www.acquisition-international.com • March 2025 Featuring: An Italian B Corp Driving Customers to Better Energy Usage
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Contents 4 News 6 A Reputation For Excellence 7 Delivering Excellence, from Concept to Completion 8 Extended-Stay Software for Hospitality Innovation 9 North America’s Trusted Cloud Solutions Provider 10 An Italian B Corp Driving Customers to Better Energy Usage 12 Bigadvantage: Leadership & Innovation in Consultancy and Training 14 The Full-Service Cleanroom Partner 15 Shaping Change in Europe’s Energy Industry 17 RightIndem: Tech That Dances to Your Beat! 8 6 17
NEWS Richards Packaging Income Fund announces acquisition of National Dental Inc. and HL Production SA Richards Packaging Income Fund announced two strategic acquisitions to add to its healthcare line up. The Fund, through its subsidiary, Clarion Medical Technologies Inc., has acquired all of the outstanding shares of National Dental Inc. (“National Dental”), a leading Canadian provider of high-tech laser and diagnostic devices to the dental care industry. The purchase price of $10.0 million was financed by a $9.7 million draw down on the revolving credit and a $0.3 million holdback from the vendors. This purchase price is subject to additional consideration contingent on National Dental’s future earnings through 2026 or 2027. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings in 2025. “We are pleased to announce the acquisition of National Dental, which adds a third major market vertical to our private clinic medical device distribution business, alongside aesthetics and vision. We believe National Dental’s focus on innovative laser and imaging devices will elevate the standard of dental patient care and we are confident in our ability to support their growth targets through our Clarion Medical Technologies platform.” commented John Glynn, President of Richards Packaging “National Dental is thrilled to become part of the Clarion Medical Technologies team. The synergy between our companies presents exciting growth opportunities, and we are invigorated by Clarion’s vision for the future. With over 30 years of experience supporting dentists with cutting-edge technology, we believe our philosophies align perfectly and look forward to working with their talented team.”, commented Neil and Cliff Magneson, founders of National Dental Inc. The Fund, through its subsidiary Richards Packaging Holdings 2 Inc., has also acquired all of the outstanding shares of HL Production SA (“HL Production”), the Swiss based global owner and distributor of the World PRP® platelet-rich plasma (“PRP”) system to the healthcare industry. The purchase price of CHF2.35 million ($3.76 million) was financed by a $3.7 million draw down on the revolving credit and a CHF0.05 million ($0.1 million) holdback from the vendors. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings in 2025. “We are pleased to announce the acquisition of HL Production, which has been a key supplier to our medical devices business in Canada for many years. This acquisition brings us global ownership of the WorldPRP® brand and will bolster the ongoing growth of our OEM Strategy alongside our organically developed brand, Luvo. PRP treatments are well established in orthopedics and aesthetics and represent a $700M USD market worldwide. We are confident in supporting the growth of WorldPRP® through international distribution partners in the coming years.” commented John Glynn, President of Richards Packaging. “We are delighted that the WorldPRP® product and brand we have developed is going to be in capable hands. We wish the Richards team the best of luck as they grow into the future.” commented Dr. Ed Broussalian, Chief Executive Officer of HL Production SA.” NewPoint Capital Partners Inc. acted as M&A advisor to the Fund on both transactions.
NEWS institutional and commercial buildings, as well as urban design and exterior illumination—CS Design has built a distinguished portfolio that aligns seamlessly with HLB’s commitment to delivering world-class lighting solutions. CS Design’s founder, Conor Sampson, a registered architect and seasoned lighting designer, will become a Principal at HLB Lighting Design. A respected educator, he is an Adjunct Professor teaching lighting design at McGill University and serves as the Canadian Liaison to the International Standards Organization (ISO) Technical Committee 274. “We are very excited to join the HLB team,” said Conor. “We look forward to being part of a larger community of design experts and leveraging HLB’s global platform to elevate our work. We anticipate expanding our presence in Montreal and the surrounding areas, all while contributing to HLB’s ongoing legacy of excellence in lighting design.” HLB Lighting Design has a strong track record of delivering exceptional lighting solutions across Canada, with several notable projects already completed. These include the iconic lighting of the Samuel de Champlain Bridge, Audain Art Museum, the Vancouver Convention Center, and Walterdale Bridge. These projects highlight HLB’s commitment to enhancing the built environment in Canada and showcase the firm’s expertise in creating lighting designs that inspire and transform spaces. HLB Lighting Design Announces Merger with CS Design to Expand Global Reach and Innovation HLB Lighting Design, the largest independent lighting design firm globally, is excited to announce its merger with CS Design, a renowned lighting design firm based in Montreal, Canada. The merger supports HLB’s strategic planning efforts to expand its global footprint while providing clients with exceptional service, cutting-edge design, and a comprehensive range of lighting solutions. The CS Design team will now operate as part of the HLB Lighting Design brand, marking a significant step in the firm’s expansion and enhancing its capacity to serve clients worldwide. The combined strength of both teams will continue to drive the firm’s leadership in architectural lighting design, further solidifying HLB’s reputation as an industry innovator. “This merger is a thrilling opportunity to further our mission of positively impacting lives around the world through light,” said Carrie Hawley, Senior Principal and CEO of HLB Lighting Design. “CS Design has an exceptional track record of delivering remarkable projects, and together, we will continue to provide the most transformative client experience in the industry. We look forward to expanding our presence throughout the North American continent, and this merger represents a key step in strengthening our support of clients across Canada.” Founded in 2008, CS Design has gained recognition for its innovative and award-winning project work. With expertise spanning a wide range of sectors—from high-end residential to
6 | Acquisition International, March 2025 A Reputation For Excellence With humble beginnings over 100 years ago, based at 3 Temple Gardens originally, then moving offices to 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square there are now 105 barristers working from 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square . Having been based in Gray’s Inn for over half a century, 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square are well established as an unwavering force in London and beyond. We explore their offerings as Arran Dowling-Hussey wins Best Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer 2025 – London in our Global Excellence Awards 2025. Contact: Arran Dowling-Hussey Company: 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square Website: https://www.4-5.co.uk/ LinkedIn: 4-5-gray’s-inn-square-chambers 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square was established over 100 years ago to provide unparalleled legal services across a plethora of clients. As the firm has recently undergone a comprehensive With a stellar team of barristers, lawyers, arbitrators, and mediators, this chambers stands head and shoulders above the rest in its region. Although the entire team continue to contribute to the success of the 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square, Arran Dowling-Hussey particularly stood out to us at Acquisition International as his experience continues to add a monumental amount of value to the team’s strength. As a highly experienced barrister, adjudicator, arbitrator, and mediator, Arran places importance on providing quick, seamless, and effective bespoke advice to clients. With regards to his work with 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square, Arran says, “Often lawyers can get to a stage where they think they ‘have seen it all before.’ A client’s case may be similar to past cases but it’s always necessary to look at each situation afresh and identify and recognise the specific needs of the client. “As an arbitrator, adjudicator and mediator when acting as a decision maker you have often been engaged as the users of the particular ADR process chosen wants an expedited process. Without ‘cutting corners’ when acting in one of these roles it’s important to keep matters moving and get to a prompt but enforceable decision.” The team act as counsel in arbitrations/ mediations and adjudications and also sit as the decision maker in these and other Alternative Dispute Resolution processes. Several are also instructed as expert witnesses. They were pleased to be recognised, in 2024, through invitations to speak at a number of international conferences such as British Virgin Islands Arbitration Week where Arran and a number of his colleagues are admitted to the bar of the East Caribbean Supreme Court. DIAW Dubai International Arbitration week and Pakistan International Disputes weekend. Also several members of chambers, including Arran, have been appointed in the last year as adjunct professors at leading universities in Ireland and India. In addition, the firm, “has a regular series of webinars on international law/ ADR with our February webinar being held with Richard Wee Chambers in Kuala Lumpur and we are always keen to cooperate with likeminded international colleagues.” Atop this, as a highly regarded and qualified barrister, adjudicator, arbitrator and mediator, Arran expertly covers advocacy, drafting statements of case, contractual documents and advising on commercial, chancery, construction, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and international matters. He specialises in administration and public law, commercial law, adult social care, elections, employment, and so much more. Arran is a dedicated member of 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square’s network of team members, and his win in this year’s Global Excellence Awards is a direct result of his commitment to alternative dispute resolution across the board. You can contact Arran and the rest of the team today for more information. “ Whilst we are a long-established chambers which has over 105 members including academic, associate and international members, we look to act quickly and nimbly in the interests of clients. ” programme of restructuring and expansion to forge even stronger relationships with its clients and uphold its legacy, 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square has been staying ahead of the curve in its industry.
March 2025, Acquisition International | 7 Delivering Excellence, from Concept to Completion stablished in 2021, Planning By Design is a national consultancy dedicated to providing a five-star service at unbeatable prices. Comprising chartered architects and town planners across the country, the company helps clients to advance and enhance their project wherever they are located. Driven by the goal of providing the highest possible standard of service in the most efficient way, Planning By Design has become renowned throughout the country for saving its clients’ time and money with each project it undertakes. Planning By Design offers a comprehensive suite of services, which can be categorised into four core offerings: planning appraisal, including pre-planning advice to establish requirements, feasibility, costs, and the likelihood of success; architectural design, comprising 2D drawings for planning, 3D drawings and renders, interior design, BIM models, and more; planning permission, preparing, submitting, and managing all types of planning applications; and building regulations and structural engineering calculations, produced as and when required once planning has been approved. Of course, the consultancy prioritises planning appraisal as the first step to every project as it limits the risk of unnecessary expenses if the project has little to no feasibility. The cost of each planning appraisal is then deducted from the project quote, so this vital step comes at no cost if the client chooses to proceed with the project. Planning By Design is committed to client-centricity and strives to work alongside its clients at every step of the way to ensure that the end product reflects their vision, from the initial enquiry right through to completion. This unwavering dedication to client satisfaction has earned Planning By Design a number of remarkable reviews and testimonials from previous clients who have been blown away by consultancy’s exceptional standards. “Planning By Design took all of the hassle and unknowns out of the planning process,” says Jamie. “They responded quickly at each stage and have been so helpful throughout, taking the time to answer every question we had. Their rates are competitive, and I would highly recommend them to everyone.” “Very rapid turnaround for a planning appraisal,” reports Nick, “with a highly thorough and useful report produced. Planning By Design were courteous and professional throughout and were able to helpfully tailor their report to help us understand key considerations that we should use in the future, given our inexperience with the planning process. I would not hesitate to recommend Planning By Design and will use them in the future.” “We contacted Planning By Design to support us with a retrospective planning application, having converted part of our garage into an internal utility room,” writes Kat. “From initial contact to submitting the application to receiving planning approval, they were incredibly professional, kept us fully informed at every stage, and made the whole process very easy for us. We would highly recommend Planning By Design to anyone looking for planning advice and support.” Since 2021, Planning By Design has grown from a small team of three to a robust network of over 30 professionals throughout the country. The consultancy has seen sustained success in the years since its inception, with an accelerated growth path that is projected to reach £3,000,000 in its fourth year of operations. In a short period of time, Planning By Design has demonstrated an unparalleled understanding of the market and a clear determination to succeed and deliver excellence to its discerning clientele. The Global Excellence Awards are held to celebrate the entrepreneurs, businesses, and teams who are exceeding expectations and reshaping their industries through innovation and determination. Having completed more than 600 planning approvals, Planning By Design is successfully driving change and excelling in its field through its deliverance of clientcentric, comprehensive solutions. It is for this inspirational display of pure brilliance that Planning By Design has been recognised as the Most Innovative Architecture and Town Planning Consultancy 2025 – UK. We at Acquisition International magazine would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the team Planning By Design for this remarkable achievement. We recommend keeping a close eye on this consultancy as it continues to pave the way for visionaries everywhere. If you are interested in collaborating with Planning By Design, explore its impressive portfolio and service offerings on the consultancy’s website. Contact: Grant Singlehurst-Ward Web Address: https://planning-by-design.co.uk/ Whether you are a homeowner, landowner, a business, or a developer, Planning By Design is your go-to for top-tier architectural and planning consultancy services. Operating throughout the UK and Ireland, this distinguished firm has established a reputation of excellence, earning a prestigious spot in the Global Excellence Awards 2025. We take a closer look at the consultancy below, in the wake of its significant success. E Jan25240
8 | Acquisition International, March 2025 Jan25392 ExtendedStay Software for Hospitality Innovation uilding trust through transparency and operating atop a strong ethical code, Gearco works closely with its partners to develop tailored solutions that are both kind to the planet and beneficial to the businesses of its clients. At the centre of the company is a fully integrated SaaS platform, which has been designed for use within the extended-stay hotel industry. Capturing a niche, this proprietary technology consists of a single, user-friendly interface, and optimises everything from guest reservations to property management. The Gearco® Cloud Property Management System (CPMS), as it is called, is a comprehensive software platform that can manage various property types seamlessly, from independent hotels and vacation rentals to those outside of the hospitality space, including self-storage facilities. This is made possible by the flagship True Extended Stay® technology, which unlocks the possibility for such features as integrated secure credit card processing, paperless document handling, automatic late fees, and deposit retention controls, to name a few. An encompassing suite of features such as this makes the platform a game changer in driving efficiency and boosting client satisfaction levels. This is especially true of the extended-stay hotel market, with the team here recognising the array of unique challenges that those operating in this sector have to face. CTO Eric Almond explains it best when he says: “Our commitment to client success and personalised support has earned us a reputation as a trusted technology partner in the hospitality sector.” Clients themselves are quick to corroborate this claim, with Winston, a property manager and avid user of the CPMS platform stating: “Gearco makes it easy to keep track of everything that is going on in our property. I have used other PMSs that don’t come close to what Gearco offers. We are able to vault cards and do other things securely that I have not seen offered by other companies at the price we can get it from Gearco.” The tremendous feedback Gearco receives from clients also stems from the company’s ability to implement customised versions of its CPMS platform, as was the case recently with a leading long-stay hotel chain. Shortly after the system was up and running, the client was experiencing a sharp uptick in their revenue, improved staff productivity, and an all-round more streamlined operation. This is just one example of the countless clients who saved time and money as a result of utilising Gearco’s SaaS solution for hospitality. To ensure the Gearco® Cloud Property Management System continues to deliver maximum client value, the team focuses on continuously enhancing it so that it can stay one step ahead of industry trends. Be it operating more sustainably or managing the increased demand that extended-stay hotels have been experiencing, Gearco has the tools and the infrastructure to more than meet the industry’s demands, as seen through the likes of its advanced security measures and pledge to protect data. Because hospitality industry innovation is about much more than just focusing on the present, Gearco has some exciting plans in the pipeline for its future. The most notable of these is the introduction of Rate Lock™, a revenue optimisation tool designed to help extendedstay properties maximise their earnings by automatically adjusting the rates on long stays. As Eric tells us: “This innovative solution enhances financial predictability for hotel operators while still providing costeffective pricing for long-term guests.” Besides the introduction of this landmark tool, the next five years for the company are set to see it introduce AI, mobile integration, and self-service options to its guest engagement technology, as well as expand its hotel property management software to support the running of properties from multiple locations. Finally, a push towards forging strong partnerships within the hospitality technology space will see Gearco edge closer to its aim of becoming the go-to SaaS provider for extended-stay hospitality. An undisputed innovator in the realm of hospitality technology, Gearco, Inc. has proven itself to be more than capable of addressing the evolving needs of long-stay hotels, with the achievements of its extended-stay hotel software when it comes to the likes of sustainability and data security setting the benchmark for the industry to follow. Contact: Eric Almond Company: Gearco, Inc. Web Address: https://gear.co/ Revolutionising extended hotel stays by delivering a suite of cutting-edge SaaS solutions geared towards streamlining operations, enhancing experiences, and boosting profits, Gearco, Inc. is a cloud management solutions provider like no other. With its drive to empower extended-stay properties through stateof-the-art technology being stronger now than ever before, the company has once again been celebrated in this programme, this time as the Best Cloud Management Solutions Provider 2025 – USA. B
March 2025, Acquisition International | 9 With the disaster recovery landscape today being full of people leaving current service providers in search of better ones, Stage2Data’s predictable pricing and pay-as-you-go models, as well as its fullservice approach, position it favourably, delivering exactly what clients are asking for and doing so in a more efficient way than the competition. Riding this wave, the company is planning to disrupt the space further by introducing cybersecurity clean rooms as a part of its DRaaS solutions. A company spokesperson explains: “By ensuring the cleanliness and integrity of data, facilitating forensic analysis, enabling testing and validation, and providing a secure environment for recovery operations, these clean rooms contribute to faster recovery times, reduced data loss, and improved overall resilience against cyber threats and other disasters.” Having recently received SOC 2 accreditation – a certification reflecting its commitment to both data security and operational integrity – it is clear that Stage2Data Inc. is a key player in this arena, one dedicated to better serving both its clients and the wider industry. Much like this title, the accreditation is much more than just a nicety for the company; it is a benchmark for earning the trust of clients and exceeding industry standards – something the team here are demonstrating at every turn. Contact: Robert Kellerman Company: Stage2Data Inc. Web Address: https://stage2data.com/ North America’s Trusted Cloud Solutions Provider Much more than an average cloud solutions provider, Stage2Data instead serves as a strategic partner for the businesses of its clients, sparking innovation within their day-to-day operations and ensuring that they have access to cutting-edge, cloud-based technologies. Technologies include its flagship NRaaSTM (Network Recovery-as-a-Service) solution, which is distinguished from similar alternatives in the market due to its complete failover and recovery capabilities. Keeping downtime to a minimum and keeping public-facing IP addresses the same during failover, Stage2Data’s NRaaS™ solution is forever changing the game when it comes to cloud disaster recovery. It goes far beyond traditional backup and recovery by offering a solution that keeps the entire network infrastructure intact, including files, programs, and servers. The benefits of using such a system are near endless for customers, as not only are they protected if their network fails, but they have peace of mind even if it never does – something that a price cannot be put on. Since the launch of Stage2Data’s revolutionary NRaaS™ solution, its implementation has saved numerous companies from total disaster. NRaaS™ helped them to bounce back from total site failures due to ransomware attacks or ensured they could continue to operate almost as normal in the event of a network failure caused by a natural disaster. Also, in every case, clients have provided feedback that they are much more confident in their ability to recover should disaster strike again, as well as that having this solution at their disposal has reduced overall disaster recovery costs. Despite the enduring success of its flagship solution, Stage2Data is not the sort of company to anchor itself to one product. Thus, it also affords its clients a range of additional cloud services, with these spanning everything from network resiliency and secure S3 object storage to connectivity and hosting. Through this portfolio – which is strengthened further thanks to a network of exceptional technology partners comprising the likes of Cohesity, Veeam, and Zerto – Stage2Data is the true embodiment of a partner that can be wholly relied upon by its clients. Due to its commitment to remain firmly by the side of customers, Stage2Data has launched several initiatives to ensure that their experiences with the brand are stellar. One example of this is its static, monthly billing model, which is determined based on provisioned VMDK or VHD sizes to guarantee predictable costs. Allowing customers to plan their budget effectively means they are not hit with surprise expenses as a result of usage fluctuations or data deduplication rates. Furthermore, Stage2Data is currently on a mission to strengthen its data presence across North America, and has subsequently established facilities across major hubs like Phoenix, Toronto, and New Jersey to boost service quality and accessibility for clients throughout these regions. In owning and operating these data centres itself, the company is also removing the need for third-party cloud providers, streamlining operations and helping keep costs to a minimum. Businesses today face operational challenges that hinder their growth. They need a partner who can provide reliable, security-driven solutions that protect both their data and the continuity of their organisations. Named here as the Leading Provider of Cloud Solutions 2025 – North America, Stage2Data Inc. does all of the above and so much more, blending exceptional service with high-quality services and solutions to add demonstrable value for its customers. Jan25130
10 | Acquisition International, March 2025 An Italian B Corp Driving Customers to Better Energy Usage elivering an array of green solutions for households and commercial operations alike, Energy Drive takes a full-service approach to green energy, with its services ranging from analysis and design to finance, insurance, and administration. This encompassing philosophy stems from the company’s overarching aim to empower clients to live a lifestyle that is respectful of the environment at every turn. To ensure it can continue to do this indefinitely, the company keeps one eye on the market, scouting for the latest developments. Such a strong ethos has led to the removal of more than 33,000 kg of CO2 from the atmosphere since the company first opened its doors, with the almost 9,000 systems it has installed resulting in approximately 55 MW of cumulative green power being deployed right across Italy, setting the standard for other energy-focused companies to follow. Energy’s Drive’s values, like its mission, are all geared towards the long term, and it is for this reason that the company prides itself on remaining flexible, so that it may quickly adapt to the shifts inherent in this space. Initiatives such as this have resulted in Energy Drive consistently embodying the best practices throughout its 15-year journey, paving the way for a suite of quality services that sets the company apart in world where climate change continues to dominate international headlines. Taking a deep dive into these services, Energy Drive’s operation revolves around solutions that have been designed to protect the environment, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and use the sun’s energy to power homes, businesses, and other areas of our lives in clean, inexhaustible, and cost-effective ways. The green solutions delivered by the company can thus be divided into four sub-categories: energy, mobility, home automation, and water purification, with the solutions in each being of the highest calibre. As its name suggests, energy is the primary focus for Energy Drive, with its distinction in this particular area being reflected through the title it has received. In this setting, the company’s solutions primarily revolve around photovoltaic panels, which are otherwise known as solar panels. Reducing the costs of energy bills by optimising savings, these panels excel in a number of settings as a result of their turnkey construction, the zero advance they require, and the host of government incentives that go along with their installation and use. These photovoltaic panels are commonly attached to the roof a property or set up in an open space – such as a field – to ensure that they receive the maximum amount of sunlight. There are other alternatives to this however, such as the photovoltaic pergola. A canopy made of wood or steel with a roof that is lined with solar panels and the relevant support systems, this structure is an ideal solution for those seeking to maximise space. Cars can be parked directly underneath the canopy, and it can even be used as a small greenhouse or storage space. In addition to solar panel solutions, Energy Drive also offers a series of photovoltaic storage systems – which capture the energy from the sun and store it so that it may be used later on when there is no sunlight – as well as solar thermal panel systems, heat pumps, air conditioning systems, maintenance and monitoring systems, and energy requalification services. Through this range, the company caters to every need and acts as a one-stop shop. Aside from these more standard options, Energy Drive remains committed to pushing the boundaries of photovoltaic power, as seen through its newest product: the Gemini Solar Home Kit. Passionately described by company COO Giampaolo Pavone as, “a balcony photovoltaic kit accessible to all types of homes, with modular power and an accessory kit that makes it installable without the intervention of a technician,” this innovation has allowed a new market segment to reached, further reflecting the company’s pioneering abilities. Energy Drive’s industry-leading nature has been taken note of across this sphere, and this has led to the team here securing a number of number of high-profile projects in recent years. Commenting on one such contract, Giampaolo tells us: Energy Drive srl was established in Milan in 2009, born out of the meeting of several like-minded men and women whose common ground was a relentless passion for protecting the environment and saving our planet. Over the past 15 years or so, the organisation has used this enthusiasm as a foundation from which to rapidly develop, to a point where it now has offices across Italy and services that represent some of the very best available in this space. Recognised as the Best Green Energy Solutions Provider 2025 – Italy, we explore exactly how Energy Drive is reimaging this sector. D “ The Parc du Soleil project is an innovative housing concept based on the use of bioarchitecture combined with renewable sources. It features single-family homes designed to generate more energy than they consume, ensuring living comfort while preserving the environment. ” Jan25225
An Italian B Corp Driving Customers to Better Energy Usage Serving as the culmination of more than three years of development, the project – which is expected to begin production later this year – will see a housing solution crafted that comes equipped with cuttingedge photovoltaic and thermos-hydraulic production systems, making managing energy loads a more sustainable process than ever before. Parc du Solei is expected to appeal to a large group, with countless reaping the benefits of this unique combination spanning renewable energy, home automation, and electric mobility. Projects like this have resulted in a major shift within Energy Drive over the past 12 months, with the company realising one of its definitive aims last year by officially becoming a benefit corporation (B Corp). This transformation demonstrates what those who have worked with the company over the past 15 years already know – that Energy Drive is working towards the common good by operating in a responsible, sustainable, and transparent way. Above, it was mentioned that Energy Drive is always looking ahead, and its transition into a B Corp is a perfect example of its ongoing commitment to this. For example, as the adoption of green energy solutions increases globally, the company recognises that hydrogen will be paramount when it comes to ensuring the future goals of this sector are met. Lightweight and extremely rich in energy, hydrogen is a choice material as burning it generates only water and heat, not carbon dioxide, which is produced when other fuels are burnt. Nevertheless, despite the seemingly endless benefits of using hydrogen as a fuel, a great deal of the hydrogen that is actually used today is highly polluting, this as a result of the energy sources that are used in its extraction. Thus, it is estimated that 96% of all of the hydrogen produced today is ‘grey’ and adds to the release of large amounts of carbon into the planet’s atmosphere. To put an end to this, only green hydrogen – produced using the likes of Energy Drive’s solar and wind power solutions – can be considered to be truly ‘clean’ energy. With such knowledge and capabilities to boot, Giampaolo and the rest of the team at Energy Drive have a vision for the future – a vision where a truly green society is achieved thanks to the seamless integration of technology and environmental protection. Given that it has made measurable steps in this area already through its status as a B Corp, the future for Energy Drive is centred around guiding both the company and the wider sector to this better world, one that future generations can thrive in for years to come. Taking energy saving to new and exciting places, Energy Drive carries out everything from its in-depth energy consultancy services to analysis, design, installation, and management with a certain finesse that is simply not common in this market. For its needle-moving abilities and the consistency that underpins its entire operation, Energy Drive srl is the obvious choice to be crowned as the Best Green Energy Solutions Provider 2025 – Italy. Contact: Giampaolo Pavone Company: Energy Drive srl Web Address: https://www.energydrive.eu/index.php
12 | Acquisition International, March 2025 igadvantage is currently an essential reference in the management consultancy and training sector in Portugal. With over 15 years of experience, the company stands out for its multidisciplinary approach and its ability to develop personalized solutions that respond to the specific needs of each client. Defending the concept that ‘any problem should be seen as a specific situation that provides an opportunity for improvement that can strengthen the organization’, Bigadvantage is committed to innovation and service excellence to create value for client organizations. Bigadvantage’s mission is clear: ‘to promote the sustainability of each client, respecting their identity and enhancing the uniqueness that differentiates them in the market.’ To achieve this purpose, the company is guided by ethical and humanist principles, choosing commitment, honesty, competence, confidentiality, and social responsibility as its core values. These principles and values form the foundation of all Bigadvantage’s activities, ensuring that it provides a service that is permanently aligned with the best applicable practices, in the relentless pursuit of exceeding its clients’ expectations. Its focus is on creating sustainable value, respecting the interests of all stakeholders involved. In the view of the company’s founding partner and CEO, Nuno Biga de Almeida, ‘We want bigadvantage® to be a benchmark in the provision of multidisciplinary business consultancy services, inspiring synergies and geared towards meeting the specific needs of each client who legitimately perceives it as a unique opportunity for the strategic development of their business.’ This goal, formulated in 2010, remains current and consistent with the company’s activities. A Multidisciplinary and Personalized Approach One of the pillars of its competitive (big)advantage is its multidisciplinary approach to the projects it develops. The company combines specialized technical knowledge, practical experience, and innovation to develop efficient and sustainable organizational models. This approach is widely recognized by external bodies, as demonstrated by the ‘Multidisciplinary Consultancy of the Year’ distinction awarded by Corporate LiveWire (UK) at the International Prestige Awards 2023, 2024, and 2025. This award recognizes Bigadvantage’s ability to offer integrated solutions, ranging from technical consultancy to personalized training for executives. In two consecutive years, the independent organization Scoring (PT) awarded Bigadvantage the distinction of ‘Top 5% Best Portuguese SMEs’ (2023 and 2024), for its financial performance and recognition in the Portuguese market. In its activity, Bigadvantage seeks to integrate its clients’ teams, actively collaborating in the re-engineering of processes and the optimization of resources. This direct and highly interactive involvement with the various stakeholders leads to the development of practical and effective solutions aimed at maximizing the competitiveness and efficiency of organizations. Since 2010, Bigadvantage has developed high-impact projects in partnership with various companies and public institutions. Its consultancy work has focused on multiple sectors of economic activity, in industry and services, namely in the areas of construction project supervision, engineering project review, development of building maintenance systems, organizational models in catering contexts, management of the medical device trade, veterinary medicine, complementary medicine, retail sales, security services, among many others. The projects developed demonstrate the tangible impact of the solutions offered by Bigadvantage, which translate into concrete results for its clients, as confirmed by AI Acquisition International in the research it carried out as part of the company’s nomination for the 2025 Global Excellence Award ‘Best Technical & Management Consulting Firm 2025 - Portugal.’ Bigadvantage has made an indelible contribution to several organizations, improving their operational management by optimizing resources and increasing the efficiency of their teams. At the same time, in the course of the projects developed, the company has played an important role in training managers, developing training solutions that address specific challenges, such as the management of production chains and the provision of services, focusing on the formulation and implementation of continuous improvement strategies. Innovative Solutions: BIGAMES© Bigadvantage’s innovative products include the BIGAMES© brand, a pedagogical simulation tool designed in 2015 that has since evolved in its application to various sectors and economic activities. These management simulators stimulate and guide strategic decisionmaking in realistic scenarios, confronting participants with complex challenges in a controlled and safe environment. Since 2019, the concept behind the BIGAMES© management simulators has received several honours, particularly at leading international conferences, and has also been awarded the ‘Innovation in Managerial Education B Leadership & Innovation in Consultancy and Training Jan25012 With 15 years of activity in consultancy and advanced training, Bigadvantage implements innovative and disruptive solutions that are proven to be effective.
Solutions’ prize in two consecutive years (CLW, 2023/24 and 2024/25). These simulators are customized for different sectors, including health, catering, services, industry, and retail. A particularly interesting example of these management simulators is ‘Hospital Emergency Services,’ which has been used since 2017 in partnership with AESE Business School, a renowned business school in Portugal. This simulator has helped to strengthen the training of hundreds of healthcare professionals who work in administration and management roles in public and private hospitals in Portugal, helping them to improve their skills in managing teams and processes in a hospital emergency service environment. The overwhelming majority of participants in this simulator praise its ability to develop organizational skills and encourage critical analysis in creative problem-solving. With more than 95 percent of BIGAMES© participants rating the experience with a maximum score, these management simulators have become an essential tool in executive training. Future Goals The management consulting and training sector has evolved rapidly, driven by digitalization and the need for more interactive and effective solutions. Bigadvantage has kept pace with these trends, incorporating new technologies into its services and updating its training methodologies accordingly. BIGAMES© simulators, for example, now integrate artificial intelligence components that allow for dynamic adaptation to the decisions made by participants. This feature improves the training experience, making it even more realistic and aligned with the challenges of today’s market. Innovation is indelibly marked in Bigadvantage’s DNA, and the company plans to continue investing in differentiating solutions over the coming years. One of the future objectives is to expand the application of BIGAMES© simulators to new sectors of activity and markets. Another Leadership & Innovation in Consultancy and Training of the company’s objectives is to develop new partnerships, both nationally and internationally, which will allow Bigadvantage to extend the reach of its solutions and consolidate its position as a benchmark company in the management consultancy and training sector. A Benchmark in the Sector The quality of Bigadvantage’s services is frequently highlighted by its clients, who recognize the company as a strategic partner in solving organizational challenges. This recognition is also evident in the awards received, such as the ‘Top 5% Best Portuguese SMEs (2023, 2024)’ award, which attests to the company’s financial strength and operational efficiency. Customer testimonials emphasize the positive impact of Bigadvantage’s solutions, describing them as innovative, practical, and effective. This feedback reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainable value creation and excellence in service provision. Bigadvantage is more than just a consultancy—it is a strategic partner for organizations looking to innovate, optimize processes, and achieve sustainable results. Its interdisciplinary approach, combined with innovative solutions such, puts it at the forefront of the management consultancy and training sector. The jury of the International Prestige Awards 2025 emphasized the company’s versatility, its interdisciplinary approach, and its ability to create value for its clients. With a clear vision and an ongoing commitment to excellence in the services it provides, Bigadvantage shows that it is prepared to face the challenges of the future and, in the words of its CEO, ‘continue to contribute to transforming inefficiencies into value and improving the competitiveness of client organizations.’. Contact: Nuno Biga, CEO Company: Bigadvantage Consultants Website: https://biga.pt/
14 | Acquisition International, March 2025 The Full-Service Cleanroom Partner Cleanrooms – controlled, engineered spaces that have been designed to limit the amount of airborne particles that can enter into them (such as microorganisms and dust) – hold the key to future breakthroughs. Be it science or industry, these rooms are essential and require nothing but the very best in their design and engineering. Named here as the Best Cleanroom Design & Engineering Company 2025 – Europe, Dittel Engineering GmbH offers exactly the sort of quality that cleanroom technology demands. Contact: Gernod Dittel Company: Dittel Engineering GmbH Web Address: https://dittel-engineering.de/ Initially set up as a one-man engineering operation back in 1993, the iteration of Dittel Engineering that we know today dates back to 2011, when it emerged from Dittel Cleanroom Engineering as a way of highlighting that the second generation that was now in charge of the operation. Dittel Engineering is passionate about sticking to its roots however, with Gernod Dittel, the founder of the company, continuing to work alongside his son, Florian Dittel, to set the mark for others to aspire towards in the cleanroom niche. The service provider of choice for every aspect of cleanroom technology, Dittel Engineering employs a full-service approach from its engineering office in Upper Bavaria, where it plans, advises, and supports companies worldwide on the research and production of cleanrooms. More than meeting the needs of its clients in this ever-expanding sector, Dittel Engineering adds both art and a colourful atmosphere to what is a historically dull environment, further differentiating it in what is already a unique setting. Certified to the gold standard of ISO 9001:2015, Dittel Engineering’s quality management system guarantees that the highest standards are upheld across all of its services, concerning from the design and construction of the cleanrooms themselves through to the host of project management and training services that accompany them. From ensuring the punctuality of service delivery to prioritising cost effectiveness and quality execution, this philosophy leads to long-term cooperation and projects built on a foundation of trust. Of course, trust only takes a business so far, and in a market that is evolving rapidly to keep pace with the industries it services, it is vital for Dittel Engineering to introduce new systems into the fold across the business. One example of this has seen the recent overhaul of its planning department, which has been advanced in part thanks to the meticulous combination strong scientific expertise, some of the best programmes on the market, and a host of cutting-edge technologies. As vital as these solutions are in Dittel Engineering maintaining its reputation as the ultimate ‘partner for your cleanroom’ – what truly makes the company stand out is the team it has its disposal. The family bond shared between Gernod and Florian extends to the inherent culture within the business, with the strong relationships that team members enjoy paving the way for the company to achieve its goals as quickly and effectively as possible. It also helps that the team comprises best-inclass engineers across a number of fields. From process and supply engineering through to civil and mechanical engineering, electrical and systems engineering, and even food and production and hygiene technology, the team here possess comprehensive and deep scientific knowledge. Much of the talent here are young, because Gernod recognises that the future of cleanroom technology lies with young people. “The future is the younger generation,” he explains, “and we have to give them a perspective to go on to make the world a little bit better.” Ever since it was started more than 30 years ago, Dittel Engineering GmbH has been outdoing itself, to the point where it is today deep in the second generation of ownership with no signs of slowing down. As it keeps one eye on both the future of this sector and the people in it, it is our pleasure to celebrate the company with this well-deserved title. When it comes to cleanrooms, Dittel Engineering is a firm believer in the old adage that the best way for one to predict the future is to create it. The company embodies this by seeing all of the projects it takes on as more than just projects – they are partnerships between its team and an investor. Performing the duties that one would expect of a partner thus comes naturally to the team, who are on hand before, during, and after a project to see that no client of theirs ever feels alone during the formation of their cleanroom.
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