www.acquisition-international.com • Issue 12 2022 D4U Immigration: Immigration Experts Secure Success!
2 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 From our Editor Welcome to the December edition of Acquisition International Magazine, bringing you the latest news, features, and success stories from businesses all over the world. As 2022 soon draws to a close, there couldn’t be a better time to celebrate the successes of our businesses who have been rebuilding and thriving after a tough few years due to the pandemic. From a healthtech start-up solving the huge problem that is airborne pathogens and biothreats, to a world-first company simplifying corporate risk profiling data management, they have truly been showing their industries how it is done – and are nearing the end of a highly successful year. The weather might be getting colder, but these businesses are on fire as they continue to defy the odds and exceed expectations. They’re making lives easier, and some are even saving them. In this issue, we explore the ground-breaking work being done with next-level expertise and resilience in what have been some of the toughest times, where business are putting their clients above themselves and are devoted to providing only the very best service. We hope you find this issue informative and motivational, and we look forward to seeing you again for a next edition in the new year. Rebecca Scotland - Editor Contents 4 News 6 The Best Solution to Auto Accidents Solution Now Law Firm 7 Surgical Training of the Future Fusetec 3D Pty Ltd 8 Safer, Healthier Air iatrixAir, Inc. 10 Immigration Experts Secure Success! D4U Immigration 12 Enhancing the Employee Experience Protostar Leadership Development LTD 14 Best in Class Compliance Solutions Orical LLC 15 Optimum: Re-Inventing the Payment Arena Optimum Pay Group 16 Private Equity Specialists Altus Partners 17 Law Reimagined Quinn Legal 18 DG Twin Tailoring Technology DG Twin U.R.L. 19 Improving Performance Everywhere Fidello Inc. No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Editors Sofi Bajor, Senior Editor Rebecca Scotland, Editor Designers Daniela Levinte, Graphic Designer Lauren Baldwin, Graphic Designer 20 Driven By Efficiency Hahnelt Consulting 22 Make Platform Payments Your Superpower Payrix 24 Making Moves Run Smooth PAX Migration Australia 25 Turning Information into Insight The Compliance Workbook (TCW) 26 Pristine Protection White Hack Labs 27 Best Complex Litigation Lawyer (Chile): Juan Cristobal Pino Alfaro Castaneda Abogados 28 In the Pursuit of True Client-Centric Legal Advisory Engleharts Solicitors 29 Best Chinese-Speaking Immigration Law Firm 2022 - London Multrees Law 30 Working Hard. Working Smart. Working To Win! ParrisWhittaker 31 High Quality Legal Services Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP 32 Agricultural Development For Our Future Pacific Rim Innovation and Management Exponents, Inc. 33 Multidisciplinary Vision of the Future Sámano Abogados SC
Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 3 6 25 30 34 A Guiding Light During a Crisis Serafim Sotiriadis & Associates Law Office 35 Making Tax Simple B.K.F. ASESORES, S.L. 36 International Franchising of the Future Frannexus 37 Mission-Critical Platform for Omnichannel Advertising Mediaocean 38 Journey To The Future Hevolus 40 LegalTech Experts of the Year – France Deep Block 41 Here When You Need Them Most Foyle Legal 42 Best PRC & Company Secretarial Service Provider - Hong Kong Woo Kwan Lee & Lo 43 Winners’ Listings
4 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 News: from around the world Experts react: UK set to become next AI superpower New research by WPI Economics has highlighted that the UK is forging ahead with cementing itself as the next leader in artificial intelligence following public sector investment, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak states at the CBI, it will be a “defining focus in my government”. The recent report revealed a £2.3bn injection of funds into AI since 2014 with the aim of improving data management, an area which played a vital role during the pandemic. For example, doctors were able to use it to detect the severity of a patient’s condition and provide direct patient care. However, the report also warned that more needs to be done to improve data capabilities across government as departments lack a clear data strategy, whilst too few civil servants have the relevant knowledge to improve data handling. Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Michelle Donelan supported the study, stating that the UK “could and should be a global superpower in this space in the coming years”. Sunak plans to entice more high skilled migrants into the UK to fill jobs in areas such as AI as he expresses the UK “cannot allow the world’s top AI talent to be draw to America or China” Sridhar Iyengar, MD for Zoho Europe, commented: “AI-equipped networks, tools and infrastructure are imperative for efficient and competitive business operations. AI’s use-cases are abundant. One example where business can benefit is using AI to enhance the customer experience - through dedicated chatbot services, Natural Language Processing for seamless search and discovery, and tailoring marketing preferences to individual users. It can also be deployed to improve network connectivity and operational efficiency, enhance data security via anomaly and threat detection, automate regulatory processes, and more. “It’s positive to see UK government recognition of the value of AI, and their willingness to maintain AI investment despite a looming recession. Thanks to the UK’s commitment to innovation and research and development, more investment in AI will not only strengthen home-grown businesses, but it will promote job creation, support economic growth, and nurture creativity. We encourage consistent investment and training to ensure all government departments, including those who lag behind in this area, have the skills and capabilities to reap all the rewards AI can offer and to ensure the UK remains in a prime position to take the global lead with AI related innovation.”
Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 5 Telford-based wholesale import and exporter, Newport Farmer, has secured a €300,000 facility from alternative lender Growth Lending. The funding will provide the company with the working capital to expand into new suppliers as well as diversify its customer base. Founded in 2019, Newport Farmer facilitates the import and export of produce such as bananas, limes, plantain and mangoes through an integrated supply chain network. The business works with a selection of producers from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Costa Rica and Columbia, ensuring that clients across Europe receive the best quality produce. The facility from Growth Lending will enable the business to continue to improve the efficiency and reliability of goods, service and cost to clients. In addition, it will ensure that Newport can continue its mission of representing farmers and producers by working directly with distributors at the end of the supply chain, giving them the best chance of a good price in a highly competitive market. The business has chosen to work with Growth Lending as it was able to offer a standalone EUR facility, with no conditional requirement to fund GBP alongside it. The flexibility of the selective invoice finance facility enabled Newport to fund one large debtor freeing up cash flow to assist with growth plans. In addition, Newport can select which invoices it would like to fund against, meaning the cost of the facility can be controlled. Growth Lending provides funding for growth, working capital and M&A. Founded in 2013 to support UK SMEs where traditional banks cannot, the firm works with innovative and fast growth B2B businesses, including those in technology, media and healthcare. Growth Lending had a record 2021, providing £64m under the government CBILS initiative, supporting businesses through the pandemic and aims to double in size by the end of 2022. Filipe Silva, Managing Director at Newport Farmer said: “Growth Lending has made the process of securing new finance very easy, taking the time to understand my business model and work with me to complete all the required adminstration for a successful application. “In current circumstances, ensuring that we can manage costs to clients, provide produce at a good price and International food trader eyes new growth with €300,000 deal continue to support producers is more important than ever. Growth Lending were able to offer me a flexible finance solution that enables me to do this, works well for my business and means I can take on new leads without cash flow limitations.” Vicki Taylor, Principal at Growth Lending said: “In the current environment it can be difficult to navigate the various funding options available to businesses, particularly when dealing in currencies other than GBP. On the advice of Jim Davis at Clear Cashflow Solutions, Newport approached me with a request for a standalone EUR FX facility. The business has seen impressive growth since it began and the funding we’ve provided will enable it to continue on this trajectory, it’s a pleasure to be able to support it.” Jim Davis of Clear Cashflow Solutions who advised on the deal said: “Growth Lending has been straightforward and hassle free to work with, offering my client a facility that is perfect for its standalone EUR requirements, which will enable the business to manage its working capital, pay suppliers quicker and grow.”
6 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 The Best Solution to Auto Accidents s an auto accident injury law firm in San Jose, Solution Now Law Firm provides its expertise to clients in Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga, and throughout the Bay Area – Northern California. The firm is known for its owner, Jimin Oh, who won multiple prestigious awards, including Million Dollar Trial Lawyer and the Litigator of the Year by American Institute of Trial Lawyers. Solution Now Law Firm knows that most law firms focus on personal injury and wrongful death but so few of them concentrate on auto accident cases. With its excellent understanding of how crashes happen, how to find out who is at fault, and how to win the best injury settlement, Solution Now is a fine example of a successful law firm. This expertise allows Solution Now Law Firm to provide a detailed and customized case strategy for each of their clients. The firm has the reputation to settle the claim for the maximum value or represent clients in court should this be needed. In addition to winning the settlements, Solution Now Law Firm aids clients in their recovery, from start to finish, offering arrangements of rental cars, vehicle repairs, arranging appointments with doctors, physical therapists, taking over communication with insurance companies, obtaining reimbursements for damaged property, and much more. It provides these services for the utmost amount of peace of mind for its clients – ensuring that they can have the smoothest journey throughout all of their troubles. We would now like to introduce Leading Car Accident Attorney of the Year 2022 – Northern California, Jimin Oh who founded Solution Now Law Firm. She opened the firm so that she could provide people with a safe space to recover from accidents and, with her compassionate and empathetic nature, she has come a long way to incredible success in the industry. She is truly proud to present her business to the world and is happy to help as many people as possible throughout their recovery. She also leads a team of people who are truly dedicated to the cause, making Solution Now Law Firm the best place to go in California for auto accident legal support. As an excellent, dedicated, and passionate personal injury lawyer, Jimin has helped thousands of car accident victims so that they know their rights and have the ability to win cases against those who have harmed them. Not only this, but Jimin and the team have the ability to A Oct22021 settle and solve cases so that people can gain full settlement for their property damage as well as personal injury. Handling thousands – at the very least – of simple and complex car accident cases, motorcycle accidents, side and rear-impact accidents, drunk driving accidents, bike accidents, e-Scooter (Lime, Bird) accidents, pedestrian accidents, Uber/Lyft accidents, and delivery driver accidents, Jimin has a wide variety of experience in this area of law. She shows no sign of slowing down as her success continues to rise. The future of Solution Now Law Firm has a lot in store for itself and its clients. Introducing its brilliance has been an absolute pleasure, and we look forward to seeing what Jimin does next as she sets out to help even more individuals with their cases. Contact: Jimin Oh Company: Solution Now Law Firm Web Address: https://solutionnowlawfirm.com/ If you’ve ever had a car accident, or know someone who has, you’ll know that it is one of the most stressful situations in life. However, we have found a business that can offer ease and relief throughout such a tumultuous time. Solution Now Law Firm is an unrivalled and unparalleled law service that offers clients the best solutions to win their cases. Here we look to Jimin Oh as she wins Leading Car Accident Attorney of the Year 2022 – Northern California.
Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 7 Fusetec 3D Pty Ltd is an advanced manufacturing company in perpetual research and development mode to answer the question, ‘how do surgeons train?’ Fusetec is disrupting the surgical training environment by providing solutions that will change the way medical training is performed, globally. Here we deep dive into Fusetec, as it wins Additive Manufacturing Company of the Year in Acquisition International’s Global Excellence Awards 2022. Oct22296 usetec sprung to life in 2017, from humble beginnings, when two entrepreneurs, Mark Roe and John Budgen, took a leap of faith and back themselves to solve the surgical training dilemma. Surgeons traditionally train on cadavers which is high risk for all stakeholders. The risk of contracting harmful bacteria is ever present, especially as bacteria can remain dormant in a cadaver for long periods of time. Additionally, cadavers rarely come with a preexisting condition specific to the surgeon’s training requirements. Fusetec’s technology does not contain harmful bacteria, which reduces the need for expensive wet labs and diminishes the regulatory burdens and ethical issues, which often gridlocks surgical training. Fusetec’s ability to advance manufacture human anatomy ensures that each surgical training scenario can be repeated time and time again, to upskill surgeons and residents, while products can be easily transported around the world. Fusetec client base includes several Tier 1 medical device companies and highly ranked educational institutions in the life sciences sector. Receiving constant demand to develop new models, it is evident that Fusetec has developed a reputation as a global leader, in advanced manufactured, human body parts. Fusetec creates “fit for purpose” models to enhance the surgeons learning experience, from complex anatomies to pathologies, with the goal to upskill surgeons and improve healthcare outcomes. F Surgical Training of the Future With perpetual research and development at the core of their DNA, Fusetec has developed over 60 products across several surgical disciplines including Gynae, ENT, Neuro, Ortho and Injectables. With further products in development and many more on back order. As Fusetec’s innovative technology adds value to surgical training, it is entirely possible to reduce the risk of training while providing the hours necessary to develop the skills needed to surgical competency, at a lower cost, and with better results than ever before. Since its humble beginning in 2017, Fusetec has swiftly become a driving force with its successful launch of their first models at a non-cadaveric FESS course in September 2019, McGill University Montreal, and triumphant showing at AOO, New Orleans, Fusetec altered the perceptions of what is possible using advanced manufactured human anatomy. Surgical training ground to a halt as Covid-19 ravished the world and fear ran through the veins of society, while the medical industry scrambled for solutions. During this period Fusetec knuckled down with the belief that once Covid subsided, the medical sector would be reluctant to revert-back to cadaver training. Fusetec doubled down and further developed new anatomical products to de-risk and enhance surgical training forever. In 2021, Fusetec constructed the world first, non-cadaveric Advanced Surgical Training Clinic, in Australia, which is a 25-bed surgical simulation clinic in a fully equipped surgical environment. Fusetec know advance manufactures human body parts and hosts a facility to train surgeons. The Advanced Surgical Training Clinic is rented out daily by Tier 1 medical device companies to facilitate surgical training, using the latest tools and technology. Fusetec is highly revered for offering its pioneering courses with surgeons travelling from around the globe to upskill in a controlled environment. Fusetec has been the recipient of many awards over the past few years, including the Ausbiotech – Johnson and Johnson Emerging Company of the Year 2022. We are proud to be this year’s recipient of the Acquisition International’s Global Excellence Awards 2022 for Additive Manufacturing Company of the Year Contact: Mark Roe – mark.roe@fusetec.com.au John Budgen – john.budgen@fusetec.com.au Company: Fusetec 3D Pty Ltd Web Address: https://fusetec.com.au/
8 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 Oct22145 Safer, Healthier Air iatrixAir is a healthtech start-up that provides mission critical products and services using sensor fusion and machine learning that detects and destroys airborne pathogens and biothreats in near real-time for commercial and public buildings. It’s a huge opportunity and a huge problem to solve. But this company has nailed it – making it deserving of being named Best AI-Based Air Quality Control Solutions Developer – North America. ike the water we drink, we shouldn’t have to concern ourselves with the quality of our indoor air. iatrixAir’s technology makes the indoor air quality of commercial and public buildings safe and healthy, so it is clear of airborne pathogens and biothreats, in near real-time. This comes in the form of smart, efficient, medical grade filtration and air exchange products that monitor air quality 24/7/365. iatrixAir’s “Air Quality as a Service” business model delivers absolute performance with a low-cost monthly fee, and white-glove, never-touch installation by professional contractors. The company builds relationships with independent representative firms that recruit and train building contractors to install its products and deliver its services to building owners and operators. The key difference from competitors is that its approach is mission-critical and near real-time, with fast detection using sensors that run every ten seconds; machine learning which uses a predictive and automated approach; fast-first pass disinfection using only proven enclosed, intense UVC light; and real-time visual information via mobile and desktop apps or digital signage. Thanks to iatrixAir, a building operator or owner can now rest assured that their buildings are providing safe, healthy air to employees and visitors. iatrixAir is on a mission to salvage the air quality industry from being full of misinformation and pseudoscience, and industry standards are also ineffective to stop airborne pathogens such as COVID-19. The rate of ventilation of air in a space should be double the current standards. It’s not so much a technology challenge but rather an education-marketing challenge backed up by improved test methods and standards. L COVID-19 cost the US economy upwards of $200b in 2021 and some reports estimate that the total costs could be up to $16T. What didn’t help in this was that at first, the experts and scientists could not agree on the mechanism of COVID-19, however they now all agree that these airborne pathogens go further and linger in the air for longer than previously thought. It took over a year for the WHO and CDC to provide guidance on the real root cause of COVID-19. Now the root cause is known, iatrixAir is speeding to the market a mission-critical solution of fast detection, fast remediation, and fast information. The US White House has released the Indoor Air Quality Building Challenge in which a pledge is provided along with steps that a business can take in order to improve their indoor air quality, plus realise tax credits for installing indoor air quality solutions. The spotlight is on indoor air quality. A recent comment by an industry observer indicated that perhaps the building operator or owner has a bigger impact on your health than your doctor! We now spend over 90% of our time indoors so safe and healthy air is very important. Indeed, iatrixAir continues to see an enormous opportunity with many companies needing better air quality solutions, whether workplaces, schools, shopping malls, or restaurants. Indoor air quality should not be something we have to think about. The key is understanding the air quality in the space and its air flows. iatrixAir will over the coming years have huge amounts of data in the cloud that it can use to make its products more effective and efficient using the latest AI machine learning. Now, it is working on creating discreet products which can’t be seen or heard but still keep the air quality safe and healthy. The company is filling its patents on this approach and has licensed other patents to place these products on the market in the new two to three years. Because UVC is a very proven science. And iatrixAir is showing the industry how it’s done. And just in time as RSV, the annual flu and a resurgence of CV-19 is occurring or what is called the tri-pandemic. The spread of airborne pathogens can be reduced with existing technology re-purposed, combined with new technologies such as machine learning. Company: iatrixAir, Inc. Contact: Marc McConnaughey Email: marcm@iatrixair.com Website: www.iatrixair.com Like the water we drink, we shouldn’t have to concern ourselves with the quality of our indoor air. iatrixAir’s technology makes the indoor air quality of commercial and public buildings safe and healthy, so it is clear of airborne pathogens and biothreats, in near real-time.
Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 9 Safer, Healthier Air
10 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 Oct22194 D4U IMMIGRATION is an immigration advisory firm that has helped thousands of people since 2015 to acquire permanent residence in the United States. Recently recognized as the Best Latin America/USA Immigration Firm in the USA, D4U are specialists in visas for professionals and investors. Now the company growing up and going to Europe also. 4U has a team of highly qualified professionals who provide the security that its customers need in this critical moment of their lives. D4U is concerned with looking at the professional history of each client, valuing their past, and delivering beyond what is proposed. When clients enter D4U, they are thinking about the possibility of living in the United States or in Europe and employing their knowledge and skillsets within a role there. As such, in addition to the immigration petition, D4U also provides other benefits, that will help our clients in this new beginning. The benefits of choosing an exceptional firm such as D4U are that it offers financial planning, tax planning consultation, and consultation with a head-hunter. Additionally, D4U offers support, either through its six offices spread across Brazil, USA, and Europe or through a custom-made cell phone application that offers convenience for its clients to monitor their immigration petition in the palm of their hand. The team at D4U Immigration has numerous professionals, most of whom are lawyers within the United States, Brazil, and Europe. When recruiting to the D4U team, in addition to a selection process to learn about their professional and academic experiences, D4U makes sure to look for people with personalities that align with the work it does; for individuals who understand the importance of making dreams come true for families of all profiles and social classes. Portugal, Span, Italy, and other countries in Europe are options for those who want to change their life. Overall, what sets D4U apart from its competitors is its customer service. D4U has a 99% approval rate and customers are not just a number for the firm. D4U has thousands of customers and claims to know the story of each one personally. At D4U Immigration, no one within the company is left without an answer, and the same is true for the individuals it works with. D4U walks together with the clients until the permanent residence referred to that country is delivered. Even non-customers use this benefit, using its social networks to ask questions and get more knowledge about immigration in the USA – answers that competitors would not give. Furthermore, D4U aims to reach more numbers of professionals and families who want an opportunity to live and work within the USA or Europe; using its guidance and understanding of the law to help more individuals achieve their dreams and to help facilitate the growth of the countries as well. D Company: D4U Immigration Name: Paula Kasparian Web: https://d4uimmigration.com/en/ Immigration Experts Secure Success!
Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 11 Immigration Experts Secure Success!
12 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 Nov22020 inners of the same award in 2021, Protostar has continued to grow in what has hitherto been a market dominated by a few players. The last few years have been particularly stressful for many employees, and the post-COVID bounce back has caused labour shortages and high rates of staff turnover. This has led employers to concentrate on their employee experience (EX), and Protostar has helped to both measure it and drive improvements. W At the root of Protostar’s success in designing effective employee surveys, is psychology, whether that be in designing the communications that announce the survey is coming, or the careful crafting of each question. Protostar’s Managing Director Michael Coates first published a book on organisational psychology back in 2000, and now, as well as running Enhancing the Employee Experience For the second year, Protostar’s consultants have proven that they can help organisations to assess the mood of their employees and use data to recommend meaningful actions. Here we present Protostar as it wins Leading Specialist Employee Engagement and Staff Surveys Firm of the Year. Protostar’s Interactive Survey Dashboard
Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 13 Protecting the Employee Experience this successful consultancy, he is a visiting Professor. Michael ensures that psychology is used to develop trust in the survey and to get a high number of open and honest responses. He starts this journey before the survey launches with a personalised video for the employees. Filmed in a casual setting, Michael tells the audience who he is, how the survey will work and how their anonymity is guaranteed. So why are these videos so effective? Michael believes that “Particularly in this social media age, relationships and trust are often formed by seeing and listening to people online, so by creating a video where I dispel myths and concerns about completing a staff survey, the viewers are also allowed to decide if they trust me.” It would appear they do trust Michael and his team as their surveys consistentlyget high response ratesand therebyhighstatistical confidence levels. This even applies when the organisation is spread globally or has a very diverse range of employees. Protostar are specialists in adapting surveys to be understood and appealing to diverse audiences, minority groups, and those who are often reticent to respond. Another way they differentiate themselves from survey apps or other providers is that their surveys can communicate vital messages to the employees as well as seek their responses. Typically, this might be to provide details of who to speak to if their responses indicate that they are stressed or being bullied. Similarly, it might show them the organisation’s values if they indicate that they do not know them. Managing Director Michael Coates explains how this works. “While staff are completing a survey you have a captive audience, but they are also anonymous, so you can’t send out targeted communications to those who require one after the survey, but we can do it during.” In addition, at the end of the online survey, respondents receive either personalised messages from the CEO of their organisation or they are taken to a video, again capitalising on the fact that they are already in listening mode. Another area that has continued to improve and develop at Protostar is how they present the data to clients. In addition to a detailed narrative report where the main findings are highlighted along with any comments staff provided that might clarify those findings, the data is also available as an interactive dashboard. While the idea of a dashboard is nothing new, Protostar are firm believers that any such tool should be self-intuitive and continuously improve based on user feedback. Michael Coates continued, “Clients love our dashboards as they do not need an expensive license or an instruction manual, yet they do allow you to easily filter, compare and contrast responses.” The last two years have seen significant growth at Protostar and with a healthy pipeline of potential clients ranging from SMEs to public sector organisations and global corporations, many employees will be far more engaged as a result of their support. Contact: Michael Coates Email: Michael@protostar-uk.com Telephone: +44 (0) 191 3855455 Company: Protostar Leadership Development LTD Web Address: www.protostar-uk.com/employee-surveys Further reading: https://commons.emich.edu/gabc/vol5/iss1/4/ Michael Coates – Managing Director Protostar
14 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 Oct22432 Best in Class Compliance Solutions Orical is a regulatory compliance firm assisting investment managers and broker dealers in all aspects of SEC and CFTC related programmes such as compliance monitoring, assistance with all regulatory filings, personal trading review, and compliance training. In light of Acquisition International magazine recognising the firm as Leading Investment & Compliance Adviser of the Year, New York, we learn more. he Partners of Orical, Gregory Florio and James Leahy have over 20 years of legal and regulatory experience. They decided to join forces while working together at a multi-billion-dollar global fund manager as Senior Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively. Mr. Florio and Mr. Leahy set out to launch a new type of consulting service and software company that implements institutional quality compliance and operational programs in a cost-effective, businesssavvy way in order to help clients grow and succeed. Orical’s Director of Operations, Nicole Amitrano tells us, “Our programs represent the industry’s best practices at a fraction of the cost of bringing commensurate expertise in-house.” Orical’s business model is designed around clients’ primary needs, growth, and prosperity, which means its team is able to create a hands-on, practical compliance service. The Orical team understands the day-to-day challenges faced by clients in running their businesses, and are responsive, attentive, and dedicated. With extensive experience, Orical team members exemplify meticulous attention to detail, are personable, as well as sociable with the ability to multi-task in order to excel in the industry. The firm is able to retain its highly valuable employees, too, despite its growth and the difficulties that come with it. Continuing to follow T a structured team approach to client servicing, Orical is able to ensure expert advice is delivered within a challenging industry. Orical has also launched a proprietary compliance software, REAL World Compliance (REAL), which provides investment managers with advanced technical software for compliance monitoring, code of ethics administration, and conflicts of interest mitigation. Partnered with Relativity, the legal and compliance industry’s leading software platform, REAL delivers secure, comprehensive, user-friendly solutions entirely customisable to meet clients’ dynamic needs. REAL is continuously improved thanks to the Orical team’s evolving knowledge of the regulatory industry’s developments and is equipped efficiently to store and export data with ease. If you think the Orical team can help you or if you would like more information, please visit the firm’s website. Company: Orical LLC Contact: Nicole Amitrano Email: namitrano@orical.org Website: www.orical.org The Partners of Orical, Gregory Florio and James Leahy have over 20 years of legal and regulatory experience. They decided to join forces while working together at a multi-billion-dollar global fund manager as Senior Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively
Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 15 he way we do business has changed dramatically in the last decade, and even in just the last couple of years. Putting aside the vast paradigm shift bought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, digitalisation has been changing all aspects of business – all industries, and all markets. Equally, there has been a drive to move processes to outsourced experts to ease internal resources. Since 2017, Optimum Pay Group has been utilising a honed expertise and dedication to outstanding customer service to become one of the leaders on the greater payroll landscape. Here, Director Tamara Beckett offers more detail on how Optimum has become so strongly affiliated with innovation and expertise. “The success of Optimum is built on our adaptation to and ongoing compliance with changes in legislation, letting us ensure that our systems are fully compliant with all current legislation. We have strived every day to provide both services, while listening to our clients’ needs and working to realise them.” As Tamara touches on, this commitment to client centricity has really been the driving force behind Optimum’s continuing growth and enduring success - a testament to the power of word of mouth. “At Optimum Pay Group, we pride ourselves on word of mouth due to our great customer care and receiving high volume of recommendations from our current client base. We have successfully expanded into other industries such as healthcare, construction, and manufacturing without having to spend money on advertising or other forms of marketing.” Client centricity doesn’t rely solely on exceeding expectations, but hinges on tailoring solutions to the specific needs of the prospective client. With this in mind, Optimum is able to deliver everything from a fully compliant, full-service payroll to a free consultation. Whatever the client needs. It goes without saying that Optimum’s team is crucial in delivering this client-centred approach. Tamara explains how every member of the greater team contribute to reinforcing Optimum’s core ethos and T mission. “Optimum Pay Group believes that our staff are the driving force behind out success, and we do everything we can to ensure that they have the tools, training, and support they need to provide our customers with the kind of service they deserve. “We only employ team members whose hearts are focussed on the sole purpose of wanting to help others. We encourage our staff to come up with ideas for improving their work, and we praise them on their hard work and efforts. Our staff have full empathy when it comes to working in our line of work because they know what it’s like to be a customer themselves.” This empathy certainly came into play during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Optimum’s team suddenly found themselves battling a wave of uncertainty on the back of the national furlough scheme. “It was a very sentimental time for us at Optimum Pay Group, we were genuinely concerned for our contractors and their wellbeing.” By all regards, the future of OptimumPay Group looks to be incredibly promising. The first port of call is in attaining FCSA accreditation, as Tamara explains in her closing comments. “Optimum Pay Group is on its journey to achieve FCSA accreditation. The FCSA accreditation process is one of the most challenging aspects of our company’s growth. To be eligible, we will have to meet a number of requirements and demonstrate our compliance with those requirements through an audit. “However, this also presents an opportunity for growth: when Optimum Pay Group achieve FCSA accreditation, we would be positioned as a leader in our field, and will set industry standards for others.” The plan is in place then, and the journey well on the way for Optimum Pay Group to become a true pacesetter on a market that continues to be defined by innovators. Company: Optimum Pay Group Name: Tamara Beckett Email: payroll@optimumpaygroup.com Web Address: https://www.optimumpaygroup.com/ Address: Boulton House, Southmere Court, Boulton House, Crewe CW1 6GU Telephone: 020 3962 4212 The digital world has heralded a plethora of innovations across numerous industries. Once dominated by brick-and-mortar giants, success in the modern finance, accountancy and payment sphere demands innovation. Recognised as the Most Innovative Payroll Solutions Provider in the UK, we took a closer look at the achievements and ethos of Optimum Pay Group to find out more. Sep22252 Optimum: Re-Inventing the Payment Arena Oct 13 “Customer service is central to our ethos. We believe this is what sets us apart from our competitors.”
16 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 Private Equity Specialists he private equity market is now raising and deploying more capital than ever before – and the demand for talent outstrips the supply. Also, traditional sourcing and attracting methods are no longer as effective as they once were, and a more targeted, innovative approach is required. Therefore, funds and companies are seeking to innovate their hiring process to compensate for the demands for diverse talent, understanding that to maintain a competitive advantage, they need to identify, attract, and retain the best leaders in their field. Altus Partners is the specialist search firm focused on this niche market; with an established methodology and deep networks, it successfully places leaders across the private equity sector. In order to do so with exceptional results, its team demonstrates a deep understanding of clients’ businesses and the markets in which they operate. Thus, through its best-in-class assessment process, Altus Partners has delivered testing and psychometric evaluations for thousands of clients, having built a truly bespoke service with multiple products that ensure the best possible process. The firm’s track record is unmatched when it comes de-risking and identifying talent with diverse backgrounds for any type or level of position, from boardroom to associate roles. Altus Partners was created with a focus on excellence and achieving the best reputation across the industry. Their 5 values underpin everything they do: agile (the company’s ability to be nimble to meet client needs), humble (ability to not only learn but also teach others what they need), enterprising (spirit and motivation to take on challenges with confidence), commercial (placing profit second to customer satisfaction, with the belief in treating everyone equally) and accountable (The companies responsibilities), . These values represent more than just words for the firm, but they are what guides every aspect of what it does. The collaborative environment that Altus Partners have fostered has delivered exceptional results and a landmark year for the firm, as it has delivered its highest turnover than ever before. Indeed, this means the future is looking very bright for Altus Partners. It is keen to grow as a business as well as has plans to expand its recruitment and executive search services globally. It wants to continue to be known around the world as the leading provider of recruitment and executive search services for private equity. T Oct22244 It is also looking into ways to diversify the business and add more services that will complement the recruitment executive search offering. These plans are still in early stages but the firm is excited about the potential opportunities that lie ahead. Company: Altus Partners Contact: Ed Chamberlain Email: info@altus-partners.com Website: www.altus-partners.com The Altus Partners team are specialists in private equity search, being focused on hiring mandates across investment, finance, and corporate development hires for funds and their portfolio companies. Having completed over 1,000 executive services, Altus Partners is a firm that always delivers a customised solution to meet both the short-term needs of its clients as well as their long-term goals. Recognised as Best Private Equity Executive Search Firm 2022 – Europe, we take a closer look at how it helps its clients.
Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 17 From cutting the jargon and developing personal relationships with clients to overseeing some of the most sensitive matters in law, Quinn Legal does the Isle of Man proud. That is exactly why they have won Leading Wills & Probate Firm of the Year 2022 – Isle of Man. Oct22538 uinn Legal stands as the only Isle of Man law firm with a published service pledge. It’s a commitment to providing exceptional legal services with unbeatable customer service, every time. For the Quinn Legal team, the client experience is just as important as getting the job done. Its team of solicitors and advocates are capable of helping with any legal situation, and Quinn Legal’s diverse areas of expertise are a massive element of what makes them stand out above the rest. From residential and commercial property coverage to wills, probate and family law, Quinn Legal’s scope is extensive. All assistance is provided with a positive, can-do attitude from start to finish. The Quinn Legal spirit stems from the shared values of empathy and understanding that underpin their service. This is a perfect approach from a firm that assists in sensitive parts of a person’s life and how things will be dealt with when it ends. On top of its other services, Quinn Legal is the leading wills and probate service provider for the Isle of Man, “I had a wonderful experience using Quinn Legal while acting as executor for a dear friend’s estate. The team were organised, professional, courteous, efficient and kept me informed throughout the whole process. I felt I received 100% commitment from QL, and Q Law Reimagined they made an upsetting task as easy as it could possibly be.” A review left by one Iain Craig. Iain’s sentiments are shared by clients availing of all of Quinn Legal’s services, but the team’s sensitivity, efficiency and transparency throughout the entire process are unmistakable highlights across the testimonials. Quinn Legal’s specialist team remains approachable at every stage of the creation of a will and its execution. The team aims to make preparing a Will as simple as possible. In this regard, the client is placed firmly in control. Quinn Legal’s experts will get to know the client personally to ensure all their needs are met but otherwise function as advisors rather than actors during the entire process. From here, the Quinn Legal team provides every element of the service and Will is tailored to the client’s wants and needs whilst advising around any pitfalls or problems before they occur. Leaving everyone with the peace of mind that their wishes will be followed. That peace of mind is essential. So essential that Quinn Legal has continued to iterate and evolve its services to make the creation and execution of wills and probate through its service as efficient and effective as possible. Initially, this manifested as an online wills service for those that urgently require a will. Through the Quinn Legal website, those who have a pressing need – but are strapped for time – can draft their own personalised will in as little as 15 minutes. Unlike DIY will kits, this service is used and approved by Manx Lawyers, so those in need can be safe in the knowledge that their online will is fully legitimate. The Quinn Legal Client Platform is a giant leap ahead of this, a complete package to cover the client and their family when the time comes. Consisting of three key documents –aWill, APower of Attorney and an Advanced Decision – this platform means that everyone can rest easy knowing that even if the worst were to happen, everything is taken care of. That is ultimately what Quinn Legal want, to assuage any issues. Helping people is the be-all and end-all for the team. Whether it is counsel in the most complicated commercial law or sensitive personal law, queries to Quinn Legal will be met with an experienced and effective team, who are well equipped to help. Clients receive an empathetic team that cares about far more than just the problem, it cares about them too. Contact: Patrick Swanney Email: hello@quinnlegal.im Tel: 441624665522 Company: Quinn Legal Web Address: https://www.quinnlegal.im/
18 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 Aug22094 DG Twin Tailoring Technology Complex problems, ambitious goals and tailor-made solutions lie at the heart of DG Twin S.r.l. Since opening its doors in 2021, the team have managed to make a massive impact on innovation by technological transfer to industry. In the Research and Development Awards from Acquisition International, the team were awarded the title of Most Innovative Research Start-Up – Campania. We dig a little deeper to uncover more. nnovation is no easy task, requiring a willingness to fail and a strong belief that a project is worth exploring. Innovation pushes our society forward, but often it can be hard to find because of the inherent risks of failure. DG Twin was incorporated with the single ambition of innovating, and transferring those incredible innovations from the research world to industrial production. When DG Twin first opened its doors, it was clear that digitalisation was going to be a major force throughout every industry. The founders of DG Twin are for the most expert researchers in this field, with years of knowledge when it comes to computational fluid dynamics, dynamic modelling, data gathering and analysis, artificial intelligence and cloud computing. This detailed awareness gave the dream a considerable heads up when compared to the competition: the crucial links between the real and virtual worlds the team created in many applications enabled a singular completive advantage within both the energy and mobility sectors. Taking such a proactive approach has brought the inception of business. In its first year of operation, DG Twin was proud to be awarded with funding from both the Campania Region and the European Commission, specifically for the development of innovative ideas. With such a strong start already, this funding will not only lead to more developments, but to networking and further funding to inspire bigger and better projects. Many of the team’s current research proposals are looking towards the creation of sustainable energy conversion and use, also for transportation purposes. The prolific nature of fossil fuels in the energy industry has meant that any replacement solution requires radical modifications to our existing paradigm. Instead of looking purely for profit, more and more companies are now combining the need for revenue with a deep-rooted respect for the planet. DG Twin intrinsically committed to sustainability, in its economic, environmental and social dimensions. The challenge of aligning research and innovation with achieving economic profit is undoubtably a hard task for a start-up, but one which the team have risen to with relish. Digital innovation, in fact, has today enormous potential in such a febrile environment. It allows people to explore the data involved much more easily, and this can lead to improved products and services. Using the latest technology creates a more sustainable approach just in energy conversion, since it can extend useful life of components, mitigates the environmental footprint and preserves a high level of competitiveness. I The future for DG Twin is one which is immensely positive, with a market that is constantly shifting. The potential applications of the various systems that the team have created are practically limitless. The team’s flagship technology, DGeco, is a case in point. It has shown that the path ahead for the DG Twin team is one which is filled with potential. The team’s proof of concept, carried out on an e-bike on the streets of Naples, demonstrated an increase in battery range of at least 15% on average, and a saving of up to 50% achieved under certain conditions. While able to perfectly balance the energy withdrawal from the storage system, DGeco started its life as an App for drive coaching, suitable of being implemented within digital platforms for Mobility as a Service (MaaS), but it has immediately opened up new opportunities as embedded within the electronic control unit of any electric vehicle, as a hardware component also for automotive applications. In the future, the “digital twin” concept underlying DGeco will further be extended to apparently different applications, namely to steady microgrid within business partnerships with energy service companies. Such an amazing approach to integration is to be applauded. When we look at DG Twin, we look at a firm that puts the future first. Those innovations that become the status quo have to begin somewhere, and it’s businesses such as this that set the style for others to follow. Company: DG Twin S.r.l. Name: Michela Costa - CEO Email: michela.costa@dgtwin.it – info@dgtwin.it Web Address: www.dgtwin.it
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