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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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Marvion Inc. Subsidiary Signs Agreement with Engineering Firm for Construction of New State-of-the-Art Warehouse Facility

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HONG KONG, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Marvion Inc. (OTC: MVNC) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary United Warehouse Management Limited has officially signed a quotation agreement with Star Warehouse Engineering Limited for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art warehouse facility. The new warehouse will be strategically located to support the company’s growing logistics and storage operations, underscoring MVNC’s commitment to scaling up its infrastructure to meet the increasing market demand.

The new warehouse will feature two floors, each spanning 18,000 square feet, for a total floor area of 36,000 square feet. This expansion is set to enhance MVNC’s storage capabilities, streamline supply chain efficiency, and optimize logistics operations to better serve its expanding customer base.

Strategic Infrastructure Investment to Drive Long-Term Growth

This significant investment marks a crucial step in MVNC’s long-term strategic plan to solidify its position as a leader in the logistics and storage services sector. The new warehouse will not only bolster the company’s existing storage capacity but also enable the integration of advanced logistics and storage technologies. The facility will be equipped with modern automated systems with artificial intelligence engine to support high-volume inventory management and faster turnaround times, further strengthening MVNC’s competitive advantage in the region.

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Chan Sze Yu, CEO of Marvion Inc., said:
“This new warehouse is a testament to our commitment to expanding our infrastructure to meet the ever-growing demand in the logistics industry. By investing in this state-of-the-art facility, we are positioning Marvion to better serve our clients and seize emerging opportunities in the market. This project will not only enhance our operational efficiency but also increase our capacity to support strategic partners like FedEx, SF Express, and other key clients.”

Supporting Sustainable Growth in the Asia-Pacific Region

Aligned with MVNC’s sustainability goals, the new facility will incorporate environmentally friendly design elements, such as energy-efficient lighting systems and optimized insulation to reduce energy consumption. These initiatives underscore MVNC’s dedication to promoting sustainable business practices while driving growth.

The construction is scheduled to begin in Q4 2024, with completion expected by the end Q2 2025. The new facility is projected to generate significant operational synergies, contributing to the company’s continued revenue growth and profitability.

About Marvion Inc.

Marvion Inc. (OTC: MVNC) is a leading logistics and warehousing solutions provider based in Hong Kong. The company specializes in offering one-stop transport and storage services to business clients, leveraging advanced digital technologies and efficient inventory management systems.

Company Website: www.unitedksk.com

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SOURCE Marvion Inc.

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American Liver Foundation Hosts the 33rd Annual Irwin M. Arias Symposium

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Virtual and in-person event, Bridging Basic Science and Liver Disease, brings together hundreds of leading biomedical scientists and physicians from across the globe 

FAIRFIELD, N.J., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — American Liver Foundation is excited to host its 33rd annual Irwin M. Arias Symposium, Bridging Basic Science and Liver Disease, on Wednesday, November 20th from 9AM to 5PM ET. Hundreds of leading biomedical scientists and physicians around the world will come together for this prestigious hybrid, in-person and virtual, one-day event. Each presentation highlights remarkable scientific advances in basic biology and engineering while also providing cutting edge research for a better understanding of liver diseases and the best treatment options available today.

Bridging Basic Science & Liver Disease brings together leading biomedical scientists and physicians from across globe

This informative symposium features 10 unique plenary talks from renowned researchers such as Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and physician-geneticist Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, who led the Human Genome Project and discovered the genes causing several genetic diseases. He also served under three Presidents as the Director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest supporter of biomedical research in the world. He is currently leading a bold effort to eradicate Hepatitis C throughout the United States. Anne Carpenter, PhD, is the Senior Director of the Imaging Platform and an Institute Scientist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. She was included on the Top 100 list of AI leaders for her team’s open-source CellProfiler software that is used by thousands of biologists worldwide and their Cell Painting assay that has been adopted throughout the pharma industry to accelerate drug discoveries. There will also be a collection of three-minute ‘MicroTalks’ delivered by trainee scientists.

“This unique one-day annual symposium is a must-attend event for scientists interested in exploring innovative, groundbreaking research conducted in labs and the therapeutic treatments eventually delivered in clinics across the country,” said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO, American Liver Foundation. “Over the past 33 years, research presented at this event has led to many advances in the diagnosis and treatment of virtually all liver diseases in children and adults. Dr. Irwin M. Arias, recognized throughout the world, has devoted his life’s work to advancing liver disease research, treatments and cures and we’re so grateful for his expertise. Liver patients everywhere have benefited from his preeminent work.”

Symposium co-chairs include Sangeeta Bhatia, MD, PhD, John J. and Dorothy Wilson Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Institute of Medical Engineering and Science Department at MIT, and Wolfram Goessling, MD, PhD, Chief of Gastroenterology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Director of the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences & Technology at Harvard Medical School and a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. The overall programming has been designed to honor Dr. Arias’ founding commitment to ‘bridging’ the gap between the academic, industrial, and clinical research communities – even across disciplines.

“The burden of chronic liver diseases affects over 100 million people in the United States alone and is rapidly becoming a public health crisis,” said Dr. Goessling, Chief of Gastroenterology at Massachusetts General Hospital. “Unfortunately, we currently lack effective tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment for many liver conditions, so it’s vitally important to connect basic science research with the ongoing needs prevalent in many clinics and the Arias Symposium provides this opportunity.”

“Significant gaps remain in the understanding of many liver diseases and the fundamental systems involved in normal and pathological liver function,” said Dr. Bhatia, John J. and Dorothy Wilson Professor at MIT’s Institute of Medical Engineering and Science Department. “This scientific conference bridges basic science and liver disease while also nurturing successful careers in basic and translational liver research. The Arias Symposium allows us all to come together to share our research, encourage new trainees to learn more about liver disease and offers everyone one-day to learn what’s new and engaging in the world of liver research and science.”

The symposium is open to researchers at every stage of their careers, and they are encouraged to share perspectives from their academic, industrial, and clinical research settings. In-person attendees will benefit from a poster session and networking opportunities with plenary speakers and other attendees. Breakfast, lunch, and a networking reception will also be provided to in-person attendees. Registration is free for all trainees (postdocs, fellows, grads, students, undergrads, etc.). Registration is $50 for in-person attendees other than trainees. Virtual attendance is free but does require registration. Register here for this informative event.

This one-day virtual program will include topics such as:  

It’s Time to Eliminate Hepatitis C in the U.S. Francis Collins, MD, PhD – National Institutes of Health (VIRTUAL)Post-Transplant Alloimmune Hepatitis – What do we know and What’s New Udeme Ekong, MD, MPH, FAASLD – Georgetown University Detecting Liver Phenotypes and Toxicity Using Cell Image Data Anne Carpenter, PhD – Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardSpatial Clonal Tracing in Solid Tissues Fernando Camargo, PhD – Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyHolistic Multi-Scale Molecular Imaging of Human Organs Kwanghun Chung, PhD – Boston Children’s HospitalCell Identity Conversion – Liver Regeneration and Cell Therapy Lijian Hui, PhD – Shanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesDeveloping Cirrhosis Therapies: The Three Grand Challenges Quin Wills, MD, PhD – Ochre BioPediatric Liver Tumors: Clinical Context and Opportunities for Collaboration Allison O’Neill, MD – Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteUnderstanding How the Organism Monitors Liver Sufficiency to Properly Time RegenerationKristin Knouse, MD, PhD – Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCellular and Molecular Drivers of Liver Cancer Response to ImmunotherapyMiriam Merad, MD, PhD – Mount Sinai School of Medicine

For the full agenda, list of speakers, and registration, please visit alfevents.org/ariassymposium.  

In addition to the Arias Symposium, American Liver Foundation offers a research awards program in three categories, Liver Scholar Award, Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Award, and Pilot Research Awards that recently funded eight highly innovative projects into these rare diseases – PSC, AIH and BA. Since 1979, ALF’s research awards program has provided more than $28 million in research funding. Over 850 qualified scientists and physicians have pursued research careers in liver biology, disease and treatment because they received these grants early in their careers. Learn more at liverfoundation.org/research.

About the American Liver Foundation
American Liver Foundation (ALF) is a national community of patients, caregivers and medical professionals dedicated to helping people improve their liver health. Providing guidance and life-saving resources, we are a beacon for the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease. We advocate for patients and families, fund medical research and educate the public about liver wellness and disease prevention. We bring people together through our educational programs and events and create a network of support that lasts a lifetime. ALF is the largest organization focused on all liver diseases and the trusted voice for patients and families living with liver disease. For more information visit www.liverfoundation.org or call: 1 800 GO LIVER (800-465-4837).

Media Contacts:                   
Julie Kimbrough
JKimbrough@liverfoundation.org              
Direct dial: 646-737-9409   
Karla Thomas     
Direct dial: 773.575.9477        

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SOURCE American Liver Foundation

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Avantor® Opens New Bridgewater Innovation Center Focused on Solving Life Science’s Biggest Challenges

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RADNOR, Pa., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Avantor, Inc. (NYSE: AVTR), a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences and advanced technology industries, today announced the opening of its new flagship Bridgewater Innovation Center. The state-of-the-art research and development facility, located in Bridgewater, NJ, is part of Avantor’s network of 13 research and innovation centers across the globe.

Avantor’s new Bridgewater Innovation Center spans 60,000 square feet, doubling its previous laboratory and pilot plant capacity. Purpose-designed for collaborative work, the center houses spaces for upstream and downstream process development, dedicated analytical testing labs, and a viral vector laboratory. An expanded pilot plant supports scale-up simulations, enabling rapid customization across the entire bioprocessing workflow.

“Our new Bridgewater Innovation Center is twice the size of our previous facility and adds capacity, talent and capabilities to support the growing demands for monoclonal antibodies, cell and gene therapy and mRNA workflows,” said Michael Stubblefield, President and CEO of Avantor. “Working side-by-side with customers in our network of innovation centers across the globe enables us to power science at every step to deliver life-changing therapies faster, and more cost effectively.”

The Bridgewater Innovation Center allows Avantor to optimize and accelerate biomanufacturing processes at scale; resulting in faster problem solving, streamlined knowledge exchange, and strategic co-innovation. Staffed with Ph.D. scientists, bioengineers, biologists, and process engineers, this center enhances both capacity and expertise to support customers’ needs. The facility also supports Avantor’s sustainability goals, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

For more information about the Bridgewater Innovation Center, visit: https://www.avantorsciences.com/us/en/about/innovation-in-biopharma/avantor-bridgewater-innovation-center

About Avantor
Avantor® is a leading life science tools company and global provider of mission-critical products and services to the life sciences and advanced technology industries. We work side-by-side with customers at every step of the scientific journey to enable breakthroughs in medicine, healthcare, and technology. Our portfolio is used in virtually every stage of the most important research, development and production activities at more than 300,000 customer locations in 180 countries. For more information, visit avantorsciences.com and find us on LinkedInX (Twitter) and Facebook.

Global Media Contact
Eric Van Zanten
Head of External Communications
Avantor
610-529-6219
Eric.VanZanten@avantorsciences.com

Investor Relations Contact
Christina Jones
Vice President, Investor Relations
Avantor
805-617-5297
Christina.Jones@avantorsciences.com

 

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SOURCE Avantor and Financial News

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