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Sony Exhibits at CES® 2025

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To create a future filled with Kando together with creators:

Showcasing its innovative technologies and initiatives to maximize the value of content IP under the “Creative Entertainment Vision”

TOKYO, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Group Corporation (“Sony”) will exhibit at CES® 2025, taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada from Tuesday, Jan. 7 (PST), under the theme “Creative Entertainment Vision,” the long-term vision for where Sony wants to be in 10 years.

Hiroki Totoki, President, COO and CFO of Sony Group Corporation took the stage at Sony’s press conference held on Monday, Jan. 6. Together with a diverse array of speakers, he introduced a number of foundational initiatives leading towards Sony’s “Creative Entertainment Vision” including new solutions that enable creative freedom such as a new vehicle processing system, and the latest solutions for spatial content creation. In addition to introducing initiatives in the field of anime to expand the fan community, Sony also highlighted projects for turning game IP into visual works, co-creation with music artists, and new location-based entertainment experiences as measures to expand the world of game IP from multiple perspectives. Among them, the production of an anime series based on the game “Ghost of Tsushima: Legends,” the launch of a new manga app “Crunchyroll Manga,” and the release month for the drama series “The Last of Us” season 2 were announced.

Additionally, with guest speaker Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the US National Football League, Sony shared the latest developments in the evolution of sports entertainment. In addition, Sony Honda Mobility also unveiled its EV “AFEELA 1,” for which it will begin accepting orders from 2025, as an example of mobility innovation.

Totoki closed the press conference by emphasizing that Sony’s “Creative Entertainment Vision” involves creators, partners and Sony colleagues working together, to create infinite realities for everyone that will spark imaginations and generate a boundless sense of Kando.

Sony’s press conference at CES 2025 can be viewed on its official YouTube channel:
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV95SMpTW-M

Press Conference speakers (In order of appearance)Hiroki Totoki (President, COO and CFO, Sony Group Corporation)Neal Manowitz (President and COO, Sony Electronics Inc.)Roger Goodell (Commissioner, National Football League)Yasuhide Mizuno (Representative Director, Chairperson and CEO, Sony Honda Mobility Inc.)Jonny Slow (CEO, Pixomondo)Thaisa Yamamura (Head of XR Business Development, Sony Electronics Inc.)Atsuhiro Iwakami (President, Aniplex Inc.)Rahul Purini (President, Crunchyroll)Ravi Ahuja (President and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment)Asad Qizilbash (Head of PlayStation Productions)Ashley Brucks (President, Screen Gems)Neil Druckmann (Studio Head and Head of Creative, Naughty Dog)

Booth Overview
Dates: Tuesday, Jan. 7 to Friday, Jan. 10, 2025
Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth # 20800

Main Exhibits
Based on its “Creative Entertainment Vision,” the long-term vision for where Sony wants to be in 10 years, the exhibition will focus on the latest technologies and initiatives to unleash the creativity of creators and maximize the value of IP. The booth is structured around the three phases of Sony’s Creative Entertainment Vision: “Creativity Unleashed,” “Boundaries Transcended,” and “Narratives Everywhere.” It also features an artistic expression of the future of creation Sony envisions, in which content is born and expanded through co-creation between creators.

New Vehicle Processing System that Utilizes Virtual Production: “PXO AKIRA”
This exhibit introduces “PXO AKIRA” for the first time, a new cutting-edge system that transforms the traditional method of shooting vehicles, by enhancing safety, reducing costs, and maximizing creative freedom. PXO AKIRA combines an advanced robotic camera crane with a custom-built motion platform, LED volume technology and an integrated digital twin tool to deliver an all-in-one solution for filming vehicles using Virtual Production in any setting. Additionally, the exhibit will showcase a 3D reconstruction tool that perfectly complements PXO AKIRA, offering the capability to capture real-world environments and transform them into immersive, 3D digital backgrounds.

“XYN™” Integrated Software and Hardware Solution Designed to Support the Creation of Spatial Content 
Sony Corporation announced today the launch of “XYN™,” an integrated software and hardware solution designed to support the creation of spatial content. Leveraging unique technologies in imaging, sensing, and display, “XYN” employs proprietary algorithms to accurately capture and reproduce objects, human motion, and backgrounds in real-world spaces, enabling efficient reproduction in a 3D Computer Graphics (CG) production environment and facilitating the construction of flexible workflows. Attendees can experience products and solutions currently under development at the booth.

*For further details, please refer to Sony Corporation’s press release and the concept video.
Press release: https://www.sony.net/corporate/information/news/202501/25-001E/
Concept video: https://youtu.be/WPBmlGIiAOE

LEGO® Horizon Adventures™ Brings the Music of mxmtoon Alive
LEGO® Horizon Adventures™ is a playful and light-hearted story inspired by the world of Horizon and made fully out of LEGO elements. Its theme song, written and produced by mxmtoon, further extends the Horizon franchise in an innovative way, whereby a teaser of the music video will be released at CES. The video leverage assets produced for the game by using Epic Games’ Unreal Engine to expand the game into animated content.
This project is an amazing collaboration with mxmtoon’s music that crossed the creativity of multiple teams, including Guerrilla, The LEGO Group, Pixomondo, and Sony. At the booth, visitors will be able to play the game and get a sneak peek of the music video, as well as to watch the behind-the-scenes that highlights the creative and production process.

Experience based on the theme “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle”
Aniplex Inc. is a comprehensive entertainment company with a wide range of businesses operating worldwide, including the planning and production of video and music works, primarily in the area of animation; game planning and development; theatrical production and distribution; and the planning, production and sales of merchandise.
At the booth, visitors can engage in experiences the themed around the anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, which is based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotoge published under SHUEISHA’s JUMP COMICS, and has over 150 million copies in publication. The animation production is by ufotable. The exhibit will include a photo booth that recreates the poster for the movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, the first in a trilogy of films that will be released in theaters worldwide in 2025.

Immersive Location-based Entertainment Concept based on “The Last of Us”
Sony is exploring ways to expand the value of content IP by developing a proof-of-concept for location-based entertainment with various technologies such as video, audio, and haptics to provide creators with new avenues for expression. At the booth, this future immersive entertainment concept features the suspenseful action-adventure game “The Last of Us” with high-definition video, 3D sound and olfactory technologies.

*The exhibition is also being presented on the online platform “Sony Square.”
URL: https://square.sony.com/ces2025/
*Images from Sony at CESⓇ 2025 can be downloaded here.
URL: https://www.sony.com/ja/pressroom/pict_data/event/ces2025.html
*For details of the announcement regarding “AFEELA 1,” please visit the Sony Honda Mobility website.
URL: https://www.shm-afeela.com/en/

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SOURCE Sony Group Corporation

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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

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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

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Aperture Announces Strategic Majority Investment from Genstar Capital

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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

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

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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.

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