Collaboration Between Leading Brands to Advance Global Profiles & Engineered Systems

BETHANY, Conn., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LATICRETE, a manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, has acquired a majority stake in fuma-Bautec, one of the leading German profile manufacturers. Since April 2023, fuma-Bautec was the exclusive profile supplier of LATICRETE for the United States and Canada markets. The acquisition takes the established relationship between the two companies to the next level, expanding capabilities in developing profiles and engineered systems worldwide.

The partnership with fuma-Bautec builds on the LATICRETE legacy of manufacturing products of the highest quality for tile and stone installation systems, with now the capability to deliver aluminum and stainless-steel profiles with industry-leading precision in every region. Consistent color and finishing embolden the LATICRETE product roster while also dovetailing with the brand’s innovative color matching to grouts and sealants. The acquisition further underscores the LATICRETE objective of delivering the most comprehensive installation systems with a leading warranty.

“We are excited to welcome fuma-Bautec to the LATICRETE family,” said Patrick Millot, CEO of LATICRETE. “Their exceptional brand reputation and product innovation align perfectly with our mission to deliver premium solutions globally. With this partnership, LATICRETE is now the only player that can offer a full portfolio of premium solutions worldwide for tile and stone installation systems. We are eager to partner with existing and new customers in every region to accelerate growth with them in every channel.”

With LATICRETE acquiring a majority stake in fuma-Bautec, the remaining shares will be retained by the fuma-Bautec CEO Michael Demeter. As part of the LATICRETE Group, fuma-Bautec will continue to operate and expand under Demeter’s leadership while maintaining its strong brand identity and commitment to innovation. Globally, LATICRETE and fuma-Bautec will leverage their combined strengths to accelerate development and drive market leadership in every region.

“My team and I are very pleased to write the next chapter of our company with LATICRETE,” said Demeter. “We share the same values, both companies being a global family business and offering premium and innovative solutions in tile and stone installation systems. The synergies between our companies are tremendous, and as a shareholder and CEO of our new joint venture, I am confident fuma-Bautec with LATICRETE will be recognized as a worldwide player in profiles and engineered systems.”

For more information, visit https://www.laticrete.com.

About LATICRETE
LATICRETE is a leading manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry. LATICRETE offers a broad range of products and systems covering tile & stone installation and care, masonry installation and care, resinous and decorative floor finishes, concrete construction chemicals, and concrete restoration and care including the SUPERCAP® System. For over 65 years, LATICRETE has been committed to research and development of innovative installation products, building a reputation for superior quality, performance and customer service. LATICRETE methods, materials, and technology have been field and laboratory proven by Architects, Engineers, Contractors and Owners. Offering an array of low VOC and sustainable products, LATICRETE® products contribute to LEED certification, exceed commercial/residential VOC building requirements, and are backed by the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. For more information, visit laticrete.com.

About fuma-Bautec
fuma-Bautec is a leading manufacturer of tile profiles and accessories. With a commitment to premium quality and sustainability, fuma-Bautec offers more than 4,800 different products and cutting-edge technology for a wide range of tiling applications. Founded more than 20 years ago in Ludinghausen, Germany, fuma-Bautec is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of its customers and contributing to the development of modern infrastructure. Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial projects, fuma-Bautec is the trusted partner for reliable, cost-effective and future-oriented profile solutions.

Media Contact:
Sean McFarland, MA (412.851.3242)
sean.mcfarland@bld-marketing.com

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SOURCE LATICRETE

Company Focuses on IAM Expansion, Appoints Brian Claridge to Critical Role

CUMBERLAND, Md., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Provision IAM, a technology leader in Identity Security for Community Banks and Credit Unions, announced today a key enhancement to its executive leadership team by hiring Brian Claridge as Chief Technology Officer. Brian will lead all aspects of the company’s product and technology efforts including product development and delivery, Engineering, DevOps, and Quality Control.

According to Provision’s Founder and CEO, Jonathan Hutcherson, “Brian’s multi-decade experience provides us a deeper understanding of how processes, technologies and systems interact to deliver high-value software. I’ve been particularly impressed with his unique ability to design, implement, and maintain complex infrastructures which will enable Provision to advance rapidly and scale efficiently.”

With over 26 years of Technology experience, Brian was most recently Platform and Productivity Architect with Fireworks™ Software. There he played a crucial role in rearchitecting their infrastructure for a hosted CRM SaaS product, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security across all aspects of the application. Before that Brian consistently immersed himself in web development and IT operations in a range of companies including Workiva™ and GoDaddy™. His career is distinguished by a relentless desire to study, explore and adopt emerging technologies, languages, and processes.

“I’m thrilled to join Provision IAM,” said Brian Claridge, “the market opportunity for a right-sized IAM software product is enormous.” He continued, “throughout Provision’s 25-year history they have always been focused on product innovation and excellence. I shared that obsession and feel lucky to be joining such a richly talented technical team.”

About Provision IAM: Financial Institutions run hundreds of systems with varying user access permissions that require timely, accurate management. Plus, these permissions evolve constantly. Internal and external audits are conducted frequently to ensure security compliance. Provision Identity Access Management platform automates all access-related tasks to improve productivity, heighten security, and reduce audit preparation efforts.

Contact: Abigail Brewer, abrewer@provisioniam.com

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SOURCE Provision IAM

Foundation awarded over $1.6 million to community organizations focused on digital equity in Illinois and Nationwide in 2024

CHICAGO, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With the goal of providing reliable broadband, digital literacy resources and technology equipment for underserved communities across the United States, the Alliant Credit Union Foundation, today announced its 2024 efforts. In 2024, the Alliant Credit Union Foundation launched it’s Million Dollar Challenge, aiming to invest at least one million dollars in organizations working to close the digital gap. By 2024 year-end, the foundation has donated over $1.6 million to fifteen organizations nationwide.

The Alliant Credit Union Foundation funds were strategically allocated to charitable partners empowering local initiatives in Illinois and throughout the nation to enhance access to digital tools, and provide essential resources in rural, digitally challenged, and under-resourced populations.

“2024 has been a year of mission-driven and meaningful progress for the Alliant Foundation,” said Meredith Richie, President of the Alliant Credit Union Foundation. “From funding initiatives nationwide to facilitating technology access and driving important conversations, we’ve taken significant strides in addressing the digital gap. These achievements reflect the collective efforts of our partners, donors, and community members who share our vision of a more connected and equitable future.”

Some key grants from the Alliant Foundation in 2024 include:

$500,000 to PCs for People to expand their St. Louis processing center and purchase shipping trailers to run regular routes transporting devices and equipment from four of market locations (including Chicago).$250,000 to Digitunity for their Software Modernization Project a platform that will help states and corporations generate the supply they need to meet their Digital Equity Plan device goals.$250,000 to Compudopt for the Connectivity Chicago Project. The grant will allow the organization to expand their services and provide devices, education, and free internet to households.$100,040 to EveryoneOn for the Digital Connections Project to provide training and devices to individuals looking to enhance skills in the everchanging digital landscape.

Recognizing the importance of access to functional technology, the foundation hosted multiple events throughout the year to provide access to those who need it most. In February, the foundation partnered with EveryoneOn, Visa and with Nevada Partners, to open The Community Access Lab in Las Vegas’ Westside as a part of Visa’s Super Bowl Giveback Program. The Lab works to enhance community residents’ digital and financial literacy and foster Westside entrepreneurship. In the Spring and Fall the foundation partnered with PCs for People to host electronic drives at Alliant Credit Union headquarters in Chicago, a record-breaking 15,686 pounds of tech equipment was collected to be refurbished and distributed to populations in need.

The Digital Divide by the Numbers:

11.5 million American households without internet access, per the 2020 U.S. Census.1 in 5 parents say children’s homework cannot be completed without computer or internet access.$1 million+ Alliant Credit Union Foundation grants to foster digital inclusion within at-risk communities in 2024.

About Alliant Credit Union Foundation:
The Alliant Credit Union Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of communities by supporting initiatives that foster financial literacy, economic empowerment, and access to essential resources. As the philanthropic arm of Alliant Credit Union, the Foundation partners with organizations that align with its mission to create opportunities for underserved populations, promote financial education, and address the digital divide. The Alliant Credit Union Foundation is committed to making a lasting impact and helping individuals and families build a brighter financial future through strategic grants and community partnerships.

Media Contact:
Natalie Symonds 
nsymonds@alliantcreditunion.com
Sr. Media Strategist
Alliant Credit Union

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SOURCE Alliant Credit Union