www.acquisition-international.com • Issue 6 2023 EXtrance: Investment Management of theFuture
2 Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 From our Editor Welcome to the June edition of Acquisition International Magazine, bringing you the latest news, features, and success stories from businesses all over the world. It’s hard to believe that summer hasn’t officially arrived here in the UK yet, with us already experiencing our first heatwave of the year! Indeed, we’re happy that we seem to have a nice long summer ahead of us! The great mood can be felt across the AI office as we look forward to evenings spent in the beer garden and going on holiday. Meanwhile, the world of business continues to thrive! From Sydney to Jakarta to London to Minneapolis to Québec, we have an array of exciting businesses sharing their stories in this issue, whether they hail from transportation, medical aesthetics, geological consultancy, real estate investment, and more. We get to know each of these award-winning companies, their outstanding service offerings, and how they stand out as the best of the best in their respective industries. Join us for an enriching insight into how these businesses stay ahead of the curve, with their next-level dedication to driving change, exceeding expectations, and truly excelling across the vast corporate landscape. I hope you enjoy this issue, wish you a prosperous month ahead, and look forward to welcoming you back again soon! Rebecca Scotland - Editor Contents 4 News 6 Bringing Harmony to Your Daily Activities Blue Bird Group 7 Comprehensive Green Consultancy Services Kalpavruksham Green Consultants 8 NOI Generating Connectivity Infrastructure Made Easy OpticWise, Inc. 9 Excellence, Expertise, and Innovation in Aesthetics. Vie Aesthetics Ltd 10 Game changers in a universe of solutions. IOS Services Géoscientifiques 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 Parry, Senior Editor Rebecca Scotland, Editor Alejandra Garcia, Writer Izzy Mifsud, Writer 12 Seeing advantages where others see obstacles. Custom Recycling Llc 14 Innovative Solutions To Help You Succeed Gearco 15 VertPro: The Easiest Energy Benchmark Compliance Platform Around VertPro® 16 Investment Management of the Future EXtrance 18 Financial Health in Plentiful Supply Orbian 19 All Your Currency – In One Superapp! Bano SuperApp 20 Protecting Data and Fostering Collaboration Zextras SRL Emily Godbold, Writer Michelle Strozykowski, Writer Designers Daniela Levinte, Graphic Designer Lauren Baldwin, Graphic Designer
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4 Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 News: from around the world ISACA Welcomes New CEO Erik Prusch Erik Prusch will join ISACA as its new CEO today. Based in Washington state, Prusch brings significant tech and leadership experience as a CEO and board director to the organization. “This is an exciting time for ISACA as we’ve expanded globally, developed new tools and resources to help organizations thrive in a rapidly changing technology landscape, and become recognized as the global leader in digital trust,” said ISACA Board Chair Pam Nigro. “Erik’s extensive tech and business leadership experience and skills will help drive ISACA forward and add value to the individuals and enterprises we serve.” Prior to joining ISACA, Prusch served as CEO of Outerwall, Lumension, NetMotion Wireless, Clearwire and Borland Software Corporation. He has been a board member for RealNetworks, WASH, Calero Software and Keynote Systems. Previously in his career, Prusch served as chief financial officer for a number of public companies, such as Identix and Borland, and for divisions of public companies, such as Gateway Computers and PepsiCo. He began his career at Deloitte & Touche (then Touche Ross). Prusch holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business. “The pace of change in technology is escalating at an unprecedented rate, and it is a uniquely challenging and interesting time for digital trust professionals and their organizations,” said Prusch. “Throughout my career, I’ve guided organizations through transformation, so it’s exciting to join ISACA at this pivotal moment. Now more than ever, it’s critical that we equip our members and customers with the forward-looking resources they need to thrive in their careers and enterprises.” ISACA is widely known for its globally recognized certifications for digital trust professionals, including the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manager credentials (CISM), as well as the COBITframework and the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI). Additionally, the association established One in Tech, an ISACA Foundation, to advance equity and diversity in tech. ISACA has 170,000 members in 188 countries.
Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 5 NYON, SWITZERLAND, 12th June—beqom, a global leader in compensation and continuous performance management cloud solutions, has introduced an innovative solution for managing pay equity in large organizations. With the rise of equal pay regulations worldwide and the growing importance of fair and competitive compensation to meet talent needs, beqom’s new software aims to address pay inequities effectively. Compliance with equal pay regulations has become increasingly crucial for organizations due to recent legislation in the US, EU, Asia, and other regions, including various US state laws. Ensuring fair pay mitigates legal risks, safeguards reputation, and enhances financial stability. To handle the complexity of analyzing large volumes of data to uncover inequitable practices, specialized software like beqom’s is necessary. Out of the box, the beqom Pay Equity solution meets most global compliance requirements and easily adapts to new rules and regulations. Additionally, as a comprehensive compensation management solution, beqom can seamlessly incorporate pay equity practices into dayto-day compensation decision-making processes, such as promotions, raises, and new hires. “Organizations are dynamic, so pay equity cannot be a oneand-done project,” says Tanya Jansen, beqom CMO and industry voice on pay equity. “beqom makes pay equity an ongoing process that integrates with normal compensation cycles throughout the year.” beqom’s solution enables companies to identify pay gaps associated with gender, ethnicity, age, and other demographic factors or intersections of factors. The objective is to eliminate bias in pay decisions and ensure fair rewards based on skills, performance, and other legitimate criteria. The software also helps identify pay disparities relative to the market. The beqom Pay Equity solution offers a comprehensive gap analysis to identify pay inequities and employs advanced regression analysis to uncover their root causes. Utilizing machine learning (ML), the solution identifies raw and adjusted pay gaps, proposes remediation options, and provides actionable budget simulations to determine the cost of implementing pay remedies. beqom Launches Advanced Pay Equity Management Solution Research indicates that pay equity is a primary consideration for employees seeking new opportunities. In beqom’s 2023 Leveling the Paying Field report, approximately 51% of US employees believe their employer has a gender pay gap, and nearly 45% would consider switching to a company with a lower gender pay gap. Beyond compliance, achieving fair and transparent pay enables companies to attract and retain top talent, fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.
6 Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 Bringing Harmony to Your Daily Activities cting as a staple within the lives of anyone inhabiting Indonesia, specifically Jakarta, Blue Bird Group’s transportation services have become completely invaluable following the years since its inception. Its dedication towards granting citizens efficiency and high-quality transport has allowed it to serve millions of customers throughout the country. Its success is born from its overarching reliability, making it the go-to mobility experience for anyone within Indonesia. In addition to taxi services, Blue Bird Group also provides more advanced alternatives for any individuals with extra requirements. Be it customers with disabilities, pregnant women, or anyone with more demanding needs, Blue Bird Group has developed Lifecare Taxis. These taxis have already managed to assist thousands throughout Indonesia, and serve as stress-free and affordable transportation for anyone needing special care. Since establishing a reliable network of taxis, Blue Bird Group has proceeded to cultivate a wider variety of vehicles and services to suit every kind of need. One such example is the implementation of its Golden Bird vehicles. Whilst not adhering to the classic blue that Blue Bird Group is so widely known for, these exclusive vehicles come equipped with a private driver, charging ports, and accessibility for luggage, depending on a customer’s need. Golden Bird exemplifies exceptional attention to detail in the transportation field, and has been able to consistently provide top-of-the-range, luxury mobility for a range of satisfied clients. To add to this impressive array of services, Blue Bird Group also presents its shuttle options, be it a minibus or a coach. Regardless of group size, it has ensured it has an alternative for each requirement, and has tailored its vehicles to be outfitted with all of the necessary facilities to guarantee a safe and comfortable journey for every client utilising its services. Whilst its regular shuttle service provides affordable, point-to-point transport, its airport shuttle service aims to help clients relax after a long day of travelling. Every amenity developed by Blue Bird Group has been implemented in ways that are purely focused on providing the best possible facilities for anyone in need of transport throughout Indonesia. Its taxis have already become synonymous with Jakarta, and it’s clear to see why. Blue Bird Group combines efficiency and reliability into a well-organised package that can be altered to fit any requirement, A Mar23588 and it’s this versatility and plethora of options that has allowed it to become a necessity within Indonesia’s transportation sphere. Blue Bird Group has proven again and again that it wants mobility to be the last thing a person needs to stress about throughout their lives. It has tirelessly worked to become the go-to for every travel need imaginable, and is now heralded as the best transportation alternative throughout the entirety of Indonesia. We’re very proud to present Blue Bird Group with its newest, well-earned Best Transportation Services Company 2023 – Indonesia award, and we simply can’t recommend its services enough. Contact: Emeralda Kasim Company: Blue Bird Group Web Address: https://www.bluebirdgroup.com/?lang=en Every major city in the world has its own identifiable taxi service. Whilst New York boasts its vast fleet of yellow taxis, and London deploys a wide array of black cabs, Blue Bird Group’s brilliantly blue taxis are the ones that occupy the roads of Jakarta. Equipped with every necessary facility to make your daily commute as seamless as possible, Blue Bird Group has quickly become the Best Transportation Services Company 2023 – Indonesia.
Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 7 Striving to minimise the carbon footprint of the construction industry, Kalpavruksham Green Consultants provides sustainable solutions for green infrastructure development and environmental management services. Here, we take a look at the work the firm does and discuss its success in the AI Global Excellence Awards 2023, having been named Best Green Building Design Specialists. Apr23098 n recent years, climate change has emerged as one of the most devastating environmental threats, causing great concern to humanity. As many people and businesses across the globe take action to minimise their carbon footprint, opting for ecofriendly and energy efficient infrastructure is a crucial step towards a more sustainable world. Green design and infrastructure firms like Kalpavruksham play an important role in facilitating this, assisting firms who are looking to implement eco-friendly initiatives. Working with corporations, municipalities, and government agencies, Kalpavruksham strives to positively alter the infrastructural landscape. The firm specialises in green building design, architecture, green building certifications, environmental clearance, MEP, infrastructure consultancy, building contract works, and glazing works. Building energy modelling is a multi-purpose tool for building energy efficiency, predicting the energy consumption, CO2 emissions, peak demands, energy cost, and renewable energy production of individual properties. Kalpavruksham combines architecture with building energy modelling to design energy efficient, eco-friendly passive structures, which are comfortable, affordable, and ultra-low energy, requiring little power for space heating or cooling. I Comprehensive Green Consultancy Services Serving clients who are working to prioritise sustainability, Kalpavruksham focuses on integrating nature-based solutions into all its projects. By implementing the latest technologies within existing and new buildings, the company reduces energy and resource consumption during the construction and post-occupancy stages, minimising the carbon footprints of buildings. Dedicated to its clients, Kalpavruksham strives to understand the unique needs of those it serves and provide them with tailored solutions. The properties it designs are not only environmentally friendly, but they are also economically and socially beneficial to the client. This, along with its extensive expertise in the industry, makes the firm stand out from its competitors. The staff at Kalpavruksham are critical to its success. In the hiring process, the firm seeks individuals who are passionate about sustainability and experts in their fields. It also looks for people who demonstrate creativity and strong problem-solving and communication skills. The firm’s internal culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity also facilitates the development of new ideas and solutions, enabling it to better serve its clients. Since its establishment, Kalpavruksham has faced a number of challenges. Firstly, as a green company, it has worked hard to balance economic growth with environmental conservation. As well as this, the Covid-19 pandemic has presented many challenges over the last few years, such as supply chain and project timeline disruption. However, the pandemic did effectively highlight the importance of sustainable solutions. It also presented opportunities for Kalpavruksham to work with clients to develop resilient and sustainable systems. The pandemic also caused a shift towards remote operations, leading to an increase in remote project management. This enabled the firm to expand its client base beyond its local area. As a result of its dedication to sustainability and the work it does to create positive change for the environment, Kalpavruksham has been awarded Best Green Building Design Specialists in the AI Global Excellence Awards 2023. In the coming years, the firm plans to continue expanding its services and expertise in sustainable solutions and to invest in research and development to address emerging challenges. It is dedicated to maintaining its position at the forefront of its industry. Contact: Supritha Ammireddy Company: Kalpavruksham Green Consultants Web Address: https://www.kalpavruksham.in/ -
8 Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 Apr23498 NOI Generating Connectivity Infrastructure Made Easy Acting as a go-to solution for any connectivity infrastructure needs, OpticWise has rapidly become an essential part of any residential or office-based building’s network presence. It assists a whole range of clients in promising stable connections that are able to manage an increased workload, all whilst ensuring the utmost safety and privacy throughout. We explore how OpticWise came to earn its Best Wi-Fi Connectivity Solutions Specialist 2023 – USA award title through its undeniable prowess and expertise. ith a large client base consisting of office and apartment buildings filled to the brim with a vast amount of users, OpticWise has dedicated itself towards providing tenants and clients alike with the most secure network infrastructure available. As a multi-award-winning business with a plethora of experience, OpticWise has mastered what it means to present its clients with the best of the best. It recognises the frustration that can originate from deploying a network that’s simply incapable of handling the high volume of demand within a more bustling building, and has worked tirelessly to offer solutions that’re geared towards completely eliminating these issues. Both clients and tenants are at the forefront of its practises, and it has consistently adapted itself in order to develop unique solutions that’re carefully tailored to meet each requirement. In addition, OpticWise handles any tenant support needs, taking the pressure off of the owners (clients) altogether to guarantee a more seamless connectivity infrastructure. Its accessibility and dedication towards offering full-time support is what truly sets it apart from other companies within the same industry, and clients and tenants alike will be able to feel the difference in an instant. Especially considering the increased amount of tenants who are now working from home following the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than W ever, there has never been a higher demand for reliable connectivity infrastructure. Your network needs to be stable, secure, and should highly value your privacy above all else. OpticWise is acutely aware of how valuable a solid, secure system is to any individual operating from their apartment or office, and therefore devotes itself towards ensuring an overwhelming efficiency and security throughout its services. OpticWise takes pride in truly spoiling its customers, and does so through its patented 5S® user experience. It guarantees protection against datamining, and combines seamless mobility, security, speed, stability, and service in order to deliver the best possible service available in the market. And, thanks to its forward-thinking initiative, OpticWise is able to outfit any building with a sound digital infrastructure that creates income, and places it as one of the most imperative factors when assisting its clients. In recent years, network connectivity has never been more essential. Thankfully, OpticWise is seeking to set an industry standard that’s bound to benefit everyone, not just its clients. Its prowess in managed Wi-Fi and proptech infrastructure equips OpticWise with all of the tools to make the differences that the future requires. And with such a passion for making people’s lives far easier, there’s nothing stopping OpticWise from maximising connectivity infrastructure in every imaginable aspect. Contact: Bill Douglas Company: OpticWise, Inc. Web: www.opticwise.com Best Wi-Fi Connectivity Solutions Specialist 2023 - USA
Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 9 ulti-award winning Vie Aesthetics offer carefully tailored combinations of treatments to help clients to flourish in their own skin. Its top-rated customer care team assist men and women of all ages to discreetly achieve their transformation goals, whether they be focused on skin, face, body, wellness, or hair restoration treatments. It is a doctor-led establishment with world class practitioners committed to helping clients receive safe and effective cosmetic solutions. The Vie Aesthetics clinics are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and accredited by Save Face, meaning they operate within the strictest of guidelines, and adhere to stringent quality standards. They offer anti-aging solutions for various areas, using cutting-edge technology, and top of the range products to deliver optimal results. Their vision is celebrating the beauty of life, as they take transformative journeys with clients, focused on helping them achieve their desired look, and empowering them to be the best version of themselves. Vie Aesthetics are leaders in the field of antiaging, beauty and wellness. They have won 23 industry and business awards, and are now being honoured as 2023’s Best Non-Surgical Medical & Cosmetic Clinic – London, in the Acquisition International Global Excellence Awards. This is testament to their exceptional care and outstanding results, which keep them at the forefront of the industry. Vie Aesthetics are continuously reviewing, improving, adapting, and developing their processes and services. They understand that each individual is unique, with personal needs and aspirations. They offer a comprehensive range of services to suit, from facial rejuvenation to body sculpting and hair restoration. All their treatments are tailored to enhance natural beauty and health, boost clients’ confidence, and enrich their lives. The company’s recruitment process is also very robust, as it looks for skills, motivation and passion when recruiting new talent. Their staff are committed people from the get-go, encouraged to make connections with enthusiasm, excitement, and motivation. The internal culture at Vie is one of trust, respect, and transparency, with a sense of ownership fostered from both top-down and bottom-up communication. They also promote ecoconscious practices, embrace diversity, and uphold the principles of fairness, care and M compassion. They set high standards throughout the business, and aim to exceed expectations at every point. In the aesthetics industry, the pace of technological advancements and treatment innovations is rapidly changing. To stay at the vanguard of such advancements requires continuous education and training for Vie’s practitioners, as well as investment in cutting edge equipment and technology. They see this as an essential component, allowing them to offer clients the latest and most effective treatments available. Vie’s medical team are always actively researching, trying out, and evaluating treatments in order to make decisions that are good for the business and the clientele. They are aware that clients can be bombarded by sensationalist statements and trends across social media regarding aesthetics, but Vie can be trusted to cut through noise. Vie Aesthetics promotes the importance of seeking treatment from qualified medical practitioners. Open communication and a patientcentric approach is what builds trust and encourages clients to opt for procedures offering safe, natural-looking results. This can elevate the industry standards, and help to address the bias out there that exists against cosmetic treatments. Vie Aesthetics also uses their own social media channels to challenge bias and misinformation. Year on year the number of male clients at Vie has been increasing, with it now making up over 35%. It has been at the forefront of promoting natural looks and combination treatments for this market sector, many of which have now become a trend in the industry. Treatments for men include PSA prostate testing, wellness packages and intimate treatments like the P-Shot. Another significant trend in aesthetics is to offer wellness and prevention treatments aimed at supporting the menopause. In order to address emerging needs such as these, Vie have developed a 360 degree approach, and recently launched their own menopause clinics. The ever-expanding company operates across clinics based in London, Essex, and Germany. The consistency of their services, care and standards are guaranteed at these regulated and 5-star reviewed sites, where all the latest and most effective treatments and products are available under one roof. Vie Aesthetics are certainly a thriving, sustainable business, ensured of long-term success by constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of their valued clientele. Vie Aesthetics is a renowned UK medical aesthetics company with clinics in London and Essex. It offers bespoke, personalised treatment plans focused on helping clients to look and feel their best. As the worthy winner of 2023’s Best Non-Surgical Medical & Cosmetic Clinic – London, we were interested to find out a little more. Excellence, Expertise, and Innovation in Aesthetics. Company: Vie Aesthetics Ltd Web Address: www.vie-aesthetics.com Contact Name: Vicky Grammatikopoulou Apr23508
10 Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 Apr23107 Game changers in a universe of solutions. IOS Services Géoscientifiques (IOS) is a consulting group with a geological perspective, dedicated to servicing the mineral exploration industry in eastern Canada. It has been named Québec’s Best Geological Consultancy 2023, following which we have taken a closer look at what the company does. OS Services Géoscientifiques is a firm that has been active for 31 years, during which time it has been involved in more than 1700 mineral exploration projects, both in Québec, Canada, and abroad. It has authored almost 2000 reports, and currently employs approximately 70 members of staff. It provides a wide variety of services, most dominantly to mineral exploration companies, including a majority of the multinational mining groups, some governments, and many large engineering firms. The services it conducts include regular professional consulting for property evaluation or exploration strategy. It also oversees fieldwork operations such as mapping, prospecting, sampling, and drill management, as do most other geological consulting groups. However, IOS differs from other consulting groups through its true independence, its culture, and the use of its own laboratory and logistical team. This means it can support any remote operation in Eastern or Northern Canada with services such as permitting, camp construction, and expediting as well as highly technical consulting. Its well-regarded laboratory offers panoply of innovative proprietary mineral analysis techniques, and currently processes samples from all around the world. IOS is rigorously independent from its clients, which is critical in an industry where conflicts of interest are common and could put traders or shareholders into sticky situations. IOS has a core value of integrity, and keeps well away from such matters. It sees its first consideration as being that of protecting the public, the investor, and the client. It does not make its money at promoting investments or at detriment of stakeholders, such as local communities, future generations, or investors, but through efficiency and long-term vision. It has a duty to safeguard, and as such, the relationships it maintains with long-term clients are based on the trustful reputation it has built. IOS is innovative in its managerial approach and in its technological solutions. It offers a true one-stop shop for turnkey services, from targeting to reporting, and is viewed as a fast-track for foreign mining companies who wish to invest in Québec. Combined with its independence, this has turned out to be a winning strategy, and one which the competition is currently scrambling to copy. Similarly, on the technological standpoint, the broad experience of IOS has led to the development of an array of applications in quantitative mineralogy, pulling it further into the global arena, where it has earned a reputation as a gamechanger in the Canadian mineral exploration landscape. I In recent years, IOS has been well regarded and closely watched owing to its development and commercialisation of a range of quantitative mineral analyses technologies. These were adopted by a number of multinational mining groups, and are based on the concept that minerals which form within the vicinity of a mineralised body are distinctive from those formed in un-mineralised environments. The capacity to detect such minerals dispersed in sediments or soils can therefore be used as a predictor of the presence of such a mineralised body. The basic concept has been in use for many years, using conventional but artisanal techniques, for instance in the search for diamonds. But IOS has brought the concept to a superior level through automation of the procedure, reducing the cost, improving the reliability, lowering the detection limits, and multiplying the applications. These technologies were complex to develop, costly to implement, and required the input of multiple experts over the years. This means it will take a while before competitors are up to speed. Still, IOS is not resting on its laurels and continues to develop applications, ready for the next big concept to hit. Using electron diffraction for detecting lithium mineral is its last hit. The mineralogy technologies were first developed as an exploration tool to detect the ‘indicator minerals’ in sediments. Now IOS is developing a way applying such to characterize the cause of geochemical anomalies, and has begun working on a means to circumvent the nugget effect in gold deposit evaluation. IOS currently works on licensing its proprietary technologies to select third parties. This will be a way to tap other markets, and pursue deployment “We built our reputation on bringing out-of-the-box solutions to long-standing problems. And to do so, we needed to promote a culture of resourcefulness and eccentricity. Do not look at what the others are doing, just look beyond the problem and dare to try.”
Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 11 Game changers in a universe of solutions. without straining its own financial and human resources. Presently, it is still the only group capable of mass production in regard of automated mineralogy tailored for exploration, so the market is for grab! IOS was until recently a family-owned business, now in the process of transferring ownership and passion to its employees after a management buyout. During such transition, it is imperative that resources are kept available for development, and that innovation pipeline continues to flow. The successful business culture must be perpetuated. IOS has a business principle to be authentic, caring, and always ready to face the barricades. It sees leadership not as a matter of convincing others, but of inspiring them. And this inspiration should come from a person’s façon d’être or, simply put, way of being. These are the values IOS feels are important enough to encourage people to follow. So it will not change these core values to attract clients or talents! After all, in business you either copy the competition, or get copied. It says a lot that the competitors are trying to copy the IOS model, which is an honor! Good leaders are something that help to attract both clients and partners who share the company values. This makes work a pleasure, not a chore. The industry is currently red-hot in Québec due to it experiencing a critical metal frenzy. Having a strong business culture, IOS succeeded to attract talents. Compounded with new technologies that are disruptive and fulfilling a real demand, it can capitalise on maintaining its dominant position in the market for a while. As Québec’s Best Geological Consultancy 2023, IOS Services Géoscientifiques Inc is finding itself much in demand, as discoveries by clients are piling up. But then again, this is the kind of remarkable thing to be expected when you change the rules of the game! Company: IOS Services Géoscientifiques Inc Web Address: www.iosgeo.com Contact Name: Réjean Girard
12 Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 Apr23157 Seeing advantages where others see obstacles. The family owned and operated business Custom Recycling has been awarded the title of South Carolina’s Best Scrap Metal Recycling Company 2023. It has over 150 years of combined experience specialising in metal recycling services. Following its win, we have been delighted to be able to catch up with it for a closer look. ustom Recycling began with humble beginnings in a small warehouse, to reach where it is now, operating from a site boasting over 16 acres of land and 35, 000 square feet of building space. It has become a premier source for scrap metal recycling in the Southeast. Owners Tim Weaver and Shane Murphy built the company on the foundations of good service, with communication being the bedrock for designing a successful operation. They encourage each and every team member to contribute their own blend of skills and expertise to the company, which is what has allowed Custom Recycling to grow and flourish, adapting to the ever-changing times. The core values of the company have remained unchanged. It has always, and continues to operate under the principles of integrity, creativity, curiosity, accountability, teamwork, professionalism, innovation, respect, and community. The owners truly understand the business from the ground up, having held every conceivable position from material sorter, to driver, to purchasing. Trusting its instincts, and taking a few calculated risks, is what has allowed Custom Recycling to make strides within the industry. It happened to see a need for reliable and dependable transportation, which led to the creation of its sister company Custom Trucking & Hauling. It also noticed an opportunity to utilise the skills of its work force by creating Custom Demolition & Dismantling. It is proud that where others see obstacles, it sees advantages. Custom Recycling is delighted that being part of the Global Excellence programme, and also having won awards for one of the best places to work in South Carolina, will help introduce it to other innovators. It hopes that this positive experience will help to grow its services, alongside those of other stellar organisations. The clients at Custom Recycling span a variety of industries, as it services any type of business that generates scrap metal. Places such as manufacturers, distributors, supply houses, machine shops, electricians, contractors and so on. It looks at each customer individually to identify how to best meet their needs, avoiding the trap of using the same blueprint to address every organisation. Custom Recycling concentrates on listening to what customers want, and finding ways to streamline its processes. It is also experienced in handling unique, oddball materials other scrap merchants tend to dismiss. It’s a forward-thinking company, who encourages everyone to ask questions and share their views on how daily operations might be improved. As an employer, it aims to find individuals who are optimistic, C constructive, and willing to learn. It knows open communication is key, and is proud to offer an inclusive and positive work environment. It leads by example and sets its team up for success on and off the clock. This means staff retention is excellent, with the average employee staying for 10 years plus. The demand for scrap metal can fluctuate, based on the needs of the mills. This has a knock- on effect to prices, which are reduced when there’s less urgency. The state of the economy can also affect supply and demand, but for Custom Recycling fortunately they remained busy even during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It found it easier to reach clients by phone or email at this time, but most of its customers continued their daily operations. The biggest impact on Custom Recycling was the availability of raw materials on the manufacturing side of things. Luckily, it is always looking at ways of streamlining its operations, and finding new ways to rehome materials. This is an excellent way of attracting new customers, but in truth is only to be expected from this award-winning company, who excel in its field. Company: Custom Recycling Llc Web Address: www.customrecyclingsc.com The core values of the company have remained unchanged. It has always, and continues to operate under the principles of integrity, creativity, curiosity, accountability, teamwork, professionalism, innovation, respect, and community. The owners truly understand the business from the ground up, having held every conceivable position from material sorter, to driver, to purchasing. Trusting its instincts, and taking a few calculated risks, is what has allowed Custom Recycling to make strides within the industry.
Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 13 Seeing advantages where others see obstacles.
14 Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 Innovative Solutions To Help You Succeed raditional operations such as handwritten notes, spreadsheet accounting practices, paper trail audits, printed receipts, pen and ink signatures, and more are approaches to property management that technology has transformed. What was once time consuming and repetitive, is now made easy thanks Gearco. Gearco offers an innovative and comprehensive cloud service package that shortens work time, eliminates error, maintains compliance, handles point of sale, governs rules, schedules housekeeping and maintenance, and so much more. The benefits are endless, but, overall, it allows customers to invest their time in other aspects of their business which can be of assistance to their growth and success. Even though Gearco’s system is an easy-to-use intuitive software, the shift to digital can still be daunting – which is why Gearco has an integration and training team. They guide new users through the transition and import the existing data they have into the system. This takes away any stress and makes the process seamless and fast, allowing clients to have their systems running and in use quicker than they ever imagined possible. Gearco is customer focused and it prioritises quality, innovation, and collaboration. In order to best support those who seek its services, it has a personalised approach for each customer and its team ensure to provide the solutions that they are looking for. Its management team works closely with them to determine their individual needs and then the development team tailors the products to best serve their business. A significant difference of Gearco’s services is that it is a responsive provider. If at any point you have any issues or questions the support team will be able to assist you with whatever you may need. The team goes above and beyond to help, even if it means reshaping products to better match your policies, procedures, workflows, and security practices. The team at Gearco have a common passion and end goal which is to create innovative solutions that can support a variety of customers. The respect and care the team at Gearco share is represented through what they can deliver to clients. The strong foundation they work form allows them to deliver great solutions and services. This has all led Gearco to receive the title of Best in CloudBased Property Management Solutions 2023 – Georgia. T Apr23602 Customers have shared their experiences, and the testimonials reflect how well Gearco’s team delivers its great solutions. Christal Harman shares, “We have very unique business needs for the system, and they have gone over and above to accommodate our requests for changes – and help us resolve issues to ensure we are operating as efficiently as possible. From start to finish they make the entire launch and implementation process as smooth as possible.” If you are interested in a company that not only provides high quality software, but also truly cares about its customers. Head over to Gearco’s website to find out more. Company: Gearco Contact: Joe Gorrell Web Address: gear.co Gearco is a tech company that develops products and services for the accommodation industry, to help manage guest activity, drive revenue, and control risks for long-term stay properties. Here we learn more about the company and what it offers alongside its recognition in the Global Excellence Awards 2023.
Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 15 Based in California, VertPro is a leading provider of energy efficiency services, specialising in helping property managers and building owners optimise their energy consumption and reduce their operational costs. It offers a comprehensive SaaS platform that allows users to comply with every energy benchmark law in 30 minutes or less. Here, we discuss the company’s services and its success in the AI Global Excellence Awards 2023, having been awarded Best Energy Efficiency Services Provider. Apr23610 hether you have a building in Los Angeles, New York, or any other city in the United States, VertPro makes energy compliance and building upgrades simple. In a world where sustainability regulations are abundant and often confusing, the VertPro platform takes the hassle out of compliance, notifying users about any new energy efficiency laws that apply to their property. Mandatory in over 50 cities, VertPro provides energy benchmark reporting for every state and municipality with an energy disclosure ordinance in effect, helping buildings meet the necessary requirements and potentially save money in the process. As well as this, VertPro handles energy audits and retro commissioning, which assess the energy efficiency of a building every five to ten years, depending on local regulation. The platform also lets users know which inspections are required for their property, along with corresponding deadlines. Furthermore, for building repairs, users can leverage VertPro’s network of honest, highly rated contractors through its construction management software tool. By presenting side-by-side comparisons, the tool minimises the time users spend vetting companies. These robust offerings cover more than VertPro’s competitors ever could, from energy compliance to construction project management. Not only does it deliver end-to-end services backed by cutting-edge technology and unparalleled customer support, but it also provides solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client it serves. On top of this, it sources the best contractors in the industry through its construction marketplace platform. These unique factors are what make the business so successful. As well as its broad offerings, VertPro owes its success to its staff members, who each bring a wealth of expertise and dedication to the table. In recruitment, the company looks to hire individuals with strong technical knowledge and skills, excellent communication, and a passion for sustainability. Its leaders strive to foster an internal culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and care for each other’s wellbeing. Since its inception, VertPro has upheld its core values, which are innovation, sustainability, exceptional customer service, and personal growth among team members. By prioritising its delivery W VertPro: The Easiest Energy Benchmark Compliance Platform Around of these values, the company has developed innovative solutions and established lasting relationships with its clients, in turn driving its success over the years. Operating in the rapidly changing energy efficiency landscape, VertPro faces the challenge of adapting and staying ahead of new technologies and regulations. While the Covid-19 pandemic posed operational challenges, it also allowed the company to develop new ways of working to enhance its remote services offerings. The pandemic also resulted in energy compliance extensions and temporarily halted compliance enforcement, which led VertPro to innovate and create additional service options. During this time, it also dedicated time to evaluating, optimising, and improving all of its existing offerings. As a result of its unique, personalised services, its passion for sustainability, and its dedication to its clients, VertPro has been awarded Best Energy Efficiency Services Provider in the AI Global Excellence Awards 2023. In the wake of this success, VertPro looks forward to some exciting developments within the next five years. It plans to expand its technology platform, incorporate AIdriven analytics to optimise energy efficiency, and develop strategic partnerships with industry leaders. We congratulate VertPro on this achievement and wish it the best of luck as it works towards its goal of becoming the go-to provider of energy efficiency services, aiming to have a positive impact on the environment, communities, and its clients. Contact: Scott Werner Company: VertPro® Web Address: www.VertPro.com - In a world where sustainability regulations are abundant and often confusing, the VertPro platform takes the hassle out of compliance, notifying users about any new energy efficiency laws that apply to their property.
16 Acquisition International - Issue 6 2023 Apr23089 Investment Management of the Future EXtrance is revolutionising the real estate fund sector with state-of-the-art technology. The company was founded in 2020 by real estate investment expert, William Lively. Using ultra-secure blockchain technology and powerful AI-driven analytics, EXtrance provides its clients with a significant competitive edge. Recognised as Best AIEnabled Real Estate Investment Management Platform 2023 – USA, we speak with William to find out more. illiam Lively is no stranger to the investment world. He began his career with one of the first investment firms to use blockchain in the United States, DCI Capital Investors. In late 2017, William left the firm to co-found SyndEX Labs, a financial services tech firm focused on global commercial real estate. During his time as CEO of SyndEX, William oversaw the building of the first blockchain-based CRE investor ecosystem. This enabled the company to build strategic partnerships with both IBM and the Americas Group. In 2020, William took a backseat at SyndEX to focus his energy on EXtrance. Partnering with leaders in data management, machine learning and AI, fund administration, and commercial real estate, EXtrance offers a one-of-a-kind investment platform for the real estate fund sector. The EXtrance platform boasts a wealth of features including real-time investment analytics. It allows fund portfolio and asset managers to manage investments in a more effective way by reducing time and effort. Using blockchain technology, the company creates infallible records that mitigate both legal and financial risks, not to mention reducing the expense associated with electronic record storage. William says, “The intuitive user interface that EXtrance provides gives stakeholders seamless access to historical and current performance, trends, and returns. It features flexible permission-based controls that govern internal access for the manager and external access for the investor or vendor. Our AI-enabled systems provide automatically generated investment analytics with customisable KPIs such as XIRR, multiples, estimated returns, cash yield, and cap rates.” The company lists its values as innovation, shared vision, client focus, dynamism, respect, and collaboration. William explains one value in particular: “Being a dynamic company has become a stronger core value of ours since EXtrance’s establishment. We’ve gained clarity around the importance of remaining adaptable to the changing technological and economic landscapes. Our product is highly technical. It has many different parts that need to work together. That has shown us the importance of being nimble and thinking on our feet. Whilst it’s important to always keep our shared vision and mission top of mind, we’ve also found that it’s crucial to stay dynamic in our approach. When you have so much passion for what you’re building, it’s easy to get tunnel vision. We try to keep an open mind and always stay positive in the face of change.” W Having built and proven its technology in the marketplace, EXtrance has already pushed and extended the boundaries of possibility into unknown territory. The company is setting new industry standards in the realms of both performance and security. William says, “We’ve changed the game. We’re so excited for more people to learn about EXtrance and how we can help them and their fund. Whether that’s reducing FTEs and expenses, attracting more capital, or empowering their front and back office. We offer a full ecosystem that amplifies best practices.” EXtrance is working to make investing in commercial real estate more manageable and attractive for everyone, from the smallest to the largest investor. Providing innovative technology, combined with access to dedicated experts, the company offers a holistic solution to many challenges faced by private real estate funds and their investors. William explains, “By leveraging innovative technologies like machine learning and blockchain to streamline processes and make things more efficient, we’re opening up possibilities which enable funds to reach their full potential. Migrating their processes onto the EXtrance platform allows partners to grow their funds without needing more personnel.” A subject not often discussed with regard to Limited Partnership (LP) investing is what occurs when an investor needs to exit an investment or is unable to fund capital calls. LP agreements often have dilution clauses, yet do not have buy/sell provisions. Monetising a position can be cumbersome given regulatory issues and the small pool from which replacement investors can be sought. It’s common for investors to exit their position at a substantial discount, sometimes as high as 40%. Seeing the potential for a technology-based solution to the problem of illiquidity, the company created its EXtrance QMS (Qualified Matching Service). The first of its kind, this exclusive investment ecosystem allows fund managers to efficiently onboard new capital and meet funding shortfalls. We ask William to tell us about the team at EXtrance. He explains, “The team at EXtrance is very lean. We leverage the expertise of a diverse board of advisors. This allows us to gain insights from well-established, respected leaders whilst maintaining a small core team. We have advisors who specialise in commercial real estate, investment management, business law, marketing, and entrepreneurship. They’ve helped elevate EXtrance to heights we wouldn’t have been able to reach with a more conventional structure.”
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