www.acquisition-international.com • December 2025 Papacleovoulou LLC: Shaping Legal Practice in Cyprus Nicolin Assogba: A Multifaceted Legal Masterclass in Benin and Beyond For almost ten years now, Nicolin Assogba has been a partner lawyer at D2A Société Civile Professionnelle d’Avocats (SCPA D2A), a Benin-based law firm located in Cotonou, the country’s largest city. Leveraging a background in business and judicial law, as well as a wealth of expertise in fundamental private law, Nicolin’s ten years of legal excellence has paved the way for continuous growth for SCPA D2A, which is today one of Benin’s leading law firms. On the back of Benin’s recognition with the title of Leading Corporate & Commercial Lawyer of the Year 2025 – Benin, we take a closer look at both his journey and the distinguishing points of the firm he represents. European Cardiovascular Research Institute: Leading the Fight Against Cardiovascular Disease
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Contents 4 News - CPP Investments and IndoSpace Expand Joint Venture with US$300 Million Acquisition of Six Logistics Parks - FluidAI Medical announces an acquisition deal with Emmetros Limited 7 Embedded Finance Is the Easiest ROI You’re Ignoring 8 Nicolin Assogba: A Multifaceted Legal Masterclass in Benin and Beyond 12 ECRI: Leading the Fight Against Cardiovascular Disease 13 InvestBank Corp: Best Global Investment Bank 2025 & Worldwide Finance Business Integrity Award 2025 14 RETAILATAM: Transforming Retail with Intelligence, Innovation, and Impact 16 Evi Papacleovoulou: Shaping Legal Practice in Cyprus 18 Lawyer and Director Promoting Women in Law Leadership 19 Expert Brand Strategy from Ireland’s Digital Marketing Pioneers 20 Inquisitive: Empowering Learners to Think, Question, and Discover 21 Leading Italian Citizenship Litigation Attorney 22 The Best of the Best in the Philippines’ Taxation Scene 23 Beautez Pharmacy: A Powerhouse of Modern Health and Wellness 24 StoreMotion: Enhancing Retail with Attention to Detail 26 Mc Naught & Co: “We Practice Law with Heart” 27 A Trusted Partner to Manilla’s Legal Sphere 23 15 26
NEWS CPP Investments and IndoSpace Expand Joint Venture with US$300 Million Acquisition of Six Logistics Parks Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and IndoSpace announced the acquisition of six industrial and logistics parks, valued at INR 30 billion (C$471 million), by IndoSpace Core, a joint venture established in 2017 to acquire and develop logistics facilities across India. This acquisition strengthens IndoSpace Core’s position as India’s largest operator of stabilized industrial and logistics real estate. CPP Investments will commit INR 14 billion (C$217 million) to fund the acquisition. CPP Investments owns 93% of IndoSpace Core. The six assets collectively span 380 acres with a leasable area of approximately nine million square feet, adding to IndoSpace Core’s portfolio of fully developed, income-generating parks. These projects are located in India’s key logistics markets, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune. “India’s logistics sector continues to benefit from strong structural growth, driven by urbanization and the expanding manufacturing footprint,” said Hari Krishna V, Managing Director, Head of Real Estate India & Mumbai Office Head, CPP Investments. “Our longstanding partnership with IndoSpace has enabled us to capture high-quality opportunities in this space. We believe this acquisition will deliver attractive, risk-adjusted returns for CPP contributors and beneficiaries.” Commenting on the development, Anshuman Singh, MD & CEO, IndoSpace, said, “This transaction reflects how India’s logistics sector has evolved into a long-term investment story driven by stable demand and institutional confidence. With over 60 million square feet developed and under development, IndoSpace has established itself as the largest player in India’s industrial and logistics real estate sector. This acquisition further reinforces the strength of our partnership with CPP Investments, built on a shared belief in India’s potential as a global hub.” He added, “At IndoSpace, our strategy is to remain capital-efficient and proactive in pursuing new development opportunities. As India cements its status as a global manufacturing hub, we are witnessing an increasing demand for high-quality, compliant, and sustainable infrastructure. This is precisely where we envisage our next phase of growth unfolding.” Following this transaction, IndoSpace Core’s portfolio will expand to 22 million square feet of leasable area across 948 acres, serving over 120 global and domestic companies across six major industrial hubs: Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune.
NEWS FluidAI Medical announces an acquisition deal with Emmetros Limited Stream Inara™ is part of FluidAI’s Recovery Intelligence and Surgical Excellence (RISE) Program, a quality improvement program designed to improve surgical care and enable Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. RISE spans the entire surgical journey and includes Stream Care™, an AI-assisted Surgical Expert Suite; the FDA-cleared Origin™ monitoring device; and Stream Inara™ for post-discharge patient education and engagement at home. The RISE program enables the adoption of tailored, datadriven solutions that align with each institution’s clinical goals. Stream Inara™ extends surgical care beyond the hospital, serving as a digital management tool before surgery and after patients return home. The platform monitors patients after discharge, collects patient-reported outcomes, and provides personalized education, continuous engagement, and 24/7 support to help patients adhere to care plans and recover safely. Integrating Stream Inara™ into FluidAI’s RISE Program is designed to support earlier discharge. As a result, patients can recover at home, hospitals can increase patient throughput and optimize bed use, and clinicians can remain confident knowing their patients stay connected throughout recovery. “I could not be more pleased about this acquisition by FluidAI, which represents the best possible next chapter for our technology and our mission,” said Emmetros CEO and Co-Founder Mary Pat Hinton. “Their team shares our deep commitment to improving surgical patient outcomes and care experiences through innovation, and their expertise in real-time continuous monitoring really is the perfect complement to our highly customizable and extensible patient engagement and collaboration platform.” “Emmetros has always been dedicated to patient-centric care. Focused on solutions that empower patients and care providers, they have set the standard for how we can engage and communicate with patients,” said Youssef Helwa, CEO of FluidAI. “This acquisition supports FluidAI’s mission in redefining the standard of surgical care to improve patient outcomes during recovery for safer early discharge after general and gastrointestinal surgery.” FluidAI Medical, a medical technology company that develops novel hardware, software, and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, today announced an acquisition deal with SparxConnect developer Emmetros Limited, a leading company in the patient engagement space. The acquisition enhances Stream Inara™, an AI-powered patient education and engagement platform within FluidAI’s product portfolio that extends care beyond the hospital. This is FluidAI’s second acquisition deal after Medsix. Strategic acquisitions remain a core part of FluidAI’s growth strategy, strengthening its position in existing markets and expanding its footprint with established products and technologies.
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Feature December 2025, Acquisition International | 7 Embedded Finance Is the Easiest ROI You’re Ignoring Modern enterprises spend far too much time and money on administration. Behind every transaction, every vendor payment, and every reconciliation sits a labyrinth of manual tasks that slow growth and frustrate teams. The back office, once the backbone of business, has become a bottleneck. Embedded finance is changing that reality, quietly and effectively transforming the way enterprises operate. The Hidden Cost of Complexity Complexity kills efficiency. Enterprises have grown used to running on outdated systems, multiple providers, and disjointed processes. Finance teams still chase invoices, upload CSV files, and manually reconcile payments between systems that barely talk to each other. This isn’t just inconvenient; it is expensive. Administrative friction drains productivity, impacts cash flow, and blocks the insight leaders need to make smart decisions. The real issue is not that businesses lack digital tools; it’s that these tools rarely integrate into the core systems where the business actually runs. Where Embedded Finance Fits In Embedded finance solves that problem by bringing financial services directly into the enterprise’s existing software stack. Instead of using external portals or separate providers, embedded solutions integrate payments, lending, insurance, or expense management within the platforms teams already use. Imagine approving supplier payments directly inside your ERP, or issuing refunds automatically from your ecommerce system, without the hand-off between departments. That is embedded finance in practice. It streamlines the flow of money, data, and authorisation through a single, connected experience. For many organisations, this means faster payment cycles, lower transaction costs, and greater accuracy. It also means the finance function becomes proactive rather than reactive. When financial data moves in real time through the same infrastructure that runs sales or operations, business decisions become faster and better informed. From Operations to Intelligence Automation is only half the story; embedded finance is also about intelligence. When the financial layer is integrated into operational systems, it creates a single source of truth that extends across the entire business. This visibility allows finance teams to move from counting the past to shaping the future. Real-time data enables predictive analytics, better cash flow forecasting, and instant compliance checks. CFOs no longer have to rely on month-end reports to understand liquidity or risk. For enterprises managing complex supply chains, the benefits are immediate. Real-time payment visibility improves supplier relationships, reduces disputes, and supports more flexible terms. Finance stops being a silo and becomes part of the strategic conversation. Efficiency as a Competitive Edge In the current economic environment, efficiency is no longer a cost exercise; it’s a growth strategy. Enterprises that integrate financial processes into their technology stack save time, improve accuracy, and strengthen trust with customers and partners. Embedded finance reduces duplication, automates reconciliation, and cuts human error. It also supports compliance by maintaining consistent data trails across functions. The result is a leaner, smarter enterprise that spends less on administration and more on innovation. Crucially, this isn’t just a big-business story. Mid-sized enterprises are adopting embedded solutions to compete at scale without expanding headcount. Integrating payments, credit or treasury functions into their existing platforms gives them the same operational agility as much larger competitors. The Culture Shift Behind the Code The technology is powerful, but the mindset change is even more significant. For decades, back-office teams have been told to “manage complexity”. The new challenge is to remove it altogether. Embedded finance encourages collaboration between finance, operations, and technology teams. It requires leaders to view financial processes not as a separate discipline but as part of the customer and employee experience. When payments, credit, and data flow seamlessly across departments, accountability improves. Enterprises that adopt embedded finance are also building resilience. When finance runs within the operational ecosystem, there is less dependency on manual intervention and fewer points of failure. Teams can scale without losing control. From Efficiency to Innovation Simplifying the back office does more than save time. It opens the door to innovation. When routine tasks are automated and integrated, teams can focus on higher-value work such as financial modelling, sustainability metrics, or new business models. The next frontier of embedded finance will see enterprises designing their own financial products within their platforms. Think of manufacturers offering supplier financing or software firms providing instant credit for subscriptions. These are not banks; they are businesses using financial infrastructure to enhance customer experience and unlock new revenue streams. A Simpler Future The promise of embedded finance is simple: make the back office disappear into the workflow. The less time a business spends moving data between systems, the more time it can spend moving forward. Enterprises that embrace this integration are not just improving efficiency; they are redefining what it means to run a modern business. Finance becomes frictionless, and the back office becomes invisible; that’s the real revolution. By Philipp Buschmann, CEO and founder, AAZZUR
8 | Acquisition International December 2025 ating back to his days at the University of Abomey-Calvai, which is Benin’s main public university, it was clear that Nicolin Assogba was destined for spectacular things within the country’s legal landscape. After cutting his teeth through a number of law-based positions for smaller firms in Benin, Nicolin secured a legal partner role with SCPA D2A in 2016, in the process starting a tenure that would last almost a decade and counting, during which he has helped take the firm to new heights and served clients across Benin and beyond. Over this same period, Nicolin has blossomed into one of the best lawyers, consultants, trainers, and research officers of his kind in the field, with his diverse skill set spanning everything from drafting documents, reports, and provisions through to providing financial advice for investors and states. A career highlight has seen Nicolin practice arbitration as counsel in various capacities across ICC, CCJA, CAMEC-CCIB, and ISCSID proceedings, to name a few. Such scope makes Nicolin an invaluable member of his firm’s team. He is, however, just one component of a team which are more than sum of their parts, and it is the magic captured through these ranks that makes SCPA D2A such a pioneering force in what is one of Africa’s most exciting legal and commercial environments, for reasons discussed further down below. Since this operation is a team effort through and through, it is fair to say that this recognition extends beyond Nicolin and also applies to the wider firm. For this reason, it pays to understand more about the synergy within SCPA D2A itself. Founded in 2000 by Professor Joseph Djogbenou, SCPA D2A is a leading law firm specialising in legal engineering, consulting, and litigation. With a team divided into two main departments – one focusing on engineering and consulting and the other litigation – the firm collaborates with a host of experts and consultants, resulting in its expertise across the landscape of this West African country being unrivalled. It is thanks to this that SCPA D2A is able to put its proficiency to use across numerous areas of law, such as corporate and commercial. Speaking of its team, Professor Djogbenou is a leading figure of Benin’s legal community, Professor Joseph DJOGBÉNOU founded SCPA D2A and established the intellectual and methodological foundations that continue to shape the firm today: academic rigor, strategic foresight, and uncompromising ethical standards. Furthermore, Maître Olga Anassidé is an outstanding example of technical precision and litigation expertise. Maître Olga Anassidé is a senior lawyer within the firm, Maître Olga Anassidé represents the operational precision and technical excellence that characterise D2A’s work. Her practice spans business law, economic litigation, labour law, and both domestic and international arbitration. She plays a pivotal role in coordinating teams, supervising sensitive matters, and advancing specialised areas such as digital law, civil law, and complex commercial disputes, earning recognition for her strategic insight, rigorous method, and reliable execution. Maître Nicolin Assogba, serves as co-managing partner, has significantly contributed to the firm’s development and consolidation as a regional leader. His background in business law, banking and finance, economic litigation, international arbitration, and legal research has strengthened the firm’s standing both locally and internationally. His practice covers international arbitration before the ICC, CCJA, CAMEC-CCIB, ICSID and other institutions; strategic advisory for investors, corporations, and public bodies; drafting and structuring of complex commercial and financial contracts; high-value commercial and banking litigation; advancement of innovative legal practices and digital transformation within the profession; academic and professional teaching in OHADA law. His engagement within international institutions — including the African International Conference of Bars (CIB), the International Arbitration and Mediation Center (CIAM), and national arbitration bodies — further reinforces the positioning of D2A as a centre of excellence in business law, dispute resolution, and legal innovation. More than a law firm, D2A is a legal institution, shaped by the combined strengths of its three partners the intellectual vision and academic authority of Professor Joseph Djogbénou; the technical expertise and operational leadership of Maître Olga Anassidé; the multidisciplinary reach, international orientation, and innovative capacity of Maître Nicolin Assogba. For almost ten years now, Nicolin Assogba has been a partner lawyer at D2A Société Civile Professionnelle d’Avocats (SCPA D2A), a Benin-based law firm located in Cotonou, the country’s largest city. Leveraging a background in business and judicial law, as well as a wealth of expertise in fundamental private law, Nicolin’s ten years of legal excellence has paved the way for continuous growth for SCPA D2A, which is today one of Benin’s leading law firms. On the back of Benin’s recognition with the title of Leading Corporate & Commercial Lawyer of the Year 2025 – Benin, we take a closer look at both his journey and the distinguishing points of the firm he represents. D Nicolin Assogba: A Multifaceted Legal Masterclass in Benin and Beyond “ Together, they form one of the most influential legal teams in Francophone Africa, offering strategic, ethical, and bespoke legal services to national and international actors navigating increasingly complex legal and economic environments. ”
Nicolin Assogba: A Multifaceted Legal Masterclass in Benin and Beyond
10 | Acquisition International December 2025 His extensive work has profoundly influenced the firm’s development in business law, governance advisory, legal reform, and strategic litigation, positioning D2A as a benchmark across the sub-region. He remains one of the driving forces of the firm’s legal engineering practice, bringing exceptional analytical depth and a sustained capacity for innovation. For twenty-five years, D2A has stood as one of Benin’s foremost law firms, distinguished by its mastery of legal engineering, strategic advisory services, and high-level litigation. Established in 2000, the firm was built on a defining ambition: to provide each client — corporations, public institutions, investors, and international organisations — with precise, tailored, and ethically rigorous legal support, firmly rooted in an exceptional command of OHADA business law, economic litigation, and the evolving complexities of the contemporary legal environment. Today, D2A relies on a team of nearly fifteen experienced lawyers and consultants, a highly success rate, and a client base exceeding 1,000 individuals and entities, both in Benin and abroad. Ranked among the Top 50 OHADA law firms, cited by Chambers, and recipient of numerous professional awards, the firm has consolidated its place as a reference within the West African legal sector. Its areas of intervention encompass the full spectrum of corporate activity corporate law and governance operations; high-stakes commercial litigation; banking and finance law; international arbitration (ICC, CCJA, CAMEC, ICSID); tax, labour, civil and white-collar matters; specialised fields including energy, mining, real estate, IP, digital law and maritime law. The firm has also deepened its offering in legal engineering, developing sophisticated and innovative solutions for the structuring of commercial and financial transactions and assisting clients with the legal dimensions of digital transformation. United by the shared goal of providing effective and relevant legal services that exceed even the highest ethical standards, SCPA D2A is renowned across Benin for its ability to meticulously tailor these services to the needs of clients ranging from individuals and companies through to public bodies and international organisations. Whether it is providing its services across business law, financing, debt collection, or any of the other areas mentioned above, the firm prides itself on offering the gold standard of service. Business law in particular is where SCPA D2A shines, this as a result of the emphasis it places on OHADA law. OHADA, or the Organisation for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa, was established by the Treaty of the Harmonization of Business Law in October 1993, during a signing in Mauritius. The aim of OHADA is to create a unified legal framework for the business activities of its member states – of which Benin is just one – enhancing legal and judicial security for investors and companies in the process. Since it was first established more than 30 years ago, OHADA has supported the 17 African countries that are proud to be members through initiatives focusing on everything from promoting trade between them to attracting foreign investments by nurturing a stable legal landscape in these nations and even simplifying business processes through standardised regulations, ultimately making it easier for companies to be set up and their contracts to be enforced. More information on OHADA can be found at its website, linked here. Returning back to the firm itself, its team are experts in every element of OHADA law, so much so that they both teach it at university level and during bar training for those individuals looking to comprise the next generation of legal professionals in Benin and further afield. This, however, is just the beginning of the expertise inherent across this team of highly qualified legal expert and consultants, all of whom are passionate and ready to deliver innovative and reliable solutions to a diverse client base in search of the very best. Efficient and experienced in equal measure, the team are capable of anticipating the needs of their national and international clients alike, resulting in the provision of a strategic and sustainable service that is guaranteed to impress. More than just an empty claim, backing this up is the fact that SCPA D2A has a 99% success rate for cases, with its team of nearly 15 attorneys having served over 10k happy clients in the 25 years since the firm began. Furthermore, a host of accolades and awards testify to its unrivalled excellence. Heading up the team here across many of these areas – with help from both the aforementioned Joseph Djogbenou and Olga Anasside, another of the firm’s senior lawyers – Nicolin Assogba embodies all that is great about Benin’s leading law firm. Named the Leading Corporate & Commercial Lawyer of the Year 2025 – Benin in this feature, it is our pleasure to champion Nicolin as one of the best legal advisors in the region today. More on D2A Société Civile Professionnelle d’Avocats can be found by following the web address below, whereas further details on Nicolin are available here, on LinkedIn. Contact: Nicolin Assogba Company: D2A Société Civile Professionnelle d’Avocats Web Address: https://www.scpad2a.org/
Nicolin Assogba: A Multifaceted Legal Masterclass in Benin and Beyond
12 | Acquisition International December 2025 ECRI: Leading the Fight Against Cardiovascular Disease Amid shrinking research budgets and rising regulatory demands, clinical trials have become increasingly difficult to fund and execute. In response, the European Cardiovascular Research Institute (ECRI) was founded to bridge the gap between academic thought leaders and industry, enabling high-impact studies that advance cardiovascular care. We spoke with Director Ernest Spitzer below, as ECRI is named Europe’s Cardiology Research Organisation of the Year 2025 in the Global Excellence Awards. Contact: Ernest Spitzer Company: European Cardiovascular Research Institute Web Address: www.ecri-trials.com Founded in 2012, the European Cardiovascular Research Institute is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing cardiovascular research through investigator-led clinical trials. Established in collaboration with specialised cardiovascular research organisation Cardialysis, ECRI’s mission is to defeat cardiovascular disease by conducting high-quality, independent, multicentre, and multinational studies that adhere to ICH and GCP standards. At its core, ECRI’s vision is to serve as a non-profit hub that unites leading clinical researchers with industry partners to execute innovative trials within budget and timeline constraints. The organisation has dedicated itself to fostering global collaboration and leveraging a network of top cardiologists to ensure it successfully delivers impactful research that shapes clinical practice worldwide. In a space oversaturated with commercially motivated organisations, ECRI distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to scientific integrity and patient-centred outcomes. Its non-profit model is not only a structural choice but also a philosophical stance that prioritises clinical relevance over marketability. By championing investigatorinitiated studies, ECRI ensures that research questions arise from frontline clinical experience and reflect critical day-to-day questions at a given moment . The organisation’s collaboration with Cardialysis further amplifies its distinctiveness, combining operational excellence with core lab capabilities to execute complex, multicentre trials across Europe. The result is a research environment where innovation thrives through rigorous methodology and global cooperation. This ethos is embodied in ECRI’s trial infrastructure, which supports the design and delivery of independent studies that challenge conventional standards and push the boundaries of cardiovascular care. ECRI proudly offers a unique platform for executing ambitious, independent clinical trials designed to address critical concerns in the treatment of cardiac patients. The organisation’s pipeline of groundbreaking trials is driven by outstanding clinical leadership and highlights the organisation’s focus on innovative, evidence-based solutions that drive clinical advancements. The organisation is advancing cardiology through three pivotal trials – IVUS-CHIP, OPTIMAL, and FAST III – each targeting critical gaps in percutaneous coronary intervention either for complex or intermediate coronary artery disease. With enrolment completed and results slated for presentation in 2026, these studies promise to reshape clinical guidelines, enhance patient outcomes, and optimise resource use in high-risk procedures. Collectively, these ECRI-led trials could reduce PCI-related major adverse cardiovascular events by 15-30% across Europe, fostering imaging-integrated and physiology-driven care that prioritises precision over intuition. “To advance this mission,” said Ernest, “ECRI is actively seeking private and public funding, including grants and donations, to support the execution of these impactful trials. By investing in our platform, funders can help drive transformative advancements in cardiovascular care, addressing unmet needs and shaping the future of clinical practice.” Ultimately, ECRI aims to revolutionise cardiovascular clinical trials over the next five years by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and streamlined processes. The organisation will explore the use of artificial intelligence to enhance trial design and data analysis, using predictive models to optimise patient selection and endpoint detection, potentially reducing trial timelines by 15-20%. To enhance consistency and accelerate regulatory approvals, ECRI is standardising protocols across multicentre trials like IVUSCHIP and OPTIMAL, ensuring compliance with ICH and GCP guidelines. Automated data platforms are being designed to reduce manual errors and site burden, aiming for a 25% cut in data entry time. Real-time reporting tools will support faster, evidencebased decisions in studies such as FAST III. These digital innovations – anchored in AI, streamlined processes, and smart resource use – reflect ECRI’s drive to deliver costeffective, high-impact research that shapes future cardiovascular care. Looking ahead, ECRI announces the launch of the ZEPHYR trial, a groundbreaking study poised to transform post-myocardial infarction care. In a bold step towards defeating cardiovascular disease, ZEPHYR will investigate ziltivekimab – a promising anti-inflammatory drug from Novo Nordisk – against placebo in 332 patients with acute myocardial infarction . By targeting the IL-6 pathway, this trial aims to demonstrate how curbing chronic inflammation can stabilise and regress coronary plaques, potentially slashing residual risks that claim countless lives annually. “As ECRI’s pipeline – including FAST III and OPTIMAL – advances toward 2026 milestones, this trial underscores our commitment to patient-centred breakthroughs,” Ernest shared. “Early engagements of academics in drug development promises not just insights, but real-world impact: fewer repeat events, better survival, and smarter healthcare strategies. “Join us in this vital quest. For trial details, visit www.ecri-trials.com/studies/zephyr/. Together, we’re rewriting the future of cardiology – one plaque at a time.”
Acquisition International December 2025 | 13 Best Global Investment Bank 2025 & Worldwide Finance Business Integrity Award 2025 ncorporated in the State of Delaware, USA, InvestBank Corp. is an award-winning global investment bank. InvestBank offers worldclass advisory and capital arrangement services to clients around the globe. A respected authority within the global community, InvestBank is known as a trusted advisor and is admired for its leadership, influence, and sustained commitment to excellence. InvestBank Corp. maintains an active annual presence at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week and the World BankIMF Spring and Annual Meetings, engaging top government, industry, and policy leaders to further global cooperation, development, and finance. Each year, InvestBank’s leadership participates in high-level dialogues, strategic roundtables, and bilateral engagements that shape international policy priorities and influence the direction of global capital flows. Through these forums, InvestBank contributes its expertise to advancing sustainable development, strengthening financial resilience, and fostering partnerships that unlock investment opportunities across global markets. InvestBank’s annual presence underscores the firm’s commitment to driving meaningful global impact and to positioning itself as a trusted partner in addressing the world’s most pressing economic and developmental challenges. InvestBank Corp. is internationally recognized for its dedication to ESG advancement and is an active member of the United Nations Global Compact. InvestBank is an endorser of the UN Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate and is a valued participant in the UN’s Forward Faster initiative. InvestBank underscored its global ESG leadership in 2025 by serving as an executive sponsor and participant in the United Nations Global Compact’s 2025 Business and Human Rights Accelerator and 2025 Climate Ambition Accelerator. InvestBank continues to lead with purpose, advancing responsible, sustainable, and inclusive global development and long-term value creation worldwide. For over two decades, InvestBank Corp. has displayed a consistent and unblemished record of operational excellence and business integrity, which has earned the firm global recognition as a leading investment bank with a strong and enduring presence across global markets. InvestBank’s comprehensive advisory platform, unrivalled global network, and deep transactional expertise have positioned the firm as the premier investment bank and the trusted partner for clients seeking industry-leading advisory and capital arrangement services. InvestBank’s commitment to disciplined leadership, operational and industry excellence, and the highest standards of integrity are among the reasons InvestBank Corp. has been recognized as the Best Global Investment Bank 2025 and has been bestowed with the Worldwide Finance Business Integrity Award 2025. Contact: Don Christensen Company: InvestBank Corp. Web Address: www.investbankcorp.com The USA’s investment banking industry is a cornerstone of global finance, playing an instrumental role in enabling companies, governments, and institutions to raise capital and execute transactions. InvestBank Corp. is a leader in this space, with a global reach spanning multiple continents and extensive experience in capital arrangement and advisory services for a diverse range of sectors. We took a closer look at the investment bank and its industry leading operations below, following its recognition in the Worldwide Finance Awards 2025. I InvestBank Corp. Ministerial-Level Solid Minerals Roundtable, UNGA High-Level Week 2025, Harvard Club of NYC Private Meeting, Vice President and Minister of Finance of Botswana, World Bank-IMF Meetings 2025
14 | Acquisition International December 2025 RETAILATAM: Transforming Retail with Intelligence, Innovation, and Impact Regional Reach, Global Standards Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Santiago, Chile, RETAILATAM operates across Chile, Argentina, Peru, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica (Central America & Caribbean), and Mexico, with strategic partnerships in Brazil. The company’s mission is to deliver superior value through tailored solutions that support smarter decision-making— regardless of client size or budget. Built on the values of innovation, teamwork, excellence, and integrity, RETAILATAM combines local market expertise with global best practices. Its vision is clear: to streamline retail operations across the value chain— from manufacturers to retailers to end consumers—by optimizing assortment, inventory, and execution. Strategic Consulting with Measurable Impact RETAILATAM offers a comprehensive suite of business consulting services and software solutions designed to turn strategy into execution. Its consulting practice focuses on category management, assortment and space optimization, and in-store execution. From planogram automation to space planning, the company ensures that every square meter of shelf space delivers maximum value. Clients benefit from a hands-on approach that blends strategic insight with operational excellence, helping them build more profitable, shopper-centric retail environments. Business Intelligence and AI-Driven Solutions What sets RETAILATAM apart is its ability to leverage the power of data. Through customized dashboards, predictive models, and real-time analytics, the company enables its clients to make faster and smarter decisions. Their decision platforms seamlessly integrate with ERP systems and databases, offering tailored solutions such as: • Automated planogram generation and execution • Inventory and assortment performance analysis • Assortment and Space optimisation • Price monitoring and execution • Promotional effectiveness tracking • Shopper satisfaction analysis • Planogram compliance monitoring • Weekly / Daily BI scorecards (Perfect Store / Retailers B2B – Sell Out & Stock) Positioning itself at the forefront of innovation, the company leverages artificial intelligence to solve the most pressing problems currently facing FMCG retailers and CPGs by automating tasks, applying intelligence to big data, and helping them make better decisions that lead to improved results. This portfolio of solutions has been carefully built to address the concerns of RETAILATAM’s customers, who are typically challenged with the task of creating smarter operations, improving the customer experience, and optimising assortment and inventory. In a crowded market, the company stands out for this unique offering – the combination of AI-enabled decision-making platformers, software solutions, and business consulting services for retail operations. This is a crucial combination for the success of its clients, helping retailers and CPG manufacturers to execute market research, merchandising, space management, assortment optimisation, category management, shopper marketing, and business intelligence. Category Growth and Shopper-Centric Execution RETAILATAM’s approach to category growth is based on a deep understanding of shopper behaviour. The company works closely with clients to design and implement strategies that align with consumer needs, channel dynamics, and brand objectives. This has led to successful collaborations with industry leaders such as CENCOSUD, COCA-COLA, DIAGEO, and GA.MA Italy, where RETAILATAM’s solutions have improved shelf profitability, inventory alignment, and portfolio expansion. Luis Valenzuela Contreras, Head of Management Control and Supply for GA.MA Chile, reported: “In the search for a strategic partner to generate the lifting and order of our stores, we chose RETAILATAM for its In a retail landscape shaped by shifting consumer behaviour, digital transformation, and economic volatility, agility and intelligence are essential. RETAILATAM Business Solutions, a Latin American leader in retail tech solutions, consulting and analytics, is helping retailers and CPG manufacturers navigate this complexity with precision. Recognized with the Global Excellence Award 2025, the company is redefining how businesses across the region optimize performance, enhance shopper experience, and drive sustainable growth. We took a closer look at the company’s spectacular services below. RETAILATAM LatAm Board- (from left to right): Felipe Ruiz (SOUTH CONE),Sergio Cedeño (LATAM) Jorge Mora (CAM), Ramses Landaverde (ANDINA),Daniel Sampietro (CEO), Paola Jiménez (MEX)
RETAILATAM: Transforming Retail with Intelligence, Innovation, and Impact experience in the field. Today, we are generating better spaces, we have the ability to position the products with the best profitability on the shelves, and an inventory level that is in accordance with the directive of our board of directors.” Barbara Marroquin, Manager of Category Management for Diageo Peru, wrote: “After having worked with several suppliers, we found RETAILATAM as the best option to develop Category Management with our clients, due to its high level of understanding of the shopper and versatility. We really enjoyed working with a team of high-performance professionals, who have the same sense of urgency as we do and who work with precise objectivity. Their versatility to understand various sales channels has allowed us to reach more customers and develop our portfolio much faster in strategic sales rooms.” Award-Winning Excellence RETAILATAM understands that open communication and healthy business relationships are key to retaining current clients while attracting new business. The company welcomes continuous feedback in client testimonials, making adjustments as needed to better meet expectations. This approach has been highly effective, allowing RETAILATAM to maintain its leadership position in the industry and earn the title of Best BPO Solutions Provider for Retail in South America 2025. Contact: Daniel Sampietro Company: Retailatam Business Solutions Web Address: https://retailatam.com/ Full RETAILATAM’s team, Annual Celebration Expo ANTAD 2025, Guadalajara, Mexico – AI Conference Daniel Sampietro, Founder & CEO, RETAILATAM
16 | Acquisition International December 2025 Evi Papacleovoulou: Shaping Legal Practice in Cyprus ituated in the heart of Cyprus, Papacleovoulou is a distinguished law firm offering an extensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of both local and international clients. Driven by a team of seasoned lawyers, the firm provides expert advise and representation across multiple domains, including real estate and property law, corporate and commercial law, banking and finance law, intellectual property law, and immigration law. Over the years, the firm has built strong relationships with clientele by upholding its core values of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail. With nearly five decades of experience, Papacleovoulou has earned its reputation as one of Cyprus’ most trusted legal institutions. The firm’s longevity is rooted in its unwavering commitment to professionalism, discretion, and client-focused service. From its headquarters in Paphos, it offers island-wide coverage and maintains strong international connections, enabling it to handle cross-border legal matters with confidence and clarity. Its multidisciplinary approach and clientfirst ethos make it a go-to destination for individuals and businesses navigating Cyprus’s legal landscape. At the forefront of the firm is Evi Papacleovoulou, a seasoned advocate and academic with deep expertise in Cypriot property and commercial law. Her practice is distinguished by a rare blend of litigation experience and scholarly insight, positioning her as a trusted advisor to both private clients and corporate entities. With a reputation for precision and strategic thinking, Evi plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s approach to complex legal matters, particularly in the areas of trusts, estate planning, and cross-border transactions. Evi began her legal journey at King’s College London, where she earned her LLB with Honours before completing a Master of Laws (LLM) in European Union Law and Taxation with merit. Her academic pursuits extended to Zurich, where she completed the International Postgraduate Tax Law Program, further sharpening her expertise in cross-border legal frameworks. She is an accredited Arbitrator with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in London, a certified Mediator, and a qualified Documentary Credit Specialist endorsed by the International Chamber of Commerce. These early credentials laid the foundation defined by a commitment to legal excellence. Following her academic achievements, Evi was admitted to the Cyprus Bar Association and began her career as a litigation advocate, appearing before all benches of the Cypriot Courts, including the Supreme Court. Her early practice was marked by a commitment to precision and advocacy, quickly earning her recognition across a range of legal disciplines. She has served on multiple committees within the Cyprus Bar Association, contributing to the development of legal standards and professional ethics. These were formative years that have established Evi as a respected contributor to the legal profession in Cyprus. Evi’s professional affiliations span a wide spectrum of legal and regulatory disciplines. She is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), where she currently serves as secretary of STEP Cyprus, and holds membership in the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Association of International Arbitrators in the UK. Her credentials extend into risk and compliance, corporate governance, and financial law, with affiliations including the International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals, the Institute of Directors, the Chartered Institute of Tax Advisors, and the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics. In addition to her legal practice, Evi has cultivated a strong presence in academia. Since 2018, she has lectured as an Academic Scientific Member of teaching staff at universities in Cyprus, specialising in Company and Commercial Law. Her courses cover a range of subjects including Anti-Money Laundering, Trusts, Estate and Administration, Contract Law, and Business Transactions. Through her teaching, Evi bridges theory and practice, equipping students with the analytical tools and ethical grounding essential for navigating today’s legal landscape. Within the dynamic environment of Papacleovoulou, Evi plays a central role in steering the firm’s strategic direction and legal output. As a senior partner, she oversees complex litigation and advisory matters, particularly those involving high-value property disputes, trust administration, and commercial negotiations. Her leadership is defined by a meticulous attention to detail and a collaborative ethos that fosters excellence across the firm’s practice areas. Evi’s ability to balance rigorous legal analysis with pragmatic client solutions has made her a cornerstone of the firm’s continued success. Ultimately, Evi’s career reflects a rare blend of academic depth, courtroom acumen, and strategic foresight. Her ability to navigate complex legal terrain – whether advising on cross-border property transactions, structuring trusts, or mentoring the next generation of legal professionals – has earned her the respect of clients and peers alike. She continues to shape both the firm’s legacy and the broader legal landscape in Cyprus through her thought leadership, professional integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. It is for this dedication that Evi has been recognised as Cyprus’s Leading Real Estate Lawyer of the Year 2025, a distinction that reflects her continued impact. Contact: Evi Papacleovoulou Company: Papacleovoulou LLC Web Address: www.papacleovoulou.com Cyprus’s legal landscape is constantly evolving, shaped by jurisdictional nuance and international demands. Papacleovoulou is a legal firm operating within this space, with a focus on clear, legal guidance and longstanding client relationships. At the centre of its practice is Evi Papacleovoulou, whose legal and academic work continues to inform the firm’s direction and define its reputation. We took a closer look at Evi’s remarkable achievements below, following her recent recognition in the 2025 Leading Advisor Awards. S
Evi Papacleovoulou: Shaping Legal Practice in Cyprus
18 | Acquisition International December 2025 Lawyer and Director Promoting Women in Law Leadership firm fully connected to the local history of Latin America, with its lawyers over the last 123 years having played an active role in drafting laws, preparing bills, and engaging in strategic litigation, few teams operate atop the reputation of VIVANCO & VIVANCO. Recognising the tremendous weight that is on their shoulders, the experts comprising the firm – a blend of young creatives and experience professionals – leverage their shared skills and perspectives to offer an innovative legal approach to every case. Nobody embodies this ethos better than Sandra Touma, whose legal experience covers the public sector and private practice alike. An alumni of Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, the University of Barcelona, and Harvard Law School, Sandra is not only an authority in this environment, she is a cornerstone of the firm she proudly represents, having served as VIVANCO & VIVANCO’s Legal Director now since mid-2022. This is the latest in a long line of impressive positions she has occupied in the legal landscape. Having worked her way up from assistant roles for local firms through to more senior jobs for the likes of the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security and the Citizen Prefecture of Guayas, Sandra’s journey over the last 15 years has helped to open more doors for women in this space, reflecting a positive cultural shift that is currently taking place in the industry. VIVANCO & VIVANCO is using its premier status to influence this further, seen through the almost the 50-50 split between men and women across its teams. With offices in Argentina, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Chile, VIVANCO & VIVANCO is driving legal transformation across Latin America and beyond. This platform empowers female lawyers like Sandra to grow, inspire, and lead innovation well beyond national borders. The firm’s global vision is further reinforced by its headquarters in Florida, USA. Sandra’s commitment to female empowerment extends beyond VIVANCO & VIVANCO, with her even becoming a member of Women in a Legal World (WLW) earlier this year. She also participated in the Harvard Negotiation and Leadership program, attended AIJA in Washington, spoke at the EKOS Talent Summit, and participated in INTA 2025 in San Diego. The networks Sandra has built are only the surface of her deep commitment to share her knowledge and experience. The endless opportunities for learning and development these events offer allow Sandra to build on what is already a robust and encompassing legal knowledge, covering everything from legal consultancy and support with operational management through to drafting legal documents, administrative law, and leadership in this setting. Underpinning this expertise is both the educational capacity and affiliation with both the Council of the Judiciary of Ecuador and the Guayas Bar Association that Sandra boasts. Such an impressive portfolio sees Sandra able to seamlessly navigate legal systems, business environments, and personalities worldwide, helping both her colleagues and her clients to see clarity in the complexity and move ahead with confidence and purpose. Commenting on this, Sandra explained: “Today, I see my work not just as providing legal solutions, but as building bridges between law, strategy, and people. That’s what keeps me passionate and what continues to define my approach as both a lawyer and a leader.” Continuing to fly the flag for advancing women’s leadership within the world of law, as well as shaping the global landscape through the channels available thanks to VIVANCO & VIVANCO’s heritage, it is our pleasure to recognise Sandra Touma as the Leading Corporate Law Adviser of the Year 2025 – Ecuador. More information on the legal solutions the firm provides to LATAM and beyond can be found at the link down below. Contact: Sandra Touma Company: VIVANCO & VIVANCO Web Address: https://vivancoyvivanco.com/ With an illustrious history dating back to 1902, VIVANCO & VIVANCO is one of the oldest and most sought-after law firms in Latin America. Helping the firm to preserve its legacy but ensure that it does not simply rest on its laurels is Legal Director Sandra Touma, who, working out of the firm’s branch in Ecuador, has occupied this position now for more than three and a half years. Recognised as the Leading Corporate Law Adviser of the Year 2025 – Ecuador in this feature, we caught up with Sandra for more on what sets both her and the firm apart in this dynamic field. A
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