Category: Africa

Fortrea’s Site Advisory Board brings research leaders together to focus on evolving site, sponsor and patient relationships

DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) (the “Company”), a leading global contract research organization (CRO), today announced it convened last week the inaugural meeting of its Site Advisory Board, a collaboration between clinical research investigator sites (“sites”) and industry leaders to create a better clinical trial experience for sites, patients and clinical study sponsors (“sponsors”) by targeting changes in technology, operational planning and delivery, commercial terms and community engagement.

Fortrea places sites and investigators at the forefront of clinical trial planning, leveraging their perspectives to drive changes that will improve the speed of trial execution, ease study start up and increase recruitment efficiency. These changes address long-standing challenges within clinical trials and will result in a better site, patient and sponsor trial experience. The Site Advisory Board will be responsible for providing insight and feedback on strategies and solutions proposed regarding sites, patients, trial operations and relevant technology.

“Sites and investigators are critical to the industry at every stage of clinical development, and they traditionally have faced hard-to-solve challenges in clinical trials alone. We welcome their insights in protocol design and actively engage them in early conversations with our operational teams and sponsors to quickly establish the most efficient, patient-focused trial plans,” said Mike Clay, vice president, Development Strategy and Growth, at Fortrea. “The formation of the Site Advisory Board marks an acceleration of our site-focused strategy and includes representation from incredibly impressive leaders, creating a think tank for our industry. The Board will also serve as a cornerstone of our ability to respond to sponsors with insights that improve the predictability of their trials, working together to develop efficient operational plans and provide sponsors with a high degree of confidence in speed of patient recruitment and overall trial delivery.”

Inaugural members of Fortrea’s Site Advisory Board include leaders and experts from Circuit Clinical, Elligo Health Research, FutureMeds, Javara, MD Anderson Cancer Center Foundation Spain, ObjectiveHealth, Pratia S.A. and Velocity Clinical Research, representing 440 sites across more than 25 therapeutic areas and nine countries and providing access to diverse patient communities.

What Fortrea’s Site Advisory Board members are saying…

“We firmly believe that this collaborative approach, bringing together both CRO and sites, will enable all stakeholders to align more effectively on perspectives within the clinical trial market,” said Łukasz Bęczkowski, chief operating officer at Pratia. “This, undoubtedly, empowers us to act together in a more efficient manner. Initiatives like these play a crucial role in propelling us all towards positive and expedited changes.”

“Fortrea is taking a ‘listen first’ approach by giving sites an equal voice towards the most effective working practices for dynamic patient communities and site stakeholders, leading to the best service to clinical trial sponsors,” said Nick Spittal, chief operations officer at Velocity Clinical Research.

“Fortrea is leading the industry in making partnerships more productive and efficient, from trial process to business relationships, all in the effort to accelerate new products to market,” said Barry Simms, chief operating officer at Elligo Health Research.

“Providing the appropriate patient access solution is vital in determining the ultimate success of a clinical trial. Historically, care providers have not been involved in the early development of research planning and strategy,” said Colleen Hoke, chief executive officer at ObjectiveHealth. “We are very supportive of Fortrea employing an innovative new approach to engage with healthcare site partnership providers, who are key to delivering successful research results, early in the planning process.”

“FutureMeds is delighted to join the Fortrea Site Advisory Board to build better understanding between key stakeholders in the clinical research industry,” said Radek Janiak, chief executive officer at FutureMeds. “Hearing the voice of patients, investigators and sites will put Fortrea in a pole position for bringing new therapies to the market.”

“Working across the vast clinical trial ecosystem is complex and requires highly functional partnerships centered on trust and competence,” said Michelle Rule, senior vice president of enterprise optimization at Javara. “Fortrea’s genuine commitment to building a forum and working relationships through the Site Advisory Board exhibits dedication to progress for all stakeholders in research and, most of all, the patients.”

About Fortrea

Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) is a leading global provider of clinical development and patient access solutions to the life sciences industry. We partner with emerging and large biopharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostic companies to drive healthcare innovation that accelerates life changing therapies to patients in need. Fortrea provides phase I-IV clinical trial management, clinical pharmacology, differentiated technology-enabled trial solutions and post-approval services. Fortrea’s solutions leverage three decades of experience spanning more than 20 therapeutic areas, a passion for scientific rigor, exceptional insights and a strong investigator site network. Our talented and diverse team of about 19,000 people working in more than 90 countries is scaled to deliver focused and agile solutions to customers globally. Learn more about how Fortrea is becoming a transformative force from pipeline to patient at Fortrea.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) @Fortrea.

Fortrea Contacts:
Fortrea Media: Galen Wilson – 703-298-0802, media@fortrea.com
Fortrea Media: Kate Dillon – 646-818-9115, kdillon@prosek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8994021

Pockets of opportunity emerge in private credit and secondaries

LONDON, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today Preqin, the global leader in alternative assets data, tools, and insights, published its Alternatives in 2024 report, part of the Preqin Global Reports 2024. The report provides analysis on trends on key factors and trends driving the alternative assets industry.

While 2023 is a year so far characterized by market headwinds and a challenging fundraising environment for investors and fund managers alike, Preqin analysts remain optimistic about the outlook for global alternative assets. For instance, private debt fundraising fared relatively well in comparison to other private capital asset classes, while secondaries deal flow should start to pick up going into 2024 as the market comes back into balance.

Cameron Joyce, Head of Private Equity, Research Insights at Preqin, says, “Amid the formidable headwinds marked by swiftly tightening monetary policy and economic uncertainty, alternative assets have remained comparatively resilient. The industry continues to evolve rapidly, and promising opportunities are presenting themselves in areas such as private debt and secondaries. We continue to forecast solid growth for the industry despite softening expectations around fundraising and performance.”

Key highlights from each asset class:

Private equity faces a stern test:

The private equity market has been hampered by rising interest rates – which have weighed on deal activity – and a constrained exit environment. Dealmakers are hoping for an increase in activity during 2024 and long-term investor appetite remains strong.

Venture capital investor sentiment on performance improves:

Venture capital returns have been challenged by factors such as the poor exit environment, elevated asset valuations, and climbing interest rates. Noting this, our latest investor survey shows that investors’ outlook is shifting, and they are comparatively more positive on the performance of the asset class over the next 12 months.

Private debt fundraising holds up:

Private debt’s floating-rate structure and seniority in the capital stack are especially attractive for investors seeking more defensive assets in challenging conditions, with strategies such as mezzanine debt growing in popularity.

Hedge funds’ AUM rises despite net outflows:

Hedge funds’ AUM growth has been driven primarily by asset returns and not inflows and outflows. In fact, hedge fund returns during months of market volatility proved that they can be effective in providing investors with downside protection. Niche strategies such as cryptocurrencies and insurance-linked securities (ILS) gained prominence due to their low public market correlation.

Real estate under pressure:

Rising interest rates have weighed on investment sentiment, resulting in weaker fundraising and deal activity. As investors flock toward larger funds in search of a sense of security, fundraising has been even more challenging for first-time and smaller funds.

Infrastructure may be turning a corner:

Fundraising fell sharply in 2023, a significant reversal after fund managers amassed record sums in 2022. But third-quarter deal activity proved robust and tailwinds from energy transition will continue to underpin the long-term growth of unlisted infrastructure.

For more information, contact Mimi Celeste Taylor at mimiceleste.taylor@preqin.com.  

Notes to the editors

Alternatives in 2024 is a freely available version to accompany the Preqin Global Reports 2024. This complimentary report explores the impact of macroeconomic headwinds and market volatility on alternative assets this year and beyond.

If you are a full-time member of the press and would like to receive a full copy of any of the following reports, please get in touch: Private equity, venture capital, private debt, hedge funds, real estate and infrastructure. For non-press, the 2024 Preqin Global Reports are available for Preqin Insights+ subscribers.

About Preqin

Preqin, the Home of Alternatives, empowers financial professionals who invest in or allocate to alternatives with essential data and insight to make confident decisions. It supports them throughout the entire investment lifecycle with critical information and leading analytics solutions. The company has pioneered rigorous methods of collecting private data for over 20 years, enabling more than 200,000 professionals globally to streamline how they raise capital, source deals and investments, understand performance, and stay informed. For more information visit www.preqin.com.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000903920

QUEBEC CITY, Canada, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech^® (NASDAQ: LDTC), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology for ADAS and AD, is thrilled to announce its presence at CES 2024 (booth 11014 LVCC/North Hall) and to offer visitors an exclusive glimpse into the next generation of software technology and inspired products enabling ADAS and AD applications.

IMMERSE YOURSELF in the future of automotive innovation with LeddarVision, a sensor and processor-agnostic, high-performance and versatile automotive low-level sensor fusion and perception software platform that generates a comprehensive 3D environmental model from various sensor types (camera, radar and LiDAR) and configurations.

Experience LeddarVision and L2/L3 ADAS products in action in various climates and road conditions on the LeddarTech interactive dashboard featuring:

• **NEW** LeddarVision Surround (LVS-2⁺) is the surround-view premium fusion and perception stack that efficiently extends the LVF front-view product family 1VxR sensor configuration to a 5V5R configuration.
• **Award-winning** LeddarVision Front Entry (LVF-E), a front-view fusion and perception stack for entry-level ADAS L2/L2+ highway assist and 5-star NCAP 2025/GSR 2022 featuring Texas Instruments’ TDA4VM-Q1 processor. The LVF-E achieves the lowest system cost for L2/L2+ entry-level ADAS.
  • October 2023 – ADAS System of the Year Award granted by the UK-based AutoTech Breakthrough
  • November 2023 – Self-Driving Industry Sensing Software Award from Cars of the Future UK

RIDE ALONG LeddarCar live: Customers and analysts are invited to book a real-world on-road demonstration of LeddarTech’s LeddarVision low-level fusion and perception software technology.

Customers, analysts, investors and the media are invited to schedule a meeting with
our team at CES to learn more about LeddarTech.

“Join us as we demonstrate our groundbreaking LeddarVision automotive software solutions in the dynamic LeddarCar and unveil our cutting-edge ADAS products and technology at CES 2024,” stated Frantz Saintellemy, President, COO and incoming CEO of LeddarTech. “CES is a great opportunity for us to connect with our customers, partners, media, investors and policymakers and to showcase how our technology improves mobility and quality of life for all road users. LeddarTech’s participation at CES 2024 underscores our pivotal role in advancing the future of automotive technology, reinforcing our position as a leading player in automotive software.”

About LeddarTech

A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal, Toronto and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS and autonomous driving (AD) applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment to achieve better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 150 patent applications (80 granted) that enhance ADAS and AD capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.LeddarTech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook and YouTube.

Contact:
Daniel Aitken, Vice-President, Global Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations, LeddarTech Inc. Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

• Investor relations website: https://investors.LeddarTech.com
• Investor relations contact: Kevin Hunt, ICR Inc. kevin.hunt@icrinc.com
• Financial media contact: Dan Brennan, ICR Inc. dan.brennan@icrinc.com

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe9b76b7-c72b-416d-8174-2b4bfe122503

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8991943

Global Liver Institute’s Second Edition “Global State of Liver Health” Report Reveals Promising Opportunities

Washington D.C., Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Liver Institute (GLI), the premier patient-led liver health nonprofit operating globally, released the second edition of its “Global State of Liver Health” report, now including 22 countries covering every region of the world. Following the impetus of the Liver Health is Public Health initiative, international experts drew attention to pressing opportunities for their respective governments to prioritize and improve liver health.

Liver disease continues to pose a heavy burden for the world and its health systems:

• Liver disease causes 2 million deaths per year around the globe.
• An estimated 1.5 billion people in the world have chronic liver disease – an increase of 13% since the beginning of the millennium.
• About 70% of liver cancer is preventable.
• Even rare liver diseases appear to be rising in prevalence; in Germany, for instance, prevalence has risen by around 30% in less than five years.

“Our continued exploration of the scope and scale of the impact of liver diseases gives us both pause and hope. Powerful human intellect has developed many innovative solutions,” noted GLI CEO Donna R. Cryer, JD. “Rather than let these solutions go to waste, it is now time to direct political will towards putting them into practice and ensuring the ability to achieve liver health – and overall health – around the world.”

Strategies and technologies currently exist that can prevent liver disease or catch it early. However, putting these tools into practice can require financial investment, expert training, and often complex execution on a scale that necessitates government support. Several of the report’s expert advisors highlighted the policy opportunities and successes that might support liver health:

“We don’t have many tools currently to control tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and even the consumption of unhealthy diets in Vietnam,” shared Dr. Tung Pham, report advisor and lecturer /physician at Hanoi Medical University. “These are the second and third leading factors, so a tightening of standards, maybe raising taxes and implementing other promotional programs, will be essential.”

In contrast, a liberal treatment program that provided newly developed hepatitis C treatment to patients in Australia without many barriers has eliminated more than half of the viral disease throughout the country. As report advisor and leading hepatologist Dr. Simone Strasser noted in the report, several features brought about a successful program, including comprehensive training of primary care providers, minimal direct cost to patients, and local access to treatment.

National experts have identified the greatest threats to liver health in their communities. Now, those who care about liver health and its related conditions must urge their national leaders to prioritize and implement solutions.

The Liver Health is Public Health initiative is made possible thanks to the support of Sanofi and Salix Pharmaceuticals.

About Global Liver Institute

Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. GLI holds Platinum Transparency with Candid/GuideStar, is a member of the National Health Council, and serves as a Healthy People 2030 Champion. Follow GLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube or visit www.globalliver.org.

Attachment

• Global State of Liver Health Report edition 2 is now live

Christine Maalouf
Global Liver Institute
cmaalouf@globalliver.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8993807

Global Liver Institute’s Second Edition “Global State of Liver Health” Report Reveals Promising Opportunities

Washington D.C., Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Liver Institute (GLI), the premier patient-led liver health nonprofit operating globally, released the second edition of its “Global State of Liver Health” report, now including 22 countries covering every region of the world. Following the impetus of the Liver Health is Public Health initiative, international experts drew attention to pressing opportunities for their respective governments to prioritize and improve liver health.

Liver disease continues to pose a heavy burden for the world and its health systems:

• Liver disease causes 2 million deaths per year around the globe.
• An estimated 1.5 billion people in the world have chronic liver disease – an increase of 13% since the beginning of the millennium.
• About 70% of liver cancer is preventable.
• Even rare liver diseases appear to be rising in prevalence; in Germany, for instance, prevalence has risen by around 30% in less than five years.

“Our continued exploration of the scope and scale of the impact of liver diseases gives us both pause and hope. Powerful human intellect has developed many innovative solutions,” noted GLI CEO Donna R. Cryer, JD. “Rather than let these solutions go to waste, it is now time to direct political will towards putting them into practice and ensuring the ability to achieve liver health – and overall health – around the world.”

Strategies and technologies currently exist that can prevent liver disease or catch it early. However, putting these tools into practice can require financial investment, expert training, and often complex execution on a scale that necessitates government support. Several of the report’s expert advisors highlighted the policy opportunities and successes that might support liver health:

“We don’t have many tools currently to control tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and even the consumption of unhealthy diets in Vietnam,” shared Dr. Tung Pham, report advisor and lecturer /physician at Hanoi Medical University. “These are the second and third leading factors, so a tightening of standards, maybe raising taxes and implementing other promotional programs, will be essential.”

In contrast, a liberal treatment program that provided newly developed hepatitis C treatment to patients in Australia without many barriers has eliminated more than half of the viral disease throughout the country. As report advisor and leading hepatologist Dr. Simone Strasser noted in the report, several features brought about a successful program, including comprehensive training of primary care providers, minimal direct cost to patients, and local access to treatment.

National experts have identified the greatest threats to liver health in their communities. Now, those who care about liver health and its related conditions must urge their national leaders to prioritize and implement solutions.

The Liver Health is Public Health initiative is made possible thanks to the support of Sanofi and Salix Pharmaceuticals.

About Global Liver Institute

Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. GLI holds Platinum Transparency with Candid/GuideStar, is a member of the National Health Council, and serves as a Healthy People 2030 Champion. Follow GLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube or visit www.globalliver.org.

Attachment

• Global State of Liver Health Report edition 2 is now live

Christine Maalouf
Global Liver Institute
cmaalouf@globalliver.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8993807

His Excellency Khalid Al-Mudaifer, Vice-Minister for Mining Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources at the Future Minerals Forum press conference

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At a press conference today, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) announced details of the third edition of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF), to be held in Riyadh 9^th-11^th January at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.

Speaking at the conference, H.E. the Vice Minister for Mining Affairs, Khalid Al-Mudaifer, looked forward to further achievements delivered by the Ministerial Roundtable and FMF 2024. In previous editions, both platforms have seen participation from ministers and a leading group of international speakers to address issues and turn talk into action.

The Vice Minister discussed the unique role of the FMF in hosting the only Ministerial Roundtable of its kind in the industry. He said: “We have succeeded in making this meeting a strategic and influential platform led by governments, providing a voice for many countries and official organizations.”

Over 70 countries will be represented by government ministers and high-ranking officials at the Ministerial Roundtable on January 9. For the first time, a Geological Survey Leaders meeting will be held concurrently with the Roundtable, allowing institutions to discuss key mineral issues in the Super Region.

Following the Roundtable, 250 key speakers will participate in 75 sessions over the two-day Forum. Some 90% of them are CEOs of some of the largest companies in the sector.

“We created the FMF to support delivery of the energy transition and create responsible, resilient minerals value chains in the Super Region of Africa, Western and Central Asia. Last week we attended COP and delivered a simple message: without minerals there cannot be an energy transition,” Al-Mudaifer added.

The conference noted the Kingdom’s leadership in supplying the world with energy, and its current substantial role in supporting the development of resilient value chains to deliver clean energy solutions. The Kingdom has the potential to become an international hub for the production and processing of green minerals. This is supported by the Manara Minerals Company, which invests in mining assets globally to help achieve flexibility in global supply chains and accelerate the pace of the energy transition.

For a full list of speakers and more information about FMF 2024 please visit https://www.futuremineralsforum.com/conference-speakers/.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/029ac455-d922-4185-bdb6-7b83fa717128

Media Contact:
Omar Shereen
E: Omar.shereen@fleishman.com
M: +966 50 663 0489

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000903779

• Acquisition adds smelting capability to serve spent automotive catalyst customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa
  
• Complements ECMS recycling operations and global precious metal services

• Broadens range of materials that can be processed by ECMS

• Closing of transaction expected in early first quarter 2024

ISELIN, N.J., Dec. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) has signed an agreement to purchase the assets of Arc Metal AB in Hofors, Sweden. The company currently conducts toll smelting and processing of spent automotive catalyst, among other services, and will further complement ECMS’s existing global precious metal recycling operations in Cinderford, UK, Seneca and Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Caldwell, Texas, USA. The closing of the transaction is expected early in the first quarter of 2024.

“This investment will allow us to grow our recycling business in Europe and bring in best-in-class pyro-metallurgical technology providing flexibility to process high carbon containing materials, like Silicon Carbide found in spent automotive catalyst materials as well as access to new markets,” said Tim Ingle, Senior Vice President, Precious Metal Services and Recycling, ECMS. “We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues who bring vast experience in smelting and processing of spent automotive catalysts.”

The additional smelting capacity at the Sweden site will also increase utilization of the new refinery capacity in Seneca, South Carolina. Recycled catalysts go through a smelting process and are then refined to produce the high purity precious metal needed to make new catalysts and other end use products, supporting a circular economy. Recycled platinum group metals can also lower carbon emissions by up to 97 percent, in comparison to refining mined or primary materials¹.

“The asset purchase will enable ECMS to meet increased customer demand for spent automotive catalyst recycling and position ECMS more competitively in the region,” said Dirk Bremm, President and CEO, ECMS. “The acquisition also aligns with our sustainability efforts and those of our customers since catalyst recycling as a secondary supply is a significant source of precious metals, preserving our critical resources.”

To learn more about BASF’s recycling business, visit www.basf.com/ecms.

¹ Source: Sphera Solutions GmbH (2022): GaBi Database Edition 2022, SP37

About BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions
Leveraging its deep expertise as a global leader in catalysis and precious metals, BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) serves customers in many industries including automotive, aerospace, indoor air quality, semiconductors, and hydrogen economy, and provides full loop services with its precious metals trading and recycling offering. With a focus on circular solutions and sustainability, ECMS is committed to helping our customers create a cleaner, more sustainable world. Protecting the elements of life is our purpose and this inspires us to ever-new solutions. ECMS operates globally in 15 countries with over 4,500 employees and 20 production sites.

Media Relations contact:
Betsy Arnone
Phone: +1 973-519-9808
betsy.arnone@basf-catalystsmetals.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8992710

• Acquisition adds smelting capability to serve spent automotive catalyst customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa
  
• Complements ECMS recycling operations and global precious metal services

• Broadens range of materials that can be processed by ECMS

• Closing of transaction expected in early first quarter 2024

ISELIN, N.J., Dec. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) has signed an agreement to purchase the assets of Arc Metal AB in Hofors, Sweden. The company currently conducts toll smelting and processing of spent automotive catalyst, among other services, and will further complement ECMS’s existing global precious metal recycling operations in Cinderford, UK, Seneca and Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Caldwell, Texas, USA. The closing of the transaction is expected early in the first quarter of 2024.

“This investment will allow us to grow our recycling business in Europe and bring in best-in-class pyro-metallurgical technology providing flexibility to process high carbon containing materials, like Silicon Carbide found in spent automotive catalyst materials as well as access to new markets,” said Tim Ingle, Senior Vice President, Precious Metal Services and Recycling, ECMS. “We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues who bring vast experience in smelting and processing of spent automotive catalysts.”

The additional smelting capacity at the Sweden site will also increase utilization of the new refinery capacity in Seneca, South Carolina. Recycled catalysts go through a smelting process and are then refined to produce the high purity precious metal needed to make new catalysts and other end use products, supporting a circular economy. Recycled platinum group metals can also lower carbon emissions by up to 97 percent, in comparison to refining mined or primary materials¹.

“The asset purchase will enable ECMS to meet increased customer demand for spent automotive catalyst recycling and position ECMS more competitively in the region,” said Dirk Bremm, President and CEO, ECMS. “The acquisition also aligns with our sustainability efforts and those of our customers since catalyst recycling as a secondary supply is a significant source of precious metals, preserving our critical resources.”

To learn more about BASF’s recycling business, visit www.basf.com/ecms.

¹ Source: Sphera Solutions GmbH (2022): GaBi Database Edition 2022, SP37

About BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions
Leveraging its deep expertise as a global leader in catalysis and precious metals, BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) serves customers in many industries including automotive, aerospace, indoor air quality, semiconductors, and hydrogen economy, and provides full loop services with its precious metals trading and recycling offering. With a focus on circular solutions and sustainability, ECMS is committed to helping our customers create a cleaner, more sustainable world. Protecting the elements of life is our purpose and this inspires us to ever-new solutions. ECMS operates globally in 15 countries with over 4,500 employees and 20 production sites.

Media Relations contact:
Betsy Arnone
Phone: +1 973-519-9808
betsy.arnone@basf-catalystsmetals.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8992710

Accomplished executives bring decades of insurance and technology expertise to new board roles

BOSTON, Dec. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, has announced the appointments of Barbara Bufkin and Diane Fanelli to the company’s board of directors. Bufkin joins Duck Creek’s board with an extensive background in global (re)insurance, distribution, underwriting, and technology, advising companies in originating and fostering strategic partnerships. Fanelli is a global customer-centric operations leader known for her expertise in guiding global enterprise software teams and company growth.

“Barbara and Diane are each accomplished and recognized experts in their respective fields, and they will add incredible value to guide Duck Creek’s long-term mission and business strategy,” says Mike Jackowski, CEO of Duck Creek Technologies. “Barbara’s and Diane’s areas of expertise are highly complementary and a perfect fit to enhance our customer success initiatives, advance our partner ecosystem to benefit our insurer customers and their policyholders, and enable our global growth aspirations. It is an honor to have their talents on our board of directors.”

Bufkin is a C-suite executive leader with vast experience in the insurance and reinsurance industry, with roles encompassing operational and strategic responsibilities, business and product development, underwriting, claims, risk management, and corporate governance. Most recently, she served as a senior advisor to Amwins and was a founding member of the Amwins Group Diversity & Inclusion Council. Bufkin has also held executive leadership roles at Argo Group, Assurant, Hamilton USA, Guy Carpenter, Sedgewick Payne (acquired by Guy Carpenter), and Swiss Re. Bufkin advocates for the value of the insurance industry as a career of choice in her role on the Board of Trustees of Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS) and is past president and chair of the governance committee formed during her tenure. Bufkin is a 2012 recipient of the Association of Professional Insurance Women’s (APIW) Woman of the Year award and was inducted into the Insurance Business America Hall of Fame in 2019. Her philanthropic work includes the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Council of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF).

Diane Fanelli

Fanelli currently serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at iCIMS, where she leads the company’s professional services, award-winning customer success, technical support, revenue operations, go-to-market enablement, and customer training teams. In 2019 Fanelli was recognized with a CRN Channel Chief award and the CRN Women of the Channel award in 2018 and 2017 for her success in driving innovation, growth, and revenue through channel partners and customers. Prior global enterprise software executive leadership experience includes COO roles at Citrix and SAP. She has previously served as an executive sponsor of diversity and inclusion programs, including the Veterans to Work initiative at SAP. She is an active supporter of STEM initiatives to inspire today’s youth to focus on the digital careers of tomorrow.

Bufkin and Fanelli’s roles were sourced through the external board program operated by Vista Equity Partners, a global investment firm focused on enterprise software, data, and technology-enabled businesses and a majority investor in Duck Creek. Launched in 2017, the board program leverages Vista’s ecosystem and additional resources to identify, train, and appoint qualified board candidates for its portfolio companies. The program works to create a diverse pipeline of qualified board candidates through programs and partnerships that advance diversity for all boards and drive impact for the corporate world at large.

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.

Media Contacts

Carley Bunch
carley.bunch@duckcreek.com

Drake Manning
drake.manning@duckcreek.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c91b7515-576d-4ff6-9c4b-e66a7b01bd9a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d472257b-c63f-491f-b566-7786e54b60e4

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8991936