REE Automotive Opens New Engineering Center of Excellence

TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — REE Automotive (REE), a leader in e-Mobility, which recently announced its merger with 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: VCVC), today announces the establishment of a new state-of-the-art Engineering Center of Excellence. The new Engineering Center will expedite REE’s strategic plans to meet anticipated global demand for its breakthrough REEcorner and Electric Vehicle (EV) platform technology.

The Engineering Center will spearhead…

TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — REE Automotive (REE), a leader in e-Mobility, which recently announced its merger with 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: VCVC), today announces the establishment of a new state-of-the-art Engineering Center of Excellence. The new Engineering Center will expedite REE’s strategic plans to meet anticipated global demand for its breakthrough REEcorner and Electric Vehicle (EV) platform technology.

The Engineering Center will spearhead REEcorner and EV platform engineering design, validation, verification and testing, as well as product homologation. REE will also have access to world-class test facilities and a proving ground for physical testing and validation of the REEcorner and EV platform at the MIRA Technology Park in the UK.

REE’s unique CapEx-light manufacturing model will utilize globally located integration centers, creating scalable and agile unit economics. REE intends to assemble components at its integration centers, thus reducing Capex requirements, and expects to establish a network of 15 integration centers with the first one set to open in the US in 2021. REE plans to manufacture via a secured and exclusive global network of Tier 1 partners in over 30 countries, with point-of-sale assembly.

REE's P1, P2 and P4 platforms in the field.

Daniel Barel, REE’s Co-Founder and CEO: «I am excited to announce another major milestone for REE towards bringing our technology and products to the market as we expand our global footprint. With the recent announcement that we plan to go public via a SPAC through our merger with 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. and funding from long-term strategic investors including Koch Strategic Platforms, Mahindra & Mahindra and Magna International, REE would have sufficient capital to accelerate mass production of REEcorner technology and modular EV platforms. The first REEcorners are expected to be delivered to customers in 2022, with mass production beginning in 2023. This new Engineering Center is a state-of-the-art facility allowing us to accelerate our validation, verification and testing as well as product homologation.»

REE’s technology empowers global mobility companies with the flexibility to build electric and autonomous cars, vans and trucks of any size or shape, for any application, and any target market. REE’s proprietary REEcorner X-by-wire technology integrates all critical vehicle components (steering, braking, suspension, powertrain and control) into the arch of the wheel. This groundbreaking concept, unique to REE, allows a completely flat and modular electric chassis and provides customers with full design freedom to create the broadest range of electric and autonomous vehicles. EVs and AVs built on REEcorner and EV platform technology will offer more room for passengers, cargo, and batteries in a manner unprecedented in the industry. REE’s proprietary technology is agnostic to vehicle size and design, power-source and driving mode (human or autonomous).

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel Kt, Minister for Investment at the Department for International Trade: «The UK is the most welcoming location for a pioneering automotive company like REE thanks to our leading position in both CAM and vehicle electrification. The Government’s multi-million ‘Driving the Electric Revolution’ program, which drives forward new solutions in automotive power electronics, motors and drives, has played a major role in bringing this exciting investment to the UK. I wish the company every success in its new home.»

Mike Charlton, REE’s COO, who is responsible for the launch stated, «A key driver in our decision to establish our presence in the UK is the UK government’s forward-thinking vision and zero-emissions policy that perfectly aligns with REE’s goal of heralding a more sustainable, greener future for our generation and those to come.»

The opening of REE’s new Engineering Center at MIRA Technology Park in the UK – Europe’s leading mobility R&D location for developing the latest automotive technology – is anticipated to create approximately 200 highly skilled jobs in the next few years.

About REE Automotive
REE is an automotive technology leader creating the cornerstone for tomorrow’s zero-emission vehicles. REE’s mission is to empower global mobility companies to build any size or shape of electric or autonomous vehicle – from class 1 through class 6 – for any application and any target market. Our revolutionary, award-winning REEcorner technology packs traditional vehicle drive components (steering, braking, suspension, powertrain and control) into the arch of the wheel, allowing for the industry’s flattest EV platform. Unrestricted by legacy thinking, REE is a truly horizontal player, with technology applicable to the widest range of target markets and applications. Fully scalable and completely modular, REE offers multiple customer benefits including complete vehicle design freedom, more space and volume with the smallest footprint, lower TCO, faster development times, ADAS compatibility, reduced maintenance and global safety standard compliance.

Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, with subsidiaries in the USA, the UK and Germany. REE has a unique CapEx-light manufacturing model that leverages its Tier 1 partners’ existing production lines. REE’s technology, together with their unique value proposition and commitment to excellence, positions REE to break new ground in e-Mobility. For more information visit https://www.ree.auto.

About MIRA Technology Park
MIRA Technology Park is Europe’s leading mobility R&D location for developing the latest automotive technology. It is a national centre of excellence and located in the middle of the UK automotive sector, providing access to over 40 major test facilities and the UK’s most comprehensive proving ground. MIRA Technology Park is home to over 35 global OEMs, Tier 1 and specialist automotive technology companies. The purpose-designed campus creates a unique collaborative ecosystem, bringing together world-class facilities and skilled engineers, to provide a location for innovation and technological development.

Additional Information
This communication is being made in respect of the proposed transaction involving REE Automotive Ltd. («REE») and 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp («10X SPAC»). This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. In connection with the proposed transaction, REE will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission («SEC») a registration statement on Form F-4 that will include a proxy statement of 10X SPAC in connection with 10X SPAC’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by 10X SPAC’s shareholders with respect to the proposed transaction and other matters as may be described in the registration statement. REE and 10X SPAC also plan to file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction and a proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to holders of shares of 10X SPAC’s Class A ordinary shares. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE FORM F-4 AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. The proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about REE and 10X SPAC will be available without charge at the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, when available, without charge, from REE’s website at https://ree.auto/. Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus can be obtained, when available, without charge, from 10X SPAC’s website https://www.10xspac.com/.

Participants in the Solicitations
REE, 10X SPAC and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from 10X SPAC’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. You can find more information about 10X SPAC’s directors and executive officers in 10X SPAC’s final prospectus dated November 24, 2020 and filed with the SEC on November 25, 2020. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above.

No Offer or Solicitation
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or an exemption therefrom.

Caution About Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on REE’s and 10X SPAC’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond REE’s and 10X SPAC’s control. Forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere speak only as of the date made. New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for REE or 10X SPAC to predict these events or how they may affect REE or 10X SPAC. Except as required by law, neither REE nor 10X SPAC has any duty to, and does not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere after the date this communication is issued. In light of these risks and uncertainties, investors should keep in mind that results, events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this communication may not occur. Uncertainties and risk factors that could affect REE’s and 10X SPAC’s future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the business combination; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against REE or 10X SPAC, the combined company or others following the announcement of the business combination; the inability to complete the business combination due to the failure to obtain approval of the shareholders of 10X SPAC or to satisfy other conditions to closing; changes to the proposed structure of the business combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations; the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards following the consummation of the business combination; the risk that the business combination disrupts current plans and operations of 10X SPAC or REE as a result of the announcement and consummation of the business combination; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and retain its management and key employees; costs related to the business combination; changes in applicable laws or regulations; REE’s estimates of expenses and profitability and underlying assumptions with respect to shareholder redemptions and purchase price and other adjustments; intense competition in the e-mobility space, including with competitors who have significantly more resources; ability to grow and scale REE’s manufacturing capacity through new relationships with Tier 1 suppliers; ability to maintain relationships with current Tier 1 suppliers and strategic partners; ability to make continued investments in REE’s platform; the need to attract, train and retain highly-skilled technical workforce; the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; changes in laws and regulations that impact REE; ability to enforce, protect and maintain intellectual property rights; and risks related to the fact that we are incorporated in Israel and governed by Israeli law; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled «Risk Factors» and «Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements» in 10X SPAC’s final prospectus dated November 24, 2020 relating to its initial public offering and in subsequent filings with the SEC, including the proxy statement relating to the business combination expected to be filed by 10X SPAC.

Media Contact
Keren Shemesh
Chief Marketing Officer
REE Automotive
E: kerens@ree.auto  
M: +972-54-5814333

 

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SOURCE REE Automotive

New Study Reveals Powerful Economic Impact Of Corn Refining Industry

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — A new study reveals the immense economic impact of the corn refining industry, featuring a $47 billion economic output in 2020, working to strengthen rural America while producing a wide variety of value-added products and materials. The report…

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — A new study reveals the immense economic impact of the corn refining industry, featuring a $47 billion economic output in 2020, working to strengthen rural America while producing a wide variety of value-added products and materials. The report details the industry’s contributions to the U.S. economy in terms of sales, jobs, salaries, purchases, and taxes.

The economic power of the corn wet-milling industry results in:

  • $3.328 billion in state and federal taxes
  • 167,786 total jobs
  • $10.013 billion in total wages
  • $47 billion in total economic output

Corn is nature’s renewable building block and can be found in most products that comprise our everyday lives—shampoo, wallpaper, laundry detergent, yogurt, pharmaceuticals, packaging, pasta, and more. Annually, 10-15% of American corn farmers’ crops are refined in corn wet-milling facilities, where our nation’s cornerstone crop is converted into a valuable resource utilized all day, every day. For years, corn-related innovations in chemistry and technology have made food taste better, cosmetics last longer, pharmaceuticals easier to swallow and plastics environmentally friendly. Now, corn products are used in 3-D printing inks and studied by nanotechnology scientists as a method for delivering cancer treatments. From America’s corn fields to corn refining plants, new technology allows us to preserve resources for future generations.

«This report underscores the essential role America’s corn refiners play in our nation’s agricultural and economic value chain,» said John Bode, President & CEO of the Corn Refiners Association. «While our members represent some of the biggest names in value-added agriculture, they remain deeply rooted in rural America, where they serve as pillars of economic growth. They work to foster technological innovation, expand commercial opportunities, advance free trade, build the bioeconomy, and feed a hungry world.»

The economic study was completed by John Dunham and Associates. The study calculates the direct impact of the corn refining industry on jobs, wages, economic output and taxes at the national level. It also examines the economic impact on a state-by-state basis, as the association’s member companies operate 25 plants in ten states.

View the full report here: https://corn.org/economic-impact/ 

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein and fiber.

Contact: tparks@corn.org 

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SOURCE Corn Refiners Association

Fintech and NBWA Renew Industry-Leading Partnership

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Financial Information Technologies, LLC («Fintech»), the leading business solutions provider for the beverage alcohol industry, today announced a renewed strategic partnership with the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), the leading voice for America’s 3,000 independent beer distributors. Together, Fintech and NBWA bring collaborative programs and resources to beer distributors across the country.

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TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Financial Information Technologies, LLC («Fintech»), the leading business solutions provider for the beverage alcohol industry, today announced a renewed strategic partnership with the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), the leading voice for America’s 3,000 independent beer distributors. Together, Fintech and NBWA bring collaborative programs and resources to beer distributors across the country.

Since the relationship’s inception in 2014, Fintech and NBWA have significantly impacted the United States beer industry. In the last six and a half years, Fintech has welcomed nearly 150 NBWA members to its beverage alcohol management program and rebated hundreds of thousands of dollars to NBWA and its members. Fintech has also worked closely with Lester Jones, NBWA Chief Economist, to bring pivotal insights into beer industry data through Fintech’s InfoSource®, presenting the information through partnered content.

«For the last seven years Fintech has been an outstanding partner to NBWA, and I’m excited to see that relationship continue,» said NBWA President and CEO Craig Purser. «Fintech has been providing tremendous value to NBWA members for years, but that value was never more evident than during this past year. Their ability to help distributors execute safe, contactless commerce throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge help in keeping the supply chain moving forward.»

«We are honored to renew our partnership with NBWA. They’re a great organization, and they truly mirror our passion for providing cutting-edge resources to the beer industry,» said Tad Phelps, Chief Executive Officer of Fintech. «This relationship affords both Fintech and NBWA the opportunity to grow our networks and help distributors nationwide improve operational efficiencies and data insights.»

In addition to continued joint marketing efforts and participation in the NBWA Annual Convention, the new three-year agreement affords NBWA members a discount on annual Fintech support and maintenance fees. Additionally, this new contract doubles the existing growth rebate for eligible distributors as they grow their retailer network through Fintech.

About NBWA

The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents America’s 3,000 independent beer distributors who service every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Licensed at the federal and state levels, beer distributors get bottles, cans, cases and kegs from a brewer or importer to stores, restaurants and other licensed retail accounts through a transparent and accountable regulatory system. Distributors build brands of all sizes – from familiar domestic beers to new startup labels and imports from around the world – and generate enormous consumer choice while supporting more than 140,000 quality jobs in their home communities. Beer distributors work locally to keep communities safe by sponsoring programs to promote responsible consumption, combat drunk driving and reduce underage drinking.

About Fintech

Fintech is the leading business provider of affordable technology built to simplify beverage alcohol management for any business, of any size, that sells alcohol. We empower retailers, distributors, and suppliers by automating essential manual processes and data insights. With over 30 years of industry experience and unwavering dependability, Fintech delivers an immediate ROI to 635,000 business relationships nationwide by simplifying the day-to-day functions necessary to protect and grow alcohol margins. To learn more, visit www.fintech.com

FINANCIAL-INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. is the owner of the trademark FINTECH, the Stylized F Logo, and several other trademarks and service marks, many of which are registered at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The underlying software behind the services offered by FINANCIAL-INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGIES, LLC and content of this website are ©2020 FINANCIAL-INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. All rights reserved.

Contact: Misha Hart, 800.572.0854 x 3827, mhart@fintech.com

Lauren Kane, 703.519.3097, lkane@nbwa.org

Follow @Fintech & @NBWA on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

 

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SOURCE Fintech

Following An Unexpected Rebound In M&A, Businesses Are Banking On A New Kind Of Dealmaking For Growth In A Post-Covid World

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — 2020 was a volatile year for M&A, with an almost complete halt in deal activity in the early months of the Covid-19 crisis and a rebound in the second half of the year, when deal value rose by more than 30% in the third and fourth quarters. Bain & Company’s new survey of nearly 300 M&A practitioners shows that appetite for M&A remains robust, with about half of respondents expecting higher M&A activity in their…

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — 2020 was a volatile year for M&A, with an almost complete halt in deal activity in the early months of the Covid-19 crisis and a rebound in the second half of the year, when deal value rose by more than 30% in the third and fourth quarters. Bain & Company’s new survey of nearly 300 M&A practitioners shows that appetite for M&A remains robust, with about half of respondents expecting higher M&A activity in their industries in 2021. The survey also shows that M&A will continue to be a key strategic pillar for business, with practitioners expecting M&A to contribute to 45% of their growth over the next three years, compared to about 30% over the past three years. These are among the findings of Bain & Company’s Global M&A Report 2021.

«2021 promises to be a dynamic year for M&A,» said Andrei Vorobyov, a partner at Bain & Company and a leader of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions practice.  «Executives expect an uptick in M&A activity and that M&A will become even more important for achieving growth. To compete in this increasingly disruptive environment, M&A practitioners need to rethink their M&A strategy and roadmap; broaden their M&A options to include corporate venture capital, partnerships and minority stakes; and further digitalize their M&A process.»

The surprising increase in deal multiples

In addition to an unexpected rebound, 2020 brought a number of surprises to M&A practitioners, including strong deal valuations across many industries. With the pandemic taking its toll on the economy, it was natural to assume deal valuations would weaken, leading to distressed M&A. Indeed, that is what transpired following the global financial crisis, when deal multiples dropped by about 30% over two years.

But in the unpredictable year of 2020, the opposite happened. Globally, median enterprise value to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization deal multiples increased to 14 times from 13 times in 2019, underpinned by fast-growing industries, such as technology, telecommunications, digital media and pharmaceuticals. Unprecedented government stimulus, combined with continuing low interest rates, a spike in household savings rates, record PE dry powder and accessible debt capital markets, has contributed to sustained asset prices.

A growing urgency to divest

While Covid-19 placed unprecedented demands on management bandwidth, divestiture activity went to the back burner. Divestiture volume was down 15% in 2020, and value dropped by 21%. However, the crisis has added an urgency to divest as companies need to divert their scarce resources to the best opportunities amid increasing industry disruption. Roughly 40% of the practitioners Bain surveyed expect a rise in divestitures over the next 12 months, with the industries hardest hit during the pandemic, such as retail, energy and hospitality, likely to see the highest level of divestiture activity.

Bain’s research indicates willing buy-side demand for divested assets too. About 62% of surveyed M&A practitioners expect more interest in acquiring carved-out assets in their industries over the next 12 months. Meanwhile, private equity (PE) interest in carved-out assets is expected to remain high in the year ahead, with general partners under pressure to continue to put dry powder to use. Across industries, 30% of respondents anticipate PE to increase its interest in buying divested assets, with the biggest anticipated rise in advanced manufacturing.

A continuous appetite for growth and new capability assets

A few years ago, Bain identified an increase in the share of scope deals aimed at helping companies expand into fast-growing markets or gain new, mostly tech and digital, capabilities. This trend continued in 2020, with scope deals further increasing volume share to 56% of all deals more than $1 billion, compared with 41% in 2015.

Technology, consumer products and healthcare stand out with the highest share of scope deals. The need for new critical capabilities was at the heart of many recent scope deals. For example, consumers’ growing demand for direct delivery drove Target’s acquisition of Deliv, Nestlé’s acquisition of Freshly and Ahold Delhaize’s acquisition of FreshDirect.

Scale M&A continues to be relevant as well, especially in industries that are watching the pandemic hasten the disruption of their business models. Traditional media and retail will experience more consolidation as scale becomes increasingly necessary to compete with and outinvest digital competitors.

In banking and telecommunications, consolidation is also being encouraged by regulator support. In banking, the US and Europe are already witnessing the start of domestic consolidation, with such deals as PNC and BBVA in the US, Bankia and Caixa in Spain, and Intesa Sanpaolo and UBI in Italy.

Increasingly local supply chains

Covid-19 accelerated a number of M&A trends that previously felt years away. Among them, the decline in cross-regional M&A in favor of local or regional deals. The rising scrutiny on cross-border deals and ongoing US-China trade tensions have already been slowing down cross-regional trade for a few years. This trend is decisively accelerated by supply chain concerns exposed by the Covid-19 crisis. About 60% of Bain’s survey respondents said supply chain localization will be a significant factor in evaluating deals going forward.

As an indication of this localization, the number of Asian outbound deals into the Americas and Europe fell by 29% year over year in 2020. With overall deal value down only 2.5%, Greater China acquirers directed 93% of their deal spending toward domestic companies, with only around 5% going to deals in the Americas and Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This represents a sharp drop from around 11% in 2019 and roughly 25% in 2016, the peak of Chinese outbound M&A.

Virtual diligences and integrations

In addition to becoming increasingly local, deals rapidly moved online in 2020. Corporate M&A and PE teams have found themselves quickly adapting to the world of virtual due diligence, deal closing and integration. Yet, about 70% of M&A practitioners Bain surveyed said that diligence in 2020 was challenging.

2020 will also be remembered as the year ESG assumed a prominent place among M&A criteria, requiring the extension of target screening, the development of new diligence capabilities and the use of new data sources.

Industry perspectives

More so than in the past, the external environment in each particular industry is setting the boundaries for how much M&A companies can do. Technology, media and telecommunications all saw strong market capitalization increases last year, while energy and financial services saw the biggest declines. Below are some of the most notable industry-specific trends Bain is watching.

Consumer products: It would be natural to blame the pandemic for the drop in consumer products deal value last year, but it represents a continuation of trends that have been playing out over the past three to five years. Bain’s research shows the industry may be due for an uptick in deals—45% of surveyed consumer products M&A practitioners expect deals to increase over the next 12 months. The most profound change in consumer products M&A is in deal mix.

Scope and capability deals now make up 60% of deals greater than $1 billion. Deal activity for insurgent brands—those that significantly outpace category growth while simultaneously reaching minimum scale—has grown twofold to threefold since 2015. These trends point to a more fundamental change in M&A strategy as the consumer products industry reacts to low growth and historic disruption in consumer needs, channel shifts and competition.

Retail: The Covid-19 pandemic hastened the shift to e-commerce, increasing the importance of M&A in the retail industry. The retail M&A practitioners Bain surveyed expect M&A to contribute almost 60% to top-line growth over the next three years compared to around 35% over the past three years, one of the highest jumps among all industries surveyed. Activity will intensify for both scale and scope deals.

Markets are looking for scale, growth and digital performance. Nowhere is this seen more clearly than in the grocery sector. Increasingly, grocers are taking creative new approaches to deals. Some are buying or partnering to integrate supply chains, while others are partnering to access new capabilities and technology and to accelerate growth of new channels.

Technology: Technology M&A roared back from an almost standstill in the second quarter of 2020 to hit record activity in deal volumes and value in the second half of the year. Tech M&A continued to trend toward more growth- and capability-oriented scope deals, representing 81% of industry deals in 2020, far more than other industries. Most significant is the rising interest of nontechnology investors in the tech space, which now account for nearly three-quarters of deals in the technology sector, up from about 60% a decade ago.

Media: In media, Bain expects a flurry of new deals over the next two to three years, with the majority of growth in media coming from video streaming. Bain’s new research shows that there will only be a few winners once the dust settles in this land grab moment. Our data shows that streaming grew quickly in the first half of 2020, but that consumer demand caps at three to four subscriptions. The report also digs into the unique nuances of integrating media companies, especially virtually, given the criticality of creative talent in the industry.

Telecommunications: Following a steep drop the previous year, telecommunications deal value grew by about 50% in 2020. The industry also witnessed a changing deal mix. Despite fears that further industry consolidation would be quashed by regulators, scale M&A rebounded. Meanwhile, infrastructure M&A, a type of deal that’s unique to telecommunications, continued apace as companies sought to monetize infrastructure assets that command three to four times the valuation multiples of the integrated telecom operators themselves.

Banking: The banking industry is primed for an upswing in M&A activity. Valuations are dropping in banking, with average price-to-book value decreasing by 35% globally in 2020. Even after gradual consolidation, banking remains a fragmented industry across all key markets, with the top five banks accounting for only 30% of total deposits in the US, 40% in the UK, and 38% in China. Unlike many other industries, regulators are creating conditions and frameworks that favor consolidation. For example, the European Central Bank recently published guidelines for consolidation in the banking sector.

Finally, there is the impact of Covid-19. Despite government interventions, the economic fallout has caused banks that entered the pandemic in a weaker position than their competitors to weaken even further, widening the rift between the less healthy banks and those that have remained relatively robust despite substantial losses and lower capital ratios. The rift will create opportunities for stronger players to acquire and for weaker players with capital ratio gaps to look into their portfolios for potential businesses to divest.

Insurance: Insurers are streamlining their businesses to redefine themselves with a narrower focus and stronger core. Divesting of noncore businesses represented about 70% of insurance deals valued at more than $1 billion over the past five years. Buyers are taking advantage of these divestitures to strengthen their market position and step into near adjacencies. As there is still considerable uncertainty about how emerging capabilities will mature, many established insurers have chosen to access new capabilities with investments and partnerships. While private technology investments by incumbent insurers slowed in 2020 from their recent pace, Bain expects a rebound in 2021 as insurers build for the future. The continued market enthusiasm for insurtechs suggests that there is no shortage of innovative ideas and capabilities that could benefit insurers.

Editor’s note: To request an interview, please contact Katie Ware at katie.ware@bain.com or +1 646 562 8107.

About Bain & Company
Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world’s most ambitious change makers define the future.

Across 59 offices in 37 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise and insight to organizations tackling today’s urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development and the environment. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry.

Media Contact:
Katie Ware
Bain & Company
Tel: +1 646 562 8107
katie.ware@bain.com

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SOURCE Bain & Company

Berks County District Attorney John Adams Endorses James Gavin for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas

WYOMISSING, Pa., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — After more than thirty-two years of legal and trial experience, James Gavin is running for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County because Integrity & Experience Matter. In a testament to Gavin’s integrity and experience, Berks County District Attorney John Adams is endorsing his candidacy.

WYOMISSING, Pa., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — After more than thirty-two years of legal and trial experience, James Gavin is running for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County because Integrity & Experience Matter. In a testament to Gavin’s integrity and experience, Berks County District Attorney John Adams is endorsing his candidacy.

«Your experience in many areas of the law is exemplary and as a result, you will have the knowledge and the experience to handle varied judicial assignments,» stated District Attorney John Adams in a letter to Gavin.

James Gavin said, «I am honored to receive the endorsement from District Attorney Adams. Our District Attorney displays the perfect example of rectitude that our justice system was founded upon.»

Gavin concluded, «A Supreme Court Justice once observed that the personal security and interests of our citizens rest on the wisdom, stability, and integrity of the judges who serve in our courts. With my years of experience, I intend to bring wisdom, stability, and integrity to the bench, applying the rule of law to everyone evenhandedly.»

Gavin intends to bring his lengthy experience as an attorney and counsellor at law to the Court of Common Pleas and will serve the community with honor and distinction. He possesses all of the qualities necessary to serve the people of Berks County.

Gavin began his career as an assistant district attorney where he prosecuted literally hundreds of cases. At the time of his departure, he held the position of Chief of Trials.

While in private practice as a partner in the Wyomissing law firm of Masano Bradley, Gavin’s experience expanded exponentially. He remains grounded in a litigation practice, handling all types of cases throughout Pennsylvania. He also a broad appellate practice with cases in the Pennsylvania Superior Court, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

Additionally, he has litigated cases before various state and federal agencies including the labor relations boards, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

In May of 2020, Gavin celebrated his thirtieth wedding anniversary with his wife, Ruth.  Gavin and his wife have three daughters. In the fall of 2019, they welcomed their first grandchild to their family.

Contact: Michael Barley
717-576-6733

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SOURCE Committee to Elect James Gavin

youbody Launches First Waterless Body Wash

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — youbody, the unisex body wash line, founded by product development expert Heather Fritzsche, 2020 recipient of the Tory Burch fellowship, launches first-to-market waterless body wash system. With the knowledge that traditional body wash is made up of about 85% water and creates over a billion plastic bottles of body wash that end up in garbage and recycling streams each year, Fritzsche set out to create an eco-friendly…

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — youbody, the unisex body wash line, founded by product development expert Heather Fritzsche, 2020 recipient of the Tory Burch fellowship, launches first-to-market waterless body wash system. With the knowledge that traditional body wash is made up of about 85% water and creates over a billion plastic bottles of body wash that end up in garbage and recycling streams each year, Fritzsche set out to create an eco-friendly alternative that is premium, sustainable, customizable and charitable. In addition to using less water, youbody packets are eco-friendly and break down into clean energy in 120 days and are also sulfate-free, sulfite-free, paraben-free, and hypo allergenic.

youbody’s Starter Kit, comes with a youbody pod™, and your choice of five powdered, scented Essences to customize your experience. The youbodypod is a patented design which allows the customer to mix their custom blend of body wash right in a dispensing tool that provides superior lather and exfoliation. In the beginning of each week, mix 3 packs of youbody Essence together with water in your youbody pod™ and delight in your customizable wash that’s original and unique to you. With currently eight scents to choose from including Awake, Balance, Calm, Clean, Escape, Play, Simple and Wander, featuring superfood ingredients such as Caribbean Ginger, Icelandic Kelp, Pomegranate Seed Oil and more, there are literally thousands of premium combinations to enjoy. After your Starter Kit runs out, youbody offers a subscription service with free shipping for monthly or bimonthly delivery.

«I’m a real believer that businesses have the responsibility to make the world a better place. I really think youbody can do that by helping people embrace who they are, without stereotypes, and protecting our rivers and oceans,» says Fritzsche.

Water stewardship and sustainability are core values of youbody and with that in mind, they donate 5% of their proceeds to Water.org which provides safe water to families worldwide. youbody’s waterless body wash system is available now at https://youbodycare.com/.

Imagery available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/unasouodfo8bg8q/AADH5_GPynFg5ykgDK_feNxYa?dl=0
For more information: julia@michelemariepr.com.

ABOUT youbody
youbody was founded on the idea that body wash could be more than what’s inside the bottle. That it could leave the smallest footprint on our waters by using powder-filled packets that break down, instead of plastic that pollutes. And it could be fun to wash with, feel like nothing else out there, and always smell amazing.

Over time, we’ve kept adding on to our missions and features to give the people what they want: a product that’s good all the way through. Starter Kits are currently available at https://youbodycare.com/.

Media Contact

Julia Nicholson, Michele Marie PR, +1 (443) 745-5369, julia@michelemariepr.com

 

SOURCE youbody

POWERHOME SOLAR Announces Indiana Expansion

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — POWERHOME SOLAR, one of the fastest-growing American companies specializing in solar energy and energy efficiency services, is further expanding its presence in Indiana by opening sales and installation offices in the Fort Wayne area that will provide homeowners and businesses in northeast Indiana with a supplement to grid energy.

POWERHOME…

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — POWERHOME SOLAR, one of the fastest-growing American companies specializing in solar energy and energy efficiency services, is further expanding its presence in Indiana by opening sales and installation offices in the Fort Wayne area that will provide homeowners and businesses in northeast Indiana with a supplement to grid energy.

POWERHOME SOLAR plans to hire up to 100 employees in the coming months to fill warehouse, installation and sales positions. Walk-in interviews for installers, warehouse personnel, electricians and CDL drivers will be held on Feb. 17-18 at the new installation office in Decatur (2232 W. Patterson St.) from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. No prior experience for installers is necessary, as the company offers on-the-job training.

«Electricity prices continue to increase in Indiana,» said POWERHOME SOLAR CEO Jayson Waller. «Residents across the state are seeing how affordable solar is, and their hunger for renewable energy has led us to opening a second office to accommodate for our growing customer base. This also opens the door for more available jobs in the renewable energy market.»

The average monthly electric bill in Indiana is more than $120, per 2019 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, putting the state in the top half of the country among those with highest electric bills. Solar panels can be financed (in some cases, for roughly the same cost as your electric bill), and once the financing ends, so does your payment for solar, allowing customers to «own their power.»

The cost to install solar has decreased significantly in the past decade, with the catalysts being lower equipment costs and various government tax incentives. Congress recently renewed a federal solar tax credit of 26 percent on newly-installed solar systems through 2021 and 2022. Indiana also supports net metering, which allows consumers to sell their excess energy back to participating utility companies at retail rates.

Those interested in joining the Fort Wayne sales and install teams also can visit http://powerhome.com/solar-jobs or send an email to careers@powerhome.com.

About POWERHOME SOLAR
POWERHOME SOLAR is an energy efficiency company that provides high-quality American-made solar panels as part of a complete energy-savings package for residential customers. The company launched in 2014 in Mooresville, N.C., and today has more than 1,600 employees, including a commercial division. Operating in 11 states, it is ranked No. 255 on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America – the third time in four years that the company has made the top 300 of this prestigious list. For more information, visit http://www.powerhome.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact
Roger Kuznia
Marketing Manager, POWERHOME SOLAR
rkuznia@powerhome.com
704-622-6038

Media Contact

Roger Kuznia, POWERHOME SOLAR, +1 704-622-6038, cindy@cindymetzler.com

Cindy Metzler, Omm Media, 561-271-1389, cindy@cindymetzler.com

Twitter

 

SOURCE POWERHOME SOLAR

Novolex Adding Labeling to Plastic Products to Boost ‘Store Drop-off’ Recycling

HARTSVILLE, S.C., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Novolex® announced today that it is adding easy-to-understand recycling instructions to more of its plastic bags and packaging. The announcement comes just weeks after Novolex revealed plans to increase its capacity to recycle plastic bags.

Novolex, an industry leader in packaging and foodservice products, will add the How2Recycle® Store Drop-off label to products across its business units. These include products from…

HARTSVILLE, S.C., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Novolex® announced today that it is adding easy-to-understand recycling instructions to more of its plastic bags and packaging. The announcement comes just weeks after Novolex revealed plans to increase its capacity to recycle plastic bags.

Novolex, an industry leader in packaging and foodservice products, will add the How2Recycle® Store Drop-off label to products across its business units. These include products from Shields® such as poly mailers for shipping applications and security bags frequently used in the banking industry; and products from Hilex®, including the iconic «Thank You» plastic T-shirt bags, produce bags for conventional and organic items, and the Load & Seal™ Tamper Evident Deliver Bags, which are growing in demand as to-go orders increase at restaurants.

Novolex is a member of How2Recycle, a program created by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition to clearly communicate recycling instructions to the public. The program offers standardized labels that provide clear, concise and consistent instructions for how to recycle each product.

«Increased consumer knowledge is key for the success of recycling, and we are proud to partner with the How2Recycle program to help accomplish that,» said Erik Gonring, Director of Sustainability of Novolex. «People want to do their part for the environment, and labeling our products is one more way to help everyone recycle successfully. Better consumer messaging is one more step towards achieving a circular model for film products.»

In October, Novolex announced that it is investing in a new water treatment system that will increase its capacity to recycle plastic retail bags and other films collected through store drop-off programs. Novolex expects this investment to increase recycling capacity by more than 500,000 pounds per year.

The Novolex recycling center in North Vernon, Ind. processes plastics collected through a North American network of store drop-off collection points, commonly found at grocery stores and other retailers. Consumers can bring back plastic retail bags as well as other select bags and film, including produce bags, bread bags and newspaper bags. Novolex manufactures plastic bags from recycled films collected through store drop-off recycling programs.

To learn more about Novolex and its many products, visit www.Novolex.com.

About Novolex
Novolex develops and manufactures diverse packaging and food service products that touch nearly every aspect of daily life for multiple industries ranging from grocery, food packaging, restaurant and retail to medical applications and building supplies. The Novolex family of brands provides customers innovative paper and plastic solutions for their business needs today while investing in research and development to engineer more sustainable choices for the future. With more than 10,000 employee families, Novolex operates 56 manufacturing centers and administrative offices in North America and Europe, including two world-class plastic film recycling facilities. To learn more about Novolex, visit www.Novolex.com.

Media Contact
Novolex
Phil Rozenski
291480@email4pr.com
1-800-845-6051 

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SOURCE Novolex

Suite Dreams Package at Hotel ELEO Includes Breakfast, Valet Parking, Suite Accommodations and Sleep Tips

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hotel ELEO at the University of Florida, a 173-room boutique hotel nestled on the college campus, has announced a Suite Dreams package. Available all year, the Suite Dreams package includes a $30 breakfast credit, valet parking, a late 1 p.m. checkout, suite accommodations (complete with dreamy amenities, including white noise machines, L’Occitane aromatherapy shower…

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hotel ELEO at the University of Florida, a 173-room boutique hotel nestled on the college campus, has announced a Suite Dreams package. Available all year, the Suite Dreams package includes a $30 breakfast credit, valet parking, a late 1 p.m. checkout, suite accommodations (complete with dreamy amenities, including white noise machines, L’Occitane aromatherapy shower cubes and robes), and sleep tips by UF Health neurologist Dr. Michael Jaffee, a sleep medicine specialist at the UF Health Sleep Disorders Center. The package can be booked by using the code DREAM at HotelELEO.com.

According to studies[1], more than a third of American adults are not getting enough sleep. Hotel ELEO is striving to help travelers achieve a good night’s sleep by offering a relaxing environment in the suites along with a tip sheet with expert advice from Dr. Michael Jaffee, vice chair and an associate professor of neurology at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Because quality sleep has such a positive impact on one’s physical and mental health, including decreasing stress, depression and anxiety, the hotel offers the sleep tips for download on their blog at HotelEleo.com/blog. Dr. Jaffee’s sleep tips will also be shared on social media during National Sleep Awareness Week, which begins on March 14, the start of daylight saving time, when most Americans lose an hour of sleep.

The Suite Dreams package at Hotel ELEO is available now through December 2021 and includes:

  • Suite accommodations
  • Sleep tips
  • Aromatherapy shower cube by L’Occitane en Provence
  • Complimentary valet parking ($15 value)
  • $30 credit for Covey Kitchen + Cocktails
  • a late, 1 p.m., checkout time

The hotel’s 20 spacious suites create a perfect sleep sanctuary with temperature controls (Dr. Jaffee says temperatures between 60 and 72 degrees help maintain sleep quality), luxury linens, hypoallergenic pillows, white noise machines and premium cotton waffle weave robes to use during the stay. When not in a slumber, guests enjoy two televisions, QI wireless phone chargers, Nespresso coffee makers and in-room bath amenities by natural skincare brand L’Occitane en Provence. 

The Suite Dreams package can be booked by using the code DREAM at HotelELEO.com. For more information on Hotel ELEO at the University of Florida and to make reservations, visit HotelEleo.com or call 1-352-565-3536.

About Michael S. Jaffee, MD

Michael S. Jaffee, MD, is board-certified in neurology, psychiatry, sleep medicine and brain injury medicine. He has additional certifications in behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry, as well as neural repair and rehabilitation. Dr. Jaffee is an associate professor and vice chair of the department of neurology at the University of Florida, where he joined the faculty in 2016. Prior to his current position, he was an associate professor of neurology, psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences at the University of Virginia, where he served as the inaugural medical director of the Brain Injury and Sports Concussion Institute and director of the neurology sleep service. He graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1992 and completed a combined residency in neurology and psychiatry at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium in San Antonio in 1998. He later went on to complete a sleep medicine fellowship there in 2011. Dr. Jaffee served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a colonel. For more details, visit https://ufhealth.org/michael-jaffee/background.

About Hotel ELEO at the University of Florida

Hotel ELEO at the University of Florida, a 173-room boutique hotel, is located in Gainesville, Florida. The hotel is home to Covey Kitchen + Cocktails, offers flexible meeting and event space, features top-of-the-line equipment in the fitness studio. The hotel is in walking distance to restaurants, galleries, theaters, stadiums on the University of Florida campus and UF Health, the University of Florida’s academic health center. For more information visit HotelEleo.com or call 352-565-3536.

About the University of Florida

The University of Florida’s mission is to prepare our students to lead and influence the next generation and beyond for economic, cultural and societal benefit. Recognized as among the top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, UF is one of the nation’s largest public universities and the only member of the Association of American Universities in Florida. Teaching, research and scholarship, and service span all of the UF’s academic disciplines and represent its commitment to be a premier university that the state, nation and world look to for leadership. www.ufl.edu.

About UF Health

With main campuses in Gainesville and Jacksonville, UF Health includes six health colleges, nine research centers and institutes, 10 hospitals, including two teaching hospitals and five specialty hospitals, and a host of physician medical practices and outpatient services throughout Central, North Central and Northeast Florida. Our mission is to promote health through outstanding and high-quality patient care, innovative and rigorous education in the health professions and biomedical sciences, and high-impact research across the spectrum of basic, translational and clinical investigation. To learn more, visit www.UFHealth.org.

Media contact:
Jane Watkins
291384@email4pr.com 
305-235-8575

[1] Center for Disease Control (cdc.gov/sleep)

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SOURCE Hotel ELEO at the University of Florida

Khaled Salem, U.S. Senate Candidate Urges Israel to Take Definitive Action against Hezbollah and Hamas

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Khaled Salem, running for the U.S. Senate against Chuck Schumer in 2022, urged Israel to take definitive action against Hezbollah and Hamas. In his view, these two terrorist organizations not only threat Israel, but also the peace of the entire region. Salem, as an Arab who immigrated to the US decades ago, has a distinct and…

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Khaled Salem, running for the U.S. Senate against Chuck Schumer in 2022, urged Israel to take definitive action against Hezbollah and Hamas. In his view, these two terrorist organizations not only threat Israel, but also the peace of the entire region. Salem, as an Arab who immigrated to the US decades ago, has a distinct and extremely well-informed perspective on Middle Eastern politics and US policy. He also serves as CEO for American Human Rights, a New York-based organization. 

«Israel should end these two entities,» Khaled shared. «It would do them a world of good, while making the entire area more stable.» Khaled is disappointed and surprised that these organizations are located in countries that receive financial aid from the international community. He added, «This matter must end immediately, so the world can also cut Iran’s wings in the Middle East

Khaled also sent a message to Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the Egyptian President—and all Arab countries—to release all American detainees in Egypt and other countries as soon as possible. He encourages the Biden administration to make it a firm policy that there should be no American detainees in the Middle East.

The candidate then reiterated his main policy positions. These include calls for New York City’s mayor and police to intensify policing in the streets to mitigate the impact of violence and reckless driving. He would like the Mayor to consider suspending parking tickets so that restaurants can create outdoor dining spaces on street parking spots.

Salem again encouraged the new administration to issue an order to American embassies to stop discriminating against dual American citizens. Other key policy positions include:

  • Tourist visas to the US must require travel medical insurance for entry.  
  • Laws and procedures to reduce domestic violence nationwide.
  • A reduction in U.S. military activity and presence in the Middle East.
  • A policy that requires these regions pay for American military services.
  • The establishment of a home loan program for middle class single parents.
  • Free university education for American students.

Salem is running in the next general election, scheduled for November 8, 2022. Thirty-four of the Senate’s 100 seats are being contested in these elections.

Help Khaled build grassroots momentum by joining his fight to protect our citizens abroad.

For more information, visit https://www.khaled2022forcongress.com/

Media Contact
U.S. Senate Candidate Khaled Salem
518-348-6868
291528@email4pr.com 

 

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SOURCE U.S. Senate Candidate Khaled Salem