www.acquisition-international.com • Issue 9 2024 Featuring:
Welcome to the August edition of Acquisition International magazine, bringing you the latest news, features, and success stories from businesses all over the world. As we approach the end of 2024’s third quarter, we take another moment to appreciate what has gone in the months before. Recently, we have crowned a range of tenacious and committed individuals and businesses and, here, we wish to showcase and celebrate their great achievements. Our September issue is full to the brim with innovative business operations, tailored approaches to unique situations, and a client-centric streak which helps our winners to understand exactly what their clients need. From full-service law to management consultancy, NPO consultancy to alternative asset management, and more, here we explore the monumental efforts of our dedicated awardees. For the rest of 2024, we’re sure to see further developments in their areas of expertise as they continue to raise the bar for their industries and clients. May September be a prosperous month ahead, and we look forward to seeing you again soon for our October issue. Rebecca Scotland, Editor 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. Editor’s Letter
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Contents 12 8 17 6 News 8 ehotel® AG: Transforming Corporate Travel: A Global Shift in Efficiency and Innovation 12 Tactical Rehabilitation Inc: Tactical Rehabilitation: Honour and Heart 13 Islamabad Diagnostic Centre Pvt. Ltd: Private Equity CFO of the Year 2024 (Pakistan): Bilal Aslam Qureshi 14 Top Beraten: Most Influential Management Consultancy Businesswoman 2024 (Malaysia): Miriam Shastri 15 Green Synergy: Best Gardening & Horticulture Charity 2024 - East Midlands 16 Mul & Co: The Tax Law Firm Unlike Any Other 17 TOCA Events: Events that Engage, Celebrate, and Inspire 18 ABR Solicitors: The Best Form of Defence 19 ECV & Associates: A Venezuelan IP Lawyer You Can Trust 20 Asamura IP: Rich in History and Values 21 McIver Realty Group: Most Dedicated Real Estate Business Owner 2024 (Kentucky): Sherri McIver 22 Philadelphia Cricket Club: Sports & Leisure CFO of the Year 2024 (USA): Linda Cozzi 23 Matrix iQ: Telematics & IoT Data Solutions CFO of the Year 2024 (UK): Ged Leahy 24 NPG: NPO Growth Consultancy of the Year 2024 - UK 25 Sterling Global Financial Limited: Asset Stewardship Taken Seriously 26 Huff, Powell & Bailey: A Rising Star in Damages Mitigation 27 Bell Legal Group: Saying ‘No’ to Negligence 28 SIA Group: Asset Ingenuity 29 JunHe LLP: China’s Own Full-Service Law Leaders
NEWS Robin AI Brings the Power of Generative AI to its Legal Assistant with Amazon SageMaker and Amazon Bedrock, Joins AWS Marketplace Working with AWS exclusively enables Robin AI to transform contract review market London, UK, August 15, 2024: Robin AI, the most advanced legal artificial intelligence (AI) assistant for business, is partnering with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to automate complex legal work and accelerate the development of a massive new legal AI market by building new generative AI capabilities into its legal assistant. Robin AI is now using Amazon Bedrock and Amazon SageMaker exclusively to serve its AI models and build new generative AI capabilities into its legal assistant. The company is also deploying its products on AWS Marketplace, a digital catalogue with thousands of software listings from independent software vendors that make it easy to find, test, buy, and deploy software that runs AWS. With Amazon Bedrock, Robin AI has a secure way to build and scale generative AI applications using Anthropic’s Claude models while keeping customer data completely private, a critical step to help legal teams overcome their hesitancy to adopt AI. The company is also using Amazon SageMaker to accelerate the building, training, and deployment of its machine learning models. Listing its products on the AWS Marketplace makes it easier for inhouse legal teams and law firms to deploy Robin’s time and cost-saving AI tools, and to reserve the use of highly paid lawyers for tasks only humans can complete. “Thanks to AWS, we don’t have to compromise between powerful and safe AI – our customers can have both,” said James Clough, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Robin AI. “Amazon Bedrock gives Robin the ability to make a rock-solid global promise to our customers: With Robin you get access to the best AI models, such as Anthropic Claude Sonnet 3.5, while knowing your data is safe. Amazon SageMaker allows us to build generative AI capability directly into our product, speeding up the development of new features, and setting us apart from legacy companies in legal technology markets.” The AI in Robin’s legal assistant allows customers to go further than if they were using only a Large Language Model (LLM) alone — enhanced by proprietary AI models that are trained on over 100 million contract clauses, data which is typically not publicly available for LLMs to train on. Using AWS’s ability to store data in specific regions, Robin AI can quickly create custom versions of its products for different countries, including the U.S., U.K. and across the EU. Robin guarantees that confidential customer information never leaves AWS’s secure cloud environment and is stored in compliance with local data protection regulations. “From startups to enterprises, organisations trust AWS to innovate with generative AI. With world class enterprisegrade security and privacy, priceperformance, access to industry-leading foundation models, and generative AIpowered applications, AWS services help customers drive new levels of productivity and insights that transform their offerings,” said Baskar Sridharan, Vice President of AI and Infrastructure at AWS. “We are inspired by how companies like Robin AI are incorporating generative AI to drive transformation within the contract review process so legal teams can focus on their priority work. It’s exciting to see how Robin AI is leveraging Amazon SageMaker and Amazon Bedrock to build, train, deploy and scale their gen AI-powered legal assistant to further their mission of supercharging the way legal work gets done.”
NEWS partner with some of the UK’s leading companies and align and support their industry-leading sustainability strategies. “To continue on our upward trajectory, we are looking to expand through acquiring other businesses with shared visions and values, aligned with our aims for what we wish to provide to our customers.” To coincide with the acquisition trail announcement, ARC-UK Technologies, which has been leading the charge for net zero within the printing industry, has launched a new website (https:// www.e-arc.co.uk/) to better reflect its sophisticated print services and sustainability credentials. In 2022 ARC-UK Technologies became one of the first print businesses to work towards having a carbon neutral headquarters by investing £1.2m in a newly built 30,000 sq. ft facility in Dartford, helping to kickstart Kent County Council’s plans to be carbon neutral by 2050. In January this year, the company ramped up its sustainability efforts by investing more than £1m in eco-friendly printing, expanded its electric vehicle fleet and has invested in solar infrastructure to enable its Dartford HQ to be powered by renewable energy in due course. UK Printer on the hunt for acquisitions to cement itself as a carbon neutral print powerhouse The move follows a flurry of major contractual project wins over the past six months for ARC-UK Technologies. These include: pharmaceutical giant GSK (formerly GlaxoSmithKline); international law firm, White & Case LLP; one of the world’s largest energy futures and options exchanges, ICE Futures (formerly the International Exchange); and further print work for multi-billion-pound property investment company, Landsec. ARC-UK Technologies, which was recently the best-performing division for its global parent company ARC Document Solutions, is now looking to acquire like-minded businesses that complement its service offering. The Dartford-headquartered company has an M&A war chest in place and is currently reviewing information memorandums. Revenue for the business rocketed from £5.9m in 2021 to £9.2m for 2023, a 56% increase in just three years. The business is looking to reach £15m over the next few years, both through acquisitions and organically. Darren Moorhouse, Head of Sales UK & Europe, said: “One of the key aspects of winning major contracts and growing the business is due to our sustainability credentials. Our continued journey towards achieving our carbon net zero targets has enabled us to LONDON – August 19th, 2024, ARC-UK Technologies is actively looking to acquire other print businesses to strengthen its geographical reach and help establish itself as one of the leading carbon neutral printers in the UK for digital print and document imaging.
8 | Acquisition International, Issue 9 2024 Transforming Corporate Travel with ehotel®: A Global Shift in Efficiency and Innovation Global Presence with Local Expertise As businesses increasingly operate on a global scale, the need for a travel management partner that can offer both international reach and local expertise becomes paramount. ehotel® is strategically positioned to meet these demands. With a robust presence in key markets such as Great Britain, ehotel® leverages its extensive network to provide companies with access to a vast array of hotel options worldwide. This international footprint is not just about scale; it’s about delivering tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of managing business travel across different regions and regulatory environments. As CEO Fritz Zerweck states, “As a company that started in Berlin and has expanded globally, we understand the importance of combining international reach with deep local expertise. This approach enables us to offer our clients not just a broad range of options, but also solutions that are finely tuned to the nuances of local markets.” ehotel® understands that global operations require a deep understanding of local markets, and this is reflected in their ability to offer competitive rates and availability through their cutting-edge AI-driven meta search technology. By aggregating content from over 600 Central Reservation Systems (CRS), including major platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, and Amadeus, ehotel® ensures that businesses can access the best available rates and hotel options with unparalleled transparency and ease. Additionally, ehotel® remains ahead of industry trends, as demonstrated by its readiness to support companies in adapting to the upcoming 2025 e-invoicing requirement in the EU. By integrating automated solutions that align with these new regulations, ehotel® ensures that clients are wellprepared to manage their financial processes efficiently, while also complying with the latest standards. Technological Excellence: The Power of ehotel’s AI-driven Meta Search At the heart of ehotel®’s offering is its proprietary AI-driven meta search technology, a sophisticated tool designed to streamline the hotel booking process and optimize the user experience. This technology aggregates hotel content from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view of available options that range from independent hotels to fully serviced apartments. The result is a true “Best-Buy” scenario, where businesses can compare prices and amenities across different providers without the need to navigate multiple booking platforms. What sets ehotel® apart is the integration of this AI-driven meta search capability across all booking channels, including the ehotel® platform, mobile app, and various Online Booking Engines (OBEs). This not only simplifies the booking process but also ensures consistency and compliance with corporate travel policies. For travel managers, the ability to configure and automate guidelines – such as budget limits, advance booking periods, and cancellation policies – within the ehotel® system means less time spent on administrative tasks and more focus on strategic travel management. The ehotel® platform is designed with integration in mind, seamlessly connecting with existing travel management systems to enhance data In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, managing corporate travel efficiently while ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations is more critical than ever. For process-oriented organizations, the complexity of travel management often presents significant challenges – from navigating fragmented systems to achieving operational goals and managing travel expenses effectively. This is where ehotel® steps in as a game-changer. Founded in Berlin and with over 24 years of expertise, ehotel® has expanded its reach internationally, becoming a recognized leader in the business travel industry. ehotel’s focus on technological innovation, seamless integration, and a commitment to excellence has earned it numerous accolades, including its recent title of Hotel Booking Platform of the Year 2024, solidifying its role as a trusted partner for companies worldwide, including a strong presence in Great Britain. In setting new standards within the industry, ehotel® is delivering solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern corporate travel. For decision-makers like you, who are responsible for optimizing business travel, ehotel® offers the tools and expertise to not only meet but exceed your company’s expectations. As you read on, discover how its innovative solutions can transform your travel management approach, making it more efficient, compliant, and sustainable. A
Transforming Corporate Travel with ehotel®: A Global Shift in Efficiency and Innovation interoperability. This level of integration is crucial for businesses looking to synchronize travel itineraries, expense reporting, and compliance tracking while gaining access to advanced analytics that drive better decision-making. “At ehotel®, we believe that innovation is the key to transforming the business travel experience. Our commitment to seamless integration and cutting-edge technology allows us to set new standards in the industry, ensuring our clients receive the best possible service tailored to their specific needs. ” A Commitment to Sustainability: Leading by Example In an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but a business imperative, ehotel® is at the forefront of promoting environmentally responsible travel practices. After initiating a comprehensive CO2 footprint analysis in 2021, ehotel® has now completed its evaluation for 2022, gaining a clear understanding of its emissions. With this data, ehotel® is taking concrete steps towards achieving a net-zero carbon footprint, reflecting its commitment to carbon neutrality. ehotel®’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated through its promotion of green-certified hotels and support for electromobility. The AI-driven meta search technology helps companies identify and book hotels with the most significant sustainability certifications, including GreenSign, Green Globe, Green Key, TourCert, Travelife, EarthCheck, EU Ecolabel, EMAS, and ISO 14001. This capability not only supports corporate sustainability objectives but also contributes to reducing the overall CO2 footprint of business travel, making it easier for companies to adhere to their environmental policies. Additionally, with the introduction of filters for hotels equipped with e-charging stations, ehotel® enables businesses to support sustainable travel initiatives further, making it a key partner in their journey towards a more sustainable future. “Sustainability is no longer just a trend; it’s a business imperative,” Fritz comments. “At ehotel®, we are proud to lead the way in promoting environmentally responsible travel. From supporting green-certified hotels to integrating e-charging station filters, we are committed to helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals.” Specializing in System Integration and Supporting TMCs Travel Management Companies (TMCs) play a crucial role in helping businesses manage their travel needs, and ehotel® is uniquely positioned to support these partners with tailored solutions. ehotel®’s platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with TMC systems, providing a unified approach to managing bookings, payments, and travel data. This integration capability is particularly beneficial for TMCs looking to offer their clients a streamlined, compliant, and cost-effective travel management solution. The ehotel® platform’s ability to aggregate and centralize hotel content ensures that TMCs can offer a comprehensive range of accommodation options to their clients, all within a single booking channel. This not only enhances the client experience but also improves compliance with corporate travel policies, as all bookings are managed within the framework of the client’s specific guidelines. For businesses that prioritize efficiency and compliance, the ehotel® platform’s centralized billing solutions are a game-changer. By consolidating all travel-related payments into a single system, ehotel® simplifies the reconciliation process and provides greater clarity in invoicing and tax compliance across multiple regions. This level of control is essential for minimizing financial risks and ensuring that all travel expenses are accurately reported and compliant with regulatory requirements. Financial Integrity and Risk Minimization In the realm of business travel, financial integrity is non-negotiable. Discrepancies in travel expense reporting can lead to significant financial risks, including the potential for audits and tax issues. ehotel® addresses these concerns head-on by offering solutions that not only streamline the booking process but also ensure that all financial aspects of travel management are handled with precision. The ehotel® Rate Manager is a powerful tool that continuously monitors and manages contract rates, ensuring that all bookings are made under the agreed terms. This system automates the auditing process, checking for rate accuracy and availability to prevent costly errors. According to a global survey by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), one in every six loaded rates contains errors, with rates that are excessively high, averaging 14 percent above the negotiated price. ehotel®’s Rate Manager mitigates these risks by providing transparency and control over contract rates, enabling businesses to optimize their hotel programs and negotiate better deals in the future.
10 | Acquisition International, Issue 9 2024 The financial benefits of using ehotel® extend beyond cost savings. By providing a reliable basis for future contract negotiations, the ehotel® Rate Manager helps businesses maintain strong relationships with hotel providers and secure favorable terms that contribute to long-term financial stability. “The future of business travel is about more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s about creating efficient, compliant, and sustainable systems that support the broadergoals of our clients. At ehotel®, we’re excited to continue driving innovation in this space. ” Maximizing Security and Operational Efficiency Security is a critical concern for businesses, particularly when it comes to handling sensitive payment information. ehotel® places a strong emphasis on data integrity and security, adopting state-of-the-art encryption technologies to protect confidential information. The platform’s compliance with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards ensures that all transactions are conducted securely, giving businesses peace of mind that their financial data is protected. Operational efficiency is another key area where ehotel® excels. The platform’s automated workflows and intelligent interfaces minimize manual interventions, reducing the potential for errors and streamlining the entire travel process – from booking to settlement. This efficiency extends to subsequent processes such as expense reporting and travel data analysis, allowing businesses to focus on strategic goals rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks. Optimizing Travel with ehotel® Analytics In addition to its booking and integration capabilities, ehotel® offers a robust analytics tool designed to help businesses make data-driven decisions. ehotel® Analytics provides Travel Managers and Hotel Buyers with a comprehensive overview of booking behavior, enabling them to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize travel programs. The platform features a dashboard that displays over 30 different reports, categorized by hotel, country, city, order number, contract rate, payment method, and cost center. Real-time performance metrics of the hotel program can be monitored, and data on booking channels are easily accessible. This powerful tool not only streamlines the data collection and analysis process but also allows for quick localization of business travelers whenever needed. ehotel® Analytics supports companies in fulfilling their duty of care by enabling them to track and manage employee travel in real-time, ensuring safety and compliance even in challenging situations. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of global travel, ehotel®’s datadriven approach ensures that companies can make informed decisions that enhance efficiency, compliance, and cost management. Conclusion: ehotel® as an Essential Partner in Business Travel Management In a world where efficiency, compliance, and sustainability are increasingly intertwined, ehotel® stands out as a partner that processoriented businesses can rely on. With its innovative technology, global reach, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, ehotel® offers a comprehensive solution that addresses the complex needs of modern business travel. By choosing ehotel®, companies gain access to a platform that not only simplifies the booking process but also enhances compliance, reduces costs, and supports their broader corporate goals. As the business travel industry continues to evolve, ehotel® is poised to remain at the forefront, driving innovation and setting new standards for excellence. Whether it’s through the integration of cutting-edge technology, the promotion of sustainable practices, or the provision of robust analytical tools, ehotel® empowers businesses to optimize their travel management strategies. With ehotel® as a strategic partner, organizations can confidently navigate the complexities of global travel, ensuring their operations are efficient, compliant, and aligned with the future of sustainable business practices. For business enquiries, contact the ehotel sales team, via email – [email protected] or on their website – ehotelag.com
Transforming Corporate Travel with ehotel®: A Global Shift in Efficiency and Innovation
12 | Acquisition International, Issue 9 2024 Tactical Rehabilitation: Honour and Heart Tactical Rehabilitation is a full-service durable medical equipment company based in Vero Beach, Florida. On a mission to serve those who serve their country, Tactical Rehabilitation provides the highest quality products and services to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Here, we speak with Kevin MacRitchie, President and CEO of Tactical Rehabilitation, as the company celebrates its win in the 2024 Global Excellence Awards. Contact: Kevin MacRitchie Company: Tactical Rehabilitation Inc. Web Address: https://tacticalrehabdme.com/ Tactical Rehabilitation was founded in 2014 by David Marr, following an illustrious career in the DME market in sales and management. After helping numerous companies achieve excellence, David found his niche in military providers. Believing that this industry was underserved, David launched Tactical Rehabilitation to make a positive impact and provide high quality patient care. At its heart, Tactical Rehabilitation is driven by a desire to serve its community of veterans and active-duty service members. This commitment has been emulated in CEO Kevin MacRitchie’s leadership strategy, which demonstrates a people-first approach that upholds the client’s needs above all else. “Our core foundation thrives on each of our team members having a heart for serving others, as it is an honour to be a part of our patients’ healing process and physical readiness,” Kevin tells us. “We stand out as a result of our focused commitment to our nation’s heroes, and because of our concentrated focus on partnering with suppliers and providers to ensure the best possible course of treatment for each patient.” The company offers its patients an allencompassing service that speaks to its passion for serving others. Tactical Rehabilitation does everything it can to efficiently take care of each patient without burdening them with items the company can easily address itself. This includes insurance coordination, obtaining support documents from the provider, and minimizing the task load on the patient when they walk into the office. With a simple, proven process, Tactial Rehabilitation promises to ease the treatment journey for its patients. First, the patient’s doctor will provide a prescription, and Tactical Rehabilitation’s care specialist will contact the patient to schedule an appointment. The patient will visit the office, taken care of by a board certified orthopaedic professional. After the assessment, Tactical Rehabilitation will fill the order and its special care process ensures transparent communication with the patient to notify them of product delivery. Tactial Rehabilitation offers full support and advice during the process, on hand to answer any potential questions the patient may have. “Tactical Rehabilitation offers solutions from the top manufacturers in durable medical equipment, including Sole Supports Orthotics, DJO and Aspen Bracing, TENS, and more,” Kevin informs us. “We partner with the best companies in healthcare solution providers to ensure high quality products for our patients so they may heal and return to “Service Ready” status as quickly as possible.” In its mission to deliver the highest level of customer care, Tactical Rehabilitation has recently transformed to an Employee-Owned business. This strategy creates additional benefits to its team members as co-owners and increases their already steadfast dedication to serving each and every patient with honour. “Our team is comprised of veterans, retirees, military dependents, and civilians,” says Kevin. “Our mission doesn’t stop with our patients; it also extends to our team and our partners. We take extreme pride in supporting our service members and their families, both in uniform and in their post-service civilian life.” The company also strives to maintain a frontrunning position in the industry by keeping an innovative edge with its partners. It does this by bringing the latest in medical technology and using 3D modelling, which speeds up access to custom products for highly concentrated forces, enabling remote units to have the same access and quick custom solutions when deployed. It is evident that Tactical Rehabilitation is committed to delivering excellent services that honour veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The company is continually seeking innovation and takes pride in its operations. The Global Excellence Awards are held to highlights and celebrate innovative companies who are driving change and achieving excellence within their industries. We at Acquisition International are delighted to recognise Tactical Rehabilitation as the Best Durable Medical Equipment Supplier 2024 – Florida, for the company’s unwavering passion for providing only the highest quality durable medical equipment products and services to its deserving customers. We look forward to witnessing the prosperous future of Tactical Rehabilitation, as the company continues to facilitate change within its community.
Issue 9 2024, Acquisition International | 13 What advice would you give to a budding CFO? My advice for aspiring CFOs is to develop strong foundations in finance and accounting. Be a T-shaped business partner with an M-shaped skillset in finance, having the ability and knowledge to zoom in and fix the micro aspects. Be handson, learn the intricacies of the business, and fully understand the unit economics. Having a first principles approach goes a long way in making informed decisions. Stay informed about industry trends and continuously seek opportunities for professional development. Focus on networking, but remember that success breeds network and persistence breeds success. Embrace technology and innovation, maintain a strategic mindset, and always look for ways to add value to the lives of people around you. What does the future look like for your business? Looking ahead, our focus is on expanding our diagnostic and healthcare services across new regions, enhancing our technological capabilities, and forming strategic partnerships to drive growth. We are working on several exciting projects, including the development of new healthcare facilities and the implementation of advanced diagnostic technologies. The rest of 2024 and beyond will see us continuing to innovate and expand, with a commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services to more communities. What are your plans to build upon your own success? I plan to continue leveraging my expertise in finance and strategy to drive growth and innovation. I am committed to continuous learning and professional development, staying abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies. Additionally, I will continue to mentor and support startups at various stages of their development, as well as the next generation of finance professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to lead in an increasingly complex and dynamic business environment. Contact Details Contact: Bilal Aslam Qureshi Email: [email protected] Website: www.linkedin.com/in/bilal-aslam-qureshi-69652521 Private Equity CFO of the Year 2024 (Pakistan): Bilal Aslam Qureshi alk us through your previous roles and how those experiences and skillset contribute to your success as CFO? What would you consider as vital skills in the role of a CFO? My career began with apprenticeships, leading to roles in academia, consulting, and assurance services, where I developed a strong foundation in financial reporting and compliance. I then transitioned to the telecom sector, gaining expertise in financial tracking and analysis. Afterward, I moved into the energy and manufacturing sectors, where I focused on FP&A, reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. For the past decade, I’ve been in the healthcare space, currently serving as the CFO of a private equity-backed healthcare business, while also advising various VC/PE, multilateral, and sovereign-funded entities. These diverse experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of various industries and the financial complexities inherent to each. In my current role, I leverage this extensive background to navigate complex financial landscapes, craft innovative financial strategies, and lead transformative business initiatives. I believe the vital skills for a CFO include strategic vision, financial acumen, the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, effective communication, and leadership to ensure the organization aligns with its financial goals and strategic objectives. Additionally, I hold an MBA from an FT Top 10 ranked programme in the UK and am a chartered certified accountant, as well as a member of the Harvard Business Review advisory council and the Forbes Finance Council. What techniques do you employ to achieve your ongoing business strategy? Our business strategy centres on expansion through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. We prioritise delivering quality while enhancing operational efficiencies, leveraging data to optimise capital allocations, and ensuring robust governance mechanisms. To achieve these objectives, we implement comprehensive budgetary controls, develop detailed financial models, and maintain strict regulatory compliance. Additionally, we harness technology to streamline operations and improve service delivery, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the healthcare industry. Please tell us about your leadership style. My leadership style is collaborative, transparent, and inclusive, with clearly defined rules of play. I believe in empowering my team by providing them with the necessary resources and support to achieve their goals. Clear communication is essential; I ensure that our vision and strategic objectives are communicated effectively throughout the organisation. Regular meetings, performance reviews, and open forums for feedback help align everyone with our goals and foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Islamabad Diagnostic Centre Pvt. Ltd. (IDC) specialises in providing comprehensive diagnostic services across Pakistan. It works to deliver accurate and timely diagnostic services, which are critical for effective healthcare management, for clients ranging from individual patients to large healthcare providers, government institutions, and insurance providers. CFO Bilal Aslam Qureshi has been integral in the firm’s significant growth from a mid-sized player to leading the holistic medical diagnostics space in only a few years. We speak to him to learn more about the company and his successful career to date. T Jul24220
14 | Acquisition International, Issue 9 2024 Diving deeper into the services TOP Beraten delivers, these are divided into a few primary areas, beginning with expatriate consulting. Business today is carried out on an international scale, making it increasingly vital that organisations seeking to stay ahead of the curve are ready to mobilise and strike whilst the iron is hot. Working closely with the teams of client businesses, this firm has a track record of improving a company’s process, boosting its employee satisfaction rates, and ultimately ushering in a period of significant growth. The company’s corporate advisory solutions see its handpicked workforce partner with a range of like-minded experts to collaborate on the strategies and plans necessary for clients to achieve success in this challenging environment. TOP Beraten’s unrivalled corporate strategy sees the balance struck between realistic ambitions and smart financial decisions, with this team allowing a client to fully understand what their unique advantages are in the sector and how to best maximise these to secure the desired results. A further extension of this can be seen in the range of business support services offered by TOP Beraten, which are made possible by the strong partnerships forged with experts in finance, HR, legal, tax, and other related fields. From accounting and payroll to tax and recruitment, these services demonstrably improve the overall quality, speed, and expenditure of an organisation, giving it the edge over the competition in some of the most challenging and yet rewarding areas of business. At the helm, Miriam Shastri is not only TOP Beraten’s MD, but also its chief problem solver. Having grown up splitting her time between two continents, Miriam is an expert when it comes to intercultural dialogue and cooperation, two elements she believes to be at the centre of her being. From a background being educated in both British and German law at two of the most prestigious universities, Miriam’s career has seen her hold positions across the UK, Germany, and Malaysia, resulting in a wealth of achievements. Although Miriam has faced many challenges over the years, her dedication to creating a supportive environment in the workplace has helped her to build relationships with others and lead with strength and compassion. She commented, “I believe the biggest challenge and therefore achievement is one of balance and being resilient. Balancing our personal responsibilities and ambitious work commitments is never easy, and success is measured only by the power of our tenacity and resilience.” From being the Top 30 People to Watch by Asia Law Portal in 2021, to receiving the Global Lex-Falcon Awards 2022, Miriam has represented Malaysia’s trade interests and organised numerous conferences, projects, and academic curricula. Having come an incredibly long way since her days interning at a German law firm in Frankfurt more than 15 years ago, we celebrate Miriam Shastri’s success with TOP Beraten by recognising her as the Most Influential Management Consultancy Businesswoman 2024 (Malaysia). Contact Details Contact: Miriam Shastri Company: TOP Beraten Web Address: https://www.topberaten.my/ May24320 Most Influential Management Consultancy Businesswoman 2024 (Malaysia): Miriam Shastri oasting a number of personalised solutions, the company’s diverse team of consummate industry professionals, led by Managing Director Miriam Shastri, possess expertise spanning the likes of HR and recruitment, Malaysian law and regulatory compliance, accounting and payroll services as well as process improvement and digital solutions. Based in both the Malaysian state of Penang and the country’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur, TOP Beraten’s expert advice is extended to Europeanowned investment projects, European expatriates with a keen interest in Malaysia’s business scene, as well as Malaysian companies which are themselves seeking to learn more about regulations in Europe or wider industry standards. This array of diverse clientele enjoys stellar advice in various forms, from business process outsourcing to HR advice, corporate services, an innovative co-working concept and everything in between. Combining extraordinary people with a suite of exemplary services, this premier management consultant serves a multitude of local and international clients, making it a leader in not only this space, but also in the wider field of innovation. Everything that TOP Beraten does revolves around its clients’ needs and its core values: Transparency, Openness, and a Personal approach. Tailoring its services, TOP Beraten goes far for its many clients. As a fine example, former Austrian Trade Commissioner Werner Somweber shared: “During my time as Austrian Trade Commissioner in Malaysia, TOP Beraten has been our Honorary Legal Counsel assisting Austrian companies in setting up shop in Malaysia. TOP Beraten and Miriam Shastri were also instrumental in solving all kinds of legal challenges in connection with doing business in Malaysia. Thanks for excellent service and valuable legal advice to Miriam and her whole team!” A boutique, multilingual firm distinguished by a mindset that is equal parts creative and entrepreneurial, TOP Beraten translates to “excellent advice” in German, and this is exactly what this Malaysian company affords its customers worldwide, offering them an unconventional approach with a track record of delivering unprecedented results. We look closer at the company as we celebrate Miriam’s dedication and excellence. B
Issue 9 2024, Acquisition International | 15 it its mission to ensure that Lincoln’s people never have to. Wonderful in every way, this award-winning organisation embodies what it means to support people in socialising, learning, and thriving. It has been a busy start to 2024 with Green Synergy’s successful plant sales growing over 1,000 plants by our volunteers and participants to sell. It is excited for its big Family Fun Day – for families, children, and young people – where everyone can enjoy lots of activities on Hillside Garden. It also has two other large events: the Global Harvest Celebration on October 23rd, 2024, and Carols on the Garden on December 11th where the charity will welcome its local communities to the garden. Ali Talbot from Green Synergy enthuses, “We have a full year of delivery ahead of us with our mental health and wellbeing projects being delivered including Green Shoots of Wellness, Layers of Green, Green WRAP and our Better Together programmes. Our children and young people’s Tower Power project aims to reach over 200 children and young people today with a range of after school and school holiday programmes. The programmes enable children and young people to come together, play, have fun and connect with green spaces and nature.” Ali continues, “The ways in which our charity services weave individual support into our community activities enables people to connect, reduce their isolation, feel less alone, have fun, find enjoyment in our gardens, grow, and often change their lives.” Empowerment is what Green Synergy strives to encourage, and we’re certain it will continue inspiring individuals to find a new purpose through gardening and horticulture. Contact: Ali Talbot Company: Green Synergy Web Address: https://greensynergy.org.uk/ Best Gardening & Horticulture Charity 2024 - East Midlands Established in response to the dire need for support among Lincolnshire’s most under-served communities, Green Synergy is an outstanding gardening and horticulture charity that seeks to uplift those who are often overlooked. Open to all ages and abilities, the organisation encourages individuals to partake in an activity that, for centuries, has given people the chance to witness just how far tender love and care can go. As a physical representation of growth, gardening has been proven to settle the mind and work the body, enabling participants to simultaneously enhance their physical and mental wellbeing. After all, what could be more empowering than watching the fruits of your labour flourish alongside you yourself? Currently managing two community gardens in Lincoln – namely Hillside Garden and Ellie’s Memorial Garden – Green Synergy brings together all types of individuals who are in desperate need of some compassion and encouragement. Anybody who may have suffered with mental and physical issues before will echo the sentiment that getting out and doing something can sometimes be the hardest challenge one must face on their road to recovery. It’s for this very reason that Green Synergy created something unique – a place in which people could raise all types of plants as part of a community effort. Though not expected to form connections, attending gardeners are more likely to thrive when working alongside those struggling with similar issues. Since entering onto the scene, Green Synergy’s charitable efforts have overseen a myriad of accomplishments. From hosting its See How Our Garden Grows National Lottery Community Fund Reaching Communities project, to reaching 4602 people through its services, the organisation has certainly brought some much-needed light into the lives of those struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. Partnered with its warm spaces and coffee morning activities, in addition to its Knit and Natter programme, Green Synergy has managed to do much more than provide a space of positive healing through gardening. As of 2024, this cherished charity has also distributed 150 emergency warm packs, issued 60 community grocery memberships, delivered 57 hot lunch club meals, and delivered 31 warm spaces sessions and slow cooker workshops. To Green Synergy, support doesn’t end with gardening. It’s about so much more than maintaining community gardens – its work involves uniting those facing a common hardship, and representing the people who have found themselves battling seemingly impossible situations. Green Synergy gives these very people hope that there’s a better tomorrow on the horizon, and that they still have the opportunity to seek out the good in the world. Nobody deserves to suffer alone, and Green Synergy has made Gardening is a practise that has long since brought people together. Able to get the serotonin flowing and bring joy to the hearts of those struggling, it’s a wonderful outlet for anybody seeking a sense of community and togetherness. So, when the opportunity arose for a charity to branch into Lincoln’s gardening and horticulture scene, no organisation was more eager to embrace it than Green Synergy. Focused on supporting people in some of Lincolnshire’s most deprived communities, Green Synergy encourages mental and physical growth through the ever-beloved art of gardening. Green Synergy
16 | Acquisition International, Issue 9 2024 The Tax Law Firm Unlike Any Other Consistently ranked as one of Indonesia’s premier Tax Law Firms, Mul & Co was established by a group of leading, highly experienced practitioners whose multidisciplinary backgrounds include tax, law, accounting, and finance. Celebrated as the Best Specialist Tax Law Firm 2024 - South East Asia, Mul & Co’s signature approach begins with the knowledge that its success is dependent on that of its clients, and this is why the team here go above and beyond to see that they are all afforded the very best solution for their unique tax needs. Contact: Mulyono Company: Mul & Co Web Address: https://mul-co.com/ Bringing with it to the table a deep understanding of Indonesia’s renowned business and legal culture, independently owned tax law firm Mul & Co provides an unrivalled range of tax services to its satisfied clients across the country. Headed up by the trio of Managing Partner DR. Mulyono and Partners Mulyadi Sukamta and Bara Juang P. Tampubolon, this team look far beyond their past successes to create innovative solutions for clients, all whilst maintaining the highest ethical and customer service standards across the board. Working to such high standards is no easy task, but Mul & Co’s team more than have the necessary experience and qualifications under their belt between them to see that is consistently the case, DR. Mulyono alone for example has a Doctorate degree law in law from the University of Jayabaya, a triple master’s in finance, law, and notary from three separate leading institutions in the country, and also holds a number of professional certifications and accreditation from a variety of associations and boards. As for the services offered by this exemplary Indonesian tax law firm, these are divided into three main categories, beginning with tax dispute. This area sees the company’s expertise lent to tax civil reviews, tax appeals/ lawsuits, tax objections, tax audits, and tax refunds. The second category, tax advisory and restructuring, covers mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, tax advisory, and tax due diligence. Finally, the third section revolves around tax compliance, with individual and corporate income tax returns both offered to clients. Just some of the industries benefitting from these services include banking, technology, mining, manufacturing, property, trading, finance, and security, with a number of highly prominent multinational firms comprising the company’s ever-growing client portfolio. Earning the trust of all of these clients is something that is consistently strived for by the team and solidified through Mul & Co’s status as bring free from the restrictions that can hinder progress in this sector, such as not having to pursue the usual lengthy conflict checks process. Affording every client quick and easy access to its legal professionals, Mul & Co’s streamlined service not only saves a client time, but money and other such resources in the process. By not overcomplicating its method, Indonesia’s leading independent tax law firm brings with it a high degree of flexibility, something that also makes itself felt through the new and exciting approaches it takes to tax services more broadly. Mul & Co knows that no two clients are the same, so every request is treated with the personalised respect it deserves. Looking ahead to the future, Mul & Co has its sights firmly set on continuing to pioneer and disrupt this constantly evolving landscape. Commenting on the future of the business, DR. Mulyono explains, “to become a worldclass tax consultant, we must be dynamic, attractive, intelligent, hardworking, and innovative. Behind every successful tax law business, there are tax and legal counsellors who can provide innovative solutions to tax and legal issues, ultimately bringing peace of mind to business owners.” Ditching the one-size-fits-all ethos to operations that is employed by many tax law firms across the region, Mul & Co has carved out a niche for itself as a trusted firm, whether a client is seeking its services for any one or more of its stellar tax dispute, tax advisory, restructuring, or tax compliance solutions. For this accomplishment, we bestow the firm with the well-deserved title of Best Specialist Tax Law Firm 2024 - South East Asia, marking the fourth consecutive year that Mul & Co has been celebrated with such an accolade by us.
Issue 9 2024, Acquisition International | 17 Events that Engage, Celebrate, and Inspire ounded in 2010, TOCA Events is a global event design and production company, dedicated to curating experiences for a growing number of clients across the US and abroad. The company serves a number of high-profile clients, including Fortune 500 corporations, major sporting events, and non-profit entities. “TOCA Events touches the projects, dreams, and emotions of our clients,” says Sean. “Our passion is to create and produce events that are unique, experiential, and truly memorable. TOCA Events provides the highest level of design and production for an ever-increasing client base.” TOCA Events offers its clients a wide array of high quality services, including ground transportation and staffing, tours and activities, thematic event design and production, on-site concierge service, venue selection, logistics management, audio visual and entertainment, off-site catering, business forum design and production, apps and virtual integration, photographic and video documentation, and gifts and room amenities. Utilising its internal sources alongside a select global network, TOCA Events strives to create truly unique and memorable experiences for its clients. The company develops a deep understanding of its clients’ event objectives to ensure a smoothly functioning and creatively produced event. “TOCA Events approaches each project with the same level of passion, creativity, and detail,” says Sean. “We consider all our client programs equally successful, as they all consist of specific client or destination requirements and customised brand objectives. Our talent and diverse team provide the necessary expertise to ensure that all client programs are implemented in the most effective manner.” The senior management team at TOCA Events is comprised of individuals who first began their careers in the visual and performing arts, leveraging this creative element in every aspect of the company’s client programs. TOCA Events employs award-winning designers, architects, transportation specialists, and culinary professionals to achieve excellence in its programs. This diverse team gives TOCA Events a competitive creative edge, allowing it to create thematic environments and immersive receptions, custom fabrication, and unique performances. Above all else, TOCA Events aims to engage, celebrate, and inspire. “TOCA Events is recognised internationally for its creative design and custom fabrication of events for an extensive list of clients,” says Sean. “Unlike the traditional DMC model, TOCA Events utilises in-house designers and architects to generate original designs and to-scale floor plans as well as construction elevations and working drawings. Our inhouse carpenters bring these conceptualised drawings to life. The TOCA Events Miami-based operations also include in-house floral design and production, eliminating third-party outsourcing which translates into cost savings to our clients.” The company aims to provide truly valuable services to clients, easing the burden of event planning by utilising its expert team of industry professionals. As an industry leader, TOCA Events has strategically developed a management system of vertical integration. This proven model has enabled the company to successfully implement programs of any scale. TOCA Events has specifically developed an operational template that outlines every program detail for its logistical leads to use, resulting in an effective, user-friendly methodology shared with host venues, partner vendors, and its clients. Having an internal design and vertical production infrastructure creates further cost savings for its clients. Boasting a proven record of success, TOCA Events has delivered high class event production services to numerous clients, including Univision, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Cisco, Microsoft, JP Morgan Chase, FTI Consulting, Ameriprise Financial, and Bolton Consulting Group. With the majority of its activity being repeat business, TOCA Events has built a reputation that attests to the pedigree of services offered. Moving forward, the future promises remarkable success for TOCA Events. The company continues to achieve excellence as it produces innovative and creative solutions that meet its clients’ event objectives, earning itself the prestigious title of the Best Full-Service Event Planning and Logistics Company 2024 – East Coast USA. We at Acquisition International cannot wait to see what the future holds for TOCA Events, as it endeavours to engage, celebrate, and inspire its community. Contact: Sean Gibbons Company: TOCA Events Web Address: https://tocaevents.com/ Events are brilliant occasions that bring communities together, but planning an event is often a complex, challenging process. TOCA Events is a privately owned company that offers a comprehensive range of destination management services that take the pressure off its clients. Here, we take a closer look at the company following its feature in the 2024 Global Excellence Awards, with commentary from Co-Founder and CEO Sean Gibbons. F
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