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Concordia University Releases AI-Driven Insights into the Canadian Rental Market in Partnership with Equiton

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BURLINGTON, ON, Oct. 2, 2024 /CNW/ – New research released by the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University in partnership with Equiton, a leading private equity real estate firm, provides a fresh perspective on the future of Canadian rentals and housing affordability.

AI-Driven Insights into Key Factors Influencing Canada’s Rental Market examines the long-term effects of population growth and other trends driving rapid rent increases and low vacancy rates across the country. Written by Dr. Erkan Yönder, Associate Professor of Real Estate and Finance, and his team at Concordia, the report aims to support the policymakers, investors, and innovators working to address the housing crisis.

Key takeaways:

Rental rates will experience significant increases in major cities including Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary. Estimates indicate the average two-bedroom monthly rent in Toronto will reach $5,600 (a 72% increase compared to 2023) in under 10 years.More supply doesn’t necessarily lead to lower rents, defying traditional economic expectations. Rental growth in most major markets will continue to accelerate until annual housing completions reach approximately 6% of total dwellings. In the GTA, that is nearly six to seven times the levels achieved in 2023.In the GTA, annual housing completions must reach an astounding 11% of the total number of dwellings (nearly 10 times the rate achieved in 2023) before supply levels result in a reduction in rents.Elevated rent levels are largely driven by immigration. Findings show that a 1% increase in the share of immigrants in a market increases local rents by approximately 0.6%. Meanwhile, a 1% increase in non-permanent residents can increase local rents by 2%.Extreme demand is steadily driving vacancy rates toward 1% across Canada, adding pressure to an already serious situation.

“We saw a lack of in-depth analysis of Canada’s housing crisis at the regional level and felt the need to address that,” says Aaron Pittman, Senior Vice-President and Head of Canadian Institutional Investments at Equiton, which commissioned the research. “While the housing crisis is an issue affecting all Canadians, Dr. Yönder’s AI-driven forecasts make it clear that a homebuilding approach that works in one region won’t necessarily work in another.”

Earlier this year, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation identified the private sector as an important partner in addressing Canada’s housing shortfall. The government agency estimates that the country must add 5.8 million new housing units by 2031, 2.2 million of which needs to be purpose-built rental. However, Yönder notes, new supply has historically fallen far short of the pace needed to meet demand.

“Canadian immigration and housing policies have been out of sync for decades,” says Dr. Yönder. “This research helps create a roadmap showing where private investment, regulatory relaxation, and infrastructure improvements could have maximum impact in terms of creating new housing.”

Dr. Yönder says that he expects to reveal the details of more upcoming research in collaboration with Equiton later this year. The research partnership was made possible through the Equiton Research Fund in Real Estate at the John Molson School of Business.

Find the full report at www.equiton.com.

Dr. Erkan Yönder is an Associate Professor of Real Estate Finance and serves as the Chair of the Finance Department at John Molson School of Business, Concordia University. With a primary focus on real estate finance, Erkan’s expertise lies in commercial real estate and sustainable real estate. Erkan’s research has found its way into esteemed academic journals and have secured multiple grants from renowned institutions such as the National Pension Hub (NPH) and the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA). Notably, his research earned him the Nick Tyrrell Real Estate Research Prize in the UK and the distinguished Best Published Article Award from Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), a United Nations-supported initiative. Erkan has had the privilege of presenting his scholarly work at some of the world’s leading universities, including MIT, Yale University, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Cornell University. Erkan received his PhD degree in Finance and Real Estate at Maastricht University.

Aaron Pittman, SVP, Head of Canadian Institutional Investments at Equiton, is an Institutional Asset Management Executive with a history of applying a multidisciplinary approach to help global asset management firms realize optimal partnership potential with Institutional clients. Aaron brings extensive leadership experience with a focus on Institutional knowledge, acumen, and strategic and tactical initiatives which are applied to solidify an investment management company’s reputation as a high quality, globally competitive entity. At Equiton, Aaron is responsible for capital raise activities and business development as it relates to the distribution of the firm’s investment strategies to Institutions.

ABOUT EQUITON  

Canadian-owned and operated, Equiton is a leading private equity firm that delivers solid returns for investors. In addition to making private real estate investing accessible to all Canadians, Equiton is proud to educate and empower Canadians by funding independent real estate research, delivering expert insights, and driving advocacy as part of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Housing and Development Strategy Council.

SOURCE Equiton Inc.

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Technology

UST Acquires ISG Automation

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October 2, 2024

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Strategic move strengthens UST’s presence in the dynamic intelligent automation market while laying the foundation for further growth amidst new demand

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Oct. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has acquired the automation unit of Information Services Group (ISG), strengthening its position in the intelligent automation space and positioning the company for future growth in a dynamic market. The acquired unit is a leading provider of intelligent automation solutions, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), and automation technologies to help clients across a range of industries optimize their business processes, enhance the customer experience, and reduce operational costs.

Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm, said it has sold its automation unit to UST for $27 million in an all-cash transaction. Initially founded in 2017, the unit offers RPA software implementation, support, and licensing services. The unit has over 120 senior automation consultants and technologists across US, UK, India, Canada, and Germany. As a long-standing leader in the market, the acquired unit boasts strong partnerships with leading automation vendors such as Automation Anywhere, UiPath, and Blue Prism, and offers end-to-end services ranging from strategy and design to implementation and support. Furthermore, the acquisition will strengthen UST’s partner ecosystem in the intelligent automation space and allow the company to deliver a broader set of services to its clients.

This significant investment strengthening UST’s position in a critical sector that has the potential to transform industries, enhance productivity, improve customer experiences, and further build on diverse revenue streams. The move comes at a time when enterprises are seeking to scale and optimize automation across the enterprise and leverage these benefits for broader business transformation.

As the role of generative AI in enterprise automation expands, the acquisition will allow UST to continue meeting client needs while driving innovation and cost optimization. As part of the agreement, UST will onboard highly experienced intelligent automation consultants globally.

“Building on the success of the UST SmartOps platform as well as our current services and partnerships, this strategic acquisition represents a significant step forward for the UST Automation team, enabling greater intelligent automation consulting capabilities and allowing us to broaden our partner ecosystem. The move strengthens our ability to deliver a larger set of services to our clients, including business transformation, automation-powered BPaaS and cost take out capabilities. As the intelligent automation space continues to grow, UST is committed to expanding its portfolio of automation platforms, accelerators and AI-based solutions to meet the constantly evolving needs of clients and partners,” said Sajesh Gopinath, General Manager, UST Automation.

“Our former automation unit will benefit from being part of a larger technology services organization, UST, a company that we have known and respected for years – and one that has the resources and scale to compete in the intelligent process automation space,” said Michael P. Connors, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ISG.

About ISG
ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 900 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including AI, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,600 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For more information, visit www.isg-one.com.

Media Contacts, ISG:
Will Thoretz, ISG
+1 203 517 3119
will.thoretz@isg-one.com

About UST
Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world’s best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering expertise, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse innovation and agility into our clients’ organizations—delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com.

Media Contacts, UST:
Tinu Cherian Abraham
+1 (949) 415-9857

 Merrick Laravea
+1 (949) 416-6212

Neha Misri
+44-7341787926

Roshini Das K
+91-7736795557
media.relations@ust.com

Media Contacts, India:
Adfactors PR
ust@adfactorspr.com 

Media Contacts, U.S.:
S&C PR
+1-646.941.9139
media@scprgroup.com

Makovsky
ust@makovsky.com

Media Contacts, U.K.:
FTI Consulting
UST@fticonsulting.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422658/UST_Logo.jpg  

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ust-acquires-isg-automation-302265958.html

SOURCE UST

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Technology

ACQUISITION OF MERRILL TECHNOLOGIES GROUP ANNOUNCED AS FINALIST IN THE 23RD ANNUAL M&A ADVISOR AWARDS

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59 mins ago

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October 2, 2024

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Investment bank Charter Capital (“Charter”) is proud to announce the acquisition of Merrill Technologies Group by Arlington Capital Partners has been named a finalist for the 23rd Annual M&A Advisor Awards. The deal is a finalist in multiple categories:

Industrials Deal of the Year (Over $100MM)M&A Deal of the Year ($250MM to $500MM)Private Equity Deal of the Year ($250MM to $500MM)

The transaction was led by Charter team members Mike Brown, Partner and Managing Director, Zach Wiersma, Director, AJ Ebels, Vice President, and Keegan Ensing, Senior Analyst.

The winners of the M&A Advisor Awards will be revealed during the 2024 Future of Dealmaking Summit, taking place on November 19 & 20, 2024, in New York City.

“For nearly 26 years, The M&A Advisor has celebrated top M&A transactions, companies, and dealmakers. This transaction was selected from hundreds of submissions as an award finalist for the 23rd Annual M&A Advisor Awards,” said Roger Aguinaldo, Founder and CEO of The M&A Advisor. “This honor reflects outstanding performance among a strong group of very impressive candidates for The M&A Advisor award.”

For a complete list of finalists CLICK HERE.

About the Transaction
In January 2024, Merrill Technologies Group was acquired by Arlington Capital Partners, a private investment firm based in Washington, D.C.

“Charter was an advisor to Merrill for more than 10 years, so we were able to witness firsthand the evolution of the Company into a truly world-class defense manufacturer,” said Brown. “The strategic vision for continued investment in the defense industrial base, as shared by both Merrill and Arlington, became apparent during the first meeting between the principles of both firms. It’s exciting to watch the business through its next phase of growth.”

In conjunction with the acquisition, Arlington announced the formation of Keel Holdings, a new platform established to be a premier supplier of fabricated structures for the highest priority programs within the Navy, Army and Air Force. The Company was formed through the combination of existing Arlington portfolio company Pegasus Steel and the newly completed acquisitions of Metal Trades, Inc. and Merrill Technologies Group.

Learn more HERE.

About Charter
Founded in 1989, Charter Capital Partners is an investment banking firm serving the middle market, offering merger and acquisition advisory expertise in business sale and acquisition, capital raise, business valuation and succession planning. Our goal is to deliver superior investment banking services to business owners throughout the complete business lifecycle. The Charter team helps corporations, family-owned businesses, private equity groups and family offices optimize transitions from acquisition through growth to eventual sale. www.chartercapitalpartners.com.

About The M&A Advisor
Now in its 26th year, The M&A Advisor was founded to offer insights and intelligence on mergers and acquisitions, establishing the industry’s leading media outlet in 1998. Today, the firm is recognized as the world’s premier leadership organization for mergers & acquisition, restructuring and corporate finance professionals, delivering a range of integrated services, including the most active online community of M&A professionals called M&A Connects. www.maadvisor.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acquisition-of-merrill-technologies-group-announced-as-finalist-in-the-23rd-annual-ma-advisor-awards-302266004.html

SOURCE Charter Capital Partners

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Technology

Power Wins DPHARM Idol Disrupt, Building the Best Place for People to Connect with Medical Research Online

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60 mins ago

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October 2, 2024

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The First Digital Network for Research Flips the Script on Patient Recruitment

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Power, a leading digital platform for patient recruitment, was named the winner of DPHARM Idol Disrupt at the 14th annual DPHARM: Disruptive Innovations to Advance Clinical Research event, held on September 18. The platform introduced a novel AI-driven approach to deliver highly qualified patient referrals that align with protocol criteria, while supporting patients through each step of enrollment.

“Roughly 86% of all clinical trials are delayed due to an inability to recruit enough patients. By making it dead simple to discover and evaluate novel therapies, we’re hoping to offer patients a source of hope while reducing the time it takes for new breakthrough drugs to reach approval,” said Brandon Li, Co-Founder at Power

Revolutionizing the Clinical Trial Journey

Power is the first digital network for research, operating much like a Zillow, Airbnb, and LinkedIn—but for clinical trials. It offers patients an accessible way to explore treatment options, while helping researchers and trial sites recruit qualified participants faster than ever. The platform’s user-friendly design and AI-powered tools transform complicated clinical trial jargon into lay-friendly language, making it easier for patients to learn about and evaluate different trial options.

Pioneering AI for Clinical Trials

Power was the first to use large language models (LLMs) like GPT-3 to translate complex clinical trial jargon into plain English. In 2021—prior to ChatGPT’s release—Power developed an AI-driven process to make trial information accessible to patients. Today, Power’s platform processes data from 150,000 trials, rewriting over 50 million words into patient-friendly language. This automation replaces what would have taken 375 years of manual writing, with Power’s AI pipeline running every night to keep information up to date.

A New Era for Patient-Centric Research

In addition to showcasing their innovation, Power demonstrated how their platform overcomes a major barrier in clinical trials: building trust with patients. Over 70% of patients using the platform voluntarily share their electronic medical records (EMRs), enabling Power to perform pre-screening and AI analysis. What once took an average of 60 days now happens in just 1 day through automation. This unprecedented patient engagement leads to faster, more qualified referrals to trial sites and significantly reduces the workload for clinical research coordinators.

By providing clear and accessible information, Power has also made strides in engaging underrepresented populations. Today, over 40% of Power’s user base consists of patients from historically underrepresented groups, contributing to more inclusive and diverse clinical trials.

“Before Power, I used to spend five hours per day filtering through hospital and clinic records and reaching out to people who I thought might qualify.” – Clinical Research Coordinator @ Mount Sinai

Building the Most Important Network in Life Science Research

Power is driving meaningful change in the clinical trials space by focusing on what matters most: making life-saving treatments accessible to patients, faster and with less complexity. By bridging the gap between patients and researchers, Power offers patients a source of hope while reducing the time it takes for new breakthrough drugs to reach approval.

About Power

At Power, we make it easy for patients to connect with leading medical research. Every day, people use withpower.com to sign up for clinical trials, and we connect them with researchers directly. We simplify recruitment with a novel AI approach, delivering qualified referrals that match protocol criteria and supporting the entire process through to enrollment, making us a favorite among research sites.

For more information about Power and its disruptive approach to clinical trial recruitment, please visit https://www.withpower.com/ or reach out at hello@withpower.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/power-wins-dpharm-idol-disrupt-building-the-best-place-for-people-to-connect-with-medical-research-online-302265991.html

SOURCE Power Life Sciences Inc.

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