www.acquisition-international.com • August 2025
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. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Editor’s Letter Welcome to the August 2025 issue of Acquisition International magazine, where we bring you the latest news, features, and success stories from around the globe. Across the corporate world, people are searching for excellence. No matter what industry or sector we are looking at, individuals and businesses are exceeding expectations for all to see. From property to construction, business strategy, investments, medical devices, and more, this month’s issue of Acquisition International speaks volumes about the dedicated winners’ drive, passion, and, of course, excellence. We hope you find this issue to be informative, inspiring, and interesting, and we will be here to welcome you back for more in September. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor
Contents 4 News 6 Three Top Tips to Develop a Secure Digital Strategy Without a CISO 7 These Are the Four Tech Hurdles All Businesses Must Overcome to Grow & Succeed in the Second Half of 2025 8 Kingdom of Esther Pte Ltd: Business Strategist of the Year 2025 (Singapore): Winnie LIW 9 Tactical Rehabilitation, Inc.: Durable Medical Equipment for Military Personnel and Families 10 Protect Humanitarians: Rising Stars in Humanitarian Workers Support 2025 – Belgium 11 Colina Financial Advisors Ltd: Bringing Stability, Security, and Integrity to Investing 12 Knight Bridge International Group: Innovation and Impact: The Knight Bridge International Formula 13 Band of Builders: Best Construction-Trade Volunteer Group 2025 – UK 14 Richard Mitham Associates: Where Local Knowledge and Professional Excellence Converge 10 8 11
NEWS SAFE and Cisco Partner to Deliver Unified AI Risk Management with Business Impact Visibility SAFE, a global leader in AI-driven cyber risk management, announced a new integration with Cisco, the leader in security and networking. By integrating Cisco AI Defense telemetry with SAFE’s cutting-edge solutions, this partnership aims to empower enterprises with realtime, actionable cyber risk insights. Cisco AI Defense is the first comprehensive security product purpose-built to protect enterprises against the safety and security risks introduced by the development and deployment of AI applications. The solution discovers AI assets across a customer’s distributed cloud environment, detects model and application vulnerabilities with algorithmic red teaming, and protects runtime applications with guardrails enforced at the network-level. This partnership will re-define AI security governance, enabling organizations to innovate safely with confidence and control. SAFE will leverage Cisco AI Defense to accelerate the secure adoption of AI across its operations and product suite. This deepens the partnership and ensures the development of practical, real-world solutions aligned to customer needs. Key Integration Highlights: • AI Asset and Risk Ingestion: SAFE will onboard enterprise AI assets and continuously ingest AI-related findings from Cisco AI Defense, including vulnerabilities and misconfigurations discovered across the AI lifecycle. • AI Control Assessment: The SAFE platform will assess AI-specific controls from the Factor Analysis of Information Risk Controls Analytics Model (FAIR-CAM) that codifies risk terminology and quantifies risk as loss events, evaluating the effectiveness of AI governance measures in real time. • AI Risk Management: SAFE’s AI-driven Cyber Risk Management Platform can model 100+ AI risk scenarios, translate these technical AI risks into financial and business impact, and enable security teams and business leaders to prioritize effectively. “Our integration with Cisco AI Defense marks a defining moment in AI risk management,” said Saket Bajoria, Chief Product Officer, SAFE. “SAFE is actively leveraging Cisco AI Defense to accelerate secure AI adoption across its operations and platform offerings. By combining Cisco’s AI risk visibility with SAFE’s cyber risk quantification, the integration delivers tangible benefits for large enterprises— helping them operationalize AI governance, align AI risks to business impact, and scale AI initiatives securely.We will leverage Cisco AI Defense to safely accelerate our AI adoption.” “SAFE’s expertise in quantifying and managing cyber risk is a natural complement to Cisco AI Defense,” said Anand Raghavan, Vice President of Product, AI, Cisco. “Together, we are helping organizations identify, understand, and manage AI risks in the context of business impact—enabling responsible AI innovation.” Customer Benefits: This integration will provide customers with a powerful, end-to-end solution for AI security governance. Key benefits include: • Accelerated AI Adoption: Innovate with AI securely, backed by continuous risk visibility and controls assessment. • Quantified Risk Insights: Translate AI misconfigurations and vulnerabilities into measurable business impact. • Proactive Risk Management: Prioritize and remediate risks based on financial exposure and operational impact. • Secure-by-Design AI Lifecycle: Build AI applications and infrastructure with integrated risk safeguards from the ground up. Joint customers of SAFE and Cisco AI Defense can realize these benefits immediately. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the value of accelerating your AI risk management strategy in person. Visit SAFE’s booth #3851 at Black Hat USA 2025. Not attending Black Hat and don’t want to wait? Schedule a demo today to see it for yourself.
NEWS closing of the Business Combination, the security holders of UYSC will be entitled to receive ordinary shares of Isdera Inc. The Transaction, which has been unanimously approved by both UYSC and Isdera Group Limited’s board of directors, is subject to regulatory approvals, the approvals by the shareholders of UYSC and Isdera Group Limited, respectively, as well as the satisfaction of certain other customary closing conditions, including, among others, a registration statement, of which the proxy statement/ prospectus forms a part, being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and the approval of the combined company’s listing application by Nasdaq. The description of the Business Combination contained herein is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement relating to the Business Combination. A more detailed description of the Transaction and a copy of the Merger Agreement will be included in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by UYSC with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Isdera Group Limited Announces Entering into a Merger Agreement with UY Scuti Acquisition Corp. Isdera Group Limited, a Cayman Islands company, a company that shall become the parent company of Xinghui Automotive Technology (Hainan) Co., Ltd, a company in the business of designing automobiles in the People’s Republic of China, announced that it has entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger on July 18, 2025 for a business combination with UY Scuti Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company incorporated in the Cayman Islands (“UYSC”). Upon consummation of the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (i) UYSC will be merged with and into Isdera Inc, a company to be formed in the Cayman Islands as an exempted company and wholly-owned subsidiary of UYSC (the “SPAC Merger”), and (ii) concurrently with the SPAC Merger, Isdera Technology Limited, a company to be formed in the Cayman Islands as an exempted company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Isdera Inc, will be merged with and into Isdera Group, resulting in Isdera Group being a wholly owned subsidiary of Isdera Inc (the “Business Combination” and the transactions in connection with the Business Combination collectively, the “Transaction”). Upon the closing of the Transaction, the combined company, Isdera Inc expects to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under a new ticker symbol. Isdera Group Overview Isdera Group is an industrial automotive enterprise with global ambitions. Headquartered in China and backed by robust design and research and development (“R&D”) capabilities, the Company entered the ultra-luxury supercar industry by acquiring the iconic German marque ISDERA, known for its legacy of handcrafted performance vehicles. Under the Company’s stewardship, ISDERA is undergoing a strategic transformation intended to revitalize the brand by expanding into both combustion-engine and electric supercar segments, supported by in-house R&D centers. Isdera Group is dedicated to achieving value in the high-growth and highmargin supercar market by leveraging its design capabilities with this heritage-driven brand story. Key Transaction Terms Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, UYSC will merge with and into its own wholly owned subsidiary, Isdera Inc, which will become a publicly listed entity and its wholly owned subsidiary, Isdera Technology Limited, shall merge with Isdera Group Limited, with Isdera Group Limited being the surviving company with the end result being Isdera Inc as the publicly listed company on Nasdaq. At the effective time of the Transaction, Isdera Group Limited’s shareholders will receive ordinary shares of Isdera Inc. The shares held by certain Isdera Group Limited shareholders will be subject to lock-up agreements for a period of 180 days following the closing of the Transaction, subject to certain exceptions. Upon
6 | Acquisition International, August 2025 Three Top Tips to Develop a Secure Digital Strategy Without a CISO Chief Informational Security Officers (CISOs) have been a staple of C-suite management teams in recent years, with cyber threats and cyber-readiness becoming a dominant theme for many businesses. In a market where cost is critical, some businesses will naturally decide there is no option but to remove or avoid hiring for the CISO role. In other cases, the company could be a cash-strapped startup with only a few full-time employees, but that doesn’t negate potential cyber-risks that can threaten any business. If a business is going to forgo a dedicated team member for cybersecurity, Andrew Smith, CISO for Kyocera Cyber (Part of the Kyocera UK Group) has shared his expert advice on how to prepare your business against digital threats and help protect your assets. Smith: “To ensure risk is managed, and digital assets are protected, businesses should consider their existing frameworks, governance, and control models. “With proven frameworks and models embedded, there is more chance that the continuation of these controls will provide some level of risk management and stability. “To ensure digital strategy matches the business goals, there’s an essential checklist you can follow in the absence of a CISO: 1. Understand how the digital strategy fits the overall business strategy and underline the dependencies and interconnections. 2. Put together a comprehensive database of what market data and insights their digital strategy is based on. This ensures a business is only using relevant and trusted data to inform business strategy, 3. Understand the scope for execution beyond the traditional roles of a CISO. For example, do the resources in middle management exist to execute a plan if provided to them by an outgoing CISO or outsourcing company? “If the chosen path is to outsource, companies should strongly consider how they are ensuring governance, control, and best-in-breed advice for their preferred supplier. Does the outsource supplier have the transparency to enable these controls to be owned by other C-suite members? Smith concluded: “With the path to finding the right talent becoming increasingly complex, there is a space for outsourcing if you believe transparency and control can be achieved alongside true partnership that enables the business to achieve the transformation to remain relevant.” The path to finding the right talent is becoming increasingly complex, especially in the current economic climate. However, there is a valid space for outsourcing if the C-suite believes transparency and control can be achieved within a trusted partnership model. One that enables businesses undergoing digital transformation projects to remain relevant, and become more resilient by protecting their data and digital assets from risk in an ever challenging threat landscape. Andrew Smith, Kyocera’s CISO, explains how businesses can secure themselves against external threats and keep their digital assets and data safe
August 2025, Acquisition International | 7 These Are the Four Tech Hurdles All Businesses Must Overcome to Grow & Succeed in the Second Half of 2025 A LEADING tech and business expert has outlined the four biggest hurdles SMEs are likely to face in the second half of 2025. Roy Shelton, the CEO of the Connectus Group, believes businesses cybersecurity and AI will present the biggest challenges. And creating a digital legacy and addressing an industry-wide skills gap are hurdles too. Roy said: “The midway point of the year is an important moment for all businesses. It’s a chance to reflect on progress across the board and the challenges that lie. All too often roadmaps neglect to take into account the technical challenges a business faces. “The best companies, and the ones who grow the quickest, are those who put tech development at the heart of their wider business strategy “As ever, the businesses that adapt first will be the ones that thrive. Here Roy shares the four areas he’d advise business owners to focus on in creating a tech-roadmap for the second half of 2025. Cybersecurity and Data Protection With cyber threats growing in scale and sophistication, UK SMEs remain prime targets for attacks. According to recent reports, over 43% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses, yet many lack the resources for robust protection. Threats like phishing, ransomware, and supply chain vulnerabilities are all on the rise. Compounding this is the continued evolution of data protection regulations such as GDPR and the UK’s Data Protection and Digital Information Bill. Many SMEs are still underprepared in areas like: • Endpoint security for hybrid/remote wworkers • Real-time threat detection • Staff awareness training • Compliance documentation and auditing The cost of a data breach both financial and reputational can be devastating, making cybersecurity a top technical priority. Whilst we often read about the high profile victims – like Harrods, the Co-Op, North Face, Cartier and M&S – it would be entirely wrong to assume that smaller businesses are not also being targeted. Integrating and Scaling AI Artificial Intelligence has moved from buzzword to business essential, offering SMEs opportunities to automate, predict, and personalise like never before. However, many UK SMEs struggle to implement AI effectively due to: • Limited access to quality data • Lack of in-house AI expertise • Unclear return on investment • Security concerns Off-the-shelf AI tools, such as customer service chatbots or predictive analytics platforms, are becoming more accessible, but without a clear AI strategy, SMEs risk falling behind. The challenge is not just adoption it is now more about intelligent and value-driven integration. Legacy Systems and Technical Debt Many SMEs have grown organically over the years, often resulting in patchwork IT infrastructures. Outdated software, siloed systems, and custom-built platforms can slow down innovation and increase maintenance costs. In 2025, the pressure to modernise IT environments is greater than ever due to: • Rising customer expectations for digital experiences • The shift to cloud-native solutions • Increasing interoperability demands from partners and suppliers • The need for real-time data across departments Transitioning from legacy systems requires investment, planning, and sometimes a willingness to disrupt entrenched thinking – “the way we’ve always done things”. Digital Skills Shortage The UK’s digital skills gap continues to widen, and SMEs are particularly vulnerable. While large firms can attract top tech talent with high salaries and benefits, the rest often struggle to recruit or retain qualified professionals in areas such as: • Cybersecurity • Data analytics • Software development • Cloud infrastructure • AI/Machine Learning This shortage makes it difficult for SMEs to deliver digital projects on time or innovate at scale. Upskilling existing staff and leveraging external partners are short-term solutions, but the long-term challenge remains structural. Roy added: “UK SMEs are the backbone of the economy, but their technical challenges in 2025 are both real and rising. “Tackling these issues of cybersecurity, AI adoption, legacy systems improvements and integration and digital talent requires not just technology investment, but leadership vision, strategic planning, and trusted partnerships.
8 | Acquisition International, August 2025 Business Strategist of the Year 2025 (Singapore): Winnie LIW In today’s rapidly advancing business world, success is no longer measured only in profit – but in passion, purpose, and impact. The landscape is evolving to make way for a new wave of entrepreneurs writing the rules, with Winnie LIW leading the charge. Masterfully blending heritage and innovation, Winnie is a trailblazer whose dual ventures – Kingdom of Esther and LAN XIN MENG by WD TCM – are redefining what it means to lead with both heart and strategy. We took a closer look at Winnie’s exceptional endeavours below, as she is named in the Influential Businesswoman Awards 2025. Contact: Winnie LIW Email: contact@estherkingdom.com Company: Kingdom of Esther Pte Ltd Web Address: www.estherkingdom.com & www.wdtcmlifestyle.com A visionary leader, Winnie LIW is driven by an unfaltering commitment to make a meaningful impact on the world around her. Drawing upon decades of experience across a number of sectors, spanning finance, beauty, and wellness, she has established a lasting legacy – one that continues to empower SMEs and individuals around the globe. Her prowess can be seen in the number of prestigious awards she has received along her journey, including the Court of the Table and the Top of the Table Awards by the Million Dollar Round Table over the course of six consecutive years. Before founding her own ventures, Winnie carved a successful path in the corporate world, building extensive experience in finance, sales, and marketing. She served as the Sales and Marketing Manager at PIAS Corporation, a Japanese skincare company, where she honed her expertise in beauty products and international markets. Following this, Winnie spent over 16 years in senior executive roles across leading institutions, where she established two successful businesses with Great Eastern Life and HSBC Singapore. These experiences equipped Winnie with the unique combination of financial acumen and product knowledge that would later prove instrumental in shaping the dual pillars of Kingdom of Esther and LAN XIN MENG by WD TCM. Leveraging her developed skillset, Winnie pursued her passion for entrepreneurship with the first establishment of her own brand, LAN XIN MENG by WD TCM. White Dragon, or LAN XIN MENG by WD TCM, was formed in Hong Kong in 2008, with the mission of promoting TCM skin-and-bodycare products to the public on a global scale. Following a childhood deeply immersed in the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Winnie founded the company following a chance encounter with a group of elite professors – who shared her passion for promoting natural alternatives and rejecting chemical-based products – which sparked something truly transformative. Together, they co-created a line of TCMformulated natural cosmetics, blending ancient wisdom with modern scientific innovation. These products, made from Chinese herbs, plant extracts, antioxidants, and vitamins, are designed to improve the skin by restoring, refreshing, and enhancing its natural appearance whilst remaining true to holistic healing principles. This collaboration became the foundation for LAN XIN MENG by WD TCM, a brand renowned for championing beauty from the inside out. Kingdom of Esther, or KOE, was founded by Winnie in 2019, shortly after she returned to Singapore from Hong Kong, a move prompted by external challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest. KOE is truly Winnie’s brainchild, a venture she formed with a collection of professional companies and individuals banding together to aid start-ups and SMEs in achieving longterm success. The company provides a comprehensive service that combines the talents of 13 companies across 16 professions, comprising company incorporation, legal advice, creative services, marketing support, e-Commerce, residential and commercial real estate planning, and geomancy advice. Expertly steered by Winnie’s heart, instinct, and talents, Kingdom of Esther is on a mission to build an auspicious ecosystem of businesses – leveraging the philosophy of collaboration over competition to achieve prosperity. KOE serves as both the strategic engine and brand custodian behind LAN XIN MENG by WD TCM. While LAN XIN MENG by WD TCM delivers a range of 100% chemical-free skincare solutions, KOE provides the infrastructure – consulting, partnerships, and global expansion strategy – that powers its growth. Together, they form a uniquely unified ecosystem where business empowerment and holistic wellness go hand in hand. Though they serve different functions, LAN XIN MENG by WD TCM and KOE are two sides of the same coin – two entities fuelled by Winnie’s unwavering belief in empowerment, holistic growth, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Together, the companies reflect a deep understanding of the nuances of the modern market, and an expertise gained through decades of extensive experience in a variety of specialised fields. At the very heart of both ventures is an influential businesswoman who masterfully blends heritage with innovation and forwardthinking. It is for this demonstration of passionate leadership, driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference, that Winnie LIW has been rightfully named Singapore’s Business Strategist of the Year 2025.
August 2025, Acquisition International | 9 Durable Medical Equipment for Military Personnel and Families “A heart for serving others.” Proudly serving all 50 states as well as members of the military deployed internationally, Tactical Rehab specialises in the delivery of battle-tested rehabilitation products designed to afford the highest level of care for patients. Few companies can boast that their solutions have been tested by service members worldwide, but Tactical Rehab can. This unrivalled level of military involvement, combined with the company’s office staff having been trained to serve as a comprehensive care resource, sees a real impact had on people’s lives. The proven process at the centre of Tactical Rehab demonstrates its commitment further, with its six-step method seeing a board-certified orthopaedic professional take care of a patient in-house at one of its ten locations in the US, after receiving a referral from their doctor. Filling an order for one of its robust healthcare solutions based on the needs outlined by a combination of these two experts, patients are notified of their solution being delivered within seven days, allowing them to stop by to collect it and can ask any questions. As for what the solution they are provided with may look like, the company offers a wide range of products covering everything from custom orthotics through to electric stimulation and ultrasound devices, as well as a number of tools to help manage pain in the likes of the back, neck, and limbs. More information on these solutions can be found in the latest issue of Tactical Rehab’s catalogue, but it is safe to say that they are all of a standard fitting of the company’s reputation for providing the most durable medical equipment (DME). Kevin explained: “Every product we select and work with providers to offer is specifically designed to support quality healing and enable service-ready status for our active-duty personnel.” We are all aware of the sacrifices these individuals make in the name of freedom, and that is why these solutions have been designed to holistically support them on the road to recovery, assisting in everything from post-operative care to managing longer-term issues such as chronic pain, degenerative disorders, and even promoting bone growth. Given a large portion of Tactical Rehab is made up of veterans, with many others having family connections to the country’s service members, both the work itself and the outcomes it provides are incredibly personal for the staff here. As well as this mutual sense of understanding and appreciation, the team are united by the three core values at the centre of the brand: having a servant’s heart, possessing a profound level of respect for fellow persons, and to always remain driven to making a positive difference in others’ lives. These values have supported Tactical Rehab through some tough times over the past decade or so since it was founded, including its transition to new providers that took place right at the beginning of this year. With solutions from such industry leaders as Tri-WAVE, Aspen, and AirSelect today comprising its product portfolio, the company remains as ready as ever to support the needs of the military community. The tremendous joy and sense of honour the team get from this is what keeps their organisation on the path to expansion. Commenting on the next steps for this Tricare network DME provider, Kevin told us: “We see so many opportunities to bring new capabilities, research, and technology together to support the needs of our military and bring solutions that can help with healing and prevention as well. We continue to partner with other providers, such as DME companies and the United States Department of Defense, to offer the best solutions the market has to offer.” Its steadfast commitment to this is reflected through this well-deserved title. Named as the Best Durable Medical Equipment Supplier 2025 – USA, Tactical Rehabilitation, Inc. is an inspirational company and one whose impact reverberates across one of the most important institutions in the world. It is our pleasure to celebrate such an esteemed company in this feature now for the second consecutive year. Contact: Kevin MacRitchie Company: Tactical Rehabilitation, Inc. Web Address: https://tacticalrehabdme.com/ A company dedicated to serving those who have in turn served their country – the active and retired service men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families – Tactical Rehabilitation, Inc. (Tactical Rehab) seeks to improve quality of life through the provision of exceptional healthcare solutions. Recognised in this feature as the Best Durable Medical Equipment Supplier 2025 – USA, we caught up with Kevin MacRitchie, who is both the president and CEO of the company as well as the chairman of its board, for more on the noble aim of this remarkable organisation.
10 | Acquisition International, August 2025 Jun25091 Rising Stars in Humanitarian Workers Support 2025 – Belgium stablished by Olivier Vandecasteele in 2024, Protect Humanitarians is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Brussels, Belgium. Supported by the King Baudouin Foundation, this NGO works for a better support and protection for humanitarian workers worldwide, with a special emphasis on local actors. Through a dedicated emergency fund, Protect Humanitarians provides immediate assistance to NGOs, humanitarian victims of attacks, and their families — with a particular focus on local frontline personnel, who are most at risk but often overlooked. In addition, with the support of the EU, the NGO is developing a Community of Practice that brings together experts and practitioners to strengthen staff care and MHPSS for humanitarian personnel. Through this dedicated Community of Practice, they promote good practices to ensure quality mental health and psychosocial support and the wellbeing of humanitarian workers. Together with its partners, Protect Humanitarians offers legal advice and information to humanitarian actors impacted by incidents or attacks as they pursue justice and accountability. Underpinning all these other services is its advocacy work, which sees the organisation engage those who make decisions through targeted publications/ events stressing the immediate need to improve the protection and support for humanitarian personnel. This is something Olivier has seen first-hand, as prior to founding Protect Humanitarians in March last year, he worked for more than 20 years as a humanitarian himself. Olivier has responded to humanitarian crises in challenging contexts, including health emergencies in Afghanistan and Mali, and the delivery of essential aid to refugees and migrants in Morocco and Iran. It was during a stint in the latter that Olivier was kidnapped and arbitrarily detained for 456 days by Iran. Both Amnesty International and the United Nations recognised him as a victim of enforced disappearance and torture. Now, just over two years after regaining his freedom, Olivier leads Protect Humanitarians, and, together with his team, works to ensure that those who dedicate their lives to helping others are protected, supported, and placed in conditions that allow them to work safely, while safeguarding their physical and mental well-being. And set itself apart is certainly something Protect Humanitarians has done since its work commenced, with the NGO hitting some impressive milestone in its short life thus far. This dates right back to the beginning, as this NGO was established with strong support from both the media and the public across Belgium. In the months since, impactful collaborations and partnerships have been nurtured with like-minded NGOs, civil society organisations alike and universities, and the team have even been invited to speak at key events across Europe and beyond. However, working towards this noble goal comes with more than its fair share of challenges, amongst them being funding constraints. Those who wish to contribute to protecting, supporting, and empowering humanitarians around the world - and to donate to this important cause - can do so here, via the Protect Humanitarians website. These donations will help Protect Humanitarians to continue the great work they do, ensuring that humanitarian personnel providing lifesaving aid in some of the world’s most critical contexts receive the recognition, protection, and support they deserve. It is this commitment that has resulted in the people behind Protect Humanitarians being recognised with this well-deserved award as the Rising Stars in Humanitarian Workers Support 2025 – Belgium. Contact: Olivier Vandecasteele Company: Protect Humanitarians Web Address: protecthumanitarians.org As its name suggests, Protect Humanitarians is a global initiative dedicated to supporting frontline humanitarian workers. The NGO delivers direct assistance to humanitarian victims and survivors and provides legal advice after incidents. In addition, the organisation promotes good practices in staff care, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for humanitarian personnel and advocates for a better protection and support for humanitarians all around the world. E
August 2025, Acquisition International | 11 This offers some insight into CFAL’s deep community involvement, with the firm serving as an active sponsor and willing participant in several functions and civic organisations. The team here also provide their time, funds, and professional advice to certain community affairs, with the overarching aim being to better society. On the back of this, CFAL has, over the last 28 years, contributed more than $1M across over 100 charities, to great causes such as feeding the hungry and initiatives supporting education. Concerning the latter, CFAL also created the Junior Investor Program, a financial literacy course that allows local students to invest and manage a virtual $100,000 stock portfolio. Winners are decided based on return, with prizes including cash and – for a lucky few students over the years – internships at CFAL. As the Program’s sponsor, CFAL also donates its time to coaching partaking classes on the finer points of investing, passing on valuable skills whilst also cultivating the next generation of investors. Sticking with this future-focus theme, CFAL is leading the shift towards renewable energy, ESG-focused investing, and publicprivate partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure across local markets. A spokesperson told us: “Despite regulatory hurdles and the complexities of PPP structuring, we believe these new markets will bring about positive, sustainable advantages for the Bahamas, both economically and environmentally.” With this vision in tow, CFAL’s roadmap is based on expanding its private equity platform, as well as launching additional retail bond and equity offerings. This is especially true in the renewables and energy infrastructure markets, for the reasons discussed above. Then, finally, the long-term plans for the firm are to continue deepening its retail investor base, expanding public-private deals, and increasing repeatproject financing. Ultimately, the diverse offerings delivered by Colina Financial Advisors Ltd across the areas of investment and advisory – combined with its relentless focus on giving back to the community it has been a key part of for decades – make this pension and investment firm in the Bahamas more than deserving of recognition through this feature. Contact: Sophia Thurston Company: Colina Financial Advisors Ltd Web Address: https://www.cfal.com/ Bringing Stability, Security, and Integrity to Investing Established in 1997 for the purposes of providing investment and financial advisory services to the investing public, CFAL’s core services of investment management, corporate advisory, pension administration, retirement planning, financial planning, mutual funds, and private wealth have remained part of its portfolio for nearly 30 years. Behind each of these services is the decades of combined expertise shared by the team here, which started out as just five members but today encompasses a wealth of industry-leading talent. All of the solutions provided by CFAL revolve around helping its clients to more than meet their financial goals. Whether a client’s idea of financial security is personal or corporate, the team here recognises the importance of providing them with a strategy that is structured and yet remains flexible to life’s inherent changes. This is why CFAL offers diverse financial solutions ranging from pensions to personal investing and corporate advisory, so that it can ensure every client has a plan that fits around their personal situation. “Our pension administration services have helped to secure the future of thousands of Bahamian workers. This is on what we pride ourselves most. ” Underpinning CFAL’s financial investment and advisory services is a client centric-approach, built on the cornerstones of a personalised service, long-term relationships, and a pledge to always act in the best interests of those it serves. The multi-award-winning nature of the firm, which has been recognised by us now on a handful of occasions since 2018, can be seen through its proven track record, demonstrating financial resilience across economic cycles during unprecedented times – such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside these services, CFAL is proud to be able offer six inhouse diversified funds, four local and two international. Having been meticulously engineered to offer balanced returns across defined risk parameters, the firm offers a choice selection of these funds complete with differing levels of risk, guaranteeing that every investor finds the right one for them. The most recent of these is a new private equity fund providing Bahamian retail investors with entry (min. $1,000) into local, infrastructure-related projects. For just shy of 30 years, Colina Financial Advisors Ltd (CFAL) has served as the leading independent investment management and advisory firm in the Bahamas. From its home in the capital, Nassau, CFAL manages and administers close to $2B in assets, serving clients ranging from individuals to institutions. Whether a client is based locally or internationally, CFAL’s mission – centred on the values of stability, security, and integrity – remains resolute, resulting in its recognition as the Best Investment Management & Advisory Firm 2025 – Bahamas in this feature. Colina Financial Advisors Ltd
12 | Acquisition International, August 2025 Innovation and Impact: The Knight Bridge International Formula Finding the right partner is one of the most critical decisions in industrial development. From site selection to facility completion, the process is complex, and success depends on working with a team that understands every step from the inside out. In Romania, Knight Bridge International Group has built a stellar reputation for delivering fully integrated consultancy services that guide clients from first market entry, all the way to operational handover. We took a closer look at the company’s rise to success below, following its recent recognition in the 2025 Global Excellence Awards. Contact: Nicholas Bouri Company: Knight Bridge International Group Web Address: www.knightbridge.ro Based in Bucharest, Knight Bridge International is a leading consulting firm possessing vast expertise in the real estate and heavy industry sector. Striving to best serve the market, the firm offers a variety of services, ranging from turnkey to tailormade and comprising the entire process – from initial market entry to overseeing the development of a facility. The company offers its services to a variety of industries, such as real estate, warehousing, IT and eCommerce, logistics, distribution, production, mining, and energy. Its comprehensive suite of services include strategy, market research, site selection, architecture and engineering, planning and permitting, project management, financing solutions, facility management, IT solutions, security services, marketing, HR, and mergers and acquisitions, among many more. Knight Bridge International was founded by Nicholas N. Bouri in 2016. In launching the company, Nicholas drew upon extensive experience working in his family’s business, overseeing business development and construction. Working alongside his father and uncles – market leaders in their respective industries – allowed Nicholas to observe their seasoned thinking processes and management of stressful situations, significantly influencing his approach to leadership and strategies for navigating adversity. He is driven by the belief that there is no reward without risk but emphasises the importance of ensuring each risk is calculated. The decision to pursue a new career path in consultancy has enabled him to work alongside some of the biggest international names across industries, speaking to the true power of his ethos. Supporting this first-hand experience are a number of degrees and certifications achieved over the years, including a Bachelor of Science, a master’s degree, an MBA, and specialised training in cybersecurity, management consultancy, manufacturing technology, and strategic planning and implementation. Nicholas believes in continuous personal and professional development, both for himself and his team. He regularly enrols in training programmes to refresh his knowledge and provides ongoing learning opportunities to his team. Nicholas is joined at Knight Bridge International by an exceptional team, comprised of certified managers, engineers, consultants, and project managers specialising in developing, managing, and operating industrial projects – from IT facilities to logistics and distribution centres to production facilities. This experienced, dedicated team possess in-depth industry and market expertise, leveraging this unrivalled skillset to deliver flexible solutions that provide consistently high standards and proven results. Knight Bridge International has strategically positioned its team across Romania, with the aim of better serving its clientele and offering the market the most financially beneficial and environmentally conscious solutions. Each team member has their own specialisation or strong experience in the region, allowing the company to appoint appropriate team leaders to oversee clients in alignment with the project, industry and region. At present, Knight Bridge International serves the Greek, Romanian, Serbian, Ukrainian, and Lebanese markets, with clients ranging from real estate investors and logistics and distribution companies to IT and eCommerce and production companies, all sharing the same goal of entering, expanding, and optimising their operations in the market. Across each region it serves, Knight Bridge International continually remains on the cutting edge of industry changes and developments. The team prioritises innovation, knowledge, and experience in each project it undertakes, understanding that these qualities are key to delivering above and beyond. At Knight Bridge International, success is multifaceted. Clients see success in well-executed projects and long-term partnerships, reflected through referrals, ongoing collaboration, and widespread recognition. From an internal standpoint, success is defined by growth: rising turnover, expanding operations across borders, and earning accolades that mark industry impact. Named Europe’s Best Construction Management Firm 2025, Knight Bridge International looks to the future with ambition. Under Nicholas’ expert guidance, the firm will seek to attract more clients looking to penetrate the region, particularly those from Asia and the Middle East. With a current energy crisis impacting the industry, Knight Bridge International sees great opportunities for U.S. companies to begin investing in Eastern Europe. At its core, Knight Bridge International strives to continue leading the industry with exceptional expertise, delivering projects that underscore the firm’s enduring legacy. Feb25143
August 2025, Acquisition International | 13 Best Construction-Trade Volunteer Group 2025 – UK hether it is delivering life-enhancing projects, financial aid, or emotional support to tradespeople and their families, Band of Builders is relentless in its drive to make a real and positive difference in the lives of those linked to this industry. The deeply personal and incredibly moving story of the organisation dates back to 2016, when Addam Smith – its founder – was told that his friend and employee, fellow builder Keith Ellick, had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only 12 months to live. Offering to help in any way he could, all Keith requested was some assistance putting up a new fence at the home of him and his family in Lincoln. However, when Addam took to social media to share the story of his friend, tradespeople from up and down the UK offered to lend a hand. Since he had everything from plumbers and landscapes to tilers and plasterers giving their support, Addam had the idea to renovate Keith’s house from the ground up, keeping his family safe and comfortable even once he had passed. With enough money raised left over to send Keith and his family on a short break, Addam and a team of 50 volunteers were left to transform his two-bedroom home into a space that would serve this family well for years to come. It took just five days for Addam and co. to fit a new kitchen, bathroom, and flooring, as well as to decorate the entire house and landscape the back garden. As the team worked tirelessly – fuelled by cakes and bacon butties delivered by local well-wishers – they caught the national press’ attention. The ‘Band of Builders’, as they were now being called, continued to support Keith in the final stages of his life, raising funds to buy his council house and securing trust funds for his children, right up until he sadly died in early 2017. Keith remained humbled throughout his final months as a result of the outpouring of support aimed at him and his family, and it was the impact Addam and this group had on their lives that made this founder realise the remarkable things that can be achieved when people stand together. This initial project thus became the first of many, with Band of Builders being officially formed shortly thereafter on the back of its guiding value that people are stronger together – an ethos it continues to uphold to this day, almost a decade later. Another milestone followed in 2019, when Band of Builders achieved charity status in England and Wales, furthering its impact and reach and paving the way for even more unconditional support being provided to people during their hour of need. Now, more than six years removed, the organisation has delivered numerous projects with a combined value of more than £1M, ranging from total home renovations like Keith’s to building accessible kitchens and bathrooms and even installing wheelchair ramps. Of course, as mentioned above, this practical support is just the beginning of how Band of Builders can help, with the team here also delivering financial and wellbeing support. The former can be seen through grants to cover everything from rent arrears in the case of domestic abuse through to the materials to replace a damaged and dangerous roof. Not to mention help with food, making payments, or covering bills. However, it is the wellbeing support Band of Builders delivers that is particularly impressive, especially given the construction industry has long been an environment where many of its workers – who are predominantly men – struggle to open up about their feelings. By supporting them in their battles with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship, marital issues, or anything else that may be troubling them – this through the likes of counselling and free advice – Band of Builders is helping to forever change discourses. For those whom this mission speaks to, Band of Builders offers a number of volunteer opportunities, or can be joined at one of its upcoming events, the schedule for which can be found here. The organisation also offers an online shop, with merchandise sales funding its projects. Even simply following the link below for more on the organisation would mean a lot to the team here, all of whom are entirely dedicated to the cause. Contact: Gavin Crane Company: Band of Builders Web Address: https://bandofbuilders.org/ Band of Builders is a national, UK-based construction charity proudly supporting the industry through the provision of practical, financial, and wellbeing assistance to those in need. This is especially true of individuals – as well as their families – who are facing adversity as a result of injury, illness, or other such life-altering circumstances. For being the light in some of the darkest times people face, Band of Builders is more than deserving of being recognised with this award title. W Jun25085
14 | Acquisition International, August 2025 May25215 RMA: Where Local Knowledge and Professional Excellence Converge estled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Petersfield is an ancient market town that offers a vibrant community and access to excellent transport links. Set against the backdrop of glorious countryside, this town is a stunning blend of local charm and natural beauty, where historical cobblestones meet expansive greenery. With a vibrant arts and hospitality scene, ample opportunities for outdoor adventure, and all the amenities that a growing family could need, the Petersfield property market is truly a thriving hub for landlords and tenants alike. At the forefront of this hub is Richard Mitham Associates, a leading expert in residential and commercial property letting, management, and sales. Established in the 1990s, the agency boasts three decades of experience in providing the full range of property services to the communities of West Sussex, Hampshire, and the surrounding counties. With its base in Petersfield, Richard Mitham Associates is well-equipped with a unique knowledge of the local area that enables it to stand out as Hampshire’s ideal choice for property management. Richard Mitham Associates provides a comprehensive suite of property services to clientele in Hampshire and the surrounding counties, including full or part management services. The agency covers residential and commercial letting, having assisted numerous clients in building up and maintaining their property portfolio. Its property management services comprise regular inspections, tenant vetting, rent collection, tenant location services, and competitive pricing structures. The agency also provides full sales coverage to complement its strong lettings department. Whilst it has always sold homes, Richard Mitham Associates’ services were limited to landlords selling properties from their portfolio. Now, however, the agency proudly extends this service to the full marketplace, including free market appraisals, extensive internet advertising, floor plans as required, accompanied viewings, access to an advertising board, and sales progression services. Whether presented with a single property or an expansive portfolio, the agency’s dedicated team of experts are on hand to manage each property in a professional manner. Richard Mitham Associates is an independent company operated by a fully qualified and experienced team of estate agents, each expertly trained to deliver nothing short of exceptional customer service to clientele, rooted in incomparable local knowledge and an unrelenting commitment to excellence. This dedication certainly has not gone unnoticed; named Hampshire’s Best Property Management and Commercial Estate Agency 2025, Richard Mitham Associates has established a remarkable reputation amongst its local community – an accomplishment demonstrated in the positive testimonials left by clients past and present, highlighting the agency’s trusted reputation, responsive service, and deep understanding of the region’s property landscape and needs. One client wrote: “Richard Mitham Associates is a fabulous family-run local business that has shown me the greatest of kindness over my lengthy tenancy. I cannot recommend their friendly professionalism enough. There are not enough businesses with this ethos in the world.” While another reported: “I am very pleased with the service Richard Mitham Associates has provided and continues to provide for me. I have been a tenant in various properties for the last 12 years and have dealt with lots of companies, but Richard Mitham Associates really shone from my first viewing. All the staff are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful; I am pleased to have them as a management company. I love that they are a family-run, local business and the personal touches you receive with their services.” Contact: Selina Mitham Company: Richard Mitham Associates Web Address: https://richardmitham.co.uk Whether you are hunting for a new home, managing a property portfolio, or selling a commercial space, having a team that understands every corner of the housing market truly makes all the difference. Navigating the ever-fluctuating property market can demand a local touch with extensive knowledge, and Richard Mitham Associates delivers just that. Leading Hampshire’s property market, the agency brings together expertise in lettings, management, and sales to meet the varying needs of landlords, tenants, and property managers. We took a closer look at Richard Mitham Associates below, as the agency is named in the Global Excellence Awards 2025. N
acquisitioninternational.digitalRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3