www.acquisition-international.com • July 2025 RETAILATAM: Transforming Retail with Intelligence, Innovation, and Impact In a retail landscape shaped by shifting consumer behaviour, digital transformation, and economic volatility, agility and intelligence are essential. RETAILATAM Business Solutions, a Latin American leader in retail tech solutions, consulting and analytics, is helping retailers and CPG manufacturers navigate this complexity with precision. Recognized with the Global Excellence Award 2025, the company is redefining how businesses across the region optimize performance, enhance shopper experience, and drive sustainable growth. Daniel Sampietro, Founder & CEO, RETAILATAM
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Contents 4 News 7 RETAILATAM: Transforming Retail with Intelligence, Innovation, and Impact 8 Hegelmann Group: Industry-Leading Logistics Tailored to Customer Needs 9 Browsthetics: Semi-Permanent Make-Up & Aesthetics Clinic of the Year 2025 – South East England 10 Why Integrity, Trust and Authenticity Are Still the Best Business Strategy 9 8 10
NEWS Ten Strategic Advantages for Business - The Benefit of a CISO with AI Expertise J.S. Held virtual Chief Information Security Officer authors primer for business on benefits of multidimensional expertise presenting ten strategic advantages. Global consulting firm J.S. Held releases a primer for business exploring why having a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) with AI development and governance expertise is important for companies developing or utilizing AI solutions. The primer authored by vCISO Kevin Gorsline explores Ten Strategic Advantages of this multidimensional expertise. Demand for virtual CISO expertise is growing as more businesses discover this more cost-effective alternative. When paired with AI tools, a vCISO can maximize the return on investment by optimizing resources. At J.S. Held, vCISO services are designed to address the evolving needs of businesses developing AI applications or integrating AI into their business processes. With multidimensional expertise in cybersecurity, governance, and AI, a vCISO from J.S. Held can provide customized, cutting-edge security strategies that safeguard AI technologies while allowing your business to innovate and grow. As businesses increasingly turn to AI to drive innovation, the need for robust cybersecurity becomes more critical. A vCISO with expertise in AI development and implementation is uniquely equipped to address the complex cybersecurity challenges of AI-driven environments. By employing a vCISO with AI experience, your business can protect its valuable assets and confidently pursue AI innovations without compromising security. Kevin Gorsline shares, “By leveraging AI to automate routine tasks like monitoring, reporting, and initial threat triage, a vCISO can focus on higher-level strategic decisions.” Kevin continues, “This allows businesses to allocate their resources more efficiently, reducing the costs associated with overburdened security teams and mitigating the risk of human error.” Kevin Gorsline is a consummate senior executive, change agent, and entrepreneur. He has established proficiency as an IT leader with extensive experience in compliance services, applications development, and implementation projects across North America, Europe, and India. Vast experience spans startups, ‘dotcoms,’ mergers and acquisitions, mature companies, and business turnarounds. Kevin is a results-driven executive with firm convictions around a solutions-led approach to the market with exposure across multiple industries (retail, financial, life sciences, manufacturing, and government). His career reflects success in the corporate world, entrepreneurship, and consulting with Big 10 firms. He manages enterprise clients, providing vCISO services and risk management solutions and performing compliance, privacy, and cybersecurity risk assessments for them. He has extensive involvement in providing risk management expertise to clients throughout the United States, Canada, and the EU. He has consulted on designing and implementing large, complex cybersecurity and risk management programs spanning global organizations in challenging environments. Verdantix, in their Green Quadrant: Enterprise Risk Management Consulting Services (2025) report, benchmarks 15 of the most prominent enterprise risk management (ERM) advisors, identifying global consulting firm J.S. Held among the leading companies based on capabilities and momentum. Discover how J.S. Held’s vCISO solutions can help protect your business in the age of AI. Visit J.S. Held vCISO Solutions to learn more.
NEWS and AI expertise driven by rf.TechLab and Ruder Finn’s AI Advisory Council, which has the potential to transform businesses in our rapidly growing marketplaces.” Named Best Agency in Asia-Pacific by the PRWeek Global Awards 2024, Ruder Finn is redefining communications through its “What’s Next” vision—combining emerging technology and storytelling to drive real-world impact. As part of this forward-looking approach, the firm’s emerging technologies incubator, rf.TechLab, has launched a first-of-its-kind AI Advisory Council, led by former OpenAI executive Zack Kass. This unique initiative positions Ruder Finn at the forefront of AI-powered communications, helping clients navigate and harness the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Elan Shou, Global Chief Growth Officer and Managing Director of Ruder Finn Asia, added: “Leveraging advanced AI technology, local insights, and global perspectives, we believe the most effective strategies seamlessly blend authentic storytelling with deep market expertise. This acquisition enhances our presence in key Southeast Asian markets through ERA’s exceptional local knowledge, positioning us to help clients thrive with campaigns that resonate across the region.” Ruder Finn Bolsters Prominent Asia-Pacific Presence with Acquisition of Era Communications Through this strategic expansion, Ruder Finn establishes a direct presence in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, complementing its existing Southeast Asia operations in Singapore, and Malaysia. This growth significantly strengthens the firm’s regional footprint and enhances its ability to deliver integrated, comprehensive communications solutions to clients across Asia, solidifying Ruder Finn as the foremost independent communications consultancy in the region. “Expansion in the Asia-Pacific region is an integral part of our global growth strategy as a consultancy. The emerging markets throughout APAC and SEA represent a significant opportunity for our clients who are looking to grow their brand footprints,” said Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn. “Welcoming Era Communications builds on our presence in the region, and strengthens our ability to deliver tailored, results-driven solutions grounded in deep local knowledge—while upholding the global standards our clients expect.” Founded in 2015, Era Communications is the premier homegrown ASEAN strategic communications consultancy. It is known for its innovative, award-winning campaigns and setting the benchmark for excellence in the communications industry of ASEAN’s emerging markets. It offers client solutions in all areas of reputation management, branding, social impact, B2B communications and digital experience. The firm was recognized for Southeast Asia PR Campaign of the Year for three years in a row, holds two PRovoke Global SABRE awards, and boasts more awards for its campaigns than any other PR firm in the region, including a standout seven awards at the 2025 Campaign PR Awards Asia-Pacific. Following the acquisition, the Era offices will officially operate under the Ruder Finn Era brand. “It was a no-brainer to become a part of one of the world’s best, and first-ever, PR firms,” said Anthony Larmon, Managing Director of Era Communications. “Our mission has always been to show to the industry around the world that the best work can come from anywhere, and this partnership with Ruder Finn lets us use its global leadership to deliver unrivalled creativity, strategy, service and value to clients all over our vibrant region. I was especially excited by Ruder Finn’s tech-driven communications capabilities Ruder Finn, one of the world’s largest independent global communications and integrated marketing consultancies, announced the acquisition of Era Communications, an award-winning Southeast Asia-based strategic communications consultancy of 90 professionals, renowned for the deep local insights it applies to best-in-class work.
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7 | Acquisition International, Month 2025 AIM-Apr25146 RETAILATAM: Transforming Retail with Intelligence, Innovation, and Impact Regional Reach, Global Standards Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Santiago, Chile, RETAILATAM operates across Chile, Argentina, Peru, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica (Central America & Caribbean), and Mexico, with strategic partnerships in Brazil. The company’s mission is to deliver superior value through tailored solutions that support smarter decision-making—regardless of client size or budget. Built on the values of innovation, teamwork, excellence, and integrity, RETAILATAM combines local market expertise with global best practices. Its vision is clear: to streamline retail operations across the value chain—from manufacturers to retailers to end consumers—by optimizing assortment, inventory, and execution. Strategic Consulting with Measurable Impact RETAILATAM offers a comprehensive suite of business consulting services and software solutions designed to turn strategy into execution. Its consulting practice focuses on category management, assortment and space optimization, and in-store execution. From planogram automation to space planning, the company ensures that every square meter of shelf space delivers maximum value. Clients benefit from a hands-on approach that blends strategic insight with operational excellence, helping them build more profitable, shopper-centric retail environments. Business Intelligence and AI-Driven Solutions What sets RETAILATAM apart is its ability to leverage the power of data. Through customized dashboards, predictive models, and real-time analytics, the company enables its clients to make faster and smarter decisions. Their decision platforms seamlessly integrate with ERP systems and databases, offering tailored solutions such as: • Automated planogram generation and execution • Inventory and assortment performance analysis • Assortment and Space optimisation • Price monitoring and execution • Promotional effectiveness tracking • Shopper satisfaction analysis • Planogram compliance monitoring • Weekly / Daily BI scorecards (Perfect Store / Retailers B2B – Sell Out & Stock) Positioning itself at the forefront of innovation, the company leverages artificial intelligence to solve the most pressing problems currently facing FMCG retailers and CPGs by automating tasks, applying intelligence to big data, and helping them make better decisions that lead to improved results. This portfolio of solutions has been carefully built to address the concerns of RETAILATAM’s customers, who are typically challenged with the task of creating smarter operations, improving the customer experience, and optimising assortment and inventory. In a crowded market, the company stands out for this unique offering – the combination of AI-enabled decisionmaking platformers, software solutions, and business consulting services for retail operations. This is a crucial combination for the success of its clients, helping retailers and CPG manufacturers to execute market research, merchandising, space management, assortment optimisation, category management, shopper marketing, and business intelligence. Category Growth and Shopper-Centric Execution RETAILATAM’s approach to category growth is based on a deep understanding of shopper behaviour. The company works closely with clients to design and implement strategies that align with consumer needs, channel dynamics, and brand objectives. This has led to successful collaborations with industry leaders such as CENCOSUD, COCA-COLA, DIAGEO, and GA.MA Italy, where RETAILATAM’s solutions have improved shelf profitability, inventory alignment, and portfolio expansion. Luis Valenzuela Contreras, Head of Management Control and Supply for GA.MA Chile, reported: “In the search for a strategic partner to generate the lifting and order of our stores, we chose RETAILATAM for its experience in the field. Today, we are generating better spaces, we have the ability to position the products with the best profitability on the shelves, and an inventory level that is in accordance with the directive of our board of directors.” Barbara Marroquin, Manager of Category Management for Diageo Peru, wrote: “After having worked with several suppliers, we found RETAILATAM as the best option to develop Category Management with our clients, due to its high level of understanding of the shopper and versatility. We really enjoyed working with a team of high-performance professionals, who have the same sense of urgency as we do and who work with precise objectivity. Their versatility to understand various sales channels has allowed us to reach more customers and develop our portfolio much faster in strategic sales rooms.” Award-Winning Excellence RETAILATAM understands that open communication and healthy business relationships are key to retaining current clients while attracting new business. The company welcomes continuous feedback in client testimonials, making adjustments as needed to better meet expectations. This approach has been highly effective, allowing RETAILATAM to maintain its leadership position in the industry and earn the title of Best BPO Solutions Provider for Retail in South America 2025. Company: Retailatam Business Solutions Web Address: https://retailatam.com/ In a retail landscape shaped by shifting consumer behaviour, digital transformation, and economic volatility, agility and intelligence are essential. RETAILATAM Business Solutions, a Latin American leader in retail tech solutions, consulting and analytics, is helping retailers and CPG manufacturers navigate this complexity with precision. Recognized with the Global Excellence Award 2025, the company is redefining how businesses across the region optimize performance, enhance shopper experience, and drive sustainable growth. We took a closer look at the company’s spectacular services below. RETAILATAM LatAm Board
8 | Acquisition International, Month 2025 Industry-Leading Logistics Tailored to Customer Needs Few companies in the field of freight and logistics enjoy the distinction of the Hegelmann Group, a family-run operation that got its start in Germany in 1998. From these humble origins, the brand has grown to encompass more than 8460 employees spread across Europe, the US, Asia, and Africa. Delivering a wide range of services – and goods – the company’s excellence can be felt from its transportation solutions through to its truck workshops. As a result, Hegelmann Transporte s.r.o., part of the Hegelmann Group, has been recognised as the Most Trusted Freight Forwarding Business 2025 – Central Europe. Company: Hegelmann Group Web Address: www.hegelmann.com Serving a high concentration of markets in Central Europe – as well as a handful of others spread across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the US – the Hegelmann Group is primarily known for its standard, transport services as well as its special and non-stop express deliveries. The company delivers these via road, rail, and water, leveraging its leading equipment and unrivalled industry knowledge to deliver fast, highly competent solutions throughout the dynamic cross-sector transport industry. When it comes to road transportation, which is undoubtedly the company’s primary area of expertise, the Hegelmann Group benefits first and foremost from a fleet that is incredibly diverse. The variety of trailer types on offer make the carrying of almost every sort of good or cargo seamless, with customers also benefiting from the reduction in cost that comes from only having to use one provider for a journey as opposed to several. This is just the beginning of a company that has a strong presence in everything from logistics to warehousing, with its combination of multimodal transport and a global network meaning that no challenge is too big or too small for its international teams of experts to handle. Whether it is transporting a partial load or maintaining trucks at one of its many workshops across Europe, everything the Hegelmann Group does is designed to offer an efficient service and exceed the specific logistics needs of every customer. Diving deeper into the history of this established brand, the Hegelmann Group was set up in Germany 27 years ago, where it slowly but surely carved out a reputation for itself as an industry leader on the back of its encompassing logistics solutions. Over the past 20 years or so, the company has experienced tremendous growth and expand to more than 20 total locations. Alongside this, the Hegelmann HUB was also opened in 2023. All of this has contributed to the brand securing a turnover of more than €1bn, a huge milestone and a reflection of the service excellence strived for at every turn. However, the Hegelmann Group is about so much more than just these numbers – it is a company with a clear mission, deep-rooted values, and a commitment to a purpose greater than itself. The core values at the heart of the Hegelmann Group are family – it is proud to have remained a family-run company since first opening its doors – respect, progress, motivation, and sustainability. Operating in a sustainable fashion is especially key for the brand given the work that it does, and this is a top priority for the company at every one of its locations. Its commitment to this can be seen in everything from its people management to its careful use of resources, as well as its utilising of renewable solutions. Exploring this further, the Hegelmann Group has been taking the necessary steps to gradually reduce its impact on the environment for many years now, recognising this is not a change that can happen overnight. Its Mission Green is a perfect example of this, with the initiative seeing measurable steps made on the journey to shrinking its carbon footprint. Hegelmann Group’s integration of Volvo FM 500 Electric Trucks into its fleet marks a significant milestone in their “Mission Green” initiative. This project highlights the environmental, operational, and economic benefits of adopting electric vehicles in logistics. In short, the Hegelmann Group’s relentless sustainable focus is just one of the ways it is nurturing trust with its customers on a global scale. Everything, from the company’s array of transport solutions to more niche services like driving transformation in this space through digitalisation, is done with a sense of confidence and enthusiasm, making it a fitting recipient of both this title and a place in this feature celebrating the very best.
Month 2025, Acquisition International | 9 make sure that people always feel this way upon leaving Browsthetics, Ruta engages in training constantly, refining her techniques and staying inspired. All of this positions Ruta as an industry leader – one that follows her heart more so than anything, raising the bar for others to aspire towards in the process. Especially with regards to following her heart, Ruta also offers complimentary brow sessions for cancer patients before they begin chemotherapy. Ruta told us that this has become a deeply meaningful segment of her work as she helps women to hold on to a sense of self, dignity, and as much confidence in their changing appearance as possible in such a vulnerable time. Ruta supports women with the utmost respect and care as they step into a vulnerable and daunting chapter of their lives. With the aesthetics sector moving quickly around her – a process Ruta finds both exciting and overwhelming in equal measure – this one-woman show remains passionate about focusing on what really works, and not blindly following trends. Ruta told us: “I stay ahead by remaining curious, listening to my clients, and trusting in quality over hype. Quiet consistency is my approach – and I believe that’s what builds trust over time.” Trust continues to be at the heart of Browsthetics, which last year launched the Browsthetics Training Institute as a way for Ruta to share with others the experiences garnered over thousands of client hours. From writing all of the manuals herself to delivering the training, Ruta does it all, encouraging students to be themselves and not follow a script. Continuing down this path of mentoring and teaching is Ruta’s main focus for the rest of 2025. In short, when pinpointing what sets Browsthetics apart, it is ultimately that the brand goes beyond beauty to nurture care, connection, and a space where people are seen. Meeting her clients with real empathy, Ruta doesn’t just see a person’s features – she sees the person. This encompassing ethos is what makes her clinic deserving of this award. Contact: Ruta Drumstaite Company: Browsthetics Web Address: https://www.browsthetics.com/ Semi-Permanent Make-Up & Aesthetics Clinic of the Year 2025 – South East England rowsthetics, a one-woman business specialising in semipermanent make-up and aesthetics treatments, sees Ruta deliver everything from brow and lip treatments through to dermal fillers, skin rejuvenation, and facials. Across her entire portfolio, Ruta delivers an expert blend of technical skill and emotional care – but more than this, what she does comes from a personal place, and this is what makes her such a trusted practitioner. Guided by the values of authenticity, emotional safety, and continuous growth, Ruta takes her time with every client – listening and creating a space where they don’t feel rushed or as though they are being judged. This support and understanding is the first step in their journey, and Ruta recognises that every detail matters, as well as just how powerful those little moments can be when working with someone struggling with their image. “These values show up in everything I do. I think that’s why so many clients return to me – not just for the results, but for how they feel during and after the process. My goal is that my clients leave with more confidence. Because in the end, success isn’t just how something looks – it’s how someone feels afterwards. That’s the real transformation. ” Most of the clients Ruta works with are busy women – women balancing careers, families, or other such matters – and it is her aim through Browsthetics to ensure they feel better in their own skin without having to engage in heavy, time-consuming maintenance. Women are not the only ones Ruta works with, as plenty of men also visit her clinic in search of subtle results. Whomever she is treating, Ruta’s approach is warm, relaxed, and deeply personal, tailored around a person’s lifestyle, goals, and what is the best fit for them. On the back of this, Ruta explained: “Clients often say the experience feels like a reset – not just for their face, but for their energy, too.” To All over the UK, there are people silently struggling with their self-worth, feeling uncomfortable in their own skin, and gazing into the mirror wondering if they’re enough. This is something Ruta Drumstaite experienced first-hand, and that is why she helps people to feel as beautiful as they are – not by changing them, but simply by enhancing what is already there. Ruta carries out this work through Browsthetics, a venture she told us more about when we caught up with her. B
10 | Acquisition International, Month 2025 Why Integrity, Trust and Authenticity Are Still the Best Business Strategy hese days, customers are smart. They do their research; ask questions, read reviews, compare quotes and pick up on red flags quickly. And they’ve learned to spot a brand that’s all packaging and no substance from a mile away. If you’re building a business for the long term, there’s really only one way to do it: with integrity, trust, and authenticity. Not as marketing buzzwords, but as the foundation for every decision you make, and how you operate. We didn’t come into the renewable energy market just to sell solar panels. We came in because we were tired of how things were being done. High-pressure sales. Vague pricing. Poor aftercare. A lot of noise and not much follow-through. We’d seen enough. So we built a company to challenge the culture; one that treated people properly and if you want to build something that lasts, that’s where to start. Integrity isn’t a pitch Integrity isn’t about big declarations. It’s about the little decisions you make every day when no one’s watching. In practice, it means quoting clearly and fairly, including itemised pricing, honest timelines and no sneaky conditions hidden in the fine print. It means designing systems or solutions based on what’s actually best for the customer, not what’s most profitable that week. If something doesn’t add value, leave it out. It means being transparent when something goes wrong, owning it, and making it right without delay or excuse. Accountability and a commitment to do better. Customers notice when corners are cut, and over time, that kind of approach costs more than the money it might make. Integrity builds confidence, confidence builds reputation, and reputations build businesses. Trust takes time; it’s earned, not assumed A lot of businesses claim to be trustworthy, but it’s about showing it. Trust is built through consistency. That means; • Showing up when you say you will • Communicating clearly from first contact through to delivery • Not vanishing once the invoice is paid. It can also mean following up without being asked, being proactive about potential issues, and keeping the customer informed along the way. One of the fastest ways to lose trust is to overpromise, customers will remember when reality doesn’t match the pitch. Instead, let trust grow from actions. Trust isn’t a claim. It’s something the customer feels when the work’s done, and they know they’ve been looked after. Authenticity is how you show up This one’s simple: say what you mean, and don’t pretend to be something you’re not. That’s what builds loyalty. Authenticity is about tailoring the advice to the individual; don’t inflate savings estimates, and don’t push oversize systems that don’t fit for purpose. Design the solution for what the client actually needs, not what looks good on paper. Standing by your principles, even when it’s not the most convenient or profitable option is what honesty looks like. If there’s a better option elsewhere, say so. It might feel risky, but that level of transparency goes a long way. It’s that kind of honesty people remember, and it earns trust. Customers aren’t just buying a product or service. They want to know the people behind it care enough to get it right. Good values are good business There’s often an idea that these values – integrity, trust, authenticity – are nice to have, but not essential. The truth is, they’re commercial strengths. They reduce friction, drive referrals, attract good staff, and create long-term value that no gimmick or sale ever could. Yes, it takes more time to do things properly. Yes, it might mean passing up on some quick wins. But if you’re building something with longevity, these values are foundational, and the best investment you can make. They hold everything together when things get tough. Final word Anyone can sell a product. But building a brand people believe in? That’s a different challenge altogether. I’ve worked across manufacturing, retail and services, and the businesses that succeed over the long haul all have one thing in common: they treat people properly. They don’t cut corners. And they don’t try to be something they’re not. I’ve seen first-hand how badly things can go when these values are missing; and how powerful it is when they’re front and centre. Integrity, trust, and authenticity aren’t soft qualities. Leading with values works. If people feel they’ve been treated fairly, they come back. They’ll refer others, and one honest transaction can lead to 10 more. If you’re starting out, or scaling up, or even just taking a hard look at how your business shows up; start there. Start with the values that matter, and don’t compromise them. The market might be fast-paced and crowded, but people still want to buy from people they trust. That’s not going out of style anytime soon. By Debbie Elliott, Director of Operations at Bare Energy T
Why Integrity, Trust and Authenticity Are Still the Best Business Strategy
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