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AutoScout24 Finalizes Agreement to Acquire TRADER Corporation

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GRUENWALD, Germany and TORONTO, Aug. 16, 2024 /CNW/ – AutoScout24, the leading pan-European online automotive marketplace, has signed an agreement to acquire TRADER Corporation (“TRADER Canada”) from Thoma Bravo. In conjunction with this acquisition, funds affiliated with existing majority shareholder Hellman & Friedman (“H&F”) will make a meaningful incremental equity investment in AutoScout24.

With this acquisition, the AutoScout24 Group, which includes leading online automotive marketplaces in continental Europe, Germany’s largest online automotive market for leasing offers, LeasingMarkt.de, and one of Europe’s fastest-growing B2B used car trading platforms, AutoProff, extends its presence outside of Europe and strengthens its position as a leading global online automotive marketplace. The transaction also expands AutoScout24’s service offering into automotive dealer software and lender solutions through TRADER Canada’s leading offerings.

TRADER Canada operates Canada’s leading online automotive marketplaces, English-language AutoTrader.ca and French-language AutoHebdo.net, with 26 million monthly visits, more than 450,000 vehicle listings, and 5,000 dealer partners. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Toronto, the company also provides several automotive dealer software solutions under the AutoSync brand and operates Dealertrack, the leading Canadian portal connecting automotive dealers and lenders, as well as Collateral Management Solutions, the primary provider of lien and registration services, recovery services, and insolvency management solutions to Canadian Lenders. Throughout their ownership, Thoma Bravo worked closely with TRADER Canada to expand its innovative product portfolio through both organic investments and strategic acquisitions to better serve the company’s growing customer base.

Peter Brooks-Johnson, CEO of the AutoScout24 Group: “I am delighted to welcome the TRADER Canada team and its leading brands to the AutoScout24 family. TRADER Canada’s impressive long-term track record, clear position as Canada’s most important automotive marketplace, and comprehensive expertise in dealer software and fintech solutions speak for themselves. This acquisition strengthens AutoScout24’s position as a leading global online automotive marketplace and will help accelerate the growth of both platforms. As a result, we will offer our customers, trade partners, OEMs, and financing partners in Europe and Canada better services and more innovative solutions.”

Sebastian Baldwin, President and CEO of TRADER Corporation: “AutoScout24’s track record of success with their automotive marketplaces presents a perfect alignment with the TRADER business and our future long-term goals. In addition to our marketplaces, which are the #1 most trusted choice for Canadian car shoppers, our market-leading software and automotive finance solutions businesses represent further opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to working together to continue strengthening TRADER’s market leading position across the breadth of the Canadian automotive sector.”

Blake Kleinman, Partner at H&F: “We have been successful investors in the automotive classifieds sector since 2014 and have come to appreciate the commonality, across all geographies, of the strategic product innovations required to maximize the efficiency of the car buying journey for consumers and dealers. Bringing TRADER into the AutoScout24 family significantly enhances our ability to leverage our global scale and common technology platform to invest in innovation that will better serve consumers, dealers, and our other partners. The additional equity investment from H&F in this transaction demonstrates our long-term vision of building the leading global automotive classifieds platform.”

Holden Spaht, a Managing Partner at Thoma Bravo: “It’s been a privilege to work with Sebastian and the TRADER team. Through the application of our software expertise and M&A strategy, we helped transform TRADER from an online automotive marketplace to a market leading platform of digital retail solutions for consumers and automotive dealers in Canada. We are confident that AutoScout24 is a great home for TRADER, and we look forward to following their continued success together.” Peter Stefanski, a Partner at Thoma Bravo added: “We are proud to have supported TRADER over the course of our investment, driving growth and innovation while creating a better experience for both dealers and car-buyers across all of Canada.”

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024. RBC Capital Markets and Deutsche Bank are acting as M&A advisors to AutoScout24 and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Davies Ward Philipps & Vineberg LLP and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP are acting as legal counsel. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as lead financial advisor; BofA Securities and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. are also acting as financial advisors to TRADER and Kirkland & Ellis LLP, McMillan LLP and Goodmans LLP are acting as legal counsel.

About AutoScout24

With over 2 million vehicle listings, around 30 million users per month and more than 43,000 dealer partners, AutoScout24 is the largest pan-European online car market. In addition to Germany, the AutoScout24 Group is also represented in the European core markets of Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Poland and Sweden. As a comprehensive marketplace for mobility, AutoScout24 is making targeted investments in the growth areas of leasing, car subscriptions, electromobility and online car purchases. With AutoScout24 smyle, the marketplace enables its users to purchase vehicles completely online – free of charge and delivered ready-to-drive directly to their doorstep. Leasing specialist LeasingMarkt.de has also been part of the AutoScout24 Group since 2020 and the B2B auction platform AUTOproff since 2022. Together, the marketplaces are significantly driving the digitalisation of the European car trade.

More information on www.autoscout24.de   

Media Contact
Julia Dressen   
Fon +49 89 444 56-1185  
presse@autoscout24.de

About TRADER Corporation

TRADER Corporation is a trusted Canadian leader in online media, dealership and OEM software, and lender services. The company is comprised of AutoTrader.ca™, AutoHebdo.net™, LesPac.com, AutoSync™, Dealertrack™ and Collateral Management Solutions™. AutoTrader.ca and AutoHebdo.net offer the largest inventory of new and used vehicles in Canada, receiving over 26 million monthly visits to over 450,000 vehicles listed by over 5,000 dealers. With over 2,500 subscribers and counting, AutoSync is the largest and fastest growing dealer and OEM software provider in Canada. The platform’s suite of connected automotive software solutions brings advertising, conversion and operational support together, synchronizing the entire retail process. The portfolio is rounded out by DealerTrack, the leader in Canadian automotive finance solutions, and Collateral Management Solutions, the primary provider of lien and registration services, recovery services, and insolvency management solutions to Canadian Lenders. 

For more information, please visit www.tradercorporation.com.

Media Contact
Jessica Huynh
Jessica.huynh@labourcreative.ca

SOURCE TRADER Corporation

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Korean XR Company ‘Sharebox Co., Ltd.’ Partners with Moncler Perfume to Deliver Multi-Sensory XR Popup Experience

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–      Immersive XR Technology Combines Scent, Touch, and Media Art to Revolutionize Customer Engagement

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sharebox Co., Ltd. is setting new standards in the commercial and public media art markets with its cutting-edge XR (Extended Reality) and metaverse-driven immersive media content. As part of the 2024 XR Content Demonstration Test under the Korea Trade Center Testbed initiative, Sharebox is collaborating with Hyundai Department Store Duty Free to present an XR popup featuring Moncler Perfume. This immersive experience will be available at the 9th-floor duty-free cornerof Hyundai Department Store’s Trade Center branch from December 20, 2024, to February 19, 2025, and will also include anamorphic content displayed on outdoor billboards.

The popup is designed to provide an immersive sensory experience themed around Moncler Perfume. Visitors can explore the fragrance’s top and middle notes visually and spatially through innovative XR content. At Hyundai Department Store Duty Free’s request, Sharebox developed bespoke XR content and customized the popup space to align withthe brand’s concept. This collaboration aims to deliver a novel customer experience fusingcommercial spaces with media art.

“Sharebox focuses on creating immersive experiences enablingmultisensory interactions within virtual realities,” said CEO Yeonsik Shin, emphasizing the company’s commitment to innovation at the intersection of XR and media art.

The popup takes place inside the sensory XR booth, “XR BOX,” equipped with features such as fragrance, wind effects, and a 3D sound system to deliver a full 5 sensory experience. It offers an immersive experience of Moncler Perfume through various contents, including touch-based interactions, gamification, and media art. A newly developed web system allows for QR code photo zone photography, attracting customers by linking with social media events.Through this collaboration, Sharebox is contributing to a new form of customer experience combining commercial spaces with media art.

Sharebox’s XR technology has gained traction in international markets. The company has showcased its innovations at prestigious events, including IT Week in Japan, GITEX in Dubai, and MWC in Barcelona. Sharebox is also exploring participation in smart city projects, applying its XR technology to public spaces and commercial facilities worldwide. CEO Shin expressed his vision: “We aim to transcend the boundaries of the metaverse and create real-world experiences blending imagination and interaction. Immersive XR content has the potential to deliver even greater value in everyday life.”

In preparation for full-scale global expansion in 2025, Sharebox is establishing a foothold in key international markets. Following enthusiastic responses from the 2024 Hong Kong Autumn Electronics Fair, Dubai GITEX, Japan’s IT Week, and Thailand’s National Science and Technology Exhibition, Sharebox is working to establish a corporate presence in Hong Kong and launch local branches abroad. The company plans to advance localized marketing efforts and enhance offerings in smart classrooms, XR popups, VR content, and integrated solutions. Sharebox will continue prioritizing differentiated XR marketing strategies centered on K-content and brand collaborations.

Media Contact

global@ssharebox.com 

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2590973/3.jpg

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/korean-xr-company-sharebox-co-ltd-partners-with-moncler-perfume-to-deliver-multi-sensory-xr-popup-experience-302342731.html

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Govee Announces New Lighting Technology for Elevated Living Experiences at CES 2025

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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Govee, a global leader in smart ambient lighting, showcase its latest innovations at CES 2025, booth 51916, Venetian Expo. Under the theme “Bring Color to Daily Life,” Govee aims to create personalized and immersive lighting experiences that foster connections with users on both practical and emotional levels, making everyday moments brighter and more enjoyable.

Creative Lighting For Personalized Space:

Govee’s Gaming Pixel Light: Delivers a richer pixel art experience with more precise, vibrant displays, empowering users to unlock their creativity through enhanced AI Lighting bot technology and DIY personalized features.Govee Mini Panel Lights: Offer unparalleled customization with a compact design and vibrant RGBIC colors. The built-in MCU chip simplifies setup and allows for push-type connections of up to 120 panels for limitless creative freedom.Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL: Combines Govee’s RGBICWW lighting with JBL’s sound for an immersive audio-visual experience. The portable and rechargeable lamp offers flexibility to enjoy the ultimate light and sound experience anywhere in your home.

Bring Color to Daily Life with Govee’s New Ambient Lighting Innovations 

Lighting is essential to daily life, shaping everything from productivity to personal expression. Besides white lighting for daily living, colored lighting is important for setting vibes and moods, making at-home entertainment more enjoyable.

Indoor Lighting:  Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp, Strip Light with Skyline Kit, Ceiling Light Pro and dining lamps for curated atmospheres.Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor Lamp Post Lights, Govee Outdoor UpDown Wall Light, Outdoor Pathway Lights 2 and more, provides flexible, stylish, and captivating lighting for exterior spaces.Personalized Light Show: Govee DreamView allows users to effortlessly customize light shows to suit their moods and preferences.

Industry Leading AI Lighting and Matter Integration

Govee is revolutionizing lighting experiences with the Govee AI Lighting Bot, an advanced AI-powered system that enables users to create highly personalized lighting effects. Featuring a self-trained large-scale model with 12 billion parameters and an innovative color-tuning algorithm, it delivers exceptional accuracy and dynamic AI lighting effects, perfect for both linear and surface lighting. With a user-friendly interface and the ability to quickly generate and customizable AI lighting effects in just one second, the AI Lighting Bot offers unparalleled creative flexibility. More Govee products now support the Matter standard, enabling effortless integration with major smart home systems.

For more details about Govee, please visit govee.com.

About Govee

Govee has been revolutionizing the smart living experience since 2017, with innovative, efficient, and hassle-free ambient lighting solutions for the entire home. From living spaces and gaming setups to outdoor areas and beyond, Govee smart lighting is not just visually stunning, but transforms everyday moments into personalized and engaging lighting experiences. Embracing the idea that “Lights Can Be Fun,” Govee is committed to bringing vibrant ambient lighting to every corner of the home, to fostering connections with users on both practical and emotional levels, and to making everyday moments brighter and more enjoyable.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2590024/KV_Black.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/govee-announces-new-lighting-technology-for-elevated-living-experiences-at-ces-2025-302341789.html

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State Grid Xuzhou Power Supply Company monitors temperatures in both urban and rural areas to ensure a “green warm winter”

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XUZHOU, China, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On January 3, the company took proactive measures to guarantee that residents in both urban and rural areas stay warm during the winter. Staff members conducted thorough inspections of the electric heating equipment room at Mingzhu Huayuan Community, performing comprehensive and detailed “point-to-point” lean inspections on critical equipment such as power supply lines and distribution boxes for ground source heat pump machines. As one of the few cities with heating systems in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, Xuzhou has over 400 heating communities, benefiting more than 400,000 households.

To ensure “zero-defect” operation of equipment during the heating season, State Grid Xuzhou Power Supply Company has developed a customized “one enterprise, one policy” consultation plan based on the production characteristics and operational status of heating enterprises. A 24-hour green channel has been established to provide efficient emergency power support services. For any potential issues identified during inspections, the company promptly provided rectification suggestions and assisted heating enterprises in formulating and implementing corrective measures to ensure uninterrupted heating.

Furthermore, the company actively promotes the adoption of new green heating technologies, such as ground source heat pumps and electric storage air conditioning, in new residential areas and centralized office zones. It also explains preferential electricity pricing policies to users to reduce energy costs. In rural areas, with the promotion of “coal-to-electricity” initiatives, the company is vigorously advancing the upgrading and transformation of rural power grids, enhancing power supply reliability, and enabling more people to benefit from the “green warm winter”.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/state-grid-xuzhou-power-supply-company-monitors-temperatures-in-both-urban-and-rural-areas-to-ensure-a-green-warm-winter-302342743.html

SOURCE State Grid Xuzhou Power Supply Company

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