www.acquisition-international.com • Global Excellence Awards 2025 Extended- Stay Software for Hospitality Innovation Revolutionising extended hotel stays by delivering a suite of cutting-edge SaaS solutions geared towards streamlining operations, enhancing experiences, and boosting profits, Gearco, Inc. is a cloud management solutions provider like no other. With its drive to empower extended-stay properties through state of- the-art technology being stronger now than ever before, the company has once again been celebrated in this programme, this time as the Best Cloud Management Solutions Provider 2025 – USA.
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4 | Acquisition International, Global Excellence Awards 2025 Contents 7 Gearco, Inc.: Extended- Stay Software for Hospitality Innovation 8 Broadstone Risks: Creating Calm in Complexity 9 Tactical Rehabilitation, Inc.: Durable Medical Equipment for Military Personnel and Families 10 Colina Financial Advisors Ltd: Bringing Stability, Security, and Integrity to Investing 11 Inquisitive: Empowering Learners to Think, Question, and Discover 12 StoreMotion: Enhancing Retail with Attention to Detail 14 Forge Partners: Expert Brand Strategy from Ireland’s Digital Marketing Pioneers 15 RETAILATAM: Transforming Retail with Intelligence, Innovation, and Impact 16 Hegelmann Group: Industry-Leading Logistics Tailored to Customer Needs 17 ECRI: Leading the Fight Against Cardiovascular Disease 18 Get More for Less with Quality Design and Build Under One Roof 20 Lightcast.com: Bringing Content to Life Across Major Media Channels 22 Tara Rose Salons: Redefining the Salon Experience through Education and Empowerment 23 RMP Eventservice GmbH: Making Europe’s Biggest Concerts and Events Possible 24 Open Systems Technologies Corporation: Three Decades of Infallible, High- End Technology Solutions 26 Upwards Auditores Independentes S.S.: Independent Auditing with Insight and Impact 27 Think Strategic UK: Strategy built on Structure 28 Infinity Group: To Infinity and Beyond with Infinity Group Australia 30 Digital Global Systems Inc: Digital Global Systems: The Future of Wireless Networks 32 ValidPath: Independence is Everything™ at Financial Adviser Network ValidPath 33 The DRL Group: Confidently Invest in Municipal Bonds and Tax- Free Income Solutions 34 S. Sotiriadis – K. Lidorikis & Associates Law Firm: Greece’s Business Restructuring and Insolvency Experts 35 Platinum Capital Management: Dedicated Fund Management from a Global Firm 36 IVA Global School: Taking Virtual Learning to the Next Level 38 GO Markets Pty Ltd: One Account, Thousands of Tradable CFD Options 39 Kulan Somali Organisation: Transforming Communities One Programme at a Time
Contents 40 GRM Bodycraft: Best Vehicle Body Repair Group 2025 – Scotland – GRM Bodycraft 41 Waratek: Scalable Security with Waratek 42 TOPP KIDS Out Of School Clubs: Play, Grow, Laugh, and Learn with TOPP KIDS 43 Alexandre Maciel, Esq. – Arbitrator/Lawyer: Independent Arbitration Ensuring Positive Outcomes 44 LegacyWise LLC: Best Estate Document Preparation Service 2025 – USA 45 Grant Thornton Austria: An Acclaimed International Tax Lawyer Backed by the Best 46 DXCorr Design Inc: Leading-Edge Physical IP Solutions 47 Colina Financial Advisors Ltd: Stable, Secure, and Integral Bahamian Investing 48 CallTower: Revolutionising Cloud-Based Communications Through Sustainable Innovation 50 LAT: Trusted Tutors for Trading Education 51 Stage2Data Inc: North America’s Trusted Cloud Solutions Provider 52 Bigadvantage Consultants: Leadership & Innovation in Consultancy and Training 54 Planning By Design: Delivering Excellence, from Concept to Completion 55 RightIndem: Tech That Dances to Your Beat! 56 An Italian B Corp Driving Customers to Better Energy Usage 58 The Advisory House AG: Shaping Change in Europe’s Energy Industry 59 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square: A Reputation For Excellence 60 Dittel Engineering GmbH: The Full-Service Cleanroom Partner
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8 | Acquisition International, March 2025 Jan25392 ExtendedStay Software for Hospitality Innovation uilding trust through transparency and operating atop a strong ethical code, Gearco works closely with its partners to develop tailored solutions that are both kind to the planet and beneficial to the businesses of its clients. At the centre of the company is a fully integrated SaaS platform, which has been designed for use within the extended-stay hotel industry. Capturing a niche, this proprietary technology consists of a single, user-friendly interface, and optimises everything from guest reservations to property management. The Gearco® Cloud Property Management System (CPMS), as it is called, is a comprehensive software platform that can manage various property types seamlessly, from independent hotels and vacation rentals to those outside of the hospitality space, including self-storage facilities. This is made possible by the flagship True Extended Stay® technology, which unlocks the possibility for such features as integrated secure credit card processing, paperless document handling, automatic late fees, and deposit retention controls, to name a few. An encompassing suite of features such as this makes the platform a game changer in driving efficiency and boosting client satisfaction levels. This is especially true of the extended-stay hotel market, with the team here recognising the array of unique challenges that those operating in this sector have to face. CTO Eric Almond explains it best when he says: “Our commitment to client success and personalised support has earned us a reputation as a trusted technology partner in the hospitality sector.” Clients themselves are quick to corroborate this claim, with Winston, a property manager and avid user of the CPMS platform stating: “Gearco makes it easy to keep track of everything that is going on in our property. I have used other PMSs that don’t come close to what Gearco offers. We are able to vault cards and do other things securely that I have not seen offered by other companies at the price we can get it from Gearco.” The tremendous feedback Gearco receives from clients also stems from the company’s ability to implement customised versions of its CPMS platform, as was the case recently with a leading long-stay hotel chain. Shortly after the system was up and running, the client was experiencing a sharp uptick in their revenue, improved staff productivity, and an all-round more streamlined operation. This is just one example of the countless clients who saved time and money as a result of utilising Gearco’s SaaS solution for hospitality. To ensure the Gearco® Cloud Property Management System continues to deliver maximum client value, the team focuses on continuously enhancing it so that it can stay one step ahead of industry trends. Be it operating more sustainably or managing the increased demand that extended-stay hotels have been experiencing, Gearco has the tools and the infrastructure to more than meet the industry’s demands, as seen through the likes of its advanced security measures and pledge to protect data. Because hospitality industry innovation is about much more than just focusing on the present, Gearco has some exciting plans in the pipeline for its future. The most notable of these is the introduction of Rate Lock™, a revenue optimisation tool designed to help extendedstay properties maximise their earnings by automatically adjusting the rates on long stays. As Eric tells us: “This innovative solution enhances financial predictability for hotel operators while still providing costeffective pricing for long-term guests.” Besides the introduction of this landmark tool, the next five years for the company are set to see it introduce AI, mobile integration, and self-service options to its guest engagement technology, as well as expand its hotel property management software to support the running of properties from multiple locations. Finally, a push towards forging strong partnerships within the hospitality technology space will see Gearco edge closer to its aim of becoming the go-to SaaS provider for extended-stay hospitality. An undisputed innovator in the realm of hospitality technology, Gearco, Inc. has proven itself to be more than capable of addressing the evolving needs of long-stay hotels, with the achievements of its extended-stay hotel software when it comes to the likes of sustainability and data security setting the benchmark for the industry to follow. Contact: Eric Almond Company: Gearco, Inc. Web Address: https://gear.co/ Revolutionising extended hotel stays by delivering a suite of cutting-edge SaaS solutions geared towards streamlining operations, enhancing experiences, and boosting profits, Gearco, Inc. is a cloud management solutions provider like no other. With its drive to empower extended-stay properties through stateof-the-art technology being stronger now than ever before, the company has once again been celebrated in this programme, this time as the Best Cloud Management Solutions Provider 2025 – USA. B
8 | Acquisition International, Global Excellence Awards 2025 6 | May 2025 Broadstone Risks: Creating Calm in Complexity Being within the public eye is something that many aspire towards, though it does not come without its unique set of difficulties. Prominent figures can encounter a variety of dangerous settings and individuals, often requiring them to seek professional protection and security. Broadstone Risks is a leading security and intelligence service provider that has lent its services to a number of high profile names and organisations. As Broadstone Risks is named in the Global Excellence Awards 2025, we learned more from CEO Peter Miles. Contact: Peter Miles Company: Broadstone Risks Web Address: www.broadstonerisks.com Broadstone Risks is an award-winning security and intelligence service promising to disrupt the evolving landscape of modern threats. The company serves a variety of clients within the public eye - whether operating within entertainment, corporate leadership, or diplomacy. Driven by the principles of discretion, foresight, and operational excellence, Broadstone Risks’ services are rooted in decades of sovereign and ultra-highprofile experience, where success is defined not by visibility, but by seamless integration and the complete absence of disruption. “We’re not reacting to the world – we’re reading it in real time. ” The world is evolving and with it, are Broadstone Risks’ services. In this modern age, risk is not merely confined to physical proximity; it travels through hashtags, location metadata, sentiment shifts, and digital patterns – long before it takes form in the physical world. To ensure that it remains up to date with such evolutions, Broadstone Risks offers Protective Intelligence, a core differentiator of its security services. Through the strategic use of social media intelligence, open-source data, and predictive threat modelling, the company proactively monitors and manages risks ahead of time. To ensure continued security in all aspects of the word, Broadstone Risks delivers real-time insights using keyword tracking, geofencing, and narrative monitoring. Layered seamlessly with travel logistics, itinerary planning, and physical operations, this innovative fusion enables the company to create truly dynamic, evolving protection frameworks for each client it serves. “It’s no longer just about being safe. It’s about knowing what is coming before anyone else does. ” In a competitive market, Broadstone Risks does not only stand out for its offerings but also for its operational approach. The company’s methodology is refined, discreet, and precise, centred around the belief that modern protection is not about standing in the way but about making space. Clients do not experience Broadstone Risks as a security presence, but as trusted enablers who understand how to navigate complex environments with grace and minimal footprint. “We pride ourselves on how easily we integrate into high-tempo, high-sensitivity environments,” Peter explained. “Whether we’re supporting a global music tour, an executive summit, or a high-profile personnel engagement, we often serve as the quiet axis around which complex logistics turn. That trust is earned – often behind the scenes – and deeply respected. In many cases, our clients entrust us to liaise directly with their wider teams, agents, or venues, allowing us to represent their interests fully and discreetly.” Moving forward, the company will further strengthen the protection industry by expanding access to its knowledge, without compromising the calibre of exclusivity that defines Broadstone Risks’ brand. Recognised as the Security and Intelligence Service Provider of the Year 2025 – USA, the company is preparing to launch two initiatives meticulously designed to further its mission of empowering through education and ensure the continued prosperity of the protection industry. Firstly, Broadstone Risks will be implementing an invitation-only tier to its services. This initiative will offer high-profile clients access to tailored briefings, private strategic support, and direct consultation with its senior intelligence team. Such a development provides more than security – it offers intelligent living for those navigating global visibility. Secondly, the company will be introducing a public accessibility line. Until now, Broadstone Risks has never had a publicly visible phone number – by design. For the first time, it will be opening a direct line of contact to the world through an initiative providing scaled versions of its protective intelligence tools to public figures, executives, and digital-first clients who do not yet require full-time protection but are still facing elevated risks. “The standard in our industry must evolve, and Broadstone Risks intends to help lead that evolution,” Peter announced. “In addition to the forthcoming invitation tier and public accessibility line, we are preparing to host a limited series of closed-door briefings for peers, corporate clients, and key stakeholders across entertainment, media, and executive risk. These sessions will explore the future of protective intelligence, particularly the convergence between psychological safety, digital exposure, and personal protection. For us, knowledge is protection – and sharing what we’ve learned is part of our responsibility to the industry.”
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, Global Excellence Awards 2025 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
20 | Acquisition International December 2025 Inquisitive: Empowering Learners to Think, Question, and Discover Every child deserves engaging, high-quality education that inspires purposeful learning. To make this a reality, it is crucial that teachers are provided with ongoing support through streamlined lesson planning, enhanced student engagement, and innovative educational tools. Leading the charge is Inquisitive, an educational platform offering a, complete high-quality curriculum resource that covers multiple subjects and saves teachers’ invaluable time. We took a closer look at Inquisitive and its innovations below, as the company is named in the Global Excellence Awards 2025. Contact: Peter Walters, Chief Executive Officer, USA Company: Inquisitive Web Address: www.inquisitive.com Launched in Australia in 2018, Inquisitive was born from a powerful mission to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in every learner through engaging, inquiry and phenomena-based lessons that make learning meaningful and accessible to all. The company began with History and Geography before expanding into Science and Technology, Civics and Citizenship, and Economics and Business as its presence continued to grow., Groundbreaking units in English, Mathematics and Digital Literacy are being added every month. In 2023 Inquisitive launched their US operations with a dedicated Science curriculum. Today, Inquisitive proudly serve over 50,000 teachers across 5,000 elementary schools with lessons that encourage open-minded learning. With varying price points for teachers, schools, and districts, membership to Inquisitive’s platform provides teachers and students with full access to a wide range of PreK-5 lessons, digital resources, assessments, and language supports under one affordable license. Described by teachers as “transformative for engagement,” and “refreshingly intuitive to use,” Inquisitive’s platform allows schools and districts across the country to enjoy an entire year of consistently seamless education, with lessons aligned perfectly with standards and that require minimal preparation for teachers In a crowded market, Inquisitive prides itself on being the most teacher-friendly and student-inclusive PreK-5 resource available today. Best practice pedagogy is embedded into every lesson it delivers – including the 5E pedagogical model, Visible Thinking Activities and High Impact Teacher Strategies to integrate, inquiry, promote engagement and real-world phenomena into students’ learning. With each lesson ready to use, deeply aligned to regulatory standards, and supported by a powerful digital platform, teachers can now teach from the heart instead of the script, ensuring that every learner is truly engaged throughout their educational journey. To facilitate this, Inquisitive has ensured that its internal operations reflect its external capabilities. The company has built curriculum teams for all subjects, formed around senior classroom teachers and school leaders with deep pedagogical expertise and led by Tim Power, Co-Founder of some of the world’s largest educational communities: the World Education Games, World Maths Day, 3P Learning, ClickView, and Inquisitive. Alongside this, Inquisitive also boasts animation and video labs, product development, a marketing division, and support teams, all experienced in exceptional large-scale delivery to schools. This exceptional team serves as the driving force behind Inquisitive’s sustained success, allowing the company to remain responsive and relevant in a rapidly evolving environment. The company has taken a fresh approach to curriculum adoption during times of unprecedented federal and state budget cuts and concerns, providing schools and districts with access to a complete curriculum at an accessible price while including student access and professional development and training, always striving to enhance opportunity for every learner. At the same time, the team pays close attention to developments within the educational sphere, ensuring to remain at the very forefront of industry advancement. With an increasing emphasis placed on high-quality instructional materials and science of learning research, the team has worked tirelessly to position Inquisitive at the intersection of curriculum innovation and classroom reality. The company has adapted quickly to states adopting new standards whilst integrating digital accessibility tools, as well as AI-driven translation for multilingual learners and language and literacy support for all students, into its platform. Such changes have boosted Inquisitive’s advantageous agility, reinforcing its position asinvaluable partner to teachers and a trusted platform designed to evolve alongside state and district priorities. In fact, the company’s remarkable industry reputation has recently resulted in Inquisitive being recently selected and approved as a complete core elementary science resource by the Idaho Department of Education. This is a well-deserved position that illustrates the continued and expanding efficacy of Inquisitive’s solutions, and the confidence of educational institutions in its success. Looking to the future, Inquisitive will be focused on expanding its assessment offering, digital literacy and AI integration, and student performance and engagement analytics. Alongside this, it will be completing its work to provide schools with PreK and TK Science Units that support early learners and encourage them to engage in the world around them. Ultimately, Inquisitive intends to make high-quality, inquiry-based education accessible to every student, everywhere – continuing the mission that has earned it recognition as the Best Primary Education Technology Platform 2025.
12 | Acquisition International, Global Excellence Awards 2025 24 | Acquisition International December 2025 StoreMotion: Enhancing Retail with Attention to Detail ased in Dubai, StoreMotion is a general contractor and millworker that has been serving the Middle East region’s luxury industry for over a decade. The company was founded in 2012, built around the core values of excellence in craftsmanship, integrity and reliability, innovation, and attention to details. These values have been integral to the company’s success, guiding its growth and shaping its motto: “Details Make Perfection, and Perfection is Not a Detail!” “At StoreMotion, our mission is to transform visionary ideas into impeccable luxury environments,” Emile told us. “For years, we have been dedicated to crafting elevated retail, food and beverage, and hospitality spaces that inspire, engage, and endure.” Dedicated to boosting brands and enhancing engagement, StoreMotion offers end-to-end shopfitting and retail architecture services to discerning clients from the retail, food and beverage, and hospitality industries. With services ranging civil and MEP works to millwork and joinery, the company internalises and oversees every aspect of the process, from the initial planning process right through to execution. It boasts a diverse portfolio that includes high-quality projects across various sectors Every project begins with an in-depth planning process, during which StoreMotion gains a concrete understanding of the brand’s unique vision before creating schedules, setting budgets, and planning logistics. From there, the team translates the vision into creative concepts and 3D design, allowing the client to visualise the space before building begins. StoreMotion then creates detailed technical drawings once the design is approved and, armed with invaluable blueprints, selects the finest materials and finishes that comply with local regulations and luxury standards. Now, production begins. This all takes place at the Dubai facility, in which the team utilises CNC laser operators and cutting-edge carpentry tools to craft structured steelwork and custom fixtures that meet clients’ luxury expectations. Every piece is created with meticulous precision before moving onsite, where visions are brought to life. The team ensures that everything fits within the designated timeline until it is time for dispatch and installation, the final stage in the process. From installing fixtures and making adjustments to the final hand-over and support, StoreMotion oversees the logistics so that it can guarantee the highest standards whilst offering clients peace of mind. To StoreMotion, sustainability is equally important as luxury. It upholds a steadfast Layout and design are essential elements of a retailer’s success, playing a direct role in how customers perceive a brand and their likelihood to return. This is especially true with the rise of online shopping, which has made engaging and captivating customers more crucial than ever before for physical retailers. Enter StoreMotion – a trusted partner to discerning clients across the industry, renowned for transforming ideas into luxury spaces that truly inspire. We heard more from Emile Blondet below, Managing Partner at StoreMotion, as the company is named in the Global Excellence Awards 2025. B AIM-Nov25147
dedication to prioritising environmental conservation at every level; all projects undertaken are built with care for the planet, using FSC-certified materials and implementing industry-leading recycling practices to ensure that emissions remain controlled. What’s more, the company promotes waste-free workflows, purpose-backed reuse, and eco-conscious packaging within its facility, always ensuring that sustainability is not only a goal, but a responsibility upheld across every space it designs and builds. The entire production process is streamlined by StoreMotion’s production facility, located in the heart of Dubai. The 50,000 square foot facility serves as the core of the company’s operations, conducting all production in-house and adhering to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and ISO 14001:2015 standards. Equipped with industry-leading technology and driven by a team of more than 180 designers, engineers, project managers, and seasoned artisans, StoreMotion’s manufacturing zone is an instrumental element of the company’s ability to deliver every luxury retail project with unrivalled precision and an unwavering adherence to timelines. “StoreMotion distinguishes itself through a rare combination of European leadership, in-house multidisciplinary capabilities, and a relentless attention to detail,” Emile stated. “We deliver unmatched execution with every project, with exceptional finishes that reflect the true essence of our clients.” Such outstanding offerings have enabled StoreMotion to work alongside a number of respected industry names, bringing their stores to life through inspirational retail and commercial spaces across the Middle East. Such brands include Hermes, Piaget, Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari, Chopard, Jimmy Choo and many more. Recently, the company has been selected to collaborate with several prestigious brands in The Grove Saadiyat Island, a one-ofa-kind luxury development in Abu Dhabi. This is a significant opportunity for the company, allowing it to maintain a frontrunning position in the region’s luxury sector. What’s more, the rapid growth of online sales has reshaped the retail landscape, providing new creative opportunities for StoreMotion its growth and development. This shift has been challenging to navigate, but StoreMotion has leveraged its unmatched capabilities to strengthen its position as a premium, trusted partner to countless clients across the industry. Now, the team are working to offer more unique designs and experimental customer experiences, all with the aim of helping clients stand out and drive brand engagement. Looking to the future, StoreMotion is looking to expand its capabilities and further solidify its status as a market leader. “A major milestone in our expansion is the construction of our new 80,000 square foot production facility in National Investment Park,” Emile informed us. “This will double our production capacity, introduce new high-end machineries and equipment, further support our in-house millwork capabilities, and support large projects across the region. This is a new chapter for StoreMotion.” Beyond this expansion, the company has a number of plans in the works, one of which will be placing a strong focus on both the hospitality and food and beverage sectors through the formation of new strategic partnerships. Alongside this, it will be enhancing its sustainability measures across its processes and materials, as well as continuously elevating the quality and efficiency of its divisions. Each upcoming endeavour speaks to a forward-thinking company that is led by client-centricity and a commitment to excellence – a company that has earned the title of Dubai’s Best Shopfitting and Retail Architecture Specialists 2025. Contact Details Contact: Emile Blondet Company: StoreMotion Web Address: www.storemotion.ae StoreMotion: Enhancing Retail with Attention to Detail
14 | Acquisition International, Global Excellence Awards 2025 Acquisition International December 2025 | 19 their business that ensures every subsequent action aligns with their long-term vision.” Forge Partners has leveraged its expertise across brand strategy to support many clients in growing their businesses, as seen through its work a few years ago with Naked Bakes, a rising star in the everpopular world of cookie dough. By creating a playful, retro-inspired identity for this start-up – achieved by the agency using two contractors sourced from its aforementioned network of experts – the brand was supported as it launched the product into SuperValu stores across Ireland, marking a huge step on its evolutionary journey. As for how exactly Forge Partners aided Naked Bakes, it performed a total reimagining of the brand from the ground up, going beyond strategy to cover visual identity, packaging, and even the digital experience its customers were afforded. The solutions that the agency came up with included a tagline: ‘It’s Only Natural’, an accompanying graphic playing off Adam and Eve iconography, bold and colourful packaging designed to catch the eye, and a more intuitive website backed by its first dedicated CRM. Naked Bakes is just one of the numerous brands supported in this way by Forge Partners over the last five years, with other cause studies including Mean Bean Coffee – which the team helped to revolutionise the local industry through a robust marketing strategy – and the transformation of Slow and Steady, a local overnight oats company, into a national sensation as a result of a full rebrand that allowed it to stand out. Four of the high-level marketing experts the agency boasts were used for both projects. Even with 2025 winding down, Forge Partners remains as dedicated as ever to nurturing successful growth campaigns for its clients, all of which start with a great strategy. The win-win situation delivered through the agency’s unique, full-service approach to marketing sets it apart, and more about all of the solutions available through the Best Digital Marketing Agency 2025 – Republic of Ireland can be found by visiting the website below. Contact: Alan McMahon Company: Forge Partners Web Address: https://forgepartners.ie/ Expert Brand Strategy from Ireland’s Digital Marketing Pioneers Established as BrandAble in County Waterford, Ireland, in 2020, Forge Partners elevates brands through a range of expert-driven marketing services spanning marketing strategy, brand identity, website design/ development (across B2B and eCommerce channels alike), digital marketing (including SEO and Google Ads), and even business development services. Through this full-service approach, the aim is to forever revolutionise the world of marketing, and to be the catalyst of business evolution for as many local brands as possible. This encompassing methodology – which is known as ‘The Forge Difference’ – is built on the cornerstones of being an expert-driven, client-focused, results-oriented agency. To this end, Forge Partners does much more than offer a traditional agency model, and it can be seen to be tearing up the industry playbook by pairing clients with expert, hand-selected members of its curated network, rather than simply providing them with the services of a general in-house team trying to juggle everything at once. “We ensure that for every project – from brand identity development to SEO optimisation – you are partnered with a specialist who is at the top of their game. This expert-driven approach is our main differentiator. ” Making all of this possible is the group of experienced individuals behind the agency, comprising individuals who have left the grind of the 9-5 and instead work independently on their own time, something which is also true of Founder and CEO Alan McMahon. This empowers these high-level marketing experts to go above and beyond for every client’s project, and it is this which has paved the way for the agency’s successful track record of crafting everything from bespoke marketing solutions to brand identity services. Exploring this portfolio in more detail, the agency’s brand strategy service is the undisputed centrepiece, with Alan even describing brand strategy as the “foundational roadmap for a business.” He continued: “Our brand strategy service ensures the creation of a distinctive identity that forges a strong, emotional connection with their target audience. We ensure this by seeing our clients gain a well-defined direction for Specialising in bespoke marketing solutions and brand identity development, Forge Partners (formerly BrandAble) is a creative, strategic marketing agency with a track record for transforming entrepreneurial passion into demonstrable business growth. Founded by Alan McMahon, who is also its CEO, the agency’s comprehensive suite of bespoke marketing solutions has resulted in it being named the Best Digital Marketing Agency 2025 – Republic of Ireland in this feature. We caught up with Alan for more on the services the agency provides to some of Ireland’s fastest growing brands. Forge Partners
7 | Acquisition International, July 2025 AIM-Apr25146 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 decisionmaking 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 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. Company: Retailatam Business Solutions Web Address: https://retailatam.com/ 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)
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