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Novamont adquiere BioBag y fortalece su liderazgo y presencia global

NOVARA, Italia y ASKIM, Noruega, 12 de enero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Novamont de Italia, líder mundial en el desarrollo y producción de bioquímicos y bioplásticos compostables, anunció hoy que ha adquirido BioBag Group, un proveedor líder de soluciones de bajo impacto para la recolección y empaque de residuos con sede en Noruega.

<img id="prnejpgf9a6left" title="Novamont Logo" border="0" alt="Novamont Logo" align="middle"…

La adquisición permitirá que Novamont se beneficie de la distribución independiente altamente especializada de BioBag en áreas donde el comprador está menos presente. Las dos empresas podrán ofrecer al mercado un conjunto de soluciones más completo y crear alianzas duraderas con partes interesadas clave, como grandes actores de las ventas minoristas y comunidades. Juntos planean construir aún más instalaciones de demostración (proyectos innovadores que mejoren los sistemas de recolección y compostaje diferenciados de los residuos orgánicos), especialmente en América del Norte, los países escandinavos, Europa Oriental y Australia.

La transacción es un paso importante en un viaje colaborativo que comenzó hace 25 años. La visión original de Novamont en la década de 1990 era construir una cadena de valor integrada para los bioplásticos y los bioquímicos vinculada con el inicio y la mejora de la recolección diferenciada de los residuos orgánicos. Esto se convirtió en un punto de partida monumental para lo que ahora se denomina bioeconomía circular, a la que tanto Novamont como BioBag han hecho importantes contribuciones.

Existen tres razones que hacen que la adquisición sea particularmente adecuada:

Sólida compatibilidad cultural desarrollada durante dos décadas de asociación, que ha llevado a una visión armoniosa y a valores compartidos, así como a la integración de equipos en torno a proyectos comunes destinados a crear un modelo circular de bioeconomía centrado en la salud del suelo y la regeneración de las áreas locales.
Una cadena de valor altamente complementaria:
a. Novamont se enfoca principalmente en las fases previas a la producción, y ha desarrollado la cadena de suministro para Mater-Bi que abarca desde materias primas agrícolas hasta monómeros biológicos, bioplásticos y formulaciones de bajo impacto. Ha llevado sus materiales al mercado a través de aplicaciones que requieren biodegradabilidad en instalaciones de compostaje y suelo. La estrecha colaboración con grandes actores de las ventas minoristas y las comunidades locales interesadas en soluciones innovadoras de bajo impacto ha reducido el uso de plásticos tradicionales y la acumulación de microplásticos en el medioambiente.

b. BioBag está enfocado en las fases posteriores a la producción. El Grupo es pionero en el desarrollo y distribución de una amplia gama de aplicaciones compostables que se han iniciado en los países escandinavos y se especializa en una serie de servicios de soporte para estas aplicaciones. BioBag también ha desarrollado una plataforma de comercio electrónico en crecimiento, que es un importante canal de mercado para sus aplicaciones existentes y para la gama expandida de productos que derivarán de las innovaciones y la integración de Novamont en fases previas.
Capacidades de servicio reforzadas para los socios y clientes de Novamont: BioBag es una empresa de marketing y distribución para aplicaciones de bajo impacto, que ya está y estará cada vez más al servicio de los socios de Novamont a lo largo de la cadena de suministro, ayudando a maximizar las oportunidades de desarrollo de productos y expansión geográfica. BioBag también aporta al mercado aplicaciones diferentes y complementarias para Mater-Bi, ampliando así la oferta conjunta y dando el máximo apoyo de servicio al sector minorista y a otros.

Novamont se ha expandido considerablemente en la última década, en particular a través del crecimiento interno, mediante la adquisición y la regeneración de sitios industriales obsoletos. Esta transacción permitirá a Novamont ampliar aún más su negocio de bioplásticos compostables a Europa septentrional y oriental, América del Norte y Australia. BioBag seguirá funcionando como una organización independiente, con el mismo equipo de liderazgo que ha logrado excelentes resultados en los últimos años.

Catia Bastioli, directora ejecutiva de Novamont, afirmó: «Este acuerdo permite a Novamont expandir su modelo de bioeconomía circular. Al sumar nuestras mejores habilidades y energías e integrar completamente nuestras cadenas de suministro, podemos atender mejor a nuestros socios en las fases previas y posteriores a la producción, a la vez que aceleramos aún más las soluciones circulares para los diferentes sectores del mercado y para las comunidades que comparten nuestro objetivo de producir más con menos».

El director ejecutivo de BioBag, Kjell Ivar Bache, está muy satisfecho con los nuevos propietarios y ve la adquisición como un logro: «Hemos sido socios cercanos de Novamont durante décadas y para BioBag esto es como volver a casa. De la mano de Novamont, BioBag pasa a ser parte de una empresa de bioplásticos y bioquímicos líder a nivel mundial. Esto permitirá un mayor crecimiento internacional conjunto. ¡En verdad, estamos muy entusiasmados!» , manifestó el señor Bache.

Los asesores involucrados por parte del comprador fueron Hi.Lex y Hjort para los asuntos legales y PWC para los asuntos financieros, fiscales y laborales, mientras que los consejeros del vendedor fueron Bryan Garnier en fusiones y adquisiciones y Wiersholm para los asuntos legales.

Novamont es uno de los grupos líderes a nivel mundial en el desarrollo y fabricación de bioproductos biodegradables a través de la integración de la química, la agricultura y el medioambiente. Los principales campos de aplicación de los bioproductos de la empresa son empaques, recolección diferenciada de residuos orgánicos, compras al por menor, vajilla desechable, agricultura, lubricantes, cosmética, higiene y productos farmacéuticos. Novamont tiene su sede central en Novara (cerca de Milán), una cartera de 1.800 patentes, 600 personas que trabajan en cuatro plantas de producción y dos centros de investigación en Italia, y una rotación global de €270 millones (a 2019). El grupo tiene oficinas comerciales en Alemania, Francia, España y los Estados Unidos y opera a través de sus propios distribuidores en 40 países. La investigación y el desarrollo representan el 5 % de sus ingresos y el 20 % de su fuerza laboral. Se han desarrollado materiales que pueden biodegradarse completamente en el suelo y el agua para aquellas aplicaciones con un alto riesgo de dispersión en el medio ambiente. Novamont es un socio fundamental de la iniciativa de alimentos de Ellen MacArthur Foundation, miembro de su red CE100, y signatario de su iniciativa de Economía de Nuevos Plásticos dirigida a replantear los sistemas de empaques plásticos a nivel mundial. En 2020, la empresa recibió la prestigiosa certificación «B Corp» con una clasificación de alto nivel, y se ha unido a la red del Pacto Global de las Naciones Unidas, una plataforma de liderazgo para el desarrollo e implementación de políticas y prácticas corporativas responsables .

BioBag International es un grupo líder mundial de empresas que trabajan en el desarrollo, la producción y la comercialización de aplicaciones compostables y biodegradables certificadas. La gama de productos de BioBag es la más completa y extensa del mercado. Los principales objetivos de la empresa combinan la atención en la calidad de los productos existentes y la innovación con nuevos productos y conceptos. El grupo se encuentra entre los fabricantes líderes de empaques ecológicos del norte de Europa. Además de las aplicaciones biodegradables y compostables, el Grupo aporta al mercado productos basados en material reciclado posconsumo (PCR por sus siglas en inglés) de la marca GreenPolly. BioBag ha diseñado un enfoque dirigido a asociarse con empresas alineadas sinérgicamente en todo el mundo a fin de llegar a miles de clientes a nivel global. La principal estrategia detrás del concepto de asociación de la empresa es «pensar a nivel global y actuar a nivel local», y su misión es resolver los desafíos de los residuos a través de soluciones sostenibles. Con una facturación de €41 millones y 135 empleados, BioBag está ubicado en Askim, Noruega, tiene una importante planta de producción en Estonia, y cuenta con subsidiarias en Suecia, Dinamarca, Irlanda, Finlandia, Polonia, Australia, Canadá, Estados Unidos y representantes en muchos países.

Para consultas de los medios de comunicación :

Francesca De Sanctis
NOVAMONT
+39 340 1166426
francesca.desanctis@novamont.com.

Andrea Gianotti (Sr.)
Relaciones con
los medios de comunicación internacionales de NOVAMONT +44 (0)7825 892 640
giannotti@reenewpr.uk
andrea.giannotti@external.novamont.com.

Kjell Ivar Bache
BIOBAG
+47 90772558
kib@biobagworld.com

Birgitte Enghave Marketing de
BIOBAG
birgitte@biobagworld.com.

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FUENTE Novamont

NIH study suggests using cannabis while trying to conceive may reduce pregnancy chances

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Women who use marijuana could have a more difficult time conceiving a child than women who do not use marijuana, suggests a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health. Marijuana use among the women’s partners—which could have influenced conception rates—was not studied. The researchers were led by Sunni L. Mumford, Ph.D., of the Epidemiology Branch in NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver…

The women were part of a larger group trying to conceive after one or two prior miscarriages. Women who said they used cannabis products—marijuana or hashish—in the weeks before pregnancy, or who had positive urine tests for cannabis use, were around 40% less likely to conceive per monthly cycle than women who did not use cannabis. The authors noted that although the findings suggest cannabis could affect women’s fertility, they should be tempered with caution as the study observed a relatively small number of cannabis users. However, the authors say their results suggest that women trying to conceive should exercise caution with cannabis use until more definitive evidence is available.

The researchers analyzed data from a broader study of more than 1,200 women ages 18 to 40 with one or two pregnancy losses. The women participated in the study for up to six monthly cycles while attempting pregnancy and throughout pregnancy if conception occurred. After enrolling in the study, the women responded to a questionnaire asking if they had used marijuana, pot, or hashish in the past 12 months, with responses ranging from never, rarely, occasionally, sometimes, often, to daily. Each woman also provided urine samples for analysis when they first entered the study and after six months if they did not conceive or at the time of positive pregnancy test if they conceived.

A total of 62 women (5%) either had a positive urine test or responded that they had used cannabis before conception.

For each monthly cycle, women who had used cannabis while trying to conceive were 41% less likely to conceive than non-users. Similarly, a smaller proportion of cannabis users than non-users became pregnant during the study—42% versus 66%. The authors found no differences in miscarriage rates between users and non-users who had achieved pregnancy.

The authors noted that, compared to non-users, cannabis users also had differences in reproductive hormones involved in ovulation. These differences could potentially have influenced their likelihood of conception. Specifically, users had higher levels of luteinizing hormone and a higher proportion of luteinizing hormone to follicle stimulating hormone.

The authors also noted that animal studies had found that cannabis use could alter the lining of the uterus, making it less likely an embryo to implant and establish a pregnancy. Until more information is available, the authors said, women trying to become pregnant should be aware that cannabis could potentially affect their pregnancy chances.

Reference
Mumford SL et al. Cannabis use while trying to conceive: a prospective cohort study evaluating associations with fecundability, live birth, and pregnancy loss. Human Reproduction. 2020. doi:10.1093/humrep/deaa355

About the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD): NICHD leads research and training to understand human development, improve reproductive health, enhance the lives of children and adolescents, and optimize abilities for all. For more information, visit https://www.nichd.nih.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit https://www.nih.gov.

SOURCE Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Novamont Acquires BioBag and Strengthens Its Leadership and Global Presence

NOVARA, Italy and ASKIM, Norway, Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Italy’s Novamont, a world leader in the development and production of biochemicals and compostable bioplastics, announced today it has acquired BioBag Group, a Norway based leading supplier of low-impact solutions for waste collection and packaging.

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The acquisition will allow Novamont to benefit from BioBag’s highly specialised independent distribution in areas where the buyer is less present. The two companies will be able to offer a more complete solution set to the market and to create long-lasting alliances with key stakeholders such as large retailers and communities. Together they plan to build even more demonstrators (innovative projects that enhance separate organic waste collection and composting systems) especially in North America, the Scandinavian countries, Eastern Europe and Australia.

The transaction is an important step forward in a collaborative journey that began twenty-five years ago. Novamont’s original vision in the 1990’s was to build an integrated value chain for bioplastics and biochemicals linked to initiating and improving the separate collection of organic waste. This became a monumental starting point for what is now called the circular bioeconomy to which both Novamont and BioBag have made important contributions.

There are three reasons that make the acquisition particularly fitting:

Strong cultural compatibility developed over two decades of partnership, which has led to a harmonious vision and shared values, as well as the integration of teams around common projects aimed at creating a circular bioeconomy model centered on soil health and the regeneration of local areas.
A highly complementary value chain:
a. Novamont is mainly focused upstream and has developed the Mater-Bi supply chain that ranges from agricultural raw materials, bio monomers, bioplastics and low impact formulations. It has brought its materials to the market through applications that require biodegradability in composting facilities and soil. The close collaboration with large retailers and local communities interested in innovative low-impact solutions has reduced the use of traditional plastic and the accumulation of microplastics in the environment.

b. BioBag is focused downstream. The group is a pioneer in the development and distribution of a wide range of compostable applications starting from the Scandinavian countries and specialises in a series of support services for these applications. BioBag has also developed a growing e-commerce platform, which is an important market channel for their existing applications and for the expanded product range that will be derived from Novamont’s innovations and upstream integration.
Strenghtened service capabilities for Novamont’s partners and customers: BioBag is a marketing and distribution company for low-impact applications, which already is and will increasingly be at the service of Novamont partners along the supply chain, helping to maximise the opportunities for product development and geographical expansion. BioBag also brings to the market different and complementary applications to Mater-Bi’s, thus enlarging the joint offer and giving maximum service support to retail and other sectors.

Novamont has expanded considerably in the past decade, in particular through internal growth, by acquiring and regenerating obsolete industrial sites. This transaction will allow Novamont to further expand its compostable bioplastics business into Northern/Eastern Europe, North America and Australia. BioBag will continue to operate as an independent organization, with the same leadership team who has achieved excellent results over the past few years.

Novamont’s CEO Catia Bastioli said: «This agreement allows Novamont to expand its model of circular bioeconomy. By joining our best skills and energies and fully integrating our supply chains we can better serve our partners upstream and downstream while further accelerating circular solutions for different market sectors and for communities pursuing our goal of producing more with less.»

BioBag’s CEO Kjell Ivar Bache is very pleased with the new owners and sees the acquisition as a win-win: «We have been close partners with Novamont for decades and for BioBag this is like coming home. With Novamont, BioBag becomes part of a world-leading bioplastics and biochemicals company. This will enable further international growth together. We are truly excited!» said Mr. Bache.

The advisors involved on the buyer’s side were Hi.Lex and Hjort for legal and PWC for financial, tax and labour, whereas the seller’s counsels were Bryan Garnier for M&A and Wiersholm for legal.

Novamont is one of the world-leading groups in the development and manufacturing of bio-based and biodegradable bioproducts through the integration of chemistry, agriculture and the environment. The main fields of application of the company’s bioproducts are packaging, separate organic waste collection, retail purchasing, disposable tableware, farming, lubricants, cosmetics, hygiene and pharmaceuticals. Novamont has its headquarters in Novara (near Milan), a portfolio of 1,800 patents, 600 people working in four production sites and two research centres in Italy, and a global turnover of €270M (2019). The group has commercial offices in Germany, France, Spain and the United States and operates through its own distributors in 40 countries. Research & Development accounts for 5% of its revenues and 20% of its workforce. Materials that can fully biodegrade in soil and water have been developed for those applications with a high risk of dispersion in the environment. Novamont is a Core Partner of Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Food initiative, a member of its CE100 Network, and a signatory of its New Plastics Economy initiative aimed at rethinking plastic packaging systems globally. In 2020 the company was awarded the prestigious ‘B Corp’ Certification with a top-tier ranking and has joined the United Nations’ Global Compact network, a leadership platform for the development and implementation of responsible corporate policies and practices.

BioBag International is a world-leading group of companies working in the development, production, and marketing of certified compostable and biodegradable applications. BioBag’s product range is the most comprehensive and extensive in the market. The company’s main goals combine concentrating on the quality of existing products and the innovation of new products and concepts. The group is among the leading manufacturers of environmentally friendly packaging in Northern Europe. In addition to biodegradable and compostable applications, the group brings to market products based upon Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) material under the GreenPolly brand. BioBag has designed a targeted approach of partnering with synergistically aligned companies across the globe to reach thousands of customers worldwide. The main strategy behind the firm’s partner concept is «Think Globally – Act Locally» and its mission is to solve waste challenges through sustainable solutions. With a turnover of €41M and 135 employees, BioBag is based out of Askim, Norway, has a major production site in Estonia, subsidiaries in Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Finland, Poland, Australia, Canada, USA, and representatives in many countries.

For media enquiries:

Francesca De Sanctis
NOVAMONT
+39 340 1166426
francesca.desanctis@novamont.com

Andrea Giannotti (Mr.)
NOVAMONT International Media Relations
+44 (0)7825 892 640
giannotti@reenewpr.uk
andrea.giannotti@external.novamont.com

Kjell Ivar Bache
BIOBAG
+47 90772558
kib@biobagworld.com

Birgitte Enghave
BIOBAG Marketing
birgitte@biobagworld.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1396886/Novamont_Logo.jpg

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SOURCE Novamont

COVID-19, political unrest, market volatility increase the importance of private markets in 2021 and beyond, according to Mercer research

NEW YORK, Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — New strategic research from Mercer focuses on what the coming year holds for alternatives, outlining some of the issues investors may want to follow closely in an effort to optimize their portfolios.

«We are seeing that though investors have been tested this…

«We are seeing that though investors have been tested this year, the experiences of previous crises have made them more resilient. There were unorthodox challenges such as not being able to vet new managers in person, but clients continued to put capital to work, especially with existing investment manager relationships across all private market segments,» said Raelan Lambert, global head of alternatives at Mercer.

She continued, «In 2021, investors should consider stretching their risk appetites and consider their allocation to real estate. Although the pandemic will continue to challenge the property market, 2021 is likely to be an opportune time for entering the asset class with a medium- to longer-term investment horizon. Initially, investors should prioritize allocations to the largest, most-liquid markets, where price discovery is furthest along.»

The white paper, Private market challenges: Optimizing your portfolio and top considerations for private markets in 2021, includes issues such as:

Real estate: the state of current market conditions and opportunities to potentially capitalize on post-COVID changes.
Natural resources: the reasons behind the significant challenges facing the market and the opportunities inherent in the sector.
Infrastructure: the growth and attractive performance of the market as well as the challenges associated with managing significant market changes.
Private debt: how the landscape has changed from the global financial crisis to the 2020 pandemic.
US private equity and venture capital markets: how advice that clients receive from their legal counsels on terms and conditions could potentially misalign with managers’ interests.
European private equity: how the COVID-19 virus has compounded the uncertainty created by Brexit.
Asian private equity: the effect of the pandemic and the ongoing political tension between the US and China.

Click here for the full 2021 Private Market Challenges paper.

About Mercer
Mercer believes in building brighter futures by redefining the world of work, reshaping retirement and investment outcomes, and unlocking real health and well-being. Mercer’s more than 25,000 employees are based in 44 countries and the firm operates in over 130 countries. Mercer is a business of Marsh & McLennan (NYSE: MMC), the world’s leading professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people, with 76,000 colleagues and annual revenue of $17 billion. Through its market-leading businesses including Marsh, Guy Carpenter and Oliver Wyman, Marsh & McLennan helps clients navigate an increasingly dynamic and complex environment. For more information, visit www.mercer.com. Follow Mercer on Twitter @Mercer.

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SOURCE Mercer

Capitol Counsel Expansion Accelerates

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Following the 2020 elections, and at the dawn of a new Congress and Administration, advocacy powerhouse Capitol Counsel is set to add three new partners to its health care and tax policy practices.

John Jonas and Martha (Martie) Kendrick join Capitol Counsel from the law firm, Akin Gump, where they were partners, serving clients on health care and tax issues in the regulatory, legislative,…

John Jonas and Martha (Martie) Kendrick join Capitol Counsel from the law firm, Akin Gump, where they were partners, serving clients on health care and tax issues in the regulatory, legislative, and administration settings. James (Jim) Davidson comes to the firm from Polsinelli, where he advised clients on health care, tax, and communications policy.

«We are thrilled that John, Martie, and Jim are joining Capitol Counsel. Their expertise and skills will greatly complement our team,» Capitol Counsel Partner, Shannon Finley, said this morning.

John Jonas brings a deep understanding of health care, having led that practice at Akin Gump. He brings strong policy experience across the health care sector, including hospitals, emergency medical services, physician groups, and pharmaceutical companies. During a decade of public service, Jonas was an instrumental fixture in a variety of roles at the House Ways and Means Committee.

Jonas offered, «Issues come and go, but health care and taxes are always in the discussion. We will give our clients the full measure of insight, allowing them to better navigate these currently very choppy waters.»

Martie Kendrick brings over 30 years of experience representing and counseling clients before Congress in virtually every major piece of health care legislation, as well as regulatory and funding issues before agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services. Kendrick’s broad legislative advocacy experience encompasses congressional authorizing and appropriations committees, including the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees.

«With our health systems and companies facing multiple challenges right now, we can expect health care policy to be a central theme in the new Administration. We are excited to be part of the debate and I look forward to getting to work on behalf of our clients,» Kendrick said.

Jim Davidson has worked on taxation, agency regulations, government information policy, consumer policy, media regulation, privacy, regulation of advertising, health care, appropriations, and budget policy. During his time on the Hill, Davidson served as the chief counsel and staff director of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative Practice and Procedure, and chief counsel of the Senate Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Relations.

«There are going to be big, important debates in the coming years. I am excited about the work we can all do together,» Davidson said.

Capitol Counsel partner, former Congressman and House Ways and Means veteran, Dr. Charles Boustany, said the new team members expand the firm’s capacity and capabilities.

«These are some exceptionally talented, deeply knowledgeable people who will offer our clients the highest level of service and expand our capacity to meet the challenges in this dynamic new political environment,» Boustany said.

This is the most recent expansion for the firm as it prepares for the incoming Administration and the new Congress. In November, they announced the addition of Robert Diamond, who was Special Assistant to the President of the United States and Director of Private Sector Engagement in the Obama-Biden White House.

About Capitol Counsel

Capitol Counsel is a full-service, bipartisan and bicameral advocacy firm recognized for its expertise in tax, health care, financial services, energy, commerce, and trade. For more information on Capitol Counsel, please visit our website at www.capitolcounsel.com or contact John D. Raffaelli at (202) 861-3200.

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SOURCE Capitol Counsel

ALYI Announces RevoltTOKEN Electric Vehicle Ecosystem Milestone

DALLAS, Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Alternet Systems, Inc. (USOTC: ALYI) today announced their financing partner, RevoltTOKEN has achieved a major milestone. RevoltTOKEN CEO Henryk Dabrowski plans to publish an update this Friday, January 15^th, 2021 to detail the milestone and provide the latest update on progress toward the planned ICO to fund the ALYI electric vehicle ecosystem.

For more information and to stay up to…

For more information and to stay up to date on RevoltTOKEN’s latest developments, please visit www.revolttoken.com.

For more information and to stay up to date on ALYI’s latest developments, please visit www.alternetsystemsinc.com.

Disclaimer/Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the expectation that any of the companies mentioned herein will achieve significant sales, the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the companies’ contracts, the companies’ liquidity position, the companies’ ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur.

Alternet Systems, Inc. Contact:
Randell Torno
info@lithiumip.com
+1-800-713-0297

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SOURCE Alternet Systems, Inc.

Club Med Launches Flash Sale For Up To 55 Percent Off All-Inclusive, Warm-Weather Escapes Through Summer 2021

MIAMI, Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, is kicking off the new year with new opportunities to save on all-inclusive getaways at its spacious resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Florida – from last-minute winter escapes to planning ahead for spring and summer travel. The January Flash Sale, open for bookings now through January 19, 2021 with travel dates through August 27, 2021, offers guests up to 55 percent off stays, free room upgrades and additional perks, unlimited land and water activities, extensive culinary options and premium oceanfront accommodations.

Offering more room for guests to roam freely and comfortably, Club Med’s open-air, low density resorts are integrated in and respectful of the surrounding nature and feature low-rise buildings spread across 50 acres. Each resort is currently operating at a limited capacity in order to enable social distancing and exclusivity. In addition to creating a sense of privacy and freedom, Club Med’s enhanced safety and hygiene protocols allow travelers to feel confident and protected when booking their upcoming getaway.

For full details on the Flash Sale, please visit www.clubmed.us/flashsale. For resort images, please visit here.

January Flash Sale

Booking window: Today through January 19, 2021
Travel window: Select dates from January 12, 2021 (check-in) through August 27, 2021 (check out by August 28, 2021; Blackout dates apply including President’s week & Easter/Passover weeks)
Up to 55% off* plus perks:

Free room upgrade
Up to $400 air credit
Kids under 4 stay free
No single supplement
Flexibility and protection with free cancellation and more (see Terms & Conditions below)

Participating Club Med Resorts

Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Florida: Now Open. Recently named one of the top ten family resorts in the U.S. by USA TODAY 10Best‘s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards, the resort – located in between Miami and Orlando – offers an all-inclusive getaway sans passport with a variety of land and water sports fit for the entire family, like kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, pickle ball and the flying trapeze. While the kids have their own adventure, adults can relax by the adult-exclusive pool, on the beach that is situated alongside the St. Lucie River, or at the Club Med Spa, while kids enjoy time at the children’s clubs with unlimited land and water activities.
Club Med Cancún, Mexico: Now Open. Located at the tip of the iconic Riviera Maya surrounded by white sandy beaches and the world’s second largest coral reef, the family-friendly resort is perfect for those looking to create life-long memories. The resort’s recently expanded Aguamarina family oasis area features 120 oceanfront family rooms, exhilarating water games at the dedicated family pool, and outdoor activities as part of the new Club Med Amazing Family programming. For added R&R, rediscover wellness through one of our personalized beauty or relaxation treatments at the L’OCCITANE Spa.
Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Now Open. On a 2,000-foot stretch of beach, Club Med Punta Cana welcomes all travelers to enjoy reconnection and relaxation through: a newly renovated Tiara Exclusive Collection space featuring 32 oceanside family suites, a dedicated infinity pool and bar, and morning room service; the new Club Med Amazing Family program, a fun-filled agenda of weekly activities for families to bond and create memories; Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil, an interactive playground with more than 25 acrobatic and artistic activities for guests of all ages; and treatments at L’OCCITANE Spa and men’s barber shop. Adults can stay or access the resorts’ Zen Oasis, an adult-exclusive area featuring an oversized lagoon pool, spacious Jacuzzi and private cabanas.
Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic: Now Open. Located in the unspoiled beaches of Miches on the Dominican Republic’s northeast coast, the Exclusive Collection (5 star) eco-chic resort is the first in the region and features four boutique villages specializing in wellness, adventure, kid-friendly and adults-exclusive experiences catering to travelers seeking a boutique, hotel-within-a-hotel experience. Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda was recently selected as winner of the ‘Best Hotel Over 200 Rooms Americas/Caribbean‘ category in the 2020 International Hotel and Property Awards.
Club Med Turkoise, Turks and Caicos: Now Open. Nestled into Grace Bay Beach, consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world by TripAdvisor, the adults-exclusive resort is an all-inclusive paradise offering freshly renovated accommodations including deluxe ocean-front guestrooms with balconies, infinity edge pool, a wellness center and a wine cellar, as well as unlimited activities including sailing, kayaking, and flying trapeze.

Additional participating resorts include Club Med Caravelle, Guadeloupe, French Caribbean and Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek, Martinique, French Caribbean.

To ensure added flexibility and peace of mind for travelers, Club Med also offers:

**Free Cancellation Policy: Cancel for free up to 15 days prior to departure for bookings made before February 28, 2021 and for travels on or prior to September 3rd, 2021. For complete cancellation policy details, see here.
Emergency Assistance Program: All guests traveling before April 30, 2021 will receive coverage for emergency medical expenses during their stay, including those related to COVID-19.
Safe Together safety and hygiene protocols: Implemented in all of the brand’s resorts as they reopen, including those in Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean, these newly enhanced hygiene and safety measures were developed through recommendations from the World Health Organization, local health authorities, and the advice of an International Scientific Committee comprised of a specialized team of doctors and professors.

Full details on the above policies can be found here.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions apply and can be accessed by clicking here (located at the bottom of the page).

About Club Med
Club Med, founded in 1950 by Gérard Blitz, is the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, offering approximately 70 premium resorts in stunning locations around the world including North and South America, Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean. Each Club Med resort features authentic local style and comfortably upscale accommodations, superior sports programming and activities, enriching children’s programs, gourmet dining, and warm and friendly service by its world-renown staff with legendary hospitality skills, an all-encompassing energy and diverse backgrounds.

Club Med operates in more than 30 countries and continues to maintain its authentic Club Med spirit with an international staff of more than 23,000 employees from more than 110 different nationalities. Led by its pioneering spirit, Club Med continues to grow and adapt to each market with three to five new resort openings or renovations per year, including a new Alpine ski resort annually.

For more information, visit www.clubmed.us, call 1-800-Club-Med (1-800-258-2633), or contact a preferred travel professional. For an inside look at Club Med, follow Club Med on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

MEDIA CONTACT

QUINN PR
clubmed@quinn.pr

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SOURCE Club Med

Hobbs & Towne, Inc. Announces New Vice President, Jennifer Ratner

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hobbs & Towne, Inc. («HTI») is excited and honored to announce that Jennifer Ratner has joined the firm. HTI is the premier sustainability and climate technology-focused executive search and advisory services firm in the world, with offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, London and Philadelphia, where Jennifer will be based. The firm has been dedicated to supporting and transforming the most innovative climate and sustainability technology companies and ESG investors around the world for over two decades.

Jennifer has extensive experience in private equity and venture capital, having worked with the world’s leading buyside firms. «I am thrilled to join HTI and help build teams for some of the most innovative companies in climate technology. HTI provides me with a platform to merge a long-held passion for sustainability with my Wall Street and boutique search experience.» stated Jennifer. After graduating from the Honors Program at UNC-Chapel Hill, Jennifer began her career at Greenhill, a mergers and acquisitions boutique, as an Investment Banking Analyst. She spent two years as a private equity Associate at Charterhouse, a middle market private equity firm, before attending Columbia Business School and graduating in 2006.

According to HTI partner Danielle Munley, the addition of Jennifer to the team will further augment the firm’s delivery to its clients. She explains, «Jennifer’s experience, partnering with world’s top venture capitalists and private equity firms, in her previous executive search roles, mixed with her investment banking background and passion for sustainability, is an ideal skill and value set for our search and advisory practices. I am thrilled to be working with Jennifer and beyond excited about the category as we drive towards a more sustainable future.»

About Hobbs & Towne, Inc. Hobbs & Towne, Inc. is an executive search and advisory services firm with a mission of building a more sustainable future. The executive search firm was founded in August of 1997 by Andy Towne and Bobby Hobbs and has focused on partnering with disruptors in cleantech, climate technology and sustainability for over 20 years. The Advisory Practice was launched in 2016, with services including M&A advisory; leadership assessment and executive coaching; interim management; restructuring advisory; capital raise advisory; and diversity, equity, & inclusion advisory. For more information, please visit www.hobbstowne.com.

Contacts:
Andrew Towne, CEO
atowne@hobbstowne.com

Danielle Munley, Partner
Danielle@hobbstowne.com

Jennifer Ratner, Vice President
jennifer@hobbstowne.com

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SOURCE Hobbs & Towne, Inc.

EPRI Names Rita Baranwal as New VP of Nuclear, Chief Nuclear Officer

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) today announced Dr. Rita Baranwal as its new Vice President of Nuclear Energy and Chief Nuclear Officer.

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PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) today announced Dr. Rita Baranwal as its new Vice President of Nuclear Energy and Chief Nuclear Officer.

Baranwal succeeds Neil Wilmshurst, who was promoted to Senior Vice President of Energy System Resources in November.

Baranwal most recently served as the U.S. Energy Department’s Assistant Secretary for its Office of Nuclear Energy, where she managed DOE’s portfolio of nuclear research for existing and advanced reactors and new designs.

Prior to that role, Baranwal directed the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) initiative at Idaho National Laboratory. Under her leadership, GAIN positively impacted over 120 companies with state-of-the-art R&D expertise, capabilities, and infrastructure that supported faster, cost-effective development, demonstration, and ultimate deployment of innovative nuclear energy technologies.

Before GAIN, Baranwal led the creation and development of industry-changing technologies and managed characterization and hot cell laboratories as the director of technology development and application at Westinghouse. She is also a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society.

«EPRI’s nuclear sector is a world-class resource for optimizing plant performance, sharing best practices, and applying innovative technology solutions for existing and emerging plants,» said EPRI President and CEO Arshad Mansoor. «We are thrilled to welcome a leader of Rita’s caliber as we collaborate with global nuclear operators to create a cleaner energy future.»

«Rita has a great strategic and global perspective, and is widely respected for her many achievements,» said Wilmshurst. «I am confident her broad expertise and knowledge of the industry are going to inspire and further enable the EPRI nuclear research team’s work and the value they provide to our members and society.»

At EPRI, Baranwal will lead a team of more than 200 researchers, scientists, engineers and technical staff who provide objective, science-based nuclear R&D to more than 80 percent of the world’s commercial nuclear fleet.

«I look forward to working with EPRI’s incredibly talented team to find answers to pressing nuclear energy challenges during the clean energy transition,» said Baranwal. «Together we can accelerate new nuclear technology development, enable more flexible operation, and deliver value beyond electricity generation in a low-carbon energy future.»

Baranwal joined EPRI this week and will be based in Charlotte.

About EPRI

The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI, www.epri.com) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery, and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers and experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, affordability, health, safety, and the environment. EPRI members represent 90% of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States with international participation extending to 40 countries. EPRI’s principal offices and laboratories are in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Dallas, Texas; Lenox, Mass.; and Washington, D.C.

Contact:

Christine Rivers
Nuclear Sector Communications
crivers@epri.com

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SOURCE Electric Power Research Institute

Sustainable PR Signs Bottled Water Distributor Promoting Naturally Sourced Water

GLENS FALLS, N.Y., Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — S ustainable PR, a new public relations agency based in New York’s…

GLENS FALLS, N.Y., Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — S ustainable PR, a new public relations agency based in New York’s Adirondack region and specializing in earned media content for green companies, announced it has been selected by Soho Waterworks™, a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based start-up water distributor, to promote the company’s line of naturally sourced fine waters to retailers and consumers nationwide.

Soho Waterworks engaged Sustainable PR to generate exposure for their line of naturally sourced bottled waters. The PR agency is developing a compelling company narrative and a national media strategy to help Soho Waterworks gain consumer and industry media coverage in the beverage industry. Thanks to Sustainable PR’s ability to target, engage and land stories with credible media, Soho Waterworks has become a company to watch in the booming sustainability market, which is projected to reach $28.9 billion by 2024. The start-up water company is being interviewed by influential trade media and is meeting with the nation’s largest retail companies.

«We are extremely pleased to have engaged Sustainable PR,» says Angela Cooper, chief executive officer of Soho Waterworks. «Led by Tony DeFazio, a respected agency leader, Sustainable PR is helping us tell our story to the industry and consumers. We recognized that Tony could help us break into the beverage industry and spread awareness about the health benefits of naturally sourced waters on a national scale. He has guided us through the process of integrating our mission in sustainability with our sales and marketing to take advantage of increased consumer demand for green products.»

Soho Waterworks serves as a unique marketing and distribution platform for regional bottlers of naturally sourced waters, enabling them to grow their retail footprint and market share. Soho Waterworks is campaigning to educate Americans about the health benefits of fine waters for both the body and the planet. The company recently won its second client, Canadian bottler Jackson Springs Water, and will use its integrated marketing services to expand the company in U.S. markets.

Launched in early December 2020, Sustainable PR represents Tony DeFazio’s lifelong dream to combine his earned media experience with his passion for the environment and establish a thriving public relations practice in the Adirondacks. He conceived of Sustainable PR on a hike with a friend during the early stages of the pandemic. After 30 years leading agencies in Philadelphia, DeFazio desired to chart a new course and give back. Led by veteran PR practitioners, Sustainable PR is one of the only green-focused PR agencies offering earned media services to companies navigating the growing sustainability market. As the agency’s first client, Soho Waterworks represents the model customer Sustainable PR seeks to attract as the consultancy gains traction helping clients contribute to a green economy.

«We are excited to support the launch of Soho Waterworks,» DeFazio said. «Soho Waterworks and their partners have sustainability and transparency at the core of their mission. Their commitment to the environment — and their innovative approach to the marketing of fine waters — makes the business an ideal first client for us. We look forward to a long and productive relationship together.»

About Sustainable PR
Sustainable PR is an Upstate New York-based public relations agency which brings earned media expertise to green companies. Founded in 2020, the company wins top media placements, develops key brand messaging and builds award-winning campaigns which help companies realize their sustainability commitments and take advantage of a growing sustainability market — all while contributing to a greener planet. For more information about the company’s mission and services, visit their website sustainablepr.com or call (518) 223-9962.

About Soho Waterworks
Soho Waterworks is a Water as a Service™ (WaaS) company, providing a one-of-a-kind marketing and distribution platform assisting regional brands to increase their retail footprint and market share. The company’s customized sales and marketing solutions allow bottlers of naturally sourced water to project a bigger image and reach more prospects through a tailored and integrated marketing, communications, and sales services. As a company aspiring to be a leader in fine water sales, distribution, and merchandising in North America, Soho Waterworks has set a goal to change the way consumers think about bottled water. Soho Waterworks is fully committed to transparency and sustainability in the sourcing, development, distribution, and marketing of bottled water. For more information about the company’s products and services, visit their website www.sohowaterworks.com or call 1-800-432-0166.

Contact: Tony DeFazio
Phone: 518-223-9962
Email: tony@sustainablepr.com

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SOURCE Sustainable PR