Asean – Page 34 – Djibouti News Gazette

August 14, 2023

Gordon Brothers Acquires Telefunken

Boston, Aug. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gordon Brothers, the global advisory and investment firm, has acquired the global consumer electronics brand Telefunken.

Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Telefunken has become one of the leading names in the electronics sector with a diverse portfolio of products ranging from video, e-mobility, domestic appliances and audio.

Gordon Brothers will invest in the brand to drive further growth of the already successful enterprise within its existing product categories and bring Telefunken products to a younger consumer segment. The firm will focus on partnering with Telefunken’s current licensees and expanding the licensee portfolio internationally by leveraging Gordon Brothers’ relationships so the brand can continue to reach consumers globally.

The acquisition expands Gordon Brothers’ current portfolio of home and lifestyle brands to include consumer electronics, a vertical in which the global brands business has deep experience and expertise.

The firm previously revitalized Polaroid and helped the iconic consumer electronics brand find new life after acquiring it out of bankruptcy, transforming Polaroid into a licensing platform and once again making it relevant to consumers.

“We are honored to continue the incredible legacy Telefunken started in 1903 and grow the brand with current and new partners,” said Frank Morton, Chief Investment Officer of Gordon Brothers. “Telefunken has opportunities for expansion and is well positioned to benefit from global industry growth within the consumer electronics, appliance and e-bikes markets.”

“Telefunken’s asset-light model is a natural fit for our portfolio of brands,” said Tobias Nanda, Head of Brands at Gordon Brothers. “Our expertise in the consumer electronics sector will help build upon Telefunken’s 120-year history.”

“Telefunken is poised for growth and enhanced global outreach,” said Hemjo Klein, the former Chairman and founder of Telefunken’s holding company. “Having developed and established a working partnership with Gordon Brothers over the last several years, I am more than confident they will uphold the brand’s legacy and steer Telefunken through the next chapter of growth.”

Gordon Brothers has been actively investing in, repositioning and growing some of the world’s most iconic brands since 2003. As owners of several brands, including Laura Ashley® and Nicole Miller, the firm prioritizes expanding licensees and franchisees to bolster their e-commerce presence and develop more strategic wholesale and retail relationships.

About Gordon Brothers
Since 1903, Gordon Brothers (www.gordonbrothers.com) has helped lenders, management teams, advisors and investors move forward through change. The firm brings a powerful combination of expertise and capital to clients, developing customized solutions on an integrated or standalone basis across four services areas: valuations, dispositions, financing and investment. Whether to fuel growth or facilitate strategic consolidation, Gordon Brothers partners with companies in the retail, commercial and industrial sectors to provide maximum liquidity, put assets to their highest and best use and mitigate liabilities. The firm conducts more than $100 billion worth of dispositions and appraisals annually and provides both short- and long-term capital to clients undergoing transformation. Gordon Brothers lends against and invests in brands, real estate, inventory, receivables, machinery, equipment and other assets, both together and individually, to provide clients liquidity solutions beyond its market-leading disposition and appraisal services. The firm is headquartered in Boston, with over 30 offices across five continents.

About Telefunken
Telefunken was founded in Berlin in 1903. With a pioneering spirit Telefunken established over 20,000 patents in a broad array of global industries and has been known as the ‘Innovation Company’ with innovations including the first radio broadcast, first voice recorder, inventor of electronic TV camera and PAL-colour TV. The company became a leader in electronic communication and a global player in consumer electronics within audio, video, TV and information technology, industrial applications with data transfer, mobile communication, security and solar technology supporting the NASA space program with the first space solar panels. Based in Frankfurt, Telefunken has licensees throughout Asia, Europe, North America and South America.

Attachments

Lauren Nadeau
Gordon Brothers
+1.617.422.6599
lnadeau@gordonbrothers.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8893242

August 10, 2023

eXp Realty Exceeds 1,000-Agent Milestone in South Africa

eXp Realty today announced it has exceeded 1,000 agents across South Africa, representing an over 74% increase from the 574 total agent count in July 2022

BELLINGHAM, Wash., Aug. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — eXp Realty^®, “the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet” and the core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), today announced it has exceeded 1,000 agents across South Africa, representing an over 74% increase from the 574 total agent count in July 2022.

“This is a proud moment for eXp Realty South Africa as we reach such a huge milestone,” said Michael Valdes, Chief Growth Officer, eXp Realty. “Our attractive and continuously evolving agent-centric value proposition continues to resonate with agents from around the world and we are so thrilled to be home to over 1,000 real estate professionals in South Africa!”

According to Andrew Thompson, Director and Country Leader of eXp Realty South Africa, eXp South Africa has had more transactions in the first six months of this year compared to last year. “eXp South Africa has realized a cash-flow positive, debt-free and profitable operation in its first 15 months since receiving its license via the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority back in December 2020,” said Thompson.

“Since its inception, eXp has remained committed to putting agents first to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to reach their full potential. I am so proud to be able to lead such an incredible group of agents through this expansion and beyond,” he added.

eXp South Africa is proudly committed to serving the community, having recently donated R350,000 to Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers to support local and international communities.

About eXp World Holdings, Inc.

eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI) is the holding company for eXp Realty®, Virbela and SUCCESS® Enterprises.

eXp Realty is the largest independent real estate company in the world with more than 88,000 agents in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, India, Mexico, Portugal, France, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Italy, Hong Kong, Colombia, Spain, Israel, Panama, Germany, Dominican Republic, Greece, New Zealand, Chile, Poland and Dubai and continues to scale internationally. As a publicly traded company, eXp World Holdings provides real estate professionals the unique opportunity to earn equity awards for production goals and contributions to overall company growth. eXp World Holdings and its businesses offer a full suite of brokerage and real estate tech solutions, including its innovative residential and commercial brokerage model, professional services, collaborative tools and personal development. The cloud-based brokerage is powered by Virbela, an immersive 3D platform that is deeply social and collaborative, enabling agents to be more connected and productive. SUCCESS® Enterprises, anchored by SUCCESS® magazine and its related media properties, was established in 1897 and is a leading personal and professional development brand and publication.

For more information, visit https://expworldholdings.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

The statements contained herein may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update them. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in forward-looking statements include changes in business or other market conditions; the difficulty of keeping expense growth at modest levels while increasing revenues; and other risks detailed from time to time in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Media Relations Contact:

eXp World Holdings, Inc.

mediarelations@expworldholdings.com

Investor Relations Contact:

Denise Garcia

investors@expworldholdings.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f5cf167-2910-43fd-8a41-dfc00358fa16

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8892150

August 10, 2023

Duck Creek Technologies Expands to the Indian Market, Offering Its Global Core Technology Platform to India-Based Insurance Carriers

The company’s Indian subsidiary signs its first full-suite customer partnership in the region with HDFC ERGO

Mumbai, Aug. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies India LLP, a subsidiary of Duck Creek Technologies, today announced a historical milestone with its expansion into the Indian general insurance market. Duck Creek Technologies India LLP now offers India-based insurers the ease, convenience, and power of modern cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS), delivered as a full suite of capabilities or as stand-alone solutions. With this expansion, Duck Creek reinforces its market commitment by establishing its data center in India, supported by nearly 1,000 local employees.

In partnership with its first core systems full-suite India-based insurance customer, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited (“HDFC ERGO”), Duck Creek will deploy its intuitive, user-friendly, and powerful solutions to empower HDFC ERGO to take new products to market faster and significantly improve their customers’ experience throughout the policy lifecycle and across the insurer’s entire portfolio. Duck Creek’s products and solutions will holistically bring a competitive advantage to HDFC ERGO across its entire system, portfolio and operations.

Speaking about the partnership, Sriram Naganathan, President and Chief Technology Officer, HDFC ERGO General Insurance, said, “As a leading insurer of the country, at HDFC ERGO, it has been our priority in adopting innovative technologies to address the evolving demands of our customers and offer them an enhanced customer experience. Being a digital insurer of scale, our partnership with Duck Creek Technologies India LLP is a crucial step towards unlocking the full potential of HDFC ERGO’s wide insurance solutions and enabling us to offer efficient delivery and more convenience for our customers. Duck Creek’s SaaS solution will empower our advanced AI/ML models, providing essential digital capabilities to meet the critical needs of our customers and partners.”

Rohit Bedi, Chief Revenue Officer, Duck Creek Technologies, stated, “Our commitment to HDFC ERGO aligns with their outstanding vision to make insurance easier, more affordable, and more dependable for all the people in India. We are extremely proud to be a partner to HDFC ERGO, India’s leading insurance brand, in their journey to transform general insurance services in the region.” Bedi added, “This is a significant milestone in Duck Creek’s continued growth as a leading SaaS choice for insurers worldwide. Duck Creek’s partnership with HDFC ERGO is another proof point that our global technology solutions are geared towards enabling a more modern and efficient insurance enterprise.”

Drawing on its experience supporting the world’s largest insurers and reinsurers, Duck Creek will offer its suite of SaaS-based core insurance delivery solutions, including policy, claims, billing, rating and reinsurance, to help Indian general insurers innovate and modernize their products and services.

“Duck Creek is truly excited to enter the Indian insurance market with our global solutions. We want to empower insurance companies in India with hyper-personalized insurance solutions that help customers buy or service insurance from any device and anytime. Customers from all parts of India can feel secure knowing they are covered and can raise claims anytime,” said Shaji Sethu, Managing Director APAC, Duck Creek Technologies.

The Indian insurance market was valued at $127 billion in 2021 ($30 billion, represented in the non-life sector). It is anticipated to grow to over $200 billion by 2027, which presents an exciting opportunity for Duck Creek.

About HDFC ERGO

HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited was promoted by erstwhile Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (HDFC), India’s premier Housing Finance Institution and ERGO International AG, the primary insurance entity of Munich Re Group. Consequent to the implementation of the Scheme of Amalgamation of HDFC with and into HDFC Bank Limited (Bank), one of India’s leading private sector banks, the Company has become a subsidiary of the Bank. HDFC ERGO is the second largest non-life insurance company in the Private Sector as on 31^st March 2023 based on gross premium garnered. A digital-first company, transforming into an AI-first company, HDFC ERGO is a leader in implementing technology to offer customers the best-in-class service experience. The company has created a stream of innovative & new products as well as services using technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Processing Language (NLP), and Robotics. HDFC ERGO offers a range of general insurance products and has a completely digital sales process with ~94% of retail policies issued digitally. HDFC ERGO’s technology platform has empowered the customers to avail 69% of the services digitally on a 24×7 basis with ~19% of the customer requests serviced by Artificial Intelligence-based tools. In FY23, the company has issued 1.22 crore policies and has settled ~50 lakhs claims. The Company has an active data base of 1.5+ crore customers. HDFC ERGO is present in 496 districts of the country through their 215 branches, 10,000+ employees and 1.8 lakhs agents and channel partners.

HDFC ERGO offers a complete range of General Insurance products including Health, Motor, Home, Agriculture, Travel, Credit, Cyber and Personal Accident in the retail space along with Property, Marine, Engineering, Marine Cargo, Group Health and Liability Insurance in the corporate space. Be it unique insurance products, integrated customer service models, top-in-class claim processes or a host of technologically innovative solutions, HDFC ERGO has been able to delight its customers at every touch-point and milestone to ensure consumers are serviced in real-time.

Please log on to www.hdfcergo.com or stay connected on the following social media handles to get more information on HDFC ERGO and the products and services offered by the company.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hdfcergo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hdfcergogic

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hdfcergo

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/hdfcergo

About Duck Creek Technologies

Duck Creek Technologies is the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and Twitter.

Carley Bunch
Duck Creek Technologies
+1201-962-6091
carley.bunch@duckcreek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8890991

August 3, 2023

Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence university establishes dedicated robotics and computer science departments to meet surging global demand

MBUZAI Students

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Aug. 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has established two new departments and four associated graduate programs dedicated to robotics and computer science, catering to the surging global demand for these disciplines, which is expected to hit USD $225 billionⁱ and $140 billion, respectively, by 2030ⁱⁱ.

The new departments complement the university’s existing computer vision (CV), machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP) departments, which are ranked among the top 20 globally by CSRankings.

Aligned with the formation of the new departments, the university has launched master’s and Ph.D. programs in robotics and computer science. These programs will help further develop the UAE’s wider AI ecosystem and strengthen its position as an international hub for AI research and innovation.

MBZUAI President and University Professor, Eric Xing, said: “The addition of these two new departments represents MBZUAI’s lasting effort in developing a solid foundation for research excellence and innovation in artificial intelligence. The university will continue to bring into Abu Dhabi world leading faculty and researchers in the fields and to empower students to become pioneers with highly sought-after skills in developing advanced AI tools and applications across industries. Given the digital renAIssance we find ourselves in, skills in these disciplines are increasing in demand.”

The Robotics Department will focus on rigorous, high-impact, original research, emphasizing robot learning and robot algorithms rather than the development of new robot hardware. The Computer Science Department will provide unparalleled technical depth in the foundational technologies that have given rise to the phenomenal growth and impact of IT in the past four decades.

MBZUAI Acting Provost, Professor Timothy Baldwin, said: “MBZUAI is at the forefront of AI education and research, making our programs distinctive and globally competitive. The Robotics Department will focus on human-centered and autonomous robotics research, as well as the development of the next generation of robotics practitioners with deep skills in both AI and robotics, supporting careers at the cutting edge of academia, industry, and government.”

Robotics is a transformative technology, revolutionizing sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and transportation. Research indicates strong demand for robotics expertise in the coming years, with the robotics technology market expected to surpass US$225.6 billion in value by 2030ⁱⁱⁱ. This demand will be critically hampered by a predicted global talent shortage, with up to 85 million jobs potentially going unfilled by 2030 due to a lack of skilled people to fill them^iv. Similarly, the global computer science job market is also booming, with projections of a 14.5% CAGR from 2021 to 2027 and an estimated 3.5 million jobs by 2026^v.

Applications for the 2024 admissions year will open on September 1, 2023. For more information, visit mbzuai.ac.ae or contact admissions@mbzuai.ac.ae

i Precedence Research
ii Precedence Research
iii Precedence Research
iv Korn Ferry
v CS job market projections (The Most Surprising Computer Science Job Statistics And Trends in 2023 • GITNUX)

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eb82e469-758c-46ca-b84c-ddeb1502171d

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000833037

August 1, 2023

Zenas BioPharma Announces Publication of Phase 2 Study of Obexelimab, an Investigational Treatment for IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD), in The Lancet Rheumatology

Study found obexelimab produced rapid, strong, and sustained clinical improvement, including complete clinical remission, in most patients with active IgG4-RD

Results support the continued development of obexelimab for the treatment of IgG4-RD and potentially other B cell-mediated autoimmune conditions

WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zenas BioPharma, a global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of immune-based therapies, announces The Lancet Rheumatology has published findings from a Phase 2 study evaluating obexelimab for the treatment of patients with IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD). Based on the results of this study, a Phase 3 study in patients with IgG4-RD is ongoing to further investigate the efficacy and safety of obexelimab administered as a subcutaneous injection.

IgG4-RD is a chronic, immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs including the major salivary glands, orbits, lacrimal glands, pancreas, biliary tree, lungs, kidneys, and retroperitoneum. Approximately 20,000 patients are diagnosed with IgG4-RD in the United States alone. Despite its increasing recognition, there remains a need for further research and effective therapeutic options for individuals living with this debilitating disease.

Across the world, the use of glucocorticoids is widely considered to be the standard of care for treating IgG4-RD. There are no approved treatment options for this condition. While commonly used, glucocorticoids and available B cell depleting therapies rarely lead to long-term, treatment-free remissions, and are associated with a high risk of toxicity in these patients. Such therapies also impair vaccine responses, including those for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.

In a prospective, open-label, single arm, single-center pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of obexelimab in the treatment of patients with IgG4-RD (clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT02725476), obexelimab demonstrated strong improvement in the IgG4-RD Responder Index, a measure of disease activity, by inhibiting B cell function, without depleting B cells.

The published manuscript, titled “Obexelimab for the Treatment of Patients with IgG4-Related Disease: An Open-Label, Single-Arm, Pilot Study to Evaluate Efficacy, Safety, and Mechanism of Action,” is available online and will appear in the August issue of The Lancet Rheumatology 2023;5(8) [E428-E429].

The following are the key findings in the paper:

Obexelimab produced rapid, strong, and sustained clinical improvement, including complete remission (IgG4-RD Responder Index score of 0), in most patients with active IgG4-RD.
During obexelimab treatment, reductions in circulating B cells, including plasmablasts, were observed without evidence of cell death.
Additionally, reduction of circulating B cells and rapid return to near normal levels after treatment discontinuation suggests that obexelimab may lead to B cell sequestration in lymphoid organs or the bone marrow.
Obexelimab was well tolerated. The majority of treatment-related adverse events were grades 1 or 2, with the most common adverse events being gastrointestinal infusion-related events, most of which were mild.

“Our findings are a significant step forward in understanding the underlying mechanisms of IgG4-Related Disease; paving the way for more targeted treatment strategies,” said John Stone, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and the Edward A. Fox Chair in Medicine at Mass General Hospital. “Our team is honored to have our research recognized by The Lancet Rheumatology, and we are immensely grateful to the patients who participated in this groundbreaking study.”

About Obexelimab

Obexelimab is an investigational Phase 3-stage, bifunctional, non-cytolytic, humanized monoclonal antibody that mimics the action of antigen-antibody complexes by binding CD19 and FcγRIIb to inhibit B-lineage cell activity. In several early-stage clinical studies in various autoimmune diseases, 198 subjects were treated with obexelimab. In these clinical studies, obexelimab demonstrated effective inhibition of B cell function without depleting the cells, resulting in encouraging treatment effect in patients with various autoimmune diseases. Zenas acquired exclusive worldwide rights to obexelimab from Xencor, Inc.

More information on the Phase 3 (INDIGO) study for the treatment of IgG4 Related Disease is available at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05662241.

About Zenas BioPharma

Zenas BioPharma is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of immune-based therapies for patients around the world. With clinical development and operations globally, Zenas is advancing a deep and balanced global portfolio of potential first- and best-in-class autoimmune therapeutics in areas of high unmet medical need while meeting the value requirements of the dynamic global healthcare environment. The company’s pipeline continues to grow through our successful business development strategy. Our experienced leadership team and network of business partners drive operational excellence to deliver potentially transformative therapies to improve the lives of those facing autoimmune and rare diseases. For more information about Zenas BioPharma, please visit www.zenasbio.com and follow us on Twitter at @ZenasBioPharma and LinkedIn.

Investor and Media Contact:
Joe Farmer, President & COO
Zenas BioPharma
IR@zenasbio.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8884766