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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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Uploadcare Unveils New File Uploading Widget, Uploadcare File Uploader v1

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Uploadcare’s Latest Innovation Offers Developers a Seamless, Secure and Scalable Solution for Integrating File Uploads Into Any Project

BOSTON, Sept. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Today, Uploadcare, a leading file management platform and content delivery network, announced the launch of Uploadcare File Uploader v1. Designed to meet the needs of developers building websites and SaaS applications with modern web tools, the file uploading widget provides an efficient and reliable way to integrate scalable and secure file uploads into any project.

“At Uploadcare, we understand that developers need a turnkey file-uploading solution to focus on what matters most: building great products,” said Igor Debatur, CEO of Uploadcare.

Uploadcare File Uploader sets itself apart with a range of key benefits to streamline the development process and enhance the end-user experience:

Easy Integration & Hassle-Free Maintenance: Quickly integrate into any tech stack with the plug-and-play solution that provides code snippets and instructions and ensures stable uploads without ongoing maintenance.Robust Security: Automatically detect inappropriate content and infected files, upholding regulatory compliance and brand integrity. Prevent unauthorized file uploads with signed uploads.Multiple Upload Sources: Support file uploads from up to 14 sources, including popular platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, Instagram, and more.Built-in Image Editor: Empower users to edit images before upload, including options like cropping, resizing and applying filters.Advanced Accessibility: Maximize customer reach by adopting the interface with out-of-the-box A11Y accessibility options.

“At Uploadcare, we understand that developers need a turnkey file-uploading solution to focus on what matters most: building great products,” said Igor Debatur, CEO of Uploadcare. “Our new file uploader not only speeds up time-to-market but also eliminates the headaches associated with maintaining and securing file uploads, allowing developers to concentrate on their core product.”

To learn more about the latest features of the Uploadcare File Uploader, register for a live webinar on Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. EDT / 5 p.m. CET. Attendees can view a live demonstration, have their questions answered and will automatically be entered in a raffle for a Keychron Q3 Max mechanical keyboard.

For an Uploadcare File Uploader 14-day free trial, visit uploadcare.com/uploader1. To learn about Uploadcare’s offerings, visit uploadcare.com.

About Uploadcare

Uploadcare is a leading file management platform and content delivery network, enabling developers around the world to upload, manage, process, render, optimize and deliver digital content for applications and websites via a powerful suite of APIs. The developer-oriented platform was founded in 2011 by tech enthusiasts experienced in web development and image processing that encountered problems with uploading and file management, who decided to create an all-in-one solution that worked at scale. 13 years later, Uploadcare has grown rapidly, garnering clients like PandaDoc, Buffer, UserTesting, Zapier and more. To learn more about Uploadcare, visit uploadcare.com.

Media Contact

Lilly Carrion, Uploadcare, 1 9546008860, lilly@palmerpublic.com, https://uploadcare.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/uploadcare-unveils-new-file-uploading-widget-uploadcare-file-uploader-v1-302257216.html

SOURCE Uploadcare

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Washington Tech Workforce Coalition Forms to Meet the Need for Diverse, Highly Skilled Candidates for In-Demand Tech Jobs

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Industry leaders, educators and community organizations invited to join this important initiative 

SEATTLE, Sept. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Washington Tech Workforce Coalition (WTWC) proudly announces its launch, marking a significant step toward addressing the growing demand for technology roles across multiple industries. The Coalition will hold its first convening on Oct. 29, 2024 from 2-7pm at the AWS Skills Center in Seattle.  

The Coalition focuses on creating opportunities for underserved and underrepresented populations while fostering a collaborative space where industry leaders, educators, training partners, community partners, and government agencies work together to meet workforce demands and facilitate job placements. The Coalition’s new website, watechcoalition.org, is the hub of this network where partners can join the Coalition, sign up for committees, read updates, find best practices and track outcomes.  

Vision
The Washington Tech Workforce Coalition envisions an enduring ecosystem designed to bridge workforce gaps and advance workers’ skills in Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, IT & Cloud Computing, and Software Development. 

Key responsibilities include: 

Developing a talent pipeline responsive to industry needs.Closing the skills gap by creating technical and professional skills development programs.Connecting high-quality candidates with internships and full-time jobs to meet employer needs.Building relationships and credibility with workforce system stakeholders.

The Coalition is supported by industry experts AWS and Accenture, led by Computing for All, in collaboration with the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA), and committed employers throughout Washington State. These members form the core of the Industry Advisory Committee. 

Coalition Partners
The Washington Tech Workforce Coalition includes a network of fourteen placement providers and subrecipients that will help launch 1,000 careers in technology roles by October 2025.  

Placement Providers will offer various services, including community and employer engagement, candidate training, support, and job placement. Placement Providers include Ada Developers Academy, CodeDay, Per Scholas, PNW Cyber Challenge Games, Riipen and North Seattle College, Saint Martin’s University (Washington Vets2Tech), and Year Up. 

These placement providers join the Coalition’s subrecipients (below) involved in strategic efforts to develop outreach and alignment with underserved communities, education, and employers.  Subrecipients include Career Connect Southwest STEM Regional Network, Center of Excellence for Information & Computing Technology (COEICT), Evergreen Goodwill, King Pierce Regional Network / Washington Alliance for Better Schools (WABS), North Central Regional Network, Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI), and Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA).  

Collectively, these grant partners build and expand training programs and job placement pipelines across the state. 

Structure
Initial funding for the Coalition is from the US Department of Commerce Good Jobs Challenge grant.  Implementation is through the Washington Jobs Initiative managed by Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC). Computing for All, a 501(c)(3) technology education nonprofit organization manages the Coalition, building alignment among community, education, and industry partners to align training and job opportunities while uniting and lifting our local economies.   
The launch of the Coalition underscores all the members’ dedication to leveraging resources, applying best practices, and fostering a shared vision for talent development in technology.  

For more information on the Coalition and to learn how to get involved, visit watechcoalition.org

CONTACT: press@watechcoalition.org

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/washington-tech-workforce-coalition-forms-to-meet-the-need-for-diverse-highly-skilled-candidates-for-in-demand-tech-jobs-302257526.html

SOURCE Computing for All

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WCG Improves Clinical Trial Adjudication with Enhanced AIMS Solution

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PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — WCG, the global leader in providing solutions that measurably improve and accelerate clinical research, is excited to announce the latest advancement in the WCG ClinSphere™ platform with the addition of an interactive adjudication model in its Adjudication Information Management System (AIMS®) solution. Specifically designed to simplify and streamline the adjudication process for clinical trials, AIMS improves efficiency, compliance, and data accuracy.

The new interactive adjudication model feature allows adjudication committee members to review all relevant clinical data for a subject within a single interactive screen, making review of lengthy subject data listings a thing of the past. Initially developed for use for adjudication within complex multiple myeloma trials, this application is now optimized for use across any therapeutic area and trial design. It is poised to become the new industry standard for clinical trial adjudication, addressing the growing complexity and volume of trials requiring expert adjudication.

“We are thrilled to offer a solution that not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures accuracy and compliance for clinical trial adjudication,” said Mark McDonald, president, Review Solutions at WCG. “AIMS empowers clinical teams to navigate the adjudication process with ease, allowing for faster decision-making and better trial outcomes.”

Key Features of the Enhancements to WCG’s AIMS Solution:

Interactive Data Review (IDR): A new user interface providing an interactive and intuitive view of clinical trial data across a subject, including automatic data change flags, resulting in increased clarity for adjudicators.

Multi-Record Per Case Adjudication: Review multiple records or data points simultaneously to streamline decision-making and reduce human error.

Real-Time Reporting and Insights: Access real-time reports, ensuring up-to-date adjudication oversight and informed decision-making.

21 CFR Part 11 Compliance: Ensure regulatory compliance with a comprehensive audit trail and built-in validation.

Built-In DICOM Imaging Viewer & Redaction Tools: Facilitate secure and efficient review of medical images and sensitive trial data.

“We recognize the unique challenges sponsors face to meet the adjudication needs of increasingly complex clinical trials,” added McDonald. “AIMS enhances not only the quality of adjudication but also the satisfaction of all stakeholders involved in the trial process.”

To learn more about AIMS, visit https://www.wcgclinical.com/technologies/aims/.

About WCG

WCG is a global leader of solutions that measurably improve and accelerate clinical research. Biopharmaceutical and medical device companies, contract research organizations (CROs), research institutions, and sites partner with us for our unmatched expertise, data intelligence, and purpose-built technology to make informed decisions and optimize study outcomes, while maintaining the highest standards of human participant protection. WCG raises the bar by pioneering new concepts, reimagining processes, fostering compliance and safety, and empowering those who perform clinical trials to accelerate the delivery of medical therapies and devices that improve lives. For more information, please visit wcgclinical.com or follow us on LinkedIn or X @WCGClinical.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wcg-improves-clinical-trial-adjudication-with-enhanced-aims-solution-302257525.html

SOURCE WCG

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