www.acquisition-international.com • Issue 2 2024 Featuring:
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Contents 4 News 6 Make the Invisible Visible: AI-Based Investigation Solutions 8 Innovation for the Vulnerable Individual 9 JAP: Leading Real Estate Lawyer of the Year - Spain 10 Alkisti–Irene Malamis: Greece’s LeadingIP Litigator 11 Aerius Marine UK Ltd: HVAC Engineering MD of the Year 2023 (UK): Nicola Taylor 12 A Most Effective Way to Finance Working Capital 14 Expert Financial Services in Wealth Management 15 Joseph Brophy: An Accomplished Trial and Business Attorney 16 Mulyono Mulyono: Indonesia’s Tax Lawyer of the Year 17 Transforming Vision Into Visual 9 14
NEWS International life sciences marketing agency announces strategic rebrand ramarketing, an industry leader in life sciences marketing, has announced a significant rebrand as it continues to follow its growth journey. The move is a strategic response to the evolving landscape of post-COVID pharmaceutical and biotech marketing requirements, demonstrating a commitment to align more closely with client challenges and their commercial needs. Emma Banks, ramarketing’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to announce our exciting rebrand that comes at a time when the decision-making and budgetary processes within life sciences companies have shifted, necessitating more commercially aligned marketing strategy and operational execution. “ramarketing recognises the impact of macro changes within the industry and is evolving to meet them head-on. The rebrand reflects our shift from traditional marketing capabilities and service delivery to becoming a true commercial growth partner, supporting our clients at every phase of their evolution in a highly competitive market. Our goal is to develop deep relationships with our clients, enabling us to offer more strategically aligned solutions.” The brand transformation is a response to the modern life science industry, with the agency focused on helping clients better navigate change and grow in life sciences. ramarketing’s objectives include diversifying the agency’s commercial offering and attracting organisations seeking a dynamic, future-focused partner, alongside a specific commitment to harnessing the power of AI and using data and insights to drive every decision. Maninder Minhas, Investment Director at NorthEdge, ramarketing’s private equity investor, said: “Two years ago, we invested in ramarketing, foreseeing its potential to spearhead a new era of growth, building upon the agency’s commercial thinking and innovative approach. “This rebrand is a testament to that belief and ramarketing’s commitment to embracing a datadriven approach and continued commitment to servicing clients globally. With its focus on strategy, the agency is poised to redefine what it means to be a commercial growth partner.” The brand revitalisation signifies an evolution of ramarketing’s culture, offering growth and development opportunities for its team. It encourages collaboration and expertise sharing, fostering an environment where innovation thrives, progression opportunities are abundant and the chance to work on global projects is part of the everyday. The announcement follows the opening of a new office in Toronto, Canada last July. Headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK, the agency has a growing 80-strong global team, with three locations across Europe and North America.
NEWS CFI Announces Exclusive Partnership with Paris SaintGermain: Empowering Excellence, Performance, and Innovation CFI Financial Group, MENA’s leading online trading provider, proudly unveils a strategic partnership with the world-renowned football club Paris SaintGermain (PSG) until June 2026. This alliance marks a significant milestone in CFI’s strategic expansion, celebrating the shared values of excellence, performance, and innovation, blending the worlds of finance and football in a unique fashion. With over a quarter of a century of industry experience, CFI has earned its position as MENA’s premier online trading provider. Boasting more than twelve regulated entities across five continents, CFI serves a global client base spread over 100 countries, offering ultra-competitive trading conditions and cutting-edge platforms. Recent advancements, including the integration of AI technology, showcase CFI’s dedication to empowering traders worldwide with the latest, advanced tools. The partnership with PSG is not just a collaboration but a celebration of synergy between finance and elite sports. It echoes the unique, progressive spirit of Paris, a city synonymous with passion, excellence, and a true spirit of innovation. The club’s dedication to innovation, empowerment, and unique performance mirrors CFI’s commitment to empowering traders and investors globally at the highest level. Hisham Mansour, Founder and Managing Director of CFI Financial Group, expressed: “We are incredibly excited to launch our partnership with Paris Saint-Germain, a football club synonymous with passion and its own unique brand identity. This venture represents a harmonious alignment of values, reinforcing our dedication to standing out as MENA’s leading broker, offering unmatched trading services and optimal conditions. We are excited for the journey ahead, aiming to create a lasting legacy through this well-matched partnership with PSG.” Marc Armstrong, Chief Revenue Officer of Paris Saint-Germain, added: “We are delighted to welcome CFI as one of our exclusive international partners. We share the same ambitions to offer our respective fans and clients increasingly unique and innovative experiences.” This collaboration aims to strategically expand CFI’s global presence, leveraging PSG’s international recognition and vast international fan base. This exciting partnership is anticipated to bring many unique opportunities for CFI clients and PSG fans alike, with unique opportunities and tailored promotions for both sides to participate in and benefit from. With its distinguished international stature, Paris Saint-Germain is one of CFI’s key partners. This latest partnership complements the group’s impressive lineup of sporting partners, including AC Milan, Sheffield United F.C., the Jordan Football Association, and the Lebanese Basketball Federation. This global partnership is a cornerstone of CFI’s strategy to extend its global reach and influence. As an official partner of PSG, CFI looks forward to this new chapter of strategic global expansion.
6 | Acquisition International, Issue 2 2024 Make the Invisible Visible: AI-Based Investigation Solutions ith crime accelerating at an unprecedented rate in the digital world, investigators are dealing with a massive flow of information, much more than that which can be processed by the human mind. It is essential for them to be able to make sense of all the noise and reveal the critical intelligence needed to take down a criminal network, prevent tragedy from occurring, and make the world a safer place. With Voyager Labs’ proprietary, AI-enabled software platforms, investigators can quickly analyze huge amounts of publicly available data from across the open, deep, and dark webs to find the insights they need to advance their investigations. Across the world, these solutions are used by law enforcement and national security organizations to tackle serious public safety challenges like terrorism, human trafficking, internet crimes against children (ICAC), homicides, illicit narcotics, criminal gangs, insider threats, and fraud. In particular, Voyager Labs serves a client base that includes police departments, sheriff departments, national security and intelligence agencies, prosecution agencies/offices, and specialized government taskforces. All prospective customers are carefully vetted to ensure that they have law-abiding missions and are working to improve public safety. They must also have strong internal guidelines and processes in place to ensure that analytical software is used in an appropriate and ethical manner. Voyager Labs sets itself apart in the software development industry through its portfolio of specialized solutions, built by investigators for investigators. The company is proud to offer far more capabilities than its competitors, with proprietary technology that combines best-in-class capabilities, seamless data integration, AI-driven analysis, and smart visualization. Using Voyager Labs’ solutions, investigative agencies can benefit from a 90% reduction in time spent on data research and analysis, heightened accuracy in uncovering previously unattainable, high-value insights, and early risk identification to gain the upper hand over nefarious parties. With these advantages and more, investigators are empowered to do more, faster, and with better outcomes. With Voyager Labs, all customers are provided with comprehensive onboarding assistance, free solution updates and user training, as well as continuous reachback support. When it comes to user training, the company offers a certification program featuring live in-person and online sessions with expert analysts. Once they have completed this program, investigators are better able to effectively identify hidden or unknown relationships, interactions, and connections. Established in 2012, Voyager Labs is an award-winning global leader in the development of advanced digital analytic solutions that enable public safety organizations to identify threats, mitigate risk, and fight crime. Here, we dive deeper into the company’s work in the wake of its success in winning Best AI-Based Investigation Solutions Firm, USA, in the Global Excellence Awards 2024. W Courtney Bromley CEO, Voyager Labs
Make the Invisible Visible: AI-Based Investigation Solutions This focus on training and support ensures an efficient onboarding process, uninterrupted productivity, and increased domain expertise. In addition to its exceptional solutions and support services, Voyager Labs sets itself apart through the deep sector expertise of its workforce. In particular, the company is proud to have a world-class team of AI researchers, data scientists, and engineers who work hard to develop its award-winning solutions. The AI Research Lab is operated by top scientists and PhDs, including pioneers in the fields of cognitive computing, behavioral science, AI research, data and mathematics, and natural-language understanding (NLU). Voyager Labs is proud to invest in extensive technical research and development, which plays a significant role in expanding the capabilities of its solution portfolio in line with investigators’ changing needs. Furthermore, led by former high-ranking intelligence and law enforcement experts, Voyager Labs is equipped with first-hand knowledge of the industry it serves, including the goals and challenges involved in national security. Currently, a key challenge facing public safety organizations is using new technologies like AI and open-source data without infringing on individual rights or violating local regulations and policies. For this reason, Voyager Labs maintains a deep commitment to ethics and follows the laws of all the countries in which it operates. Created by in-house developers and vetted for ethical design, the company’s solutions only use unbiased tools like explainable AI. The software exclusively employs ethical and non-invasive methods to analyze publicly available data. Rather than drawing conclusions and making predictions itself, the software empowers human analysts who ultimately have full control over any final investigative insights and conclusions. This dedication to ethics enables users of the Voyager Labs software to avoid engaging in any surreptitious or deceptive tactics and ensures the protection of civil liberties. Considering its impressive portfolio of solutions, it is no surprise that Voyager Labs has received the prestigious title of Best AI-Based Investigation Solutions Firm, USA, in the Global Excellence Awards 2024. In the coming year, the company plans to continue its leadership in constant innovation by updating and enhancing its solutions in line with the changing requirements of its customers and the evolving tactics of sophisticated criminals. For its exceptional work, Voyager Labs has been recognized by a number of prestigious institutions and well-respected individuals. For example, Kirk Arthur, Senior Director of Worldwide Public Safety & Justice at Microsoft Corporation, shares, “Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are increasingly leveraging AI solutions to keep up with today’s sophisticated types of threats and the unprecedented amount of data concerning each investigation. Partners such as Voyager Labs, who have developed AI-based SaaS platforms, are a great example for these kinds of solutions.” Contact Details Contact: Will Colston Company: Voyager Labs Web Address: voyager-labs.com
8 | Acquisition International, Issue 2 2024 Innovation for the Vulnerable Individual Since its establishment in 2016, Camanio AB has been on a mission to solve the structural and societal challenges plaguing the healthcare industry, bolstered by a people-first mindset that prides its curation of sustainable digital solutions that can be effectively utilised in a caring, intelligent healthcare system. Best Digital Home Care Solutions Firm 2024 – Sweden recipient Camanio is proudly part of the Addlife Group, which consists of several market-leading companies that operate in a variety of niche sectors across Life Sciences, with a particular emphasis placed on healthcare. Company CRO Jasmine Dahlberg tells us more about these pioneering solutions sure to define the future of the industry. Contact: Jasmine Dahlberg Company: Camanio AB Web Address: https://www.camanio.com/ A company driven by the values of accountability, bravery, and care, the services offered by Camanio treat the senior citizens with which it predominantly works with empathy, integrity, and love, creating a safe environment. Those working in care have one of the hardest, most rewarding jobs in the world, and Camanio’s team remain steadfast in supporting them every step of the way. Through the company’s dynamic, future proof IoT platform, the perfect solution is created for all of its customers’ technical care needs, complete with an easy-to-use UI designed to streamline the experience for all that use it. This pioneering platform already comes equipped with a series of safety alarm features, and the team are constantly working to expand the capabilities of it with help from partners, implementing features as such as GPS alarms, which, as Jasmine explains, “provide […] improved administrative efficiency and strengthen collaboration between different care systems.” Not only is the platform adaptable, but its future-oriented nature boasts the latest technological advancements that are best-in-class, leaving users confident that the reliable partner they have chosen is committed to growing alongside them. Currently, the efforts of the firm are focused primarily on its care alarms that are being rolled out across Sweden, with this safety alarm system coming complete with a series of advanced features designed to enhance a user’s safety and well-being. Features that are available include automatic furniture recognition, a fall alarm, voice alarm, and IR light, as well as other leading solutions that can be integrated accordingly to achieve the desired degree of both security and comfort. Like most of the technology available through the firm, these safety alarms are available to be accessed through the digital platform Camanio Care, which provides a high degree of quality assurance and the option to switch to smarter and more sustainable working methods for the staff servicing areas of the country where it is in effect. All of these alarms are app-controlled and operate under shared responsibility, with the person closest to the tripped alarm taking the call. It took less than three weeks for this new working method to be adopted, and it has already been praised for offering better operational control and more personalised service options. As for Camanio Care, this cloud-based solution ensures a high-security, reliable approach to data management that can be divided into two primary categories, configuration, usually static data such as user profiles, service providers, alarm plans etc., and signal, the dynamic information that encompasses alarms, error messages, and the status updates necessary in managing and responding swiftly to ongoing events. The effective management of said data can be credited to the company partnering with hand-selected subcontractors who are selected for their expertise, which, in turn, means that the company’s solution is certifiably comprehensive, customisable, and future-proof. Referencing the future, Jasmine explains that “our goal is to offer a seamless and reliable data integration solution that enables efficient analysis and reporting in the municipality’s BI system.” Moreover, the team are currently in the process of working on a multifaceted AI-driven platform that is designed to analyse and predict needs, optimise the allocation of resources, and assist in the decision-making process by providing relevant, frequently updated information. Such elements this platform will be able to control include reminders for taking medication, predicting changes in needs, and managing patterns, such as sleep, bathroom visits, and front door usage. Having already been certified by both the Swedish Environmental Base and Swedish Quality Base, Jasmine tells us, “our goal is to continuously improve and maintain the highest levels of quality and security in all our services.” With this commitment in toe, it is easy to see why Camanio AB is being celebrated, and we eagerly await future advancements in its platforms as it continues to hone its services to create the ultimate home care solution.
Issue 2 2024, Acquisition International | 9 Leading Real Estate Lawyer of the Year - Spain rimarily focused on real estate development projects, in tandem with property and asset management, JAP is a real estate lawyer that makes traversing the complex terrain of the legal field as straightforward as possible. In essence, JAP aims these efforts towards assisting developer funds, operators, constructors, and asset managers within the logistical sector, and does so by fostering a fantastic relationship that encourages mutual growth from both parties. That way, not only is JAP able to uplift its clients, but it manages to also empower its team through each new experience. Though JAP may be a small firm, this is a factor of which it’s exceptionally proud, and intends to maintain. It believes that, in order to maintain a high level of supervising skills, one must command a tight-knit team of experts, as opposed to a bustling collective. So, instead of turning its attention towards growing its numbers, JAP instead looks to its team, and how it can lead each individual towards beginning their own professional growth journeys. At its heart, JAP sees the value of retaining the capacity to guide each individual under the firm’s umbrella – a quality that has consistently led to the success of every employee. That isn’t to say, however, that JAP is opposed to adding a new member to the team every now and then. When seeking out individuals to join the small collective, it places a resounding importance on a candidate having the exact attitude required to operate within the highly competitive real estate field. Partnering this, JAP is a passionate advocate for striking the perfect work-life balance, which has assisted both new and old employees alike in flourishing beyond what most would expect from such a demanding role. JAP is a collective that recognises the importance of its peoples’ wellbeing, and is willing to go the extra mile to secure a working pattern that’s best suited to encouraging their inner growth. However, astoundingly, there was once a point where JAP almost never came to be. It wasn’t until 2014, when José Antonio Pérez Breva decided that he no longer wished to join other firms, and instead opted to do things his own way. From this ambition, JAP was forged, despite the uncertainty of its success. Now, it’s Spain’s leading real estate lawyer, providing assistance to a wealth of clients in a multitude of veins. Its success story is an enthralling one indeed, and we are very proud to have become a part of the narrative. The real estate industry hasn’t had it easy in the past few years, and yet JAP has persevered. Due to its nature as a small business, it’s become a tight ship, guided forward by the confidence of its ambitious team. Though it hasn’t been a straightforward process, JAP has managed to navigate the world of real estate as it’s submerged itself into the digital age. Remaining a small fish in a small pond has always been challenging, but JAP has flawlessly overcome this obstacle, all while matching the increasing pace of larger firms around it. As such, we’re certain that no other real estate lawyer is more deserving of a feature in this year’s Leading Adviser Awards campaign. Contact Details Contact: Anna Marrquez Company: JAP Web Address: https://japlawyer.com/ Comprised of business lawyers who specialise in the provision of real estate advice and assistance, JAP is a firm who truly understands the industry’s intricacies and how to navigate them. In turn, it has earned itself quite the reputation among clients and the general market alike – a reputation that allows it to continuously hone its practises for the sake of both its lawyers and its clients. Below, we explore the kinds of customers JAP collaborates with, and how it has crafted a comprehensive catalogue of services to cater to their varying needs. P
Aug22499 10 | Acquisition International, Issue 2 2024 Oct23209 Alkisti–Irene Malamis: Greece’s Leading IP Litigator he term ‘intellectual property’ (IP) refers to an intangible asset that was created with the mind and is therefore a product of human intellect. This may be an invention, design, symbol, or piece of literary or artistic work. The concept also encompasses industrial designs, plant breeders’ rights, and geographical indications. IP can be an extremely valuable asset to a person or a business, whether it serves as a source of income or helps them to make better decisions related to resource consumption. Those who have IP may wish to protect it from being copied by others or prevent it from becoming public knowledge before it’s ready to be launched to market. To do this, they must hire a lawyer who can help draw up the appropriate contracts with any third parties who will have access to the IP in order to work on it or use it. The highly skilled lawyers at Malamis & Associates Ltd. are equipped to deliver a broad range of intellectual and industrial property legal services in the areas of trademarks, patents and utility models, copyright, individual design, authors and authored works, visual arts, unfair competition, plant varieties, and trade secrets. They also provide a number of services related to advertising, geographical indications, appellations of origin, and anti-counterfeiting, as well as legal support for the sports, entertainment, luxury, and fashion industries. For over 25 years, Alkisti–Irene Malamis has held the title of Partner at Malamis & Associates Ltd., serving as an IP litigator and advisor. As part of this role, she is responsible for representing and litigating before the Greek courts in all IP matters, including trademarks, designs, patents, copyright, and geographical indications. Alongside this, she prosecutes IP rights before the local authorities and delivers legal advice related to local and worldwide IP strategy and protection. Currently, Alkisti–Irene is active in the fields of licensing, technology transfer agreements, and IP-related contracts. She is also the author of multiple chapters on Greek law and practice, which are featured in a number of international law guides that cover the topics of trademarks, patents, copyright, and art law. Her work can be found in all editions of the renowned annual publication ‘Anti-counterfeiting: A Global Guide’ published between 2015 and 2020. For the outstanding legal services that she delivers in the field of intellectual property, Alkisti–Irene Malamis has recently been named Leading IP Litigator of the Year, Greece, as part of the Leading Adviser Awards 2023. We are pleased to congratulate her on this exceptional accomplishment and look forward to seeing what her future holds. Contact: Alkisti–Irene Malamis Company: Malamis & Associates Ltd. Web Address: www.malamis.gr Based in Nea Erythraia, Malamis & Associates Ltd. is a boutique law firm that specialises in the provision of industrial and intellectual property (IP) services, with a strong focus on anti-counterfeiting enforcement. As part of our Leading Adviser Awards 2023, Partner and Attorney at Law Alkisti–Irene Malamis has been named Leading IP Litigator of the Year, Greece. T
Issue 2 2024, Acquisition International | 11 It is difficult to imagine Aerius Marine UK Ltd having the same successes with somebody else at the helm, and it is for this reason that we are proud to bestow Nicola Taylor with this award, celebrating her distinction not only in the HVAC industry, but across the business landscape. We wish Nicola the best of luck for the future, and eagerly anticipate the new heights she will take the company to. Contact: Nicola Taylor Company: Aerius Marine UK Ltd Web Address: https://www.aerius-marine.com/ HVAC Engineering MD of the Year 2023 (UK): Nicola Taylor Prior to starting a career in shipbuilding at 22 years old, Nicola Taylor was appointed as finance director for MCE Group Plc, put forward by the managing director of the firm where she was working at the time. In just six years, the business was taken from a £1.5m turnover to a £20m turnover, all achieved through a combination of organic and acquisition growth. Being a young woman in a male dominated industry has brought with it a series of challenges, with Nicola having to overcome a series of obstacles along the way, something that she has ultimately excelled in. When asked how she tackled such challenges, Nicola replies, “By staying strong, professional, sticking to factual data, and not rising to ego-driven arguments.” Through this, Nicola has demonstrably added to the rich history of the firm, serving as an inspiration to those looking to her follow in her footsteps and employees within the organisation. Key to Nicola’s success has been the fostering of close relationships with employees, something achieved through the nurturing of a culture that prizes openness and transparency while operating with a flat hierarchy. The team view each other as peers, treating everyone with the uppermost mutual respect and embodying an enthusiasm for their craft, particularly regarding international projects. As an established leader in the sector defined by innovation and cuttingedge technologies, Nicola recognises the importance of investing heavily in the ongoing development of the team, attracting and retaining some of the best and brightest minds in the business. When Nicola joined the Imtech Group of companies in 2004, it was forecast heavy losses, yet by implementing her skills and working effectively with her team, the organisation today is not only stable, but thriving across the world in areas such as Germany and Australia. Throughout her time at the company, Nicola has amassed a series of notable achievements, such as concluding large claim orders with detailed, factual information; concluding governmental financial audits on a large project; and creating an overseas subsidiary company from scratch. Upon moving to the managing director position, Nicola possessed a series of strong growth plans and a strategic vision for what the future of the company should like. The effective implementation of these plans ultimately resulted in her securing the respect of her peers in this male dominated environment, and Nicola is proud to be “recognised as a tough but fair manager with a listening ear to all internal and external stakeholders”. She possesses strong leadership skills and a compassionate management style, with these skills being recognised in her receiving the Successful Woman’s Achievement Award for the North East of England at the age of 26. Today, Nicola has two young children, and as a mother, wife, and the managing director of a successful company, a new challenge has emerged: juggling it all. As she explains, “This is a challenge that I manage rather than overcome”, with the difficulties managing personal and professional live being something that Nicola works a great deal on in order to ensure success in both areas. Nicola states, “Success is not a given, it has to be earned, and comes with hard work.” As for what advice Nicola would give, she tells us, “Always stay strong and believe in your ability. Do not allow a male dominated boardroom to raise self-doubt, [and] remember to have fun along the way.” A market leader in maritime HVAC solutions, Aerius Marine UK Ltd focuses primarily on HVAC solutions for passenger ships and navy vessels, with a rich history that can be traced all the way back to 1858. Today, the company is a turnkey supplier and system integrator, serving as a reliable partner throughout the lifecycle of a ship. Integral to the company’s success is Nicola Taylor, whose journey with the company began in the shipbuilding industry more than 20 years ago when she took on the role of finance director within the Imtech/ RH Marine and Aerius UK group companies. Nicola has been managing director for Aerius Marine UK for more than two years now, and we catch up with her in order to learn more about her journey.
12 | Acquisition International, Issue 2 2024 hen eFactor Network was founded back in 2009, it was done so with two key areas in mind. The first was to demonstrably aid large buying organisations in improving their capital, something that could be carried out by extending payment in terms in such a way as to not further burden the supply chain. Secondly, the business aimed to empower its clients to better their relationships with suppliers, something that could be achieved by providing customers with the option to secure an upfront payment at attractive financing rates, thus streamlining their operations and increasing the overall success of their business. Through hard work, dedication, and unrivalled expertise, their vision soon became a reality, and now, 15 years later, the team proudly help thousands of companies in the optimising of both their work capital and cash flow. The portfolio of clients that has been amassed by the team comprises of a series of multinational corporations, something that can be attributed to the innovative nature of the firm’s technology platform and the unbridled commitment by a team that are top of their league, embodying global excellence in the realms of finance, technology, and customer service. In the 15 years since its establishment, eFactor Network has improved payment terms and provided work capital access in excess of $42 billion, leading the charge in unlocking the cash flow of partner businesses and providing companies with a more convenient solution to the management and improvement of payment terms. Included as a part of this service is multi-bank flexibility, with more than 40 funders present to enable clients to secure finance spanning multiple currencies and countries. Examples of these funders include such world-renowned organisations as Santander, Bank of America, BBVA, and IFC. It is the primary focus of those involved with the firm to provide financial solutions that are some of the most comprehensive and reliable in the industry, immeasurably supporting not only their corporate clients, but also their clients’ business partners. At the heart of this approach has been the forging of long-term relationships by prioritising service of immense value, stellar support, the highest of standards across operations, and an overall air of seamlessness when it comes to the services it provides. It is the team that make all of this possible, allowing the company to grow and fortify its pioneering, scalable financing options. These financing solutions act to remedy a growing demand for liquidity by eFactor Network’s clients, and the team proudly service purchasing companies and suppliers/exporters alike, allowing the former to bridge the financing gap between payment of a supplier for goods and receiving payment from a customer, while the latter is assisted with obtaining advanced payments from customers. Integral to this success has been the effective connecting of buyers, suppliers, and funders through a global network platform, which makes supply chains more competitive thanks to this liquidity injection into the market. Although they may start out on the platform as suppliers, companies oft expand into buying as well, and vice versa, after beginning to realise the possibilities that arise from the successful utilisation of all that this platform has to offer. As an example of this, not only are their accounts made receivable, but also payable on their balance sheet. Furthermore, funders have been known to introduce eFactor Network to their own clients, which not only funds the platform and improves overall working capital metrics, but also further drives this network effect, strengthening ties and broadening horizons on an unprecedented scale. With multiple national and international funders to boot, in addition to a capital market financing solution, eFactor Network confidently provides the right financing through its supply chain solutions. In short, supply chain financing, sometimes referred to as reverse factoring, works by simultaneously allowing buyers to extend the terms of the payment and provides suppliers with the ability to get paid early. Rather than having to use their own cash and pay suppliers in advance, a buyer enters into an agreement with a platform provider, who then pays the supplier on the buyer’s behalf using invoices that are approved by them. Once a buyer approves the invoice, they then upload the relevant data to eFactor Network’s platform, where they can be viewed by the supplier, if they register for this platform themselves. From here, the supplier then has the option to sell their credits to a funder, selecting prepayment from one of the invoices that has been entered into the system. If an advance in payment is requested, this can be accepted, and the discounted funds paid. If the payment due date is reached and no advance has been requested, the buyer pays the invoice in full to the supplier. No hidden costs arise from this process, with the buyer often having to pay no fee for this solution and the supplier paying only a small discount if advance payment is requested, with these figures being based on both the length of the term and a buyer’s credit score. Moreover, no external software is required, and the platform can be accessed through a web browser, protected by a username and password. Security has been of paramount importance for the company, with its platform having several layers of security that each come complete with policies, controls, and monitoring. Corroborating these claims, more than $5 trillion in invoices have been processed by eFactor Network in the past 15 years, aided by the company’s 100% compliance with all audits and regulations, and cash that can be received in a turnaround as short as 24 hours, all through electronic transactions. Those from across the world can access this, and a host of international currencies have been made available to both corporate buyers and suppliers in more than 30 countries, with teams of specialised promoters available to give support that is tailored to a client’s needs and situation. Unlike other such solutions, eFactor Network’s platform allows for multiple funders to be selected, which is particularly useful should addition or With a portfolio of more than 20,000 happy customers relying on it to aid in the optimisation of their working capital and the reduction of risk to their supply chains, eFactor Network SAPI de CV boasts a state-of-the-art financing platform that improves overall efficiency by sharing information and offering transparency in the fields of both payment and billing flows. It is this award-winning platform which has resulted in the company receiving the title of Best Supply Chain FinTech Company 2023 – Mexico, enabling buyers and suppliers alike to fortify their supply chains, unlock free cash flow, and ultimately be more competitive in this bustling marketplace. W A Most Effective Way to Finance Working Capital
replacement be requested. Thanks to this, the possibility of interruptions with financing are greatly reduced, and a platform is provided that empowers competitive pricing, something that is beneficial for all. With the intricate nature of the platform to boot, buyers are also afforded a unique opportunity to selffund this programme, using their cash in order to provide dynamic discounting to suppliers they work with. This is achieved through the company’s subsidiary, eFactor Ten, and results in further reductions in both financing costs and risk. Overall, eFactor Network is a company that is wholly passionate about helping companies to take things to the next level by offering fantastic working capital financing options and a web platform that makes supply chain financing a stressfree process with almost limitless options. With such extras as unique tools, case studies, and calculators to measure financial benefits as standard within its already superb platform, eFactor Network SAPI de CV is more than worthy of this title, crowning it the Best Supply Chain FinTech Company 2023 – Mexico. Contact: Rodrigo Manuel Ramírez Garza Company: eFactor Network SAPI de CV Web Address: https://www.efactornetwork.com/index A Most Effective Way to Finance Working Capital
14 | Acquisition International, Issue 2 2024 Expert Financial Services in Wealth Management General International Agency Limited (GIA) provides comprehensive financial consultancy and referral services for clients in Southeast Asian countries. Under the expert guidance of founder, CEO, and CFO, Dr. Teresa So, the company’s superior services and experienced team have received numerous awards and recognition in the industry, including Acquisition International’s Leading Wealth Management Consultancy Firm of the Year - Hong Kong award. We learn more about the company and how Dr. Teresa continues to spearhead its success in what is traditionally a male-dominated sector. Contact: Dr. Teresa So Company: General International Agency Limited Web Address: https://www.gialtdhk.com/ Having started her financial career in the 1980s, Dr. Teresa So quickly became very aware of the lack of females in the industry at the time – and how she and others would miss out on progression opportunities. She tells us, “It did happen that a few downline agents chose not to be headed by me, a woman. They conservatively thought female leaders, as compared to male leaders, were over critical with something unimportant. Over time, I dealt with my downline agents persuasively and proved to them I am not a picky leader.” She explains how, back then, most women worked in the back office, as opposed to frontline sales, while top executive positions were held by males. However, as the industry evolved over the decades, more women began joining as frontline sales, with some achieving leadership positions. Today, not only are female consultants finding they have greater access to career advancement, but they are also enjoying flexible time management to strike a balance between career and family. In 2001 Dr. Teresa founded her own financial services company, General International Agency Limited, alongside Mr. Alex Wan . Over the last 23 years, Dr. Teresa has proven herself a strong leader, as well as a passionate advocate for women in finance, sharing, “I would advise women practitioners to equip themselves and be truly professional, embrace the change, and excel in this highly competitive and ever-changing industry. To reach that level, women must keep updating their knowledge and surround themselves with smart people and role models. “One of the best ways to start with is by completing an RFC programme and pursuing an RFC professional designation. The programme not only delivers professional knowledge of the industry but also gives practitioners access to valuable insights and experience of influential industry leaders. Continuing education is always an excellent supplement. I would also advise women practitioners to exercise good time management between business and family so that they can enjoy the benefits of both worlds.” Dr. Teresa is pleased to see that career opportunities in finance are more equally available for both men and women. As such, she believes that for any individual to succeed within the industry, they should keep abreast of the rapid and frequent changes occurring across the financial landscape and keep up with market trends to identify potential risks and opportunities for clients. At GIA, Dr. Teresa has integrated core values of integrity, innovation, teamwork, and sustainability in order to achieve successful outcomes for clients. GIA places great emphasis on providing training and growth opportunities for its financial planning consultants. Over 50% of GIA’s consultants have achieved the qualification of Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) which represents the top 4% of the financial services industry’s elite. Dr. Teresa has received numerous accolades including the Industry Achievement Award, by the Life Underwriters Association of Hong Kong (LUAHK), and two awards for China’s Top 100 Outstanding Female Entrepreneurs from the Beijing Women Entrepreneurs Association. She was also appointed as the Co-Director of the Global Family Office & Wealth Management Hub by the President of Hang Sang University of Hong Kong. With almost four decades’ experience in the financial services industry, Dr. Teresa is empathetic while fostering strong working relationships, in addition to understanding the many challenges that women must navigate within the sector and aiming to inspire them to succeed. Furthermore, over the next five to ten years, Dr. Teresa predicts that more women will seek work within financial services, not only in Hong Kong and Macau but across all Asian countries. Under Dr. Teresa So’s insightful leadership, GIA will continue to accomplish its overarching mission of enhancing the lives of its valued clients and their families through the support of its expert, growing team helping them to achieve various financial goals throughout their lives and ensuring the transfer of wealth between generations to come.
Issue 2 2024, Acquisition International | 15 Joseph Brophy: An Accomplished Trial and Business Attorney ased in Austin, Brophy & Devaney is a boutique business and civil litigation law firm dedicated to delivering high-quality legal services to individuals, families, and businesses. With the agility to undertake any case, its litigators are confident in their ability to get the job done. The expert team represents plaintiffs and defendants in cases ranging from small contractual disputes to larger class action lawsuits. Leveraging experience from both sides of the courtroom, attorneys at Brophy & Devaney have achieved numerous victories for clients all over the country. Brophy & Devaney has earned a renowned reputation for providing confident legal guidance across a variety of business and civil litigation matters. At Brophy & Devaney, clients are the firm’s top priority, and with over 65 years of combined legal experience, its attorneys possess the expertise to help clients excel. The team is committed to providing customised solutions to meet the individual needs of its esteemed clients. It is the firm’s overarching goal to create effective strategies designed to address clients’ unique situations and achieve desirable results. Brophy & Devaney prides itself on delivering valuable advice and fostering long-term client relationships based on mutual trust. When facing a legal challenge, clients require an experienced attorney who can create a solution to address their unique circumstances. Brophy & Devaney have represented clients across a range of practice areas including civil and business litigation, commercial real estate, corporate counselling, labour and employment law, and many others. Its attorneys continue to work hard to protect the assets and interests of their clients and achieve victory on their behalf. Joseph F. Brophy, the firm’s founding attorney, has represented clients in many acclaimed courtroom and arbitration cases from New York to California. This involves areas such as contract and fraud, fiduciary duty, real estate, construction, securities, professional malpractice, personal injury, intellectual property, and more. Mr. Brophy has provided legal services to a variety of clients, including small and large businesses, former senior government officials, national businesses, an owner of the NFL franchise, construction companies, franchisors, and business executives. Prior to Brophy & Devaney, Mr. Brophy was an equity partner in two esteemed Austin law firms and served as General Counsel to businesses in the commercial real estate development and financial advisory industries. Most recently, Joseph Brophy was recognised in The Best Lawyers in America for his exceptional work in commercial litigation. His substantial experience has also led to Mr. Brophy’s repeated inclusion in Super Lawyers, Top 100 Lawyers In America, America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, and several other publications. With his substantial expertise in business and civil litigation, Mr. Brody is uniquely positioned to represent individuals and businesses across a range of cases, from smaller disputes to larger class action lawsuits. As Owner at Brophy & Devaney, Joseph Brody works diligently to support the team with his extensive industry expertise and professional connections. Under his proactive leadership, the firm will continue to expand its operations and provide essential guidance to clients across Texas and its surrounding communities. For his commitment to excellence, Joseph has received an accolade for Leading Civil & Business Litigator of the Year – Texas. Contact: Joseph Brophy Company: BD Law - Brophy & Devaney, LLC Web Address: https://www.bdlawpllc.com/attorney/brophy-joseph-f/ At Brophy & Devaney, its world-class team of litigators is committed to delivering professional results to valued clients across Texas and the US. Through a winning combination of diligent work and preparation, the team skilfully applies their industry knowledge and proven strategies to every individual case. With over 27 years of transnational and litigation experience, Owner Joseph Brophy is uniquely qualified to provide substantial representation to clients across a wide range of practice areas. For his expertise as lead counsel, Joseph Brophy has been honoured with our award for Leading Civil & Business Litigator of the Year – Texas. B
Aug22499 16 | Acquisition International, Issue 2 2024 Dec23061 Mulyono Mulyono: Indonesia’s Tax Lawyer of the Year or almost two decades, Mulyono has been working to build a strong educational and professional background in the fields of accounting, finance, and law. Today, he has a multitude of qualifications to his name, including a doctorate degree in law as well as master’s degrees in finance, law, and notary. He is also a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, Certified Management Accountant, and Affiliate Wealth Manager. In addition, Mulyono is a licensed legal counsel in the Taxation Court, a licensed advocate and member of the Indonesian Advocate Association (PERADI), and a registered tax consultant. Over the years, Mulyono has gained extensive experience working in various tax and legal environments, building vast technical knowledge in tax, accounting, finance, and legal matters whilst learning about the Indonesian taxation business process system. With this wealth of expertise, he has served as a trusted advisor to numerous clients, providing them with holistic and practical taxation services whilst executing complex and challenging taxrelated projects. In 2018, Mulyono made the decision to branch out on his own, leveraging his expert skills and knowledge to establish Mul & Co. Today, at the helm of this business, he serves a variety of multinational clients who operate across a range of industries, including manufacturing, trading, real estate, mining, oil, gas, telecommunications, hospitality, and services. Mul & Co is an independent firm offering outstanding tax-related services without the hassle of the lengthy and demanding conflict checks process. It is one of very few law firms in Indonesia that specialises in taxation fields, primarily assisting clients in tax litigation and restructuring projects. In everything it does, the company believes that its success depends upon the satisfaction of its clients, so it strives to provide them with the best possible solutions to their tax matters. Powered by a team of dedicated and highly qualified professionals who possess an in-depth knowledge of taxation law regulations and business culture, Mul & Co is well-equipped to provide top-notch tax services to clients in all industries. Under Mulyono’s exceptional leadership, the team effectively leverage their own and each other’s past experiences to anticipate clients’ needs and look beyond the obvious to deliver creative business solutions. Their focus is on maintaining the highest level of quality in all their work, which has earned the firm the deep trust of its ever-growing client base. For its outstanding services, Mul & Co has been recognised in a number of awards programmes. For example, in 2021, it was named Indonesia Tax Law Firm of The Year by Legal 100 Asia. Furthermore, Mulyono himself has received a multitude of impressive accolades for his excellent work in the field of taxation, including the titles of Tax Expert of The Year 2021 from Leaders in Law and Tax Litigation Expert of the Year 2022 from Global Law Expert. Considering his continued prowess and dedication to his work, it is no surprise that Mulyono’s success continued into 2023, when he was recently named Leading Tax Lawyer of the Year, Indonesia, in the Leading Adviser Awards 2023. We are delighted to congratulate Mulyono on this achievement and wish him the best of luck in the years to come. Contact: Mulyono Mulyono Company: Mul & Co Web Address: mul-co.com Based in Jakarta, Mul & Co is an exceptional tax law firm that provides a wide range of services related to tax disputes, tax compliance, tax advisory, and company restructuring. The firm was established by Founder and Managing Partner Mulyono Mulyono, an experienced practitioner with a passion for the fields of taxation, accounting, finance, and law. Here, we explore his career and work in the wake of his success in winning Leading Tax Lawyer of the Year, Indonesia, in the Leading Adviser Awards 2023. F
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