Connect with us

Technology

Making Science Group Announces the Closing of its Acquisition of United Communications Partners, Inc.

Published

on

NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — United Communications Partners Inc. (“UCP”) (OTC Markets Group: UCPA) and Making Science Group, S.A. (“Making Science”) (BME Growth: MAKS) are pleased to announce that pursuant to the terms of the previously announced agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”) between UCP and Making Science Marketing & Adtech, SLU (“MSMA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Making Science, MSMA has acquired all of the common stock of UCP not currently owned by Making Science and its affiliates (the “UCP Shares”). Following the acquisition, UCP will continue to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of MSMA and as part of the Making Science group.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, MSMA has paid cash consideration of $0.0029086 per UCP Share (the “Merger Consideration”) to the stockholders of UCP, other than MSMA and its affiliates, in exchange for the UCP Shares. Stockholders of UCP are encouraged to review UCP’s proxy statement, dated July 2, 2024, for details on how to submit their stock certificate or book-entry shares along with a duly completed letter of transmittal to the paying agent so that they can receive their respective Merger Consideration.

The letter of transmittal will be sent by the Company’s paying agent for the merger, Computershare, and will include instructions advising shareholders how to surrender their share certificates for the cash merger consideration. In addition, the letter of transmittal will include Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (for U.S. shareholders) and a Form W-8BEN (for non-U.S. shareholders) for completion by those shareholders whose taxpayer identification number has not been certificated on UCP’s records. Current taxpayer identifier information or a completed Form W-9 or W-8BEN will be required to avoid the deduction of backup withholding from the payment of the cash merger consideration. Shareholders who hold their shares in registered form (ie. those shareholders who are listed directly on the Company’s register of shareholders, versus those shareholders who hold their shares through their broker) are urged to contact the Company at the e-mail address below to confirm their address for mailing of the letter of transmittal.

About UCP

UCP is a Nevada incorporated holding company that currently conducts its operations through its wholly owned subsidiaries; Tre Kronor Media AB, Abrego Spain SL and Effect Growth Media AB (former Tre Kronor Holding AB). Through its subsidiaries, UCP offers its customers advertising media, and other marketing and communication services for marketing and media within tech, data, CRM, strategy, and media buying, primarily in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland. The Company currently has 75 employees in the Nordics. Tre Kronor Media AB was in 2024 awarded the Agency of the year in Sweden.

About Making Science

Making Science is a digital acceleration company that currently has more than 1,200 employees and a presence and technological development in 15 markets: Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Colombia, France, Italy, UK, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Germany, Georgia and the USA. As a consulting partner of Local Planet, the world’s largest network of independent media agencies, Making Science offers digital marketing, Adtech and Martech, cloud technologies and software, and cybersecurity services globally, through delivery hubs that drive job creation and the availability of highly skilled technology talent.

Making Science is composed of 4 business lines: the Global Digital Agency with Technology, with 360 digital advertising services that integrate strategic planning, creative, data and technology; the Cloud, Software and Cybersecurity business, with cloud-based solutions that deploy data intelligence and a specialized cybersecurity team; the Artificial Intelligence and SaaS division, with more than 400 engineers and data scientists for the development of platforms and digital solutions with AI technology applied to marketing; and the Making Science Investment area, with Ventis and TMQ, as a line of business diversification and implementation of the capabilities of all areas of Making Science. 

In addition, the company participates in various ESG initiatives, including the Climate Pledge, the United Nations Global Compact and the Pledge 1% initiative, supporting non-profit organizations in its community with a strong commitment to making a positive impact in the future.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States securities laws. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release which are not strictly historical statements including statements identified by words like “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seek,” or “could” and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current views and are based only on information currently available to us. The parties do not undertake to update, whether written or oral, any of these forward-looking statements to reflect a change in its views or events or circumstances, whether as a result of new information or otherwise, that occur after the date hereof except as required by law.

All dollar amounts herein are in United States dollars.

Contacts:

United Communications Partners Inc.:

Anna-Karin Darlin, Chief Financial Officer
E-mail: info.ucp@ucpworld.com

Making Science Group, S.A.

Making Science Investor Relations
E-mail: inversores@makingscience.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/making-science-group-announces-the-closing-of-its-acquisition-of-united-communications-partners-inc-302230869.html

SOURCE United Communications Partners Inc.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

The AmeriFlex Group® Celebrates Record-Breaking Year Supporting 53 Advisor Transitions and Bringing more than $3.4 Billion in Total Client Assets to the Firm

Published

on

By

Award-Winning Hybrid RIA is Home to 206 Total Advisors in 29 States, Representing More than $14.6 Billion in Total Client Assets

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The AmeriFlex Group®, a rapidly growing, advisor-owned hybrid RIA that puts financial planning first, today celebrated the completion of a record-breaking year in which it welcomed 53 advisors and increased its total client assets by more than $3.4 billion. The AmeriFlex Group® ended the year with 206 total advisors in 29 states, with approximately $14.6 billion in assets under administration (AUA), an increase of 35% year over year.

The AmeriFlex Group® Founder and CEO, Thomas Goodson, said, “We have seen a significant increase in demand for stability during transition periods. From growing their practice to transitioning out of the business, our innovative programs provide advisors with the solutions they need to reach their goals, regardless of the stage of their career.”

Innovative Programming Driving Growth
The AmeriFlex Group® has long developed forward-thinking approaches and programs to address issues facing advisors.

The firm’s award-winning SuccessionFlex® program allows advisors to authorize a succession and continuity agreement with the firm that includes an option to sell 30% to 40% of their current revenue stream to The AmeriFlex Group® with no minority ownership discount.The AmeriFlex Premier+ platform — a proprietary, high-tech financial planning solution that equips advisors to deliver an elevated service experience and helps clients envision the outcome of their planning goals, leading to more informed financial decisions — opened to affiliated advisors. The AmeriFlex Group® partner advisors can collaborate with the AmeriFlex Premier+ team to create more share of wallet.The AmeriFlex Group® acquired The W Source™ in the spring, bringing in-house this unique professional platform facilitating women-to-women networking opportunities across industries on a local and national level. The strategic acquisition positions the firm to reach its ambitious goal of parity between men and women partners.

The Advisor Transition Network
In 2024, the AmeriFlex Group® launched the Advisor Transition Network (ATN), a national platform designed to connect qualified buyers and sellers of financial advisory practices. The network provides a confidential marketplace where financial advisors can transition their businesses. ATN has established a growing network of prepared buyers representing over 200 qualified advisors.

“By launching the Advisor Transition Network, we have delivered something so many advisors need – a straightforward way to sell their business to a qualified buyer,” Goodson added. “With more than 200 individuals and offices nationwide, supported by the experienced succession specialists at The AmeriFlex Group ®, advisors preparing to depart the industry may not have ever had a better option to transition toward retirement so seamlessly.”

For advisors considering initiating a succession plan within the next five years, The AmeriFlex Group® provides a one-stop-shop to build and execute a plan with the support of an award-winning succession team.

Jesse Kurrasch, The AmeriFlex Group® COO, noted, “Over the past several years, we have delivered customized succession plans that maximize the value of an advisor’s life work.”

Continued Growth Earns Industry Awards
The AmeriFlex Group® was named a finalist in the 2024 Wealth Management Industry Awards category for its succession program. Investment News identified the firm as the fastest-growing RIA in 2024, and Goodson was named the Executive of the Year by the ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES program.

About The AmeriFlex Group:
The AmeriFlex Group® is recognized as The Home for Hybrids® (www.HomeForHybrids.com) – BD/RIA Transitional Wealth Planners™ (financial advisors). The RIA is owned-and-operated by its advisor members and partners. Securities offered through Osaic, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through The AmeriFlex® Group®, an Independent Registered Investment Advisor. Osaic is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic. Insurance is offered independent of Osaic. 8475 W Sunset Road, Suite 101, Las Vegas, NV 89113.

Media Contact:
Haven Tower Group
Donald C. Cutler
424.317.4864
dcutler@haventower.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-ameriflex-group-celebrates-record-breaking-year-supporting-53-advisor-transitions-and-bringing-more-than-3-4-billion-in-total-client-assets-to-the-firm-302345246.html

SOURCE The AmeriFlex Group

Continue Reading

Technology

Aperture Announces Strategic Majority Investment from Genstar Capital

Published

on

By

Investment to accelerate growth for national forensic expert services platform through expansion across service offerings and geographies

ARLINGTON, Texas, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aperture, LLC (“Aperture” or the “Company”), a national platform of best-in-class forensic experts, today announced a strategic majority investment from Genstar Capital (“Genstar”), a leading private equity firm focused on investments in targeted segments of the financial services, software, healthcare, and industrials industries.

Aperture is a full-service provider of forensic expert witness services, providing accident reconstruction, premises liability, biomechanical and human factor analysis, construction disputes, and commercial litigation services. Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, the Company services over 11,000 cases annually across its client base that includes law firms, insurance carriers, and corporations. Aperture’s strategic focus on delivering unbiased expertise and fostering deep customer relationships has driven its strong growth, leading to exceptional client retention and customer satisfaction.

The Company has expanded over the past five years through nine acquisitions, diversifying its service lines, geographic reach, and customer base while building world-class operations, facilities, and technology intended to enable experts to better serve customers. Today, Aperture serves over 2,500 clients with 15 offices across the US.

Robert E. Joyce, Jr., CEO and President of Aperture, said, “Aperture is known for the world class expertise of our employees and our client-first approach. We are proud to have built Aperture into both an employer of choice and partner of choice in the industry, enabling professionals to better serve customers and build meaningful careers. Our partnership with Genstar is a testament to the platform we have built and positions us to accelerate our growth strategy, expand our service offerings, and continue delivering tremendous value to our clients.”

Matt McCabe, Director at Genstar, said, “We’ve been following Aperture’s transformation for several years and are proud to partner with Rob and the entire management team as they continue to scale and drive value for their clients. Aperture is well-positioned to achieve outsized growth, and we are excited to invest further in developing new and expanding existing markets, both organically and through M&A.”

Ropes & Gray LLP provided legal counsel and William Blair & Company LLC served as financial advisor to Genstar.

About Aperture

Aperture is a full-service provider of forensic expertise and litigation dispute support services in the areas of accident reconstruction, biomechanical engineering, construction, economic damages, human factors, intellectual property, premises liability, and workplace safety. Aperture’s headquarters is in Arlington, Texas, with additional locations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.aperturellc.com.

About Genstar Capital

Genstar Capital (www.gencap.com) is a leading private equity firm that has been actively investing in high-quality companies for over 30 years. Based in San Francisco, Genstar works in partnership with its management teams and its network of strategic advisors to transform its portfolio companies into industry-leading businesses. Genstar currently has approximately $49 billion of assets under management and targets investments focused on targeted segments of the financial services, software, healthcare, and industrials industries.

Media Contacts:

For Aperture
Chad Smith
VP of Marketing and Business Development
chad.smith@aperturellc.com

For Genstar Capital
FGS Global
GenstarCapital@fgsglobal.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aperture-announces-strategic-majority-investment-from-genstar-capital-302345197.html

SOURCE Genstar Capital

Continue Reading

Technology

Poshmark Announces Partnership with Loop to Transform Missed Returns into Resale Opportunities

Published

on

By

The leading fashion resale marketplace empowers consumers to turn non-returnable items into cash, doubling down on commitment to sustainability amid stricter return policies

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. and COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Poshmark, a leading fashion resale marketplace powered by a vibrant community, together with Loop, the leading commerce operations platform for Shopify brands, today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership that addresses a common consumer pain point — missing a return window or attempting to return a final sale item — by offering a sustainable and financially rewarding alternative to recoup expenses. Available to the millions of U.S. shoppers across Loop’s network of merchants, this partnership creates a path for consumers to quickly and easily resell non-returnable items on Poshmark, transforming a negative returns experience into a positive one while in turn creating new revenue streams for the merchants. This innovative resale integration is a first for Loop’s merchants, marking a significant step forward in the fashion industry’s efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Retailers are grappling with the rising costs and environmental impact of returns, where many have tightened their return policies to mitigate these costs. During the holiday shopping period from November 1 – December 24, online spending grew 6.7% (Mastercard), and the total value of returns between December 26-30 increased 8% year-over-year (Loop). What’s more, during those five days alone, there was over $67.6 million of merchandise returned to Loop brands, and listings on Poshmark with “missed return” in the description grew nearly 50%. This surge in activity has amplified the challenges both retailers and consumers face, but has also presented a unique opportunity for innovation to minimize frustration and unnecessary waste.

“At Poshmark, we believe shopping and selling should be simple, social, and sustainable,” said Steven Tristan Young, Chief Marketing Officer at Poshmark. “After observing an increase in Poshmark listings mentioning missing the return window, we saw an opportunity to create a sustainable solution. Partnering with a market-leader like Loop allows us to offer resale as an alternative, creating a more convenient experience for both buyers and sellers, putting money back in their wallets, and keeping more items in circulation.”

This partnership is another example of how Poshmark is simplifying the resale experience by pioneering new tools to help its community succeed, and comes on the heels of its sellers collectively earning over $8 billion on the platform to date. What’s more, this partnership unlocks additional desirable inventory for Poshmark’s community to shop from Loop merchants, including Rothy’s, one of the most beloved brands on Poshmark.

“In partnership with Loop and Poshmark, we are redefining sustainable shopping,” said Dayna Quanbeck, President at Rothy’s. “Washable and remarkably durable, Rothy’s products are designed to stay in the loop as long as possible. Now with our Poshmark x Loop integration, we’re taking a step toward a truly circular fashion economy. By transforming non-returnable items into resale opportunities with just one click, we’re empowering our customers to reduce waste and extend the life of their Rothy’s. We’re proud to be at the forefront of offering practical, sustainable solutions for today’s shoppers.”

Loop’s U.S. merchants interested in enabling this experience for their consumers can do so with a simple click of a button in their Loop account. Once enabled, consumers who are initiating a return through their returns portal will see a “Resell on Poshmark” button next to any items that are not eligible for return. One click produces a complete, pre-filled listing on Poshmark with item details — a strong improvement from the previous experience, where the customer simply faced a dead-end.

“Loop’s collaboration with Poshmark exemplifies the future of returns, where ease of use meets sustainability,” said Hannah Bravo, CEO of Loop. “Together, we’re helping brands and consumers embrace resale as a simple, single-click experience, supporting a thriving circular economy while driving meaningful engagement and value for all.”

About Poshmark
Poshmark is a leading fashion resale marketplace powered by a vibrant, highly engaged community of buyers and sellers and real-time social experiences. Designed to make online selling fun, more social and easier than ever, Poshmark empowers its sellers to turn their closet into a thriving business and share their style with the world. Since its founding in 2011, Poshmark has grown its community to over 130 million users and generated over $10 billion in GMV, helping sellers realize billions in earnings, delighting buyers with deals and one-of-a-kind items, and building a more sustainable future for fashion. For more information, please visit www.poshmark.com, and for company news, visit newsroom.poshmark.com.

About Loop
Loop is the leading commerce operations platform optimizing returns, exchanges, and reverse logistics at scale for more than 4,000 of the world’s most-loved Shopify brands. Through innovative solutions like Workflows, Instant Exchanges, Shop Now, Bonus Credit, and Offset, Loop helps global brands unlock cost savings, increase customer lifetime value, and retain more revenue. Its enterprise-level service delivery and breadth of integration partners make Loop the most agile and resilient returns solution for any retail brand. Loop has processed over 55 million returns and counting and has helped merchants retain more than $2 billion in revenue over the past five years. Learn more at www.loopreturns.com.

Media Contacts
Poshmark: pr@poshmark.com
Loop: loop@walkersands.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/poshmark-announces-partnership-with-loop-to-transform-missed-returns-into-resale-opportunities-302344744.html

SOURCE Poshmark, Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending