners, LLC can provide solutions to make the world a better place.”

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A Strong Team of Legal Experts 1702AI24

Company: Buse Heberer Fromm Name: Jossip Hesse Email: hesse@buse.de Web: buse.de Address: Harvestehuder Weg 23, 20149 Hamburg, Germany Phone: +49 40 41999 150

A Strong Team of Legal Experts Buse Heberer Fromm was recently crowned with the Leading Advisors of the Year – Germany award. The firm’s Jossip Hesse is qualified as a lawyer as well as a tax advisor and partner, and in a special interview he reveals the firm’s specialisation in M&A plus many other areas where legal advice is greatly needed.

ith his team, Jossip Hesse in particular advises on projects, M&A transactions (legal/tax DD corporate and tax (deal) structuring and documentation), corporate/group restructurings and real estate transactions as well as in complex tax litigation cases. As a full service law firm with more than 100 specialised attorneys and tax advisors, Buse Heberer Fromm has offices in many major German cities, such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Frankfurt, but partners with firms in Europe, Australia and the US.

Regarding the staff at Buse Heberer Fromm, Hesse says that a good lawyer should not be the one who is only addressing risks. “A lawyer should provide an appropriate solution and enable the client to assess and manage opportunities and risks appropriately for the sake of client’s (business) success.” Buse Heberer Fromm can impart legal, and tax advice by lawyers with commercial lenses and a strong experience in the legal, tax and strategic interfaces. Considering the interface issues at a very early stage of a specific project or acquisition is regularly a stable basis for the project’s success.

“We put our trust in them, and give them their own responsibility to let them grow and give them the support they need.”

Hesse then impresses that they try and train lawyers at a very early age, and of course they needed to be treated well. “We put our trust in them, and give them their own responsibility to to let them grow and give them the support they need. We also want to get them into a direct client relationship, rather than just working in the back office.”

Buse Heberer Fromm is a full-service law firm and the majority of their clients are medium and large size companies, with national and international business activities in particular in the following sectors: private equity, energy, automotive, wholesale and consulting. The firm does much work in advising employers in the field of labour law, such as restructuring situations or where there are specific issues that need addressing.

In terms of clients the firm serves, Hesse is currently dealing with a group of companies in the field of new media, and they are now approaching a merger. “We assist with the pre-deal restructuring of the target-group, in order to realise the next steps over a two-month period where a strategic investor from Switzerland will join the circle of shareholders.”

The firm’s major areas of expertise include: • Corporate law; • M&A Transactions; • Labour and employment law; • Tax law and restructuring; • Real estate and construction law; • Franchise law; • Renewable energy law and; • Dispute resolution. On receiving the Leading Advisors of the Year – Germany award, Hesse says it is indeed “an honour to receive and to be recognised” and it urges the firm “to be stronger”. As an advisor himself, he specialises in M&A transactions, as well as complex tax litigation cases. “I try to coordinate our highly and well trained specialist lawyers in order to make the team here stronger.” Hesse adds.

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“We advise a lot of production companies, and trading companies of the German “Mittelstand” with its “Hidden Champions,” in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, healthcare and not-forprofit organisations” Looking to the future, Hesse reveals that he wants the firm to grow and to be more perceived as a legal and tax interface advisory firm. “However, the main aim for the future is to become a stronger branch and to expand the team between the different legal practice areas, and to get potential clients to know about this” he concludes.

The Smart Choice 1702AI06

The Smart Choice Founded in 1982, Global Prior Art is an IP research and analysis firm which is widely known by its trademark ‘The Most Trusted Name in IP Research.’ We were recently awarded the Leading Advisors of the Year award, in recognition for our role as an established leader in the field of world-wide prior art searches and our proven record of success in thousands of high stakes cases.

Company: Global Prior Art, Inc. Name: Bruce Rubinger Email: rubinger@ globalpriorart.com Web: www.globalpriorart.com Address: 21 Milk Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 Phone: +1 (617) 574-9574

PA’s combination of in-depth technical expertise, search approach, institutional knowledge and familiarity with the best sources worldwide for highly relevant art in each technical category yields better outcomes. Our main office is based in Boston, MA, USA and we also have employees based in key international regions.

I am the firm’s managing director and founder. In this position, I oversee GPA’s Engineering Division which is comprised of the Electronics and Semiconductors Group, Telecommunications and Networking Group, Software & E-Commerce Group and the Mechanical Engineering & Consumer Products Group. I am also a member of GPA’s Life Science Management Committee which oversees the Medical Device, Chemistry & Pharma and Biotechnology Groups. My team encompasses more than 60 full time specialists, including staff in Japan, Germany, Russia and China who cover critical art in their native language. I am currently also leading an initiative to create several new IP services which will be introduced in 2017.

“Most of our work arises from client recommendations. Currently more than 95% of GPA’s efforts are for repeat clients.” GPA’s efforts include IP due diligence in support of acquisitions. It is imperative to confirm that a potential acquisition target has strong patents and key products will not be blocked by infringement claims raised by competitors or NPEs. We also conduct freedom to practice, invalidity searches, licensing due diligence, patent portfolio (white space) analysis and corporate innovation strategy. GPA’s Engineering division comprises its Software & E-commerce, Semiconductors & Electronics, Telecommunications & Networking and Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing Groups. In addition, GPA has strong expertise in the life sciences, including experts in biotechnology, chemistry and pharma as well as medical devices.

GPA created the concept of accurate and actionable IP landscapes more than 20 years ago and our systems and methods have continued to evolve over time. The third-generation IP landscape software was introduced in 2006. Over the last five years, we have worked at the intersection of technology, intellectual property and strategy, identifying critical synergies that have allowed our clients to more effectively exploit the opportunity space and to guide their innovation activities. We are also assisting companies to ward off assaults by patent trolls and competitors, allowing them to emerge as financially successful innovators. Our clients are constantly addressing issues surrounding the latest technologies (patent ownership, freedom to practice, portfolio strategy) which has the consequence that GPA is constantly dealing with the latest technologies and the opportunities they represent. In terms of the people who work here, our analysts and managers are world-class scientists and engineers who are expertly trained in our proprietary search methodology and receive ongoing education on IP-related matters that affect our clients. I believe that the key to a successful business is: recruit strong performers; provide an environment where there is challenge and great satisfaction; nurture the continuing development of staff and promote individual learning along with organisational learning. For leading companies and their outside law firms, we provide the right strategic search partner to complement their internal strengths. Most of our work arises from client recommendations. Currently more than 95% of GPA’s efforts are for repeat clients. The growing use of IPR filings has led to support for more joint defence groups. Increasingly we are informed that GPA was recommended by many members of the JDG. Benchmarking by several JDGs, law firms and leading electronics, medical device, software and biotech firms found that GPA’s scientific approach consistently yielded stronger findings. Concerning our plans for 2017 and beyond, I can say that we’ve added technical experts in several critical areas to support new initiatives this year.

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Protecting Property Rights 1702AI31

Protecting Property Rights The firm Cabinet Roman is one of the oldest French firms specialising in industrial property law and recently received the Leading Advisors of the Year from France award. Their passion for industrial property law has been transmitted continuously for four generations. Alexis Roman discusses the impact the firm has had in France and beyond. Company: Cabinet Roman Name: Alexis Roman Email: alexis.roman@ cabinet-roman.com Web: www.cabinet-roman.com Address: 35 Rue Paradis – BP 30064 - 13484 Marseille Cedex 20 – France Phone: +33 491 33 85 15

abinet Roman specialises in industrial property law and are Intellectual Property Consultants approved by the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) and approved Agents with the European Patent Office (EPO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

Established in Marseille (France), Cabinet Roman is one of the oldest French firms specialising in industrial property law. Practice areas include: - patent prosecution, patent litigation, strategy, due diligence, electronics, electricity, physics and mechanics. Alexis Roman describes what the firm provides to ensure that clients are provided with a high-quality service. “Since 1892, without interruption, we have been providing support to our customers to protect, capitalise, make use of and defend their industrial property rights. We intervene in France, in Europe and throughout the world in terms of patents, trademarks, designs, contracts, financial evaluation, disputes, legal proceedings, counterfeiting, portfolio management, technology watch, financing. “Our team of legal experts and engineers intervene in all of the strategic aspects of industrial property: patents, trademarks, drawings and models, contracts, capitalisation, legal proceedings, counterfeiting, portfolio management, technology watch, financing, etc. We are ISO 9001 certified for all of our activities. This certification guarantees our clients the security of control and transparency in our working methods and invoicing. We provide services to a diverse range of clients according to their needs and budget. From start up to multinationals, the majority of our clients are small and medium enterprises.” The practice focuses on intellectual property management issues, including drafting patent counselling, strategic planning and litigation. Alexis is an expert in examination and opposition proceedings before the EPO, French and European litigation, as well as in freedom to operate studies and due diligences. Alexis describes the important role that advisors play in the growth and continued success of a business.

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“IP rights are powerful legal instruments that allow taking the matter to court in order to uphold respect for monopoly and condemn acts of infringement. There are also competitive weapons which used strategically, increases competitiveness and increases margins. IP rights are finally financial tools that enhance the capital of a company and make it possible to generate royalties from operating licenses. “Filing, managing and disputing IP rights are part of an action that must be carefully prepared, according to the choices and development perspectives of a company. The strategy will not be the same if you want to preserve an advantage that is already acquired thanks to IP rights, if you are considering conquering a new market, or if you are considering indirect use in the form of licenses or partnerships. “IP advisers help companies to elaborate and maintain a strong and active IP strategy to ensure the protection of here products, which will contribute to the growth and sustainability of their business.” Staff play a vital role at any company and Cabinet Roman is no different. Alexis explains why staff are an important aspect in providing a high-quality service. “Our success depends on our employees’ performance. Our patent department is formed of engineers and doctors. With a degree from the Center for International Intellectual Property Studies (CEIPI), their scientific and technical skills are reinforced with solid legal expertise in French, European and international patent law. Our trademark and design department is comprised of two legal experts and masters in law.” Looking towards the future, Cabinet Roman aims to expand their portfolio of clients in China and USA. Alexis cannot hide his delight at winning this award and what it means to the firm, saying “By awarding Cabinet Roman, you have lightened a highlyspecialised team to protect, defend and capitalise industrial property rights. We are very proud of this award. I would like to thank all our team and service providers for their strong involvement.”

Family Comes First 1702AI19

Family Comes First Family Business Matters (Winner in the ‘Leading Advisor’ category in the USA) has assisted more than 450 family-owned businesses around the world chart their way through family business issues of all shapes and sizes. David Bork explains how the firm achieved this through its attendance at conferences, continuing education programs, family business retreats, speaking engagements and private family business consulting services. Company: Family Business Matters Consulting Name: David Bork Email: bork@fambizmatters.com Web: www.fambizmatters.com Phone: (+1) 970 948 5077

amily Business Matters specializes in addressing and resolving the entire range of problems frequently found in family owned enterprise. In their business, they have created ‘The Bork Process’, a consulting and training program that delivers lasting results at every level in a family business.

David Bork, one of the leading pioneers in the field of family business counselling, is the founder of Family Business Matters Consulting. During the course of his long career, he has reshaped the course of history for families and the businesses they own. His keen insights and understanding of complex cultural, business and family matters have contributed to his record of accomplishment as the consummate family business professional. He is a proponent of the Family Systems Approach to family business and pioneered the integration of Family Systems Theory with International Best Practices for Family Business.

“Effective communication becomes the norm and is grounded in mutual respect and unconditional positive regard.” David is the author of Family Business, Risky Business - How to Make It Work, first published in 1986, and recently cited for being the first book to address alcohol and drug abuse in family business, fully 25+ years ahead of it becoming a ‘hot topic’. He is co-author of Working with Family Businesses, a Guide for professionals, the first and only book of its kind in the field. His most recent book, The Little Red Book of Family Business, is a ‘pithy’, no nonsense, pocket-sized compendium of the things that he has found work best in family enterprise. Family Business Matters has developed ‘The Bork Process’ which aims to improve the productivity and profitability of a family-owned business, whilst being custom-tailored for each client. The firm knows from nearly fifty years serving family business that their success is grounded in the Four Pillars of Family Business: Alignment, Boundaries, Communication and Competency.

These pillars are imperative for organizational health and resilience in family business and for addressing wealth and money issues in a legacy family. Alignment – This builds seamless coalitions moving toward the same target. We create robust teams that accomplish well defined goals and objectives. Boundaries – Unclear boundaries are the root of many problems in family business where there are three components – the family, ownership and enterprise. Boundaries must be clear and constantly maintained. Clear boundaries serve to guide the manner in which family members interface with the business operations and governance. Communication – Family businesses are notorious for conflict. That conflict, grounded in the family communications patterns, can be the undoing and ultimate demise of the business and breakup of the family. Family Business Matters Consulting has created a unique, cutting edge approach called Restorative Communication that repairs breeches in relationships, enables family members to confront challenges, manage conflicts and create appropriate plans for the long-term success of the enterprise. Effective communication becomes the norm and is grounded in mutual respect and unconditional positive regard. Results from using this methodology are transformative and often profound. Competency – This is the capacity to consistently deliver results that ensure continuity and economic stability for the business. Families in business must understand how family dynamics affect sound business practice and often undermine the business itself. Competency standards must be developed for all employees. Bork is an avid cyclist, fly fisherman, gardener and world traveller. He is committed to health and wellbeing as he seeks his goal of being in the top 5% of fitness for his age. In 2012, he cycled the entire Camino de Santiago, beginning in St. John pied de port, FR to Finis Terra, ES. Family enterprise can be challenging for many people, but with David’s expertise and commitment, clients would be wise to seek them out for help in the future.

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Gateway to Europe 1702AI29

Gateway to Europe Nordven offers business development services to the European IT market. Esko Wessman, winner in the Finnish Business Awards speaks to us about the firm and how they have achieved success, despite economic problems in their homeland.

ordven is a Gateway to Northern European IT market - covering Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Founded in 2014 (with its HQ in Helsinki), the firm provide prepackaged go-to-market and business development services to their customers, who typically are all size global software vendors aiming to penetrate the viable Northern European IT market.

Company: Nordven Oy Name: Esko Wessman Email: esko@nordven.com Web: www.nordven.com Address: Nordven Oy, Hiilikatu 3, 00180 Helsinki, Finland Phone: +358207598111

The company’s services include identifying and signing up channel partners, building marketing and business plan, and nurturing the reseller partners when desired. Nordven are also in a process opening offices across the Northern Europe. Esko Wessman, CEO of the company, discusses how the company has maintained its success over a difficult decade financially. “Finance in The EU has stabilized and economy has recovered in multiple areas. From IT market perspective Finland has recovered pretty well, almost as good as its neighbours. In Finland, companies and people are attempting to be cutting edge by adopting and developing new technologies. Digitalisation is a big topic and will generate new business areas for everyone. “Today, Nordven is operating in eight to ten countries in total, all with different languages, business environments and cultures. Our strength is being able to provide one avenue to a fragmented but viable market with ICT expenditure of 10-14% compared to U.S. We are being contacted by many vendors at the moment looking for expanding to Nordics.”

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Esko explains how the firm has become one of the leading businesses in the region, through their excellent client service and breadth of experience. “Nordven is team of experienced channel development professionals who know more or less personally 1500+ partners and their key stake holders. In fact, altogether our key people possess almost 100 years of local IT market expertise from end-customer, reseller and distributor perspectives. This is totally unique and something which has very big advantages not only for us but also for our clients. “We don’t need to invest for marketing – our clients contact us based on word-to-mouth and recommendations. This gives us good benchmark that we are doing right things and exceeding customers’ expectations and they are happy. Our clients represent different kinds of ICT technology companies - software manufacturers represent major part of our clients. Esko finishes the discussion by explaining what the company’s plans are for 2017 and beyond. “In addition to developing our existing service portfolio, we will launch new stand-alone services around marketing. Basically, taking care of PanNordic air cover on behalf of our clients. Otherwise clients would need to do this country-by-country.”

Relocation Relocation 1702AI17

Company: Elite Executive Services Pty Ltd Name: Kathy Nunn Email: Kathy.nunn@eers.com.au Web: www. eliteexecutiveservices.com.au Address: 42/296 Bay Road, Cheltenham, Vic 3192 Phone: +613 95835388

Relocation Relocation Elite Executive Services was established by Kathy Nunn to address a need for a service which genuinely recognised that each relocation is different and that all relocatees have differing expectations. As a winner in the Leading Advisor category (Australia), Kathy explains what Elite has achieved in the industry.

lite is a global destination service provider, established to cater for a need for a relocation company which is proficient at handling large complex company moves yet having a personal approach which makes every assignee feel special. The firm works with corporates and individuals who are moving from interstate or overseas and can either manage the whole relocation (home search, school search flights, accommodation, removal firms, short term accommodation, car hire and more) or provide their core service around the finding of home, school or childcare, orientation and settling in along with cultural training and language training where required. Kathy Nunn from the firm tells us more about what services and expertise they provide.

“We measure our success not only by our profit but from the number of successful relocations we have been a significant part of and our strong relationships with the HR team at the companies we work with. “We work with a number of large corporates who ask us to perform this service globally but we also work with individuals who need assistance also. Excellence in employee and family support sits is the key driver sitting behind all the services we deliver. Elite insists on providing the same quality high touch service to employees and their families no matter what service is authorized and regardless of the seniority of the employee. “Too little attention is paid to the issues arising from relocating for work: understanding which suburbs were the right fit; finding schools that would best suit; learning strategies for networking and making new friends so that trailing spouses in particular do not feel isolated; dealing with time and budget pressures. Elite Executive Services has grown exponentially on the back of its exceptional service standards and dedication to the successful relocation of all its clients and in particular the personal caring approach to all assignments big or small.

“We measure our success not only by our profit but from the number of successful relocations we have been a significant part of and our strong relationships with the HR team at the companies we work with. We provide both the HR team and the people moving with total support and would be able to do this for the readership allowing them to save time and particularly costs in providing successful relocations.” Kathy also explains Elite’s approach to client service and what they do to ensure they provide a successful and positive experience for all. “Our target market is the corporates who move executives interstate or overseas but we are developing other services which are targeting people who have recently retired and wish for a lifestyle change and also people coming from overseas on significant investor visas. Our marketing strategy, therefore, is to look at our current clients and make sure that we reach out to them at least quarterly so that we retain a good relationship; look at approaching similar industries with relocating needs and let them know about our services; develop strong social media strategies as well as using conventional marketing techniques such as online advertising and advertising in appropriate publications. “With regards to our current clients, we develop the relationship by inviting them to events which would add value and we do see that this leads to more services being required. We also use our customers as sounding boards ensuring we are open to providing new or adaptive services. We are aware of our competitors and look to exploit niche markets that they have not discovered. We look for points of difference where we can add value to existing or new customers and use this to promote more opportunities for discussion.” Finishing the interview, Kathy outlines what makes Elite a competitive company in the industry and its main aim for the future. “For any company to grow effectively, it needs to have the support of experts. Advisors provide unique solutions tailored to companies which are based on their wealth of experience. Our aim is to increase our consultant base in other countries so that we can even better support our clients.”

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1701AI08

Company: (HIS) Cummings Global Associates Ltd Email: info@ hiscummingsglobalassociates.com Web: www. hiscummingsglobalassociates.com Address: The Knowledge Dock, 4-6 University Way, Docklands, London, E16 Phone: 08000 460 604

Advice You Can Count On (HIS) Cummings Global Associates Ltd, 2016 Boutique Business of the Year, is a firm of business consultants who specialise in working with small businesses and entrepreneurs.

e provide tailored solutions to help businesses grow and to overcome challenges and support with business planning, complete business projects for you or supply you with business consultants and mentors on an ongoing basis. Although much of our work is with established small and medium sized businesses we also provide consultancy to entrepreneurs to plan and test new business ideas.

HIS Cummings Global Associates provide management consultancy, business process outsourcing and project management for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Our management consultants, advisors and project managers have experience working with large multinational companies, small and medium sized business and entrepreneurs. Backing up their practical experience they also all hold qualifications with leading institutes and business organisations including accreditation with the Institute for Independent Business.

“Our consultants can help both with the initial assessment of your business needs, the drafting of agreements and then sourcing and selecting the appropriate organisations to outsource your processes to. Everything we do is tailored to the needs of our clients. We can provide ongoing management consultancy and support for business, complete business process outsourcing or one off project outsourcing and project management. Many of our clients are small business or entrepreneurs who do not have the time or resources to tackle specific problems or take on new projects in their business. By contracting HIS Cummings Global Associates, they can focus on their core business activities while we help them to resolve issues and open up new areas of business. Strictly Ethical & Realistic Conduct We operate under a strict code of ethics so you can be sure that all our help and advice will be directed

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to what you and your business needs and nothing more. We know your time is in short supply so we try to keep things as straight forward as possible and avoid the use of jargon, caveats and extended legal terms and conditions. About Audie Cummings HIS Cummings Global Associates was founded by Audie Cummings, MBA, AIIB. Audie has worked with a range of blue chip organisations and institutions delivering projects and business solutions. These include: • PYBT Selected Audie Cummings to exhibit & first introduced to HRH Prince Charles of Wales; • MBE Emmanuel Cotter Ex-Ambassador to St Lucia; • Professor John ‘O’Keefe developed the breakthrough for Alzheimer’s’; • MBE Tony Wade ‘Dyke & Dryden’ and; • Bishop E. J. Charles of ‘The Refuge Church of The Living God’. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Many of our clients are small and medium sized businesses who need assistance with projects in order to grow or expand their business. Often there is a need for businesses to undertake activities which fall outside of their core business expertise or which they simply don’t have the resources in house to complete themselves. In these circumstances HIS Global Associates can provide outsourced business process support. Some of the areas where it is common for HIS Cummings to become involved in business process outsourcing include recruitment and HR, supply chain management, marketing and finance. We differentiate Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) from our project outsourcing service in that that process outsourcing is for ongoing business services rather than specific one-off projects. BPO for Small Businesses Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is commonly used by large multinational corporations. They frequently outsource whole divisions on their operations to other companies. This may include call centres, customer support or manufacturing. The advantages of using Business Process Outsourcing for large corporations are not that dissimilar to the advantages for small businesses. By outsourcing parts of your business, you also

Advice You Can Count On

outsource the hassle and expense of directly employing people, training and managing them. For specialist services, it can also include getting rid of the investment that would be needed in software, machinery and specialist equipment that would be required to do the work in house. Another advantage for smaller businesses, and especially for start-ups, is that it allows you to try out new business operations with minimal investment and if it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work the supplier can be switched or that area of the business operation can be dropped. This allows small businesses to operate in a more flexible way without tying up large amounts of capital in people or processes. BPO Sourcing and Agreements HIS Cummings have a network of experts and advisors that we work with. Although some of our experts may take on business processes directly for smaller businesses we more commonly help with sourcing of BPO suppliers. One of the keys to successfully outsourcing businesses processes is having clearly defines service level agreements (SLAs) written into the contract. This will include response times, quality levels and cost responsibilities. To arrive at a satisfactory SLA, it is necessary to assess what your business (and customers) need and then break this down into measurable performance indicators which can be easily monitored. Our consultants can help both with the initial assessment of your business needs, the drafting of agreements and then sourcing and selecting the appropriate organisations to outsource your processes to. To find out more about how we can help your business benefit from business process outsourcing give us a call on 08000 460 604.

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Expertise in Mediation and Arbitration 1701AI132

Company: ONAMBELE -ANCHANG & ASSOCIATES Email: oaalawpartners@gmail.com Web: oaalaw.cm Address: Rosa Park Ave, Opposite the Saudi Arabian Embassy Phone: (+237) 222 209 776

Expertise in Mediation and Arbitration ONAMBELE-ANCHANG & ASSOCIATES was founded by Joseph Antoine Onambele, 25 years ago, he was later joined by Mary Concilia Anchang. As founding and managing partners, they have through their dedication and hard work built an international bilingual and bi-jurial law firm, based in Yaoundé Cameroon. We were recently awarded the 2016 African Excellence leading firm in Cameroon award, and to celebrate this we share some of our many successes. AA Law is proud to be the first bilingual Law firm in the country practicing in both, civil law and common law jurisdictions’ law is a full-service corporate law firm, that serve clients in a diverse range of industries, and have over the years represented clients in matters that include litigation, mergers and acquisition, telecommunication, mining, real estate, finance, corporate law, project finance and intellectual property. Due to its broad based corporate capabilities, OAA Law delivers high quality and highly efficient services to its clients.

The firm’s practice over the years has grown to include coverage of the CEMAC region and globally Law senior partner Joseph Antoine Onambele has been the Regional Secretary in Africa for International Lawyers Association (UIA Union International des Avocats) and also past president of the International Chamber of Commerce based in Yaoundé Cameroon for three years. Partner Mary Concilia Anchang was first female judge in the International Court of Arbitration. OAA Law is a renaissance law firm, with experienced and well-travelled attorneys, who have worked for clients across the globe. OAA Law is a pioneer Law firm in intellectual property, corporate law and mining law in the region. Mediation & Arbitration (Alternate Dispute Resolution) Our firm offers alternate dispute resolution mechanisms (ADR). Our expertise in mediation and arbitration matters is one of the hallmarks of our firm. This desk is headed by a past member of the ICC Court of Arbitration, of the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris (ICC). She has rich huge background in ADR as one of the senior partners of the firm, she offers one of the finest regional expertise in matters of mediation and arbitration in Africa. Besides her professionalism and dynamism, she earns high regard from her peers for her diverse skills. She played a vital and instrumental role in creating the National Committee of the ICC in Cameroon in 2001. As a current member of ‘Arbitral Women’, she was a member of the ICC Arbitration commission until July 2014. OAA Lawyers have been involved in international arbitration for over 20 years. Our

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lawyers are equipped to deal with the complex and evolving nature of International Arbitration. We are able to supply our clients with winning arguments and strategies because of the depth of knowledge and the experience of our team. We represent commercial clients in the OHADA, CCJA (common court of justice and Arbitration) in Abidjan. Our clients include financial institutions, global corporations, foreign investors and national businesses and with foreign partners. We act for global corporations; financial institutions, foreign investors and sovereign states, and we have a high number of repeat clients. They turn to us because they trust our skill, experience and reputation to achieve the best possible outcome, and because our partners personally handle their cases. Company Formation and Governance OAA Law Corporate governance practice is client and result oriented. We assist clients in all aspects of the formation and governance of business entities. Our attorneys are experienced in all aspects of governance and compliance. We counsel and represent public and private companies. We advise clients on formation of new entities restructuring of existing entities to include corporate formalities and administrative issues and tax. Our advice to clients include advise on drafting of documents in the formation of corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies with regards to government laws under which the entities are to be organised to include OHADA law requirements. Due to the complexity involved in company formation, our corporate attorneys guide clients through the legal intricacies of the legal and tax issues involved in choosing an entity as a vehicle for their business. Our attorneys have advised clients in the formation of companies from start-up companies, limited liability company’s corporations. In formation of the companies we draft the required documents for the organisation, to be filed with the necessary government official or office. Our attorneys also during formation, offer advice to clients on the structuring, negotiating documenting other business arrangements related to new companies.

Taking Energy Empowerment to the next Level 1612AI95

Company: Avant Garde Innovations™ Name: Arun George Email: ag@ avantgardeinnovations.com Web: www. avantgardeinnovations.com Address: TC 36/401, Sivasakthi Building, Palkulangara Trivandrum, Kerala 695024 India Phone: +91 9400327680

Taking Energy Empowerment to the next Level At Avant Garde Innovations ™, our goal is to eliminate energy poverty, reduce dependence on struggling state power grids and create energy self-sufficiency for all the needy ones through distributed, localised and affordable renewable energy. We were pleased to win the Best in Sustainable Building India 2016 award, and celebrate our success in this profile of our firm. e believe that we can collectively usher in our world a cleaner environment, new economic prosperity and social change. Our first offering is a highly affordable Small Wind Turbine suitable for residential, commercial, agricultural, rural electrification and other uses, which is aimed for a market launch by the second quarter of 2017.

Avant Garde Innovations ™ is an exciting international start-up company with a ‘green’ heart & soul, and is newly established with branches in India and Australia. Our passionate aim is to introduce innovative, affordable and sustainable solutions that take renewable energy self-sufficiency and energy empowerment to the next level through a distributed & decentralised approach using pioneering strategies the world has not witnessed yet. World’s 1st Start-up with 100% Renewable Energy Commitment Avant Garde Innovations ™ is now proud to be globally recognised as the world’s first start-up,

and as the first Indian energy company, to make the bold commitment for 100% clean energy usage for its operations. This global recognition is made by the international partners of the UN Climate Summit (COP21) in Paris, namely the CDP and ‘We Mean Business’ - the two global coalitions formed to address climate change. With this, Avant Garde became one of the world’s first 25 companies that has made this commitment for environmental sustainability & climate stewardship. In the Top 20 Cleantech Innovations in India Avant Garde Innovations ™ is proud to be selected as one of the Top 20 Cleantech Innovations in India for the ‘GLOBAL CLEANTECH INNOVATION PROGRAMME (GCIP) 2015’. We were selected for our patent pending prototype of a low cost small wind turbine for residential & commercial use. The prestigious GCIP programme is jointly organised by the ‘United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’ (UNIDO), ‘Cleantech Open’ (World’s Largest Cleantech Accelerator based in Silicon Valley), ‘Global Environment Facility’ (GEF) and Ministry Of MSME, Govt Of India.

Acquisition International - February 2017 37

An International Presence 1701AI76

Company: Lugna Name: Duarte Ornelas Monteiro Email: lisbon@lugna.pt Web: www.lugna.pt Address: Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca 9 – 3º B, 1250-189 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: +351 21 131 04 08

An International Presence Lugna is a transaction-focused boutique firm with an international presence delivering a premium value-added service at a reasonable cost. As part of the 2017 Global Mobility Awards, Duarte Ornelas Monteiro received the Most Outstanding for Cross border investment award. In this interview, he discusses how the firm provides specific services that are in demand for a new type of investor in Portugal. ugna is a boutique firm specialised in tax, corporate restructuring, business model optimisation, private client advisory and immigration. Owing to its international footprint, this Lisbon based firm handles crossborder and jurisdiction-specific issues and has a deep understanding of the cultural and practical aspects of investing and doing business in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Timor-Leste (East-Timor) and Macao.

The firm also provides international business leverage to national corporations and entrepreneurs. Regular inbound clients include family businesses, SMEs and private clients investing directly in Portugal or incorporating a holding company as its point of entry in the European market in a post Brexit scenario.

“We have adopted a continuous improvement philosophy in seeking new technical information as well as practical knowledge of the sector the client is in.” Monteiro outlines the firm’s service offering in more detail and explains how it aims to ensure that it meets the needs of its vast range of clients. “In recent years, a new type of investor has selected Portugal to acquire start-up intellectual property, establish research and cost centres or relocate management teams. Many are fintech entrepreneurs”. Nevertheless, most investment is still channelled to traditional assets such as real estate or well established companies or ventures. Portugal is a safe EU country with “privileged conditions for business, a strategic location/time zone and excellent infrastructures with an attractive tax regime for new inbounds - the non-habitual residency tax regime”.

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Lugna’s team includes highly skilled and known advisors, lawyers and members of the Academia, and Monteiro is confident that it can provide all services clients of every size and industry need. “Our staff members hold degrees in both Law and Management and are experts in law, finance, accounting and management with extensive knowledge of cross border operations”. The team has decades of cumulative experience in the legal and tax industry. “We rely on a fresh multidisciplinary and bespoke approach to each project. Diversity is part of the firm’s culture in selecting staff and designing workflow processes. It is a business oriented team that is fluent in a wide variety of languages, and this ensures that we meet the exact needs of our diverse client base.” Operating in such a competitive market, Monteiro is keen to emphasise the techniques that his department employs in order to differentiate itself. “We have adopted a continuous improvement philosophy in seeking new technical information as well as practical knowledge of the sector the client is in. This requires extensive travelling and an onsite approach to doing business, allowing us to see and evaluate how solutions designed back at the office are implemented in real life.” The team also works in niche practice areas where others are not comfortable in and avoids the traditional insular approach to projects where information is partitioned. “Any topic is up for internal discussion, allowing us to leverage on our multidisciplinary and diverse team.” In 2016, the number of Lugna’s clients that are startups or in fintech increased, a tendency expected to continue in 2017. Investment into non-traditional assets is also on the rise. Overall, the team is central to the firm’s success and it will work to ensure that it remains at the forefront of the latest industry developments. Monteiro believes that preventing problems through regular interaction and open communication positions its clients for growth.

Striving for Perfection 1702AI65

SARC Associates Company: SARC Associates Name: Dinesh Verma, Founding Partner Email: dinesh@sarcmail.in Web: www.sarcassociates.com LinkedIn id: https://in.linkedin.com/in/ dinesh-verma-49549920 Address: N-226, LGF, Greater Kailash-I, New Delhi -110 048, India Phone: +91 11 4173 4656 / 4657 / 4658, +91 98103 07182

Striving for Perfection SARC is a firm with 17 senior partners and a pan India presence with foot prints in London and Toronto. To win the 2017 Ones to Watch in Consultancy award is of course a great honour, one feels great and on top of the world. Any recognition always motivates you to strive hard for perfection. SARC was established in year 1986, and is based out of India with headquarters in New Delhi. SARC has 10 offices across India to provide premium services to business, governments and communities.

The key service areas of SARC include the following: • Assurance; • Out sourced CFO services; • Direct tax advisory; • Indirect tax advisory; • GST transition; • Corporate law advisory; • Foreign Exchange Management Act & Foreign direct investment advisory; • Due diligence exercise; • Valuation services; • Transaction advisory, structuring, drafting of documents; • Restructuring advisory; • Commercial arbitration; • Negotiating, structuring joint venture and drafting of JV documents and; • Representation services. 2017 Ones to Watch in Consultancy Winning this award has been a great motivation for the team here. Personally, it gives one the feeling of achieving a mile stone in life and it always helps to keep the team here moving and working hard towards performing with greater perfection and zeal. On this note, we believe that the success of any firm or organisation or even country lies in the hands of team. The award for which we have been nominated, all credit of it goes to the team. We have a strong and dedicated team of over 200, including professionally qualified staff, interns and office staff. Success in today’s fiercely competitive world It is always difficult, but not impossible, to be recognised as different from the other service firms providing services in the same areas. One must create differentiation and a niche for them to be successful in today’s fiercely competitive world. Being in a field where confidentiality is key, case studies even where name is removed is not advisable to be quoted, but it goes without saying that our clients are achieving much due to our firm’s philosophy of simple implementable solutions and on dot deliverables. The firm’s client base includes industrial sectors such as automotive, as well as education, infra, private equity funds, asset management firms, the service sector, governments and a whole host of not for profit organisations.

Hopes and plans for 2017 and challenges, opportunities beyond The mile stone we want to achieve this year are more recognitions such as 2017 Ones to Watch in Consultancy and we hope that the firm will continue to help people, communities, countries, governments, business enterprises so we can achieve all-round inclusive growth. With the firm being based in India, the country has certainly undergoing the changes of its life time, whether it is demonetisation, the introduction of GST or moving towards Ind-AS, introduction to GAAR and so on. So, our biggest challenge is to keep ourselves, our clients abreast with all the new legal changes ahead and the subsequent opportunities for firm in this respect. The above are excerpt from the inputs received from Mr. Dinesh Verma, senior founding partner of the Firm. Brief Profile of Mr. Dinesh Verma Professional qualifications – • Qualified as chartered accountant in 1991 from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India • Bachelor of Commerce (Honors), Delhi University Memberships – • Fellow member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India • Life member of the Indian Council of Arbitrators • Insolvency Professional with Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India • Life member of Chelmsford Club Career path 1991 till date – • D. Verma Associates, Chartered Accountants • SARC & Associates, Chartered Accountants Current positions – • Founding Partner & Governing Council Member of SARC & Associates • Senior Consulting Partner at DVA Consulting Partners Private Limited • Independent Director at Assets Care & Reconstruction Enterprises Limited • India Board member of Indo European Business Forum Competencies and experience – Dinesh is experienced in assurance & risk, company law, direct tax areas, M&A, transaction advisory services, valuations, due diligence, FDI and FEMA, outsourced CFO services. Dinesh has also been a TV commentator & policy analyst for past 10 years.

Acquisition International - February 2017 39

Building a Strong Team Spirit 1702AI94

Company: Only Marketing Jobs Name: Simon Lewis Email: simon@ onlymarketingjobs.com Web: www.onlymarketingjobs.com Address: 5th Floor, 2 London Bridge London SE1 9RA Phone: 07957 637079

Building a Strong Team Spirit Simon Lewis of Only Marketing Jobs talks to us about the firm and what effect winning a Global Excellence Award for the Recruitment sector has had.

nlyMarketingJobs.com is a multi-winning recruitment advertising platform specific to the marketing, digital and creative sector. The firm also manage the UK’s largest community of marketing professionals, enabling it to produce industry-specific events and networking programmes. Lewis tells us more about the firm, its inception and its client base.

“Since then we’ve run various bespoke and sustained campaigns to underpin our commitment to outstanding customer delivery. Working in the marketing sector comes with a responsibility to demonstrate innovation, instinct and individualism. Amidst our testimonials sits one I feel defines the more transactional aspect of what we do: ‘Timesaving, cost-effective and delivers a high calibre of candidates. This is a career website of true quality.’”

“We began trading in January 2009 and are now based on London Bridge, in offices overlooking the Thames, St Pauls and Tower Bridge.

Recently, the firm won an award an award in the Global Excellence Awards 2016. Lewis tells us what this award means for the firm.

“Our customers are from three key areas: recruitment consultancies; direct employers; and media agencies. Demographically, they cover the breadth of the UK, Europe and Middle East. Almost all our customers have strong brands and are fiercely protective of their position within the industry and the sectors in which they operate. This means recruitment marketing is playing an increasingly prevalent role in their day-to-day strategies, highlighting the shift in change from bygone days.”

“Quite simply, it feels fantastic! We’ve been lucky enough to win many industry awards during our time but the Ones to Watch in Recruitment accentuates our 2017 strategy to diversify and deliver new initiatives to our sector.

Lewis continues to explain to us that recruitment agencies are playing an increasingly prominent role in the hiring process, for both job-seekers and firms.

40 Acquisition International - February 2017

“Personally, this award vindicates my decision to take OMJ into unchartered waters as we attempt to break new ground in a legacy-laden industry. The team are thrilled to be recognised for their efforts in helping to remould not only our own brand, but those associated with us.” It is with the dedicated team’s help that this award was made possible.

“Adaptive recruitment agencies dedicated to understanding the needs and solutions of changing environments play a crucial role in their customers’ hiring strategies. Switching out of a perceived ‘costcentre’ and into the role of recruitment ‘partner’ has allowed the intuitive recruiter to not only justify their services, but make them indispensable. It’s amazing to see the prominence of recruitment agencies in an era where technological noise reverberates like a recurring record.”

“Our business IS the team,” states Lewis. “We are extraordinarily lucky that our combined creativity affords the opportunity not only to try new things but bring them to conception with rarely any hurdles. Our overall proposition is underpinned by content and social engagement, so building a strong team spirit is essential and it’s so far so good.”

The business is clearly succeeding in terms of innovation and outstanding levels of client satisfaction, as Lewis explains further: “We’ve been winning awards for innovation since 2010, having consistently sought to bring new products, services and ideas to not just our own niche sector, but the generic recruitment industry too. For us, perhaps the most compelling award-win – and certainly one that set our scene – came in 2011 when we scooped the Innovative Online Recruitment Award at the OnRecs.

“We hope to add even more value to our customers, whilst continuing to drive innovation and change within our industry. We’re also creating something that will shake everything right up. But I can’t say much about that now.

With regards to the future, Lewis sees big things for the OnlyMarketingJobs.com.

“The biggest collective challenge for our sector is identifying the digital talent upon which our nation, and indeed the wider global economy, is reliant. There is a huge skill shortage right now.”

Advice You Can Rely On 1701AI55

Company: Kellerhals Carrard Name: Ines Pöschel Email: ines.poeschel@ kellerhals-carrard.ch Address: Raemistrasse 5 CH-8024 Zurich Phone: +41 58 200 39 00

Advice You Can Rely On Ines Poeschel, a winner in AI’s Women in Business Awards, has indepth experience and expertise in corporate and capital markets law and regulations, and leads M&A transactions for public and private companies including restructurings and insolvencies.

he also advises her clients on executive employment, as well as on governance and responsibility questions, and litigates board liability and posttransaction disputes. Ines regularly advises mid to large-size corporate clients, as well as individuals in challenging situations and is known for her quick, solution-driven and practical support.

She advises general counsels of national and multinational enterprises in many fields, sometimes acting as an ‘external general Counsel.’ Due to her broad international experience and services in international lawyer associations, she can count on a very reliable network of foreign legal advisers.

“Ines regularly advises mid to large-size corporate clients, as well as individuals in challenging situations and is known for her quick, solution-driven and practical support.” Kellerhals Carrard was formed in 2015 out of the Merger between Kellerhals Attorneys at Law and Carrard & Associés. With more than 130 professionals (comprised of partners, salaried lawyers, legal experts, tax advisers and notaries) and a total of more than 200 staff, the law firm, which dates back to 1885 and has offices in Basel, Bern, Lausanne/Sion and Zurich and representation offices in Binningen and Shanghai, is one of the largest in Switzerland. Kellerhals Carrard operates throughout Switzerland, whilst maintaining very strong local roots, advising clients nationally and abroad. They advise and represent companies and entrepreneurs from all industries and economic sectors, public authorities, national and international organisations and private individuals before all judicial and administrative bodies nationally and abroad in practically all areas of the law. The firm’s activities are focused on: • Company and corporate law, external legal department; • Litigation, arbitration and insolvency law; • M&A and capital markets law;

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• • • • • • •

Regulatory financial markets law, financial services, collective investments, leasing, insurance; IT/IP, distribution, competition and anti-trust law; International sports law; Tax; Public law; Employment and social insurance law; Commercial criminal law and international mutual assistance / compliance; Family and inheritance law for private customers and;

The firm particularly focuses on the areas of financial services, life sciences, IMT (Information, Technology and Media), sport and entertainment, energy and real estate/construction and retail some of which are detailed below. Financial services The financial market is strongly regulated and the density of regulatory legislation has only increased in past years. Effective advice calls for specialists who are constantly active in the field of financial market regulation and know the field from the group up. The firm’s practice group has this constant activity and long-standing experience and advises a broad range of Swiss and foreign financial institutions. Their focus lies on the areas of asset management, banking and insurance supervisory law, prevention of money laundering and leasing. Their specialised team develops innovative solutions and implements them efficiently for your benefit. Sports and media law Kellerhals Carrard’s specialised team provides assistance and advice to clients at every level of the sports world, from national and international federations to athletes via agents, sponsors and the media. They negotiate and draft sponsoring and license agreements and handle all questions regarding broadcasting rights. Kellerhals Carrard represents sports organisations and federations before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne in doping cases, disciplinary proceedings or cases involving player transfers or other commercial transactions.

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1608EA59

No Big Deal? 1612AI34

No Big Deal? Company: Syed Brokerage & Capital Name: Sharon Kerr Email: info@syedbrokerage.com Web: syedbrokerage.capital Address: 875 N Michigan Ave, Suite 3115, Chicago, IL 60611. Phone: + 1 224 548 8400

Syed Brokerage & Capital is a top merger and acquisitions broker that brings proficiency, uprightness and broad market knowledge to every transaction. Following their success in being awarded the Leading Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor, we explore more about what makes this firm special.

yed Brokerage & Capital is a top merger and acquisitions broker that brings proficiency, uprightness and broad market knowledge to every transaction While there are plentiful firms in today’s market place that endeavour to sell and buy companies, there are only but a handful which may tender their clients the highest level of knowledge, skills and means of a distinguished firm such as this.

Syed Brokerage & Capital has magnified the old-fashioned business brokerage standards, to present their clients all-inclusive services. The firm never loses focus on their client’s needs and their individualised deal process. It goes without saying that Syed Brokerage & Capital is devoted to their clients’ welfare during the deal process. The experts at Syed Brokerage & Capital bring inventive and ingenious solutions to the table, to tackle the multiple multifaceted challenges and to help navigate their clients, toward completing their deal.

Syed Brokerage & Capital’s global team of bankers have significant experience in advising privately owned businesses and privet equity firms on a vast range of mergers and acquisitions transactions. Indeed, they believe their knowledge of advising both buyers and sellers provides the firm with the full perspective and the insights that further strengthen their capabilities as an M&A broker for the lower-middle to middle market companies. They leverage their expertise and knowledge to provide their clients with an outstanding and high quality outcome. Syed Brokerage & Capital’s grand values and expertise has allowed them to perform extremely well. Their transactions of over $300mMillion in more than ten countries throughout the world have generated a very loyal and happy customer base. Allow Syed Brokerage & Capital to represent your company whether it is on the sell side or the buy side and they shall not disappoint you.

Acquisition International - February 2017 43

1702AI34

Company: Latrell Flowers, LLC Name: Tia Latrell Laney Email: latrellflowers@gmail.com Web: latrellflowersllc.com Phone: +1 410 921 9397

Outstanding Custom Floral Arrangements By way of an introduction my name is Tia Latrell and I am the owner, master floral artist and designer of Latrell Flowers, LLC. At Latrell Flowers, we specialise in creating and designing custom floral arrangements, accessories, designer shoes and sports items for all occasions. I am truly honoured, thankful and humbled to have won the award for the Most Outstanding SME Businesswoman.

e offer services for the following: celebrity events, weddings, sporting events, funerals, ceremonies, anniversaries, banquets, birthday parties, engagement celebrations, proms, parades, special events, milestone projects, showroom setups, show window set-ups, and our arrangements have also been sold in consignment, vintage and antique stores.

Latrell Flowers was established in 2010 and continues to go strong. We are based in Baltimore, MD. I believe what sets us apart from other businesses that offer the same services is not only our extraordinary custom designs, but the overall experience of our exceptional customer service is second to none. The personality and hospitality of Latrell Flowers is bar none to any other and speaks for itself.

“This is truly humbling and I don’t take it for granted. Our Company’s motto is to ‘Keep God first in all that you do and you will be blessed abundantly.’ I will always stand firm by this motto.” Client feedback Our clients say that our firm’s custom designed arrangements are undoubtedly the best in the business, and that our excellent high quality arrangements and personable customer service is breath-taking and par above in excellence. They say that our craft is absolutely phenomenal, and many of them say that they honestly have not seen arrangements and designs like those produced by Latrell Flowers. Our clients also profess that we are the real deal and we take a great deal of pride in our immaculate arrangements and they highly recommend us to everyone they know. Our clients also state that our combination of great customer service, as well as our creative designs exceeds all expectations.

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It is said by our clients that as the owner of Latrell Flowers, I serve as a prime example of how a small business owner should successfully handle business in a big business world. They say that I am an extremely proficient and efficient business person. Every project is special to me and I take pride in presenting the very best work possible. You can actually see the love, care and attention to detail that I put into every arrangement that I produce and by doing so, customers have warranted me as the very best at what I do. The team and the important role they play The Latrell Flowers team is the best team on the Planet and is made up of my manager and floral designer Cynthia Hudson-Laney who happens to be my mother and the author of, ‘Something Strange in My Town’. Cynthia Hudson Laney is completely dedicated to her designing craft and serves as an exceptional manager. My team also consist of my long standing diligent and capable floral designer, Danielle Branch. I have to also give credit to all of my Interns who have graced Latrell Flowers, along with any workers who contributed in any way to our firm. Other members of my team are my manager, Dr. Mel Butler, who is an all-star manager and my Mentor Anthony Butler of E3 Business Group, Inc - Americas who is an exceptional mentor. Both Butlers serve as major assets to the Latrell Flowers Firm. My team also includes my dedicated technical support, graphic design and photography team - Lamar Jones, Matthew Coates, Frank Wilson, Thomas Huggins and FastSigns of Baltimore, as well as various partners who all serve as major assets to the Latrell Flowers Firm. I am truly grateful for such an exceptional team. Let me start by saying that none of my success would be possible without my mother and partner, Cynthia Hudson-Laney. My success also would not be possible without my grandmother, Frances Hudson, and my late Father, Norman Laney. My team also consists of my all-star family, exceptional friends who are my family and my Church family. I could not do what I do without all of their unwavering support. There are really no words that can truly express my gratitude and thanks to my entire team.

Outstanding Custom Floral Arrangements

I thank them from the bottom of my heart and I realize that I am truly blessed to have such a solid team. My thank you to them is my success which is our success, and making it possible to open doors for future entrepreneurs and visionaries. Ambitions for 2017 and beyond The hopes and plans for my firm in 2017 and beyond are to be awarded the Title of the Number #1 Floral Artist, Designer and Firm in the World. We plan to open up a self-owned location where we continue to operate across the globe. We also have plans to service all sports teams in every sports arena. We plan to continue our successful journey and continue with all of our innovative ideas. Latrell Flowers looks to expand its employee database and create many more jobs throughout communities across the region. I would like to thank Acquisition International for awarding me with a 2016 Excellence Award as the Most Outstanding Small-Medium Enterprise Businesswoman. This is truly humbling and I don’t take it for granted. Our Company’s motto is to ‘Keep God first in all that you do and you will be blessed abundantly.’ I will always stand firm by this motto. Finally, I would like to say that this award is another energy boost for my firm as we continue to grow and continue to strive for excellence in the years to come. I have been relentless in making my dreams come to light and I will always and forever make it my goal to capture the public’s eye in sharing my gifts with the world, while striving to achieve continued excellence.

Cynthia Laney Manager/Floral Designer

Danielle Branch Floral Designer

Acquisition International - February 2017 45

Keeping You Secure HF170087

Keeping You Secure Company: LoPresti Law Group, PC Name: Marc X. LoPresti, Esq. Email: info@ loprestilawgroup.com Web: www.loprestilawgroup.com Phone: (212) 732-4029

LoPresti Law Group, PC (LLG) is a leading corporate and securities law firm providing comprehensive legal solutions to clients around the globe. We profile the firm and explore the range of solutions it provides.

ounded in 2013, LLG is a boutique securities law firm in New York that has been dedicated to the alternative asset management industry since its inception. The firm serves both the buy and the sell side of the hedge fund marketplace, representing fund managers and the funds they advise as well as allocators to hedge funds, providing advice regarding fund structuring, fund formation services (domestic and offshore), investment advisor registration / exemption compliance, negotiation of fund investments (including seeding agreements), structure and registration of 1940 Act Funds, due diligence and investor document review and preparation, and related services and advice.

On the sell side, LLG represents hedge fund managers both large and small, start-up and seasoned, in connection with launch of various fund vehicles and related advisory entities. With regards to the buy side, LLG advises fund investors in most all categories in connection with the evaluation, due diligence, and structuring of investments in hedge funds, managed accounts, and other investment vehicles. In this capacity LLG advises multimanager funds, single and multi-family offices, and high net worth individuals when they deploy capital to hedge fund strategies. Larger allocators are advised to conduct independent operational and other due diligence that involves obtaining references from key service providers and confirming that basic safeguards are in place to prevent risks unrelated to investment strategies. LLG advises all fund investors to perform a detailed attribution analysis. Alpha is getting harder to find, and correlation among

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sectors, strategies and asset classes makes the search even harder. Today’s hedge fund investors need to have a deeper and more dissected understanding of the composition of a particular fund’s portfolio and how the investment in question will fit into their overall portfolio. Therefore, LLG works with trusted local partners in many prevalent offshore jurisdictions to accommodate its Clients’ needs outside the US, aiming to achieve its mission: to provide legal advice to the alternative asset management industry that is based on practical experience gained outside the confines of the law firm environment, and to provide such advice and related services on the basis of sensible, fixed-fee arrangements wherever possible. Clients large and small demand that legal services, like any other business expense, are to be understood, budgeted and controlled wherever possible as part of the duty our clients owe to their own investors and shareholders. As such, LLG takes this into consideration in formulating fees for the services it provides. Moving forward, LLG expect to see an ongoing migration of alternative fund strategies into the ’40 Act space, and changes in the capital raising processes with institutional investors continuing to reduce exposure to hedge funds and the increasing popularity of turn-key asset management platforms (TAMPs) assisting the so-called “democratization” of the hedge fund industry. Overall, like most in the industry, the firm will be watching carefully to see what changes lay in store to the US regulatory landscape that may result from a more business-friendly Trump administration, and anticipate an exciting and opportunity laden future.

Europe’s Only Available International Television Channel Franchise 1702AI21

Name: Laird A Salmon Company: 5 Star Film Company Ltd. Email: 5starfilmco@gmail.com Web: www. oneworldtelevisionchannel.com Address: 81 Greenrigg Rd, Cumbernauld, G672qa, Lanarkshire. Phone: 0123 6898876

Europe’s Only Available International Television Channel Franchise One World Television is the response to the many viewers who are concerned that today’s youth are growing up under the influence of hundreds of Television channels that are pouring out programs which glorify violence. Some social scientists’ studies have led them to believe that domestic violence has been generated in the home due to the intensity of influence that this genre of programmes may affect. In this short interview, the firm’s Laird A Salmon gives us an overview of the company. hat products and services does your firm provide? Europe’s only available International Television Channel Franchise.

What are the main challenges facing your company now and in the future? We need to sale the Channel Franchise in order to fund our Channels launch in other territories.

What does your client base look like? 750,000 – 6.000.000 via the SKY Channels Network.

What business or business person do you most admire and why? Any business that attempts to create free electricity energy generators.

What are your firm’s unique selling points? We have no risk with sales liabilities as all advertising will be provided via a contract with the ‘SKY Media Sales’ House.

The TV Channel is available now, and all qualifable prospectors should contact One World using the details in the red box above.

Acquisition International - February 2017 47

Right on Track DY160024

Right on Track Rcapital recently won ‘UK Construction & Engineering Deal of the Year for the Renew Holdings PLC Acquisition of Giffen’, the story of which this special feature about the deal reveals.

capital provides private investment, commercial expertise and handson support to transform and grow businesses. Working together with management teams, Rcapital focuses on driving performance and delivering results. We assess opportunities and make investment decisions within 24 hours. We are more than a turnaround investor, seeing potential in complex situations and working with management teams to share in success.

Company: Rcapital Name: Phil Emmerson Email: Phil@rcapital.co.uk Web: www.rcapital.co.uk Address: 5th Floor, 24 Old Bond Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4AW Phone: +44 (0)845 293 9888.

Since 2004, Rcapital has made over 50 portfolio investments from a wide range of industries and geographic spread. Rcapital structures straightforward transactions to meet the needs of sellers, management teams, employees and stakeholders to resolve complex situations. We consider all investment opportunities; typically focussing on SMEs with a turnover between £5m to £200m, investing up to £20m. Giffen Group specialises in electrical, signalling and power works across the rail infrastructure. Giffen is of the UK’s most successful companies operating in the fields of signalling, electrical engineering and specialist building services. The business has carried out engineering works on behalf of clients such as London Underground and Network Rail for over 50 years. During that time, the business and its workforce of 150 staff based in St Albans had built up an enviable reputation for safety and quality of workmanship delivered by highly skilled and technically rigorous teams. Rcapital were introduced to Giffen as the chairman was retiring following 105 years of family involvement. Although the business had a strong brand and reputation, it was not performing to its full financial potential. Rcapital brought in outside sector expertise to join the management team to focus on its core competencies and complete a thorough operational and financial transformation throughout the organisation. This involved streamlining processes, to make the business more efficient and able to focus on what it was known and respected for. Using the established reputation on London Underground, the business sought to diversify into Network Rail, targeting a number of key frameworks and rail operators. The business now has a much wider base of customers operating core skills and competencies. The results have been order books rising to record levels.

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On 1 November 2016, Giffen was acquired by Renew Holdings Plc. Giffen’s entire management team has remained with the company - and now reports into Amco Rail - Renew’s rail infrastructure business. Giffen has made transformational financial and operational changes that have resulted in growth during its time in the Rcapital investment portfolio. Giffen was expected to record revenue of approximately £22m and an adjusted profit before taxation of £0.7m for 30th November 2016. By acquiring the complementary skills of Giffen, Amco Rail is able to offer an expanded range of services across the rail network as well as creating opportunities for the Group to provide services to London Underground. Amco Rail is part of the Engineering Services Group supporting UK infrastructure and is listed on FTSE AIM 50. Factors conducive to a successful deal Cash is increasingly becoming a commodity – now more than ever it is the skills and experience plus funding that makes for a compelling case for turnaround and transformation. Building on a talented team it is important that relationships are built quickly. There is usually a lot of work to do very quickly, so it is important that time is invested at the start to initiate a strong working relationship for the future. By acquiring the complementary skills of Giffen, Amco Rail is able to offer an expanded range of services across the rail network as well as creating opportunities for the Group to provide services to London Underground. Amco Rail is part of the Engineering Services Group supporting UK infrastructure and is listed on FTSE AIM 50. The state of the industry today Inflation is set to rise, fuelled by the sharp fall in the pound, however the great unknown is whether wage inflation can stay ahead of general price inflation. Fanning concerns are other threats beyond Brexit such as Trump’s promise of a huge fiscal stimulus and threats to upend the global trading order, the Italian banking crisis and crucial elections in Europe. Despite all this uncertainty, there is still a large sum of capital that needs to be put to work, meaning the investment landscape is increasingly competitive with well-funded buyers and investors.

Solid as a Rock 1201AI11

Red Rock Capital Partners

Solid as a Rock

Company: Red Rock Capital Partners, LLC Name: Nathan Cook Email: ncook@redrockcp.com Web: www.redrockcp.com Address: 1334 Parkview Ave., Suite 100 Phone: +1 310 600 6089

Red Rock Capital Partners were fortunate to win the Turnaround Management Consultant of the Year USA award. As a leading advisor in the US, we profile their work as a corporate turnaround and management consulting firm.

ith offices in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the firm’s focus is very much on improving the enterprise value of distressed and transitioning middle market companies and their constituents.

Founded in 2015, Red Rock is a national consulting firm focused on helping clients make informed and successful, performance-driven decisions. Their team of professionals have extensive leadership and operational experience that are invaluable to assisting companies with the opportunities and challenges they face. Nathan Cook, CEO and Senior Managing Director of the firm has over 21 years of experience as a financial advisor and management consultant, focusing on providing corporate turnaround and interim management services. Nathan’s expertise includes leading operational improvement and cost reduction initiatives, transaction advisory, mergers and acquisitions, asset sales, cash and working capital management, capital structuring, debt refinancing, business plan development, leading corporate finance and accounting functions, valuation, crisis management and bankruptcy.

Prior to founding Red Rock, Nathan spent 14 years with AlixPartners, most recently as a Managing Director in the firm’s Los Angeles office, leading the firm’s turnaround & restructuring practice on the West Coast, and as co-head of the firm’s interim CFO practice. Prior to AlixPartners, Nathan was a management consultant with Price Waterhouse, Diamond Management & Technology Consultants and Peterson Consulting. Nathan has assisted on more than 70 consulting assignments in approximately 20 different industries during his career and has also served in interim management roles on several occasions including the Interim CFO of Waterpik, a global consumer products company, and assisted the company in its sale to MidOcean Partners and Vulcan Capital in 2013. For more information of his interim management roles and the firm’s work, please visit their website at: www.redrockcp.com.

Acquisition International - February 2017 49

Helping You Build Success 1701AI88

Company: Grant Thornton Name: Magdalena Olejnik Email: Magdalena.Olejnik@ pl.gt.com Web: Grant Thornton Address: ul. abpa Antoniego Baraniaka 88E, Budynek F, 61-131 Poznań Phone: +48 61 625 1100

Helping You Build Success Grant Thornton, established in 1993, is one of the fastest-growing audit and advisory companies in Poland and was recently successful in winning the ‘Best of the Best in Transfer Pricing’. We turn the spot light on to the fifth largest audit and advisory firm in Poland.

or over 24 years, Grant Thornton has worked for the most demanding clients, including a growing number of international companies as they look for an independent firm to handle their business advisory services in Poland.

The firm have been rendering their services to over 1200 companies annually, many among them listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange or as one of the top 500 Polish enterprises. They have over 400 employees now. As the fifth largest audit and advisory firm in Poland, they offer a unique combination of a slim and efficient organisation with the capability to operate globally. Committed to help you succeed Grant Thornton is here for you, as a sounding board when new ideas need to be tested. As advisors, when questions arise or problems need to be solved they are they. They give you the comfort of knowing that the financial information about your company

50 Acquisition International - February 2017

is correct. They also offer you the opportunity to further develop your business by providing valuable advice based on information and experience that are hard to come by for the single entrepreneur. Their expert team of business advisors, auditors, tax consultants and accountants are committed to helping you build your success. Rankings and awards Grant Thornton is one of the fastest-growing accounting and advisory firms in Poland. Their efforts to provide clients with high quality, distinctive service have been noticed by independent market analysts and leading economic media, not to mention their recent recognition from Acquisition Intl. for ‘Best of the Best in Transfer Pricing.’ At Grant Thornton, they take much pride in the fact that for many years now their company has ranked high in all major listings of audit, tax advisory, business consulting and outsourcing firms in Poland.

IP Gone Global 1702AI28

IP Gone Global ORITI PATENTS is a Switzerland based I.P. legal firm which specialises IP law, providing a wide range of services designed to support firms in Switzerland and around the world in filing, prosecuting and safeguarding their intellectual property. We profile the firm and Founder Franco Oriti to find out more, who were recently awarded the accolade of Ones to Watch in Intellectual Property.

Company: ORITI PATENTS Name: Franco Oriti Address: Viale Carlo Cattaneo 23, CH - 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Phone: +41 (0)91 921 39 76 Fax +41 (0)91 921 39 77 Email: info@oritipatents.ch Web: www.oritipatents.ch

stablished in 2014, ORITI PATENTS draws on the vast industry expertise of Founder Franco Oriti, who has been in the I.P. industry since 1991 in Italy and from 1999 in Switzerland and has over 25 years’ experience. He is a registered “Trademark Representative” before the Swiss Federal Patent Office and is also a European (n. 4688) and Italian (n. 793M) Trademark and Design Attorney.

In addition, he acts as an I.P. Consultant at InnoPark, Manno and Business Partner at Qualicon, Camorino. He also teaches in several local schools and for local Companies in English or Italian, drawing on his vast linguistic abilities which span English Italian, French, German and Russian.

Overall, Franco draws on many years’ experience, around the world in the renewal of patents of invention, designs, utility models, supplementary protection of certificates, textile designs, plant varieties and trademarks. Through this experience, Franco has the ability to establish plans, for the internal I.P. departments of companies and patent firms, to manage costs and reduce expenses for all I.P. maintenance fees and renewals around the world. He is also skilled at creating ad hoc I.P. Databases for handling due dates and reports. As such moving forward he is keen to continue to build upon his skills and support an even wider range of clients across all tier IP needs. IP Services • Filing and renewal of patents, designs and trademarks in Switzerland • Filing and renewal of international trademarks (“Madrid System”) • Filing of European patents in Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CH/LI have signed the “London agreement”) • Maintenance and renewal of intellectual property (I.P.) in Switzerland and worldwide • Recording change of names and/or legal addresses in Switzerland • Legalizations in Switzerland • Obtaining true copies in Switzerland • Copyright in Switzerland • I.P. training • Filing and renewal of European and Italian trademarks • Advice and collaboration in creating in-house renewals system and department for your premises across the world • Pro bono consulting (max 3 hours free) in Lugano and Canton Ticino to university students, unemployed people and start ups who have an idea and desire to safeguard it and would like to run their own business • Quotations of PCT national/regional phase entry and validations of European patents • Technology transfer and scouting • Licensing • I.P. audit and due diligence • Evaluation of I.P. portfolios

Acquisition International - February 2017 51

Trusted Advisors on Relocation 1701AI84

Trusted Advisors on Relocation R3Location offers an exceptional range of bespoke, high quality relocation services to organisations moving key executives into London and the South East. We profile the firm to see what they offer, following their recent success in winning the Corporate Relocation Advisor of the Year award.

3Location has continued to grow in strength over the last 12 months. It has reaffirmed its position as a specialist provider to FTSE100 and Fortune 500 companies, and is seen increasingly, not just as a destination service company, but as a trusted adviser on all matters relating to relocation into the Capital.

Company: R3Location Limited Name: Marco Previero Anna Barker Email: info@r3location.co.uk Web: www.r3location.co.uk Address: 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP Phone: +44 0 203 463 9774

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R3Location is a multiple-award winning business, and is the only Central London based destination services company in the relocation industry with offices in St Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park. In offering a range of bespoke services (ranging from pre-assignment and home finding support through to ongoing tenancy and departure support) it leads the way in how it delivers services, shares knowledge and best practice, communicates with the rest of the industry and acts as a trusted advisor to the mobility function of several large organisations. The firm takes its name from three interconnected areas.

R3Location spells Relocation It defines the industry in which it operates and is a constant reminder of the need to continue to challenge itself to be true to its Market, its clients and its people in how it delivers services. It stands for three core areas of support R3Location focuses on providing support across the initial stages of the assignment, including home finding, ongoing support and departure services. It defines three dimensions and strategic guiding principles The challenging economic environment has resulted in an increasing need to focus on the fundamentals at the core of delivery: quality execution, regulatory compliance and a sense of partnership. As a result, the business philosophy of the company is simple: Reliability, Reputation and Relationships. Led by two industry veterans, Marco Previero and Anna Barker, with over 30 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience between them, R3Location is proud to continue to push the boundaries and set the standard for local Destination Services.

Is the Genie out of the Bottle? 1701AI83

Benefits Plus Company: Benefits Plus Name: M. Gentile, CLU, CHFC, CFP Email: mike@benefits-plus.ca Web: www.benefits-plus.ca Address: 1644 Highland Rd W., Unit 5, Kitchener ON N2N 3K7 Phone: + 1 519 886 2707

Is the Genie out of the Bottle? For many years, I have been telling my clients that the world cannot afford to ignore China. In just 20 years, China has evolved from being an inward looking ultra-conservative (communist country) to a global giant. I am very pleased to have been given the accolade of Financial Consultant of the Year, Canada, part of AI’s Leading Advisors of 2016 awards.

hile China is on a roll and has a considerable amount of momentum working in its favour, the Chinese have tasted what was previously considered forbidden fruit (Capitalism). As we live in a global village today, we need to not only be aware, but also to understand the potential impact of China from a global economic perspective.

While the Chinese have gone from rickshaws to cars in a very short period of time, they need fuel to power the millions of vehicles on the many new roads they have constructed. The recently completed 3 Gorges Hydro Electric Project is the largest of its kind, generating 22,500 megawatts of electricity used to power a massive manufacturing sector.

It has been a given that for many decades, the US is the economic engine of planet earth. I am not suggesting that American know how or creativity is irrelevant, but I am saying that there are other players who have a significant impact on global economics.

In speaking with Chinese nationals during my travels throughout China, I was able to quickly determine that their political leanings have dramatically shifted in the direction of Capitalism versus Communism. On the Yangtze River (from a ship traffic perspective), the 401 of China, an immense quantity of materials and freight is constantly moving up and down the river in order to feed the country’s growing appetite for goods and services.

The current manufacturing environment in China, driven by low labour costs from my perspective, is not sustainable. It would appear that Chinese domestic demand alone is having an impact on costs. It’s no secret that China has made a concerted effort to guarantee that there will be sufficient resources to meet their needs on a go forward basis, by investing in a broad range of commodities like oil and minerals.

I think it would be fair to characterise the Chinese people today as very industrious, entrepreneurial and aggressive in their approach towards catching up and potentially surpassing Western growth and technology. China is now the world’s second largest economy.

“As we live in a global village today, we need to not only be aware, but also to understand the potential impact of China from a global economic perspective.”

Acquisition International - February 2017 53

1702AI49

Attention to Detail Design/Build by Visner has been in existence since 1978, consisting of a brief start in Michigan where they designed and constructed their first home. As winners of the ‘Most Outstanding Design Build Firm 2016’, we find out more about what has made them the successful firm that they are today.

Company: Design/Build by Visner Inc. Name: Jeffrey A. Visner Email: jeff@ designbuildbyvisner.com Web: designbuildbyvisner.com Address: 509 E. Wall Street PO Box 1057 Eagle River, WI 54521 Phone: + 1 (715) 479 2110

n 1979, the business moved to Wisconsin where Design/Build by Visner has resided ever since. Plenty of demand existed in the lake communities of Lake Geneva and Eagle River for imaginative design, creative solutions and quality craftsmanship. Their clients have high expectations and look to Jeffrey A. Visner and his staff to fulfill their needs and expectations.

The design/build process starts with the initial consultation where the needs and desires of the client are expressed and the assets and limitations of the property understood. Once an understanding exists, the conceptual design is then prepared and presented as floor plans, sections and 3D images. Upon acceptance of the conceptual design, the construction documents are completed in preparation for the construction of the project.

“On winning the Most Outstanding Design Build Firm 2016, this has been humbling and the firm recognizes that they have always strived for excellence in their field.” With the design and packaging completed and accepted, the talented craftsmen of Design/Build by Visner along with their dedicated subcontractors and suppliers see to construction of the project. ‘Attention to Detail’ has been the motto of the firm since its inception and is experienced by its clients from initial design through the final completion of the project. The company involves themselves in both residential and commercial projects consisting of new buildings, additions and remodeling of all sorts. Most Outstanding Design Build Firm 2016 On winning the Most Outstanding Design Build Firm 2016, this has been humbling and the firm recognizes that they have always strived for excellence in their field.

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There are several ways in which they differentiate their business from others. 1. Creative and functional design, is where it starts. The ability they have as a company is to listen, assess and propose ideas for any and all construction solutions, head and shoulders above their competitors. 2. A professional and organized approach, is the second. Their adherence to forms, procedures, communication and other business practices are also not matched by others in the business, at least from those that they have known. They are not foreign to paperwork, policies and procedures, protocol, respect, etc. 3. Attention to Detail, as would be reflected in the entries above but is an overall approach that they take with all aspects of their work. When designing and constructing projects of this sort, attention to detail is required from start to finish if it is to be a successful project. 4. Quality Construction, is the last thing that sets them, apart. Now…. there are those that are good contractors but where they win is seeing through imaginative design with extreme attention to detail. This allows the firm to be recognized highly for their skilled tradesmen doing the work. Client base Their client base consists of those that are particular, demanding and looking for something unique. The firm’s clients also have a keen sense of quality and value. Most of their clients have been successful in their own business and are entrepreneurs. The firm’s clients have come anywhere from Florida to California, however most of them originate from the metropolitan areas of the Midwest. In addition, their clients are a very good group of folks that are both expecting and appreciative of professionalism and attention to detail. The firm has a long list of those that have sung their praises. One of the better testaments was when the owners of a multi-million-dollar home that the firm designed and constructed made an art wall in the entrance hall of their home with customized documents that were used during the construction process, the contract, cost schedule etc. Whilst the firm continues to provide services for most of their past clients, it is by word of mouth by which most of the work is generated.

Attention to Detail

Hopes and plans for 2017 and beyond The firm has a great work load and expectations for the coming year. Work however is regulated on having enough design staff to keep up with the requests that come in. Their team consists of administration, design, sales and production staff. All of these play a significant role in the business. The firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s systems allow for all staff to communicate well and work in unison. Success starts with their ability to design, if not for design that is found appealing to clients, then they do not have any work. However, hiring qualified personnel is the biggest problem that this and other firms face. Getting folks that want to work with their hands is becoming more and more difficult. Society has not helpedâ&#x20AC;Ś. the glorification of most all trades other than those that work with their hands, does not entice todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s young people to go into the trade.

Acquisition International - February 2017 55

The Importance of Data Security FD160123

The Importance of Data Security Midaxo Platform is developed, operated, and maintained by motivated, competent personnel that are committed to maintaining a high level of information security. The firm recently won the Award for Excellence in M&A Data Security - US, which reaffirms their belief that continuous security education and training supports them to maintain security awareness in their organisation. Company: Midaxo Ltd. Name: Kalle Kilpi Email: kalle.kilpi@midaxo.com Web: www.midaxo.com Address: 33 Broad Street, Suite 405, Boston, MA 02109, USA Phone: +1 617-237-2881

s M&A professionals, we understand the importance of data security and maintaining the confidentiality of information in an M&A context. This key factor is incorporated into the way we have designed and built our entire platform.

The technical implementation of Midaxo Platform has been designed to meet customers’ strict security requirements and industry best practices. Midaxo is committed to maintaining a high level of information security, and its key priority is always protecting customers’ information and carefully maintaining the information security of Midaxo Platform. Our Security White Paper gives an overview of the Midaxo Platform security features. Overview of Midaxo Ltd. Traditionally, M&A has been run through disparate point solutions like Excel, email, VDRs, etc., which requires a lot of admin work, is not scalable, and introduces a ton of additional risk into M&A. Midaxo maximises M&A value creation by giving M&A professionals all the tools they need and complete control of their complex activities. Our platform has all the applications and functionality that they need to complete an M&A project from prospecting through diligence and post-integration. Today, thousands of users at companies, including HP, Philips and ADT rely on Midaxo to run their global M&A. The Midaxo information security management system (Midaxo ISMS) is based on the international ISO 27001 standard, which makes Midaxo the only fully ISO27001 certified player in the market. Midaxo ISMS defines the security processes, roles, and responsibilities for implementing information security management as an integral part of Midaxo’s business and operations. Midaxo ISMS, together with Midaxo’s information security policy, are periodically reviewed to ensure they are up to date. Approach towards client service With Midaxo, there is no installation, configuration, or consulting required, which makes our platform easy to use and adopt. Customers are normally onboarded by a customer success team member during a two-hour training session. Midaxo provides each customer with a named customer advocate for ongoing support and performance reviews.

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In addition, we maintain comprehensive and up to date FAQs, best practices, use cases, and informative webinars. We aim to provide friendly, customised, and effective support 24/7. Our customers’ feedback steers us in the right direction to improve our product. For our customers stay up to date with our product, they can head to our product blog or see a history of product improvements from our changelog. Company culture At Midaxo, we value our customers and appreciate their complex work. We make it a priority to deliver end to end value to our customers in helping them succeed. A satisfied customer is the measure to our success. We look to understand the client’s current processes and strategies before using Midaxo to support their process management goals. Since each team has different sizes and experience levels, the onboarding process is unique from customer to customer. Security challenges Due to today’s ever-changing risks and security threats, Midaxo’s security team closely monitors security updates, alerts, and advisories from applicable system and software vendors as well as various security organisations and authorities. Based on risk analysis, the security team deploys applicable mitigation methods and security controls. Periodic security audits and technical tests performed by independent third-party information security companies ensure that information security fulfils all requirements and meets the highest standards. Future projects and plans In November 2016, Midaxo raised $4 million to drive continued growth. Midaxo will use the additional capital to accelerate product development and expand customer-facing activities. Currently, Midaxo has 30 employees, and the employee headcount is expected to rise to 60 by the end of year 2017. The goal is to hire new developers for the Helsinki office and expand the sales and marketing teams in the Boston office.

Hedge Your Bets HF170089

Hedge Your Bets G.A.M.A.G Group is a group of companies investing their proprietary capital worldwide using alpha-oriented und hedge strategies. Following on from our success in winning the Best Equity Orientated Fund of Funds: GAMAG Black & White Certificate & Innovators in High Finance & Alpha Generation, we turn the spot light on our proprietary trading group and the hedge fund industry in Germany today.

Company: German Asset Managers Group Name: Carsten Straush, President Email: straush@ germanasset.com Web: www.germanasset.com Address: Bettinastr.30 60325 Frankfurt, Germany Phone: +49 69 97461134

nvestors with the G.A.M.A.G companies are buying securities (index-linked notes) issued by German Asset Managers AG, Frankfurt, which in turn invests its monies primarily with GAMAG special purpose vehicles GAMAG Black + White Ltd. and GAMAG Vola + Value Ltd.

These companies in turn are investing with hedge funds, are buying stocks, bonds and notes worldwide and use derivatives extensively to hedge or gain from time decay. The success of such investments is independently monitored and calculated monthly via the G.A.M.A.G indices (actively managed performance indices). GAMAG group´s clients are primarily mid and high net worth individuals and smaller fund of hedge funds. GAMAG group offers no services. It is a proprietary trading group. There is therefore no tailoring of our products and services. GAMAG group trades different strategies from which investors may chose according to their investment preferences. GAMAG strategies are using many options´ strategies to reduce risk. Historically volatility experienced was only one third of the like of the underlying markets.

“The fun will go on. Artificial intelligence is a new and interesting frontier. Given the fact that more and more transactions are initiated by machines researching the errors of algos is the winning approach for the future.” Our overall mission is to achieve superior long term risk adjusted returns, while having solid exposure to tangible assets, to achieve maximum protection against failure of the financial markets at whole. In addition, we are doing what we think is best for our proprietary capital. As a midsize firm, we are better able to switch our approaches to analysis, strategy and technology faster than any big house.

Differentiating the business from competitors We are really alpha traders who trade only on proprietary research, which we generate in house. Our unique style is easily seen by comparing our performances with those of popular HF indices. They really differ a lot! Do our investors realise this sufficiently? We are certainly trying to educate them on the matter. Overview of the hedge fund industry in Germany Germany is not a well-known HF spot, neither from the buy nor the sell side. There are some family offices and some corporate investors in the play, but we cater mainly to private investors personally. The major challenge is the risk-averse nature of the German investor and his or her limited knowledge regarding the characteristics of HF styles. Furthermore, the regulatory environment is a tough one. Germany in that sense can be compared to New York, in the sense that if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. If the German investor is forced to bleed return, due to negative interest rates for a longer period of time, the he or she will discover that HF returns are attractive. In my view, Germany is an emerging market with respect to HFs. This makes it complicated on one hand, but very lucrative on the other. Internal culture We are an entrepreneurial company. We service nobody but the superior risk return profile and long term growth of the group. Everybody is paid according to this aim e.g. by way of long dated compensation packages and is promoted according to achieving long term goals. Everybody is given maximum responsibility possible and confronted with the task to be entrepreneur on his own. We want people that would like to do the job they are on even if there would be no monetary compensation. Developments on the horizon The fun will go on. Artificial intelligence is a new and interesting frontier. Given the fact that more and more transactions are initiated by machines researching the errors of algos is the winning approach for the future.

Acquisition International - February 2017 57

FD160092

Name: Emmanuel Jacques Company: Emmanuel Jacques Almosnino Law Firm Email: eja@eja-lawfirm.com Web: www.eja-lawfirm.com Address: 3 rue Lafayette, Gustavia – BP 656, 97099 Saint-Barthélemy, French West Indies Phone: + 509 509 29 71 10

The Highest-Quality Service Emmanuel Jacques Almosnino Law Firm, based in Saint-Barthélemy, provides legal counsel for their clients in the areas of real estate purchases and investments, corporate formations, international taxation and commercial and civil litigation. In an interview with the firm’s Emmanuel Jacques, we learn about the firm’s concierge-oriented service for their clients and the famous business figures he most admires. hat does your client base look like? Our client base consists of high-net worth individuals from the U.S. and elsewhere who wish to buy or invest in Saint Barth real estate.

What are your firm’s unique selling points? What is unique about our firm is the fact that we provide a concierge-oriented service for our clients, as well as their legal and financial representatives. We provide the highest-quality service because of our extensive knowledge of business law and their understanding of the international economic climate. What are the main challenges facing your company today? We recently saw the people of Great Britain voting to secede from the European Union, which was known as the ‘Brexit.’ This resulted in the devaluation of the euro and the strengthening of the U.S. dollar. Many European investors held onto their money, but we saw more motivated U.S. investors putting their money into Saint Barth real estate because of its affordability.

58 Acquisition International - February 2017

While this helps encourage investment in Saint Barth, in the short term, weakening of the European Union and the potential for changes in the U.S., with a new administration in place, are creating uncertainty which could harm investment long-term. What are the main objectives for your business in the future? We are looking to expand our client base. There are a number of real estate transactions that we are currently negotiating on behalf of our clients. What business or business person do you most admire and why? Simon Wiesenthal, who dedicated his life to bring the Nazis to justice and who never forgot those who did not survive the extermination camps. Albert Einstein, not as a scientist but as a philosopher: his reflections and positions are real guidelines for those who want to understand how the world is and want to behave in a positive manner.

The Highest-Quality Service

Acquisition International - February 2017 59

Customised Asian Hedge Funds s

Customised Asian Hedge Funds

Company: Gen2 Partners Ltd Email: info@gen2ks.com Web: www.gen2ks.com Address: 7702B, 77/F, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Gen2 Partners (Gen2) is one of the leaders in customised Asian Hedge Funds (HFs) (which includes KS Asia Absolute Return Fund IC and KS Credit Funds) and KS Credit Funds for institutional investors and family offices. Having been recently awarded ‘Thought Leader in Customised Asian Hedge Funds’ and ‘Best Asia Credit Fund 2017: KS Korea Credit Fund’ they reveal more about their work in managing their investors’ exposure to Asia across all Asian alternative strategies. pecifically, within the hedge fund space, what services does your firm offer and how do you tailor these around the needs of individual clients? Gen2 is an independent alternative asset management firm in Asia, offering a range of innovative investment products to investors across the APAC region.

Since the firms’ inception it has grown to become among the industry leaders in customised Asian Hedge Funds for institutional investors and family offices, in addition to being a trusted partner to help manage investors’ exposure to Asia across all alternative strategies in the region. Working within such a fast-paced industry, how do you ensure that your firm remains on the cutting edge of new developments and how do you ensure that you are always best placed to meet your clients’ needs? Our culture successfully combines an entrepreneurial partnership structure with a disciplined institutional investment process. We align the interests of the investment team with our investors as much as possible. Another differentiating factor is our proprietary risk management system. This system constantly monitors investment breaches by our portfolio managers. As such, our independent risk monitor firm and in-house risk team together produces monthly risk reports using state of the art risk management system, IMAGINE, that many of global banks and asset managers relying on. Risk teams produce more than 30 different kinds of risk reports per fund and tracks over factors, including VAR (Value at Risk), scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis, cross correlations, underlying asset performance, risk factor exposure (equity, fixed income and country risks), P/L attribution, liquidity analysis, tracking versus our peer group, etc.

60 Acquisition International - February 2017

Talk me through the hedge fund industry in your region currently? Are there any specific challenges or outside influences affecting it? Within the Asian investment market, it is critical to keep ahead of emerging trends and developments, and therefore Gen2 Partners regularly communicates with market participants in order to ensure that our information is up to date. We also keep a good network of brokers, who always hold a lot of information on the industry, such as IPOs or how the market is performing. Thus, we operate a strong collaborative approach, which, combined with our risk averse strategy has helped to ensure a strong performance from the fund, and we have made 5% returns over the past 12 months, and despite tough economic conditions across the Asian market. Tell me about your region, and why you believe this is the ideal base for your company? Many alterations to legislation in our region are proving our firm with unique opportunities for growth. One such development is the Korean Government’s changing regulations, which now allow offshore investors greater access to its markets, as well as enabling firms such as mine to easily set up hedge fund businesses within the country. Therefore, moving forward Gen2 Partners is keen to set up a hedge fund management company in Korea, as well as looking for an investment opportunity in an established asset management firm in the country, seeking to become the second largest shareholder in this business. What does the future hold for your business? Are there any specific projects or major developments on the horizon that you would be willing to share with us? We are in the process to set up on-shore hedge fund management firm in Korea to better service Korean institutional clients and potentially bring more talents who can contribute to generate alpha and achieve absolute returns regardless of market directions.

Louise Carrington Fhiitchick Personal Trainer London & Dubai Louise Carrington is a personal trainer and was given the Most Empowering Personal Trainer: London & Dubai last year. For more information about her work, please contact her on any of the contact details below.

louiserosecarrington@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/pg/fhiitchick/about +44 (0)7373 309473

IW160048

A Wealth of Legal Services FD160093

A Wealth of Legal Services

Company: RayYin & Partners Name: Yi Zhou Email: zy@rayyinlawyer.com Web: www.rayyinlawyer.com Address: Beijing City, Chaoyang District Xinyuan No.16 Kun Sha center2 501 Phone: + 86 1580 163 4799

Founded in 2004, RayYin & Partners is an independent boutique law firm which has offices both in Beijing and Shenzhen. We specialise in providing services related to foreign investment, private wealth management, international trust, international trade, international investment and intellectual property. Their Internet company recently won ‘Most Futuristic Legal Platform 2016 – LegalSOSChina’ in the AI Legal Awards. any of our partners and colleagues graduate from famous law schools in US or EU, some of them have also worked in US or EU law firms before they joined RayYin. We have earned much trust and respect from our clients by virtue of our prominent abilities, accurate understanding of the clients’ demands as well as a timely grasp of important policy changes.

The service areas of the Foreign Investment team of RayYin includes international trust, international taxation, cross-country marriage, wealth management and family inheritance. This team provides high-end private legal services for high net-worth individual clients and cooperates with many well-known financing institutions both at home and abroad. Therefore, our foreign investment team is quite familiar with the fields of wealth management and estate planning, both of which are primarily focused on high net-worth individual clients. The team of International Trade and WTO consists of three partners, three senior accountants and seven lawyers. Between then, this team has more than ten years’ experience in anti‐dumping, countervailing and safeguards cases as well as matters concerning the application of the WTO Agreements. Who’s Who Legal, Chambers Global and The Legal 500 have recommended the firm’s partner‐ Mr. Yang, Lin as leader in the legal practice of International Trade and WTO in China. RayYin’s Intellectual Property team is newly established, indeed its partners and counsellors all have technical degrees in fields such as electrical and mechanical engineering, computer science, chemistry and microbiology. They are not only knowledgeable in IP law, but they have a deep understanding of the product and technology. They act as the IP agent for many well-known enterprises and colleges for several hundred intellectual property projects. Meanwhile, RayYin’s intellectual property team - and the litigation arbitration team - cooperate closely in claims involving patent, trademark and copyright infringement, unfair competition, false advertising, trade secret misappropriation and other IP-related violations, to fully protect intellectual property assets of the clients.

62 Acquisition International - February 2017

RayYin’s Litigation & Arbitration team possesses rich experience in dealing with complex commercial disputes for large enterprises, assisting the clients to pursue the vision they have laid out for their businesses. The team handles many high-profile cases before the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission, the Beijing Arbitration Commission and various people’s courts, at all levels around China. RayYin is incorporated into the Expert’s Panel of China’s Ministry of Commerce as well as Shenzhen WTO Center. The firm’s partners, Mrs. Wang Hao and Mr. Yang Lin are continuously recommended by Chambers Global and The Legal 500. RayYin and its partners also take an active part in all kinds of pro bono activities. We regularly provide free legal consulting and aid to some private charity organisations, and we are the founder of the ‘Mustard Seed Mobile Library’ which mainly services the school-age children in some undeveloped rural areas. RayYin is one of the leading Chinese law firms that provides international trade law services. Our International Trade & WTO Practice offers legal services to both domestic companies and multinational enterprises, based on our thorough knowledge of Chinese laws and procedures, as well as international treaties. We provide the following services to clients: •

Representing foreign manufacturers, exporters or Chinese importers in anti-dumping investigations initiated by Chinese authorities against imported products;

•

Representing foreign manufacturers, exporters or Chinese importers in countervailing duty investigations initiated by Chinese authorities against imported products;

•

Representing foreign manufacturers, exporters or Chinese importers in safeguard investigations initiated by Chinese authorities against imported products and;

•

Representing foreign governmental authorities and industrial associations that participate in trade barrier investigations initiated by Chinese authorities.

Partner with us!

By becoming a TV Broadcaster Franchisee. An exclusive opportunity to enter the broadcasting Industry will open early in 2017. A LICENSE TO OPERATE THE TELEVISION CHANNEL FRANCHISE, WHICH PROVIDES A CORE OPERATIONS TEAM, A NAMED & NUMBERED SKY EPG, BROADCAST LICENSE, A CHANNEL MANAGEMENT CONTRACT, 12 WEEKS OF PROGRAMS ALREADY SCHEDULED, PROGRAM CONTENT ACCOUNT, CHANNEL MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE & SALES PORTAL, OPERATIONS MANUAL, WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR INTERESTED MEDIA BUYERS TO INSPECT, BEFORE SUBMITTING BIDS TO PURCHASE. The spectacular Franchise model pre-disposes 75% of all workflow tasks to be assigned by contract to professionals. Therefore the buyer need only provide an admin team, an accountant and three program schedulers in order to qualify to win the operations license.

5 Star Film Co. Ltd

FRANCHISE OFFER SUMMARY: [20% EQUITY STAKE] The TV Channel will be Operated by ‘Information TV’ & will Playout on the SKY Showcase 3 Channel. Our Company have a qualified team, broadcast license & 12 weeks of programmes already scheduled, so we are eager for an investor to come on board as soon as possible. We hold the World’s only TV Channel Franchise. A leading Broadcasting TV Channel is capable of earning several billions per annum, and what makes our Franchise offer unique is the fact that we not only organise the broadcast management for the franchisee, but also supply the operations team at our own expense. The franchisee is only responsible for a minimal potion of duties which will include website management P.R, Press releases, customer services & accounting. The Franchise license will be open to bid offers during 2017, and bids will start at £96,000 The other qualifying requirements are as follows. 1. A minimum of six personnel must be deployed for 8 hrs per day 5 days per week, three program schedulers need to be included. 2. The Prospector that offers the highest bid will win the license. 3. Should only one bid be offered then the Franchise shall go for the lowest offering which is £96.000 {It should be considered that when the ITV Southern Television Franchise went to auction during the 1980s, Meridian TV won the License with a highest bid of £163,000,000 The Chairman of Scottish Television once quoted when he took the post, that “Television Broadcasting is the equivalent of owning a license to print money. Compare the Southern Television Franchise sale to Meridian TV with the One World Television Channels Franchise value.

Southern Television {Regional} Average peak Viewers: 82,000 Franchise Cost: £163,000,000 Broadcast time before profit was made. (4 years 2 months)

1702AI21

One World Television Channel {All U.K & Europe} Forecast average peak viewer based upon Program contents past performances: 990,000 [Forecasted daily viewers for the first year] [85,000 - 2.500.000] [Average earning per advert per 1000 viewers - £34] Average volume of Adverts per week - 960 Franchise cost: £96,000 Broadcast time before profit is made. (one day)

Begin the TV Channel Franchise Investigation!

1701CV41

Shining Bright Company: Clean Energy Enterprises Name: Daniel Cobb Web: cleanenergyenterprises. com.au

Clean Energy Enterprises Pty Ltd is the parent company that owns and operates the Solar Shop, Commsolar, Commercial Power Solutions and Premier Solar Project’s brands. We profile the firm to see how the positive impact they made on the energy sector.

lean Energy’s mission is to put an end to dependence on fossil fuels, by offering clients the latest innovations in energy efficiency and solar technologies. With an impressive portfolio of projects delivered and a truly national presence, CEE has the assets, expertise and capacity to assist clients in achieving sustainability goals.

These iconic brands have pioneered and dominated the roll out of Clean Energy Solar Power systems across Australia since 1999. Clean Energy Enterprises, through its iconic brands, has installed more Solar Panels and generated more Solar Power than any other business or company in Australia’s history. The firm’s vision is for the widespread availability and affordability of renewable energy to become a reality. As such CEE is investing extensive capital and resources to be the market leader in the energy sector.

“Energy efficiency is important to us all but in the commercial environment any improvements must be financially sustainable.” The firm’s products are sourced from leading manufacturers and suppliers in Australia and internationally, and build trust with those relationships by exploiting their capabilities of industry knowledge and technical expertise. The team at Clean Energy is one of the most experienced in delivering commercial and large scale solar and energy projects in Australia. Staff are dedicated to providing the best solutions to fit customers and clients needs, without compromise on value or quality. Clean Energy’s partners are the best in their respective fields. They only use electrical contractors and installers that have passed all relevant training and are fully certified, thereby ensuring the highest quality product installations. The core purpose of the business is to advocate and commercialize clean energy and clean technologies in a highly ethical and socially responsible way that is good for the community and the environment.

64 Acquisition International - February 2017

In order to fulfil this, Clean energy has three core values which they adhere to. They always strive to be the most innovative and trusted company in the clean energy sector, in any given situation, they will always treat people in the same way that they would like to be treated in the same situation and they will always act in customers’ best interests. Clean Energy believes in making energy independence possible through their main values. These values are: - customer focus, quality products, teamwork, communication, dedication and a passion for the environment. That means that they take the time to listen to clients, understanding their needs and providing them with the optimum solution. That means making sure clients are getting the best returns on their investment. One innovative and pioneering service has been the Solarshop, which was established with a strong belief in solar power – not just the environmental case but also having the benefits of free power generation. Growing from a humble beginning of three people distributing panels from Adelaide, Solarshop have come a long way in 12 years with offices now in five states. Solarshops’ vision for the future drives everything they do at Solarshop with their main goal to be Australia’s leading and most trusted provider of integrated solar energy solutions. As well as Solarshop, Clean Energy operates Commsolar. They specialise in PV solar projects ranging from 10kW to 10MW. We are dedicated to projects that implement world’s best practice in design and delivery, earned not only in terms of installed solar capacity, but also through the success of projects that are delivered on time and within budget. Commsolar’s experienced project managers and engineers are involved from the feasibility stage through to project execution and completion. They focus on planning down to the smallest level of detail, with particular attention paid to the interface between head contractor and management of the project schedule. This ensures that every commitment is realised on time, often exceeding client expectations. Commsolar’s team members have a diverse range of experience, from delivering multi-megawatt solar projects in Europe to designing remote

Shining Bright

power stations in rural Australia. Large-scale projects require a wide range of expertise, and Commsolar’s team often manages the recruitment and development of specialised partnerships for a project. This has previously included construction and engineering firms, property groups, architects and finance advisors. These partnerships are often formed in the concept or pre-tender stages, with a thorough understanding of end-user needs always driving the approach. Excellence in managing projects from concept to completion, with the input of multiple stakeholders and project partners, is one of Commsolar’s hallmarks. We also recognise the need for flexibility, and do not commit to any one particular supplier or technology. In the last calendar year alone, the group has deployed more than nine photovoltaic module technologies (from seven of the world’s leading manufacturers) to rooftops and ground-based ‘free-field’ sites around Australia. Nevertheless, Commsolar’s established connections with domestic and international suppliers is one of their greatest strengths. Their long-term research and development programs have resulted in strong relationships, and have reduced the cost of cutting-edge systems for clients without compromising quality. Energy efficiency is important to us all but in the commercial environment any improvements must be financially sustainable. If people are investing money into energy efficiency, businesses need to know how long it will take for the investment to pay for itself or the Return on Investment (ROI). Many companies will advise clients to invest substantial sums of money into energy efficiency with an ROI of six to ten years. CPS specialises in solutions that have an ROI of three years or under. Into the future, Clean Energy Enterprises hopes to be Australia’s most prominent developer and owner of Solar Power Parks (100kw – 10mw size) and to always have the best brands in the Clean Energy Industry Sectors that they participate in. Also, by 2020, the firm want to be rightfully recognized as the company that did more to help Australia achieve its 20% Renewable Energy Target than any other company.

Acquisition International - February 2017 65

Company: Bureau van Dijk E-Mail: bvd@bvdinfo.com Web: www.bvdinfo.com

M&A Deals in the Support Services Sector The volume and value of deals featuring targets in the support services sector declined in the second half of 2016, according to Zephyr, the M&A database published by Bureau van Dijk. In all there were 5,567 deals worth a combined $176,807 million announced over the course of the six months, down from 6,126 deals worth $202,102 million in the first half of the year.

017 has gotten off to a fairly slow start in terms of deal making activity in the sector. In January, there were 860 deals worth a combined $24,296 million. If activity continues on this trajectory we are likely to see H1 2017 decline on H2 2016 by both volume and value. If this is the case it would represent the third consecutive drop on both fronts for a sixmonth period. However, January’s result alone is still fairly close to the $38,725 million invested in H1 2009 and we could still see increased levels of deal making over the coming months which may boost results before the end of H1. As we have seen in previous years, it only takes a small number of large transactions with high values to change the course of results over a period. We have already seen a number of fairly large deals targeting support services companies in 2017 and many will be keeping a close eye on the markets to

see if further high considerations are injected in the coming months. The largest deal to target a support services company in 2017 to date featured US-based online application intelligence software player AppDynamics, which Cisco Systems agreed to acquire for $3,700 million. This deal alone accounts for 15% of the $24,296 million invested over the course of the month. Second place was taken by a transaction worth $2,280 million as WestRock Company signed on the dotted line to pick up Bermuda-headquartered print-based packaging solutions provider Multi Packaging Solutions International. Only two other deals broke the $1,000 million-barrier; Keysight Technologies acquired Ixia for $1,600 million while Digital Bridge Holdings took over Vantage Data Centers Management for $1,000 million. North America has so far attracted the most support services investment in 2017, with the region having been targeted in 289 deals worth $12,135 million. In terms of value it was followed by the Far East and Central Asia with $7,092 million, while South and Central America came third with $2,636 million. It was a different story by volume as Western Europe was second with 242 deals, followed by the Far East and Central Asia (229) and Eastern Europe (62). The fact that South and Central America could only place fifth by volume with 15 deals highlights the importance of individual large considerations as those transactions were worth a combined $2,636 million, thereby accounting for 11% of the industry’s total value for the period, and will have boosted the sector’s aggregate value for the month considerably. In conclusion, it remains too early to say how 2017 is likely to shape up for the support services sector, but the fact that a number of high value transactions worth over $1,000 million have already been signed off is undoubtedly encouraging. The next few months will provide a better indication of whether H1 is likely to stop the decline in activity which has been witnessed over the last couple of years.

66 Acquisition International - February 2017

Sector Talk

Number and Aggregate Value (mil USD) of Support Services Deals Globally: 2006-2017 YTD (as at 31 January 2017)

Number and Aggregate Value (Mil USD) of Support Services Deals Globally by Target Sector: 2006 - 2016 to date (as at 31 January 2017)

Deal Number half yearly value of deals (Announced date)

Aggregate deal value (mil $)

Zephus classification (target)

Number of deals

Aggregate deal value (mil $)

H1 2017

860

24,296

Computer, IT and Internet services

55,665

1,209,992

H2 2016

5,567

176,807

Mining & Extraction

5,442

602,554

H1 2016

6,126

202,102

13,658

541,196

H2 2015

6,836

215,554

Transport, Freight, Storage & Travel Services

H1 2015

6,749

194,346

13,646

499,181

H2 2014

6,226

133,003

Personal, Leisure & Business Services

106,622

5,802

119,342

Banking, Insurance & Financial Services

3,854

H1 2014 H2 2013

5,075

83,181

Wholesaling

1,436

100,834

H1 2013

4,318

79,011

95,056

4,073

97,817

H1 2012

3,533

67,024

Chemicals, Petroleum, Rubber & Plastic

393

H2 2012

Utilities

1,002

87,028

H2 2011

3,125

98,251

H1 2011

2,737

81,061

Industrial, Electric & Electronic Machinery

1,143

72,842

H2 2010

2,490

75,861

Retailing

972

71,363

H1 2010

2,422

67,055

Communications

614

48,411

Hotels and Restaurants

873

40,218

Public Administration, Education, Health Social Services

1,065

38,048

Property Services

476

31,028

Construction

563

22,919

H2 2009

2,073

98,242

H1 2009

1,862

38,725

H2 2008

1,824

72,570

H1 2008

2,019

79,417

H2 2007

2,115

101,883

H1 2007

2,324

112,958

Number and Aggregate Value (Mil USD) of Support Services Deals Globally by Deal Type: 2006-2016 to date (as at 31 January 2017) Deal type

Number of deals

Aggregate deal value (mil $)

Acquisition

25,240

1,185,886

Minority stake Institutional buy-out Capital increase Demerger

47,428 1,669 7,158 62

714,374 251,877 250,086 6,992

Management buy-out

424

6,640

Number of Support Services Deals by Region: 2006 - 2016 YTD (as at 31 January 2017) World region (target) North America

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

4,663

5,587

5,285

3,705

289

Western Europe Far East and Central Asia Eastern Europe South and Central America

2,070 975 723 359

2,724 1,722 935 381

3,268 3,318 710 294

3,294 3,090 846 193

242 229 62 15

Oceania Middle East Africa

388 138 63

425 141 108

437 172 96

353 136 90

14 7 3

M&A in the Healthcare Sector In keeping with the pattern detected across global M&A activity for 2016, the year was slightly disappointing in terms of deal making in the healthcare sector; both volume and value declined over the 12 months but were more impressive when compared with 2014 and preceding years. According to Zephyr, the M&A database published by Bureau van Dijk, there were 1,918 deals worth $44,283 million announced in 2016, compared to the $68,586 million invested across 1,974 transactions in 2015. 2017 has started promisingly; in January, there were 165 deals worth $4,473 million featuring targets in the healthcare sector. If results continue on this trajectory for the rest of this year both volume and value should manage to surpass 2016â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s levels. However, it remains to be seen whether 2015â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressive levels can be achieved again and this will depend on an upturn in deal making over the coming months. The last time aggregate value surpassed the $68,586 million invested in 2015 was in 2006, when transactions worth $74,341 million were signed off. North America topped the world region rankings by both volume and value by a considerable distance in January; in all the region was targeted in 86 deals worth a combined $4,058 million. This placed it ahead of Western Europe, which notched up deal making of $145 million across 35 deals, on both fronts. The Far East and Central Asia placed third with 28 deals worth $139 million. A considerable portion of the $4,058 million invested in North America over the month is attributable to a single deal as US surgery centres operator Surgical Care Affiliates was acquired by UnitedHealth Group for $3,600 million. This deal was worth significantly more than the secondplaced transaction; a $300 million purchase of an 80% stake in MIVIP Healthcare Holdings by China Robotic Surgery Group. In conclusion, January was a promising month for deal making in the healthcare sector, largely due to a single transaction. If more deals on this scale are announced in the coming months activity levels could start to move closer to those recorded in 2015.

Acquisition International - February 2017 67

Leading Advisor of the Year 2016 Company: JINCHENG TONGDA & NEAL Name: Zhao Ping Email: zhaoping@jtnfa.com Web: www.jtnfa.com Address: 7F, Standard Chartered Tower 201 Century Avenue, 200120 China Phone: +86 21 6079 5600 Leading Advisor of the Year 2016 Company: Prime Partners Wirtschaftskanzlei Name: Adi Seffer Email: a.seffer@primepartners.de Web: www@primepartners.de Address: Bleichstrasse 52, 60313 Frankfurt am Main Phone: +49 69 8700208 0 Leading Microfinance Advisor of the Year - Nigeria Company: Bosak MfB Ltd Name: Kola Bello Email: KolaBello@bosakmfb.com Web: www.bosakmfb.com Address: Plot 8 Guinness Road Off Akilo Road Ogba, Industrial Estate, Lagos, 234 Nigeria Phone: +234 7098 147 945 Leading Microfinance Advisor of the Year - Cameroon Company: Roland J. MBELLA Name: Roland J. MBELLA Email: rolandmbella@hotmail.com Address: 510 rue Larminat, Douala, Cameroon Phone: +237 677 737 706 Leading Advisor of the Year 2016 USA - Turnaround Management Consultant Company: Silvermark CPAs & Advisors, LLC Name: Chris Denney Email: cdenney@silvermarkcpas-advisors.com Web: www.silvermarkcpas-advisors.com Address: 450 E 96th St, Suite 500 Indianapolis, IN 46240 Phone: + 1 317 581 6350 2016 Leading Advisor of the Year + 2017 Ones to Watch in Consultancy Company: Omnex, Inc. Name: Chad Kymal Email: info@omnex.com Web: www.omnex.com Address: 315 East Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 214, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Telephone: + 1 734 761 4940

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2016 Leading Advisors of the Year Leading Copyright Litigation Consultant of the Year Company: Anand and Anand Name: Abhunev Kumar Email: abhinev@anandandanand.com Web: www.anandandanand.com Address: First Channel Building, Plot No. 17 A Sector 16 A, Film City, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India Phone: +91 120 405 9300 2016 Leading Advisor of the Year - Australia Company: Peter Sarlos Architect Name: Peter Sarlos Email: psarlos@bigpond.net.au Web: www.ansr.net.au Address: 22/1A Railway Cresent, Stanwell Park, NSW 2508 Australia Phone: +61 418 860 275 Boutique Business of the Year 2016 - UK Company: Elman Wall Limited Name: Jonathan Wall Email: deborah.potts@elmanwall.co.uk Web: www.elmanwall.co.uk Address: 8th floor, Becket House, 36 Old Jewry, London EC2R 8DD Phone: +44 (0) 777 5893 343 2016 Pension Advisors of the Year - UK Company: Walker Morris LLP Name: Helen Stead Email: helen.stead@walkermorris.co.uk Web: www.walkermorris.co.uk Address: Kings Court, 12 King Street, Leeds, LS1 2HL Phone: +44 (0) 113 283 2500 2016 Most Innovative Accountancy Firms - Nepal Company: Bam Dipendra Bahadur Name: Bam Dipendra Bahadur Email: deconsult@wlink.com.np Address: Hat-9, Vcd., Baitadu Mahakali, Nepal Phone: +977 554 42 01 2016 Most Innovative Accountancy Firms - Australia Company: Red Cloud Consulting Name: Craig Melville Email: craig@redcloudconsulting.com.au Web: www.redcloudconsulting.com.au Address: Level 2, 91 Havelock Street, West Perth, WA 6005 Australia Phone: +61 (8) 6558 0524

2016 Most Innovative Accountancy Firms - UK Company: Nicolson Accountancy Name: Sue Nicolson Email: sue@nicolsonaccountancy.co.uk Web: www.nicolsonaccountancy.co.uk Address: Trinity House, 31 Lynedoch Street Glasgow G3 6EF Phone: +44 141 237 3878 2017 Ones to Watch in Law Company: Tumey L.L.P Name: Tod T. Tumey Email: ttumey@tumeyllp.com Web: www.tumeyllp.com Address: Tumey L.L.P. Home Office, 7500 San Felipe, Suite 440 Houston, Texas 77063 Phone: +1 713 622 7005 2017 Ones to Watch in Law Company: mpmlegal Name: Avv. Prof. Marco Mastracci Email: m.mastracci@mpmlegal.it Web: www.mpmlegal.it Address: largo Matteotti 1 00073 castel gandolfo ( roma ) Italia Phone: +39 (0)6935 9161 Ones to Watch in Dispute Resolution 2017 Company: Poblador Bautista & Reyes Name: Alexander J. Poblador Email: ajpoblador@pbrlaw.com.ph; central@pbrlaw.com.ph Web: www.pbr.com.ph Address: 5th Floor, SEDCCO Building, 120 Rada corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229, Philippines Phone: +63 2 893 7623 2017 Ones to Watch in Law Company: KNP Law Name: Gergely Utri Email: gutri@knplaw.com Web: www.knplaw.com Address: Mahart Haz, 6th Floor, Vigado Utca 2, Budapest H-1051 Hungary Phone: +36 1302 9050 2017 Ones to Watch in Consultancy Company: Chapman Poole Name: Agatha Chapman-Poole Email: agatha@chapmanpoole.co.uk Web: www.chapmanpoole.co.uk Address: 83 Ducie Street, Manchester, M1 2JQ UK Phone: +44 (0)161 706 0130

Winners’ Directory

Influential Women Awards - USA Company: studio19 architects Name: Hui Tian Email: htian@studio19architects.com Web: www.studio19architects.com Address: 207 1/2 1st Ave S, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104 Phone: +1 206 466 1225 AI’s Women in Business 2016 Awards Company: Psynchronous Communications Inc. Name: Pat D’Amico Email: pat@psynchronous.com Web: psynchronous.com Address: 300 TradeCenter, Suite 1530 Woburn. MA 01801 Phone: +1 (0)781 937 0667 2016 Best in Sustainable Building - New Zealand Company: Stellaria NZ Ltd. Name: Robyn MacPherson Email: info@stellaria.co.nz Web: www.stellaria.co.nz Address: P.O. Box 89, Cambridge 3450, New Zealand Phone: +64 (0)7 823 1516 2016 Professional Negligence Advisor of the Year - UK Company: Healys LLP Name: Jon Budge Email: jonathan.budge@healys.com Web: healys.com Address: Atrium Court, 15-17 Jockeys Fields, London WC1R 4QR Phone: +44 (0)20 7822 4000 2016 Best in Sustainable Building Company: Paris Magdalinos Architects Name: Nic Magdalinos Email: nic.magdalin@pmarchitects.co.nz Web: pmarchitects.co.nz Address: PO Box 790, 93 Station St Napier, Hawke’s Bay New Zealand Phone: +64 6 835 6173 2016 Investment & Wealth Management Awards Company: Allstate Insurance Company Name: Neil J. Greco Email: njgreco@allstate.com Web: www.allstate.com Address: 12 Eisenhower Pkwy, Ste 11 Roseland, NJ 07068 USA Phone: +1 (0)973 364 1441

Ones to Watch in Litigation 2017 Company: Powell Gilbert LLP Email: info@powellgilbert.com Web: www.powellgilbert.com Address: 85 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1AE, UK Phone: +44 (0)20 3040 8000

2016 Financial Adviser Company: Cheshire Trafford UK Limited Email: Rod@cheshire-Trafford.co.uk Web: www.cheshire-trafford.co.uk Address: Capital House, Main Street, Lelley, Hull HU12 8SN Phone: +44 (0) 1482 891591

Best of the Best in Turnaround Management 2017 Company: Advantage Business Partnerships Ltd. Name: Louise Massara Email: louise.massara@advantagebusinessltd.com Web: advantagebusinessltd.com Address: Kemp House, 152 City Road, London EC1V 2NX Phone: +44 (0)203 384 0276

2016 Banker of the Year - Zambia Company: Cavmont Bank Ltd (CBL) Name: Chilunga Chill Puta Email: ChilungaChill.Puta-Dunham@ cavmont.com.zm Web: www.cavmont.com.zm Address: Piziya Office Park, Thabo Mbeki Road, Lusaka 38474, Zambia Phone: +260 21 136 0105

2016 Best in Sustainable Building - Spain Company: Vilalta Arquitectura Name: Xavier Vilalta Email: contact@vilalta.cat Web: www.vilalta.cat Address: c/ Valencia, 359 4-2 Barcelona 08009 Spain Phone: +34 931 657 314

2016 Global Excellence Awards Best Equity Portfolio Manager Company: Itau Private Bank International Name: Ralph Davidson Email: ralph.davidson@itauinternational.com Web: www.itauprivatebank.com Address: 767 5th Avenue, 50th floor, New York 10153 USA Phone: +1 212 710 6740

Best of the Best in Turnaround Management Company: Gavin/Solmonese LLC Name: Ted Gavin, CTP Email: ted.gavin@gavinsolmonese.com Web Address: www.gavinsolmonese.com Address: 919 N. Market Street, Suite 600 Wilmington, DE 19801 USA Telephone: +1 302 655 8997 Expert Witness of the Year - UK Name: Nigel Antony Eastaway OBE MAE MEWI MRICS FCA CTA FCMA FCIS TEP SBV Email: nigel.eastaway@mhllp.co.uk Web: www.macintyrehudson.co.uk Address: New Bridge Street House 30 – 34 New Bridge Street London, EC4V 6BJ Phone: (0)207429 4100

2016 Investment & Wealth Management Awards Leading Investment and Wealth Management Expert Company: VARO Name: David Robertson Email: d.robertson@varopartners.com Web: varopartners.com Address: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1HN Phone: +44 (0)207 195 1705 Best of the Best in Turnaround Management 2017 Company: Grand Hill Consulting Name: Marcello Lauer – Senior Partner Email: mlauer@grandhill.eu Skype: marcellolauer Web: www.grandhill.consulting Address: 868, Desembargador Westphalen St., 6th floor, Curitiba/PR, Brazil, 80230-100 Phone: +55 41 4042 5330

Acquisition International - February 2017 69

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