Latest news with #LosAngeles-headquartered
AU Financial Review
28-05-2025
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Hedge funds weight up longer-term ownership of collapsed Healthscope
Major international hedge funds which now control large parts of Healthscope's $1.6 billion debt are not ruling out running the failed private health hospital as longer-term shareholders if they cannot find a buyer for the business, but are facing resistance from a big landlord. London's Polus Capital and Los Angeles-headquartered Canyon Partners own about 30 per cent of the debt owed by the country's second-largest private healthcare operator, which collapsed into administration earlier this month, leaving the long-term future of its 37 hospitals uncertain.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Casa Rica Tequila Announces Andrei McQuillan as Interim CEO to Drive Brand Growth and Cultural Relevance
LOS ANGELES, CA / / April 29, 2025 / Casa Rica Tequila is proud to announce the appointment of Andrei McQuillan as Interim Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a bold new era of creative innovation, cultural relevance, and strategic growth. A proven leader in branding and marketing, McQuillan brings deep expertise in building breakthrough consumer brands through visionary storytelling, distinct positioning, and immersive cultural experiences. As co-founder and Head of Marketing at Stillhouse Spirits Co. - acquired by Bacardi in 2019 - McQuillan built a reputation for transforming early-stage businesses into high-impact lifestyle brands. McQuillan's unique approach is rooted in his beginnings as a music manager under the mentorship of industry legend Benny Medina, where he guided the careers of global icons, including Jennifer Lopez, Brandy, and Ricky Martin. McQuillan applies the same philosophy of marketing a celebrity to building brands - focusing on authenticity, emotional resonance, and strategic creativity to drive exposure, engagement, and long-term growth. "Casa Rica is built on something truly special - unshakable authenticity, fearless branding, and a taste that's nothing short of extraordinary. As Interim CEO, I don't just see a brand - I see a cultural movement in the making," says Andrei McQuillan. McQuillan takes the helm at Casa Rica during a transformative time. The brand has quickly garnered attention for its collaboration with Maestra Tequilera Zandra Gomez of Agave Azul Distillery - one of the few women running tequila production in Mexico and an up-and-coming force in artisanal distilling. As Casa Rica matures under McQuillan's guidance, the brand strives to grow its cultural depth while expanding nationally through compelling content, partnerships, and experiences. "Andrei possesses an incredible combination of razor-sharp strategic insight and creative energy," said John D. Quinn, Owner of Casa Rica Tequila. "Under Andrei's leadership, as we embark on our next chapter, we're extending our reach and building a brand legacy like no other." From premium product positioning to breakthrough cultural moments, McQuillan will lead Casa Rica with purpose, precision, and passion, bringing the soul of tequila to a new generation of tastemakers. Many of McQuillan's achievements were built on a deep expertise with marketing and communications. McQuillan founded Higher Evolution, a Los Angeles-headquartered creative agency in 2019. It will be supporting Casa Rica, and the agency will continue to thrive with services ranging from strategic consulting to product packaging design. Explore Casa Rica Tequila Media Contact:John D. Quinn, Chairman & CEOEmail: 310-623-7551 Andrei McQuillan, Co-CEOCasa Rica Tequila, IncEmail: andrei@ SOURCE: Casa Rica Tequila Related Documents: Press Release New CEO - CR_4.28.25_photo View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Irish Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Ardagh cans unit ‘turns corner' amid Coulson bid to keep control
Ardagh Group said on Thursday that the outlook for its beverage cans unit is improving, as the group's main shareholder, Paul Coulson, vies to keep control of this part of his packaging empire even as he prepares to hand its troubled glass business over to creditors. The group's 76 per cent-owned Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) unit reported its revenues grew by 11 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter to $1.27 billion (€1.12 billion), driven by a 6 per cent increase in sales volumes. Earnings also rose. AMP chief executive Oliver Graham upgraded the subsidiary's sales and earnings guidance for the year, saying he now expects sales volumes to rise 3-4 per cent and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) to reach $695 million to $720 million, compared to $672 million for 2024. It previously targeted shipment growth of 2-3 per cent and Ebitda in the range of $675 million to $695 million. READ MORE Mr Graham said the drinks cans industry looks like it has 'turned a corner', helped by a rebound in activity across the energy drinks, sparking water and health and wellness categories. He said that a sector slowdown last year suggests that there was 'a breather after big growth in previous years'. Shares in AMP rallied as much as 26 per cent in early trading on Thursday on Wall Street. However, Ardagh Group's legacy glass business saw its revenues drop 6.7 per cent to $961 million during the quarter as this arm of the group continued to struggle. The trading update came as the Ardagh Group continues talks with bondholders on restructuring its estimated $12.5 billion debt mountain. The group's current proposal would see a group of senior unsecured bondholders write off much of the $2.32 billion they are owed in exchange for taking full ownership of the glass business. The plan also envisages Ardagh spinning its shares in AMP into a new company (NewCo). This would be 80 per cent owned by Mr Coulson and other existing shareholders – with the unsecured creditors receiving the remaining 20 per cent. Two hedge funds moved in March, within days of the plan being outlined, to sue Ardagh Group and its controlling shareholder, Paul Coulson, alleging that a restructuring plan for the company's debt would amount to fraud, designed to 'siphon value away' from certain bondholders in favour of the businessman and other insiders. The hedge funds, London-based Arini and Los Angeles-headquartered Canyon Partners, own more than 30 per cent of Ardagh's £400 million (€468 million) of unsecured bonds that are due to fall due in July 2027. 'The company strongly believes that the complaint is without merit and intends to vigorously defend against the proceedings,' Ardagh Group said in its first-quarter report on Thursday. Mr Coulson controls Ardagh through an 18.8 per cent direct stake in its ultimate parent company and a 52.4 per cent interest in a vehicle called Yeoman Capital, which owns 33.9 per cent of the group. He effectively owns 36.6 per cent of the equity in a business that traces its roots to the Irish Glass Bottle Company, founded in Dublin in 1932. Meanwhile, holders of some $1.8 billion of risky bonds issued by a holding company above the operating Ardagh Group are expected to lose almost all of what they are owed. These bonds were recently trading at about 5 per cent of their original value. AMP and Ardagh Group executives signalled on Thursday that they expected neither arm of the business to be materially directly affected by tariffs – even as it remains unclear how they would affect consumer demand.
Los Angeles Times
23-03-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
MapQuest Vows to Protect Privacy with its New Mapping App
Los Angeles-headquartered MapQuest has announced the release of Private Maps by MapQuest – the first app fromaleading mapping brand specifically designed to protect users' privacy. Secure, straightforward and free from invasive trackers, Private Maps by MapQuest shifts the focus of online mapping back to the journey, because 'personal data shouldn't be the cost of finding your way.' Private Maps, available now for download on Android devices, keeps routes private with no tracking, no sharing of data and no ads: 'MapQuest introduced the world's first online mapping solution, and now we've come full circle with the launch of the most private mapping experience,' said MapQuest general manager John Chipouras. 'MapQuest learned from the best when building our new Private Maps app: Startpage, the world's most private search engine. Collaborating with Startpage helped us better understand how to create top-tier privacy protections for people who want directions without jeopardizing their online privacy.' MapQuest guides tens of millions of users monthly with maps, directions and route planning. It incorporates map content from HERE Technologies, which practices a privacy-by-design approach as part of its privacy charter. Acquired by System1 – an AI and machine learning-powered customer acquisition platform – MapQuest has undergone a significant tech transformation. MapQuest users now enjoy faster, more intuitive navigation thanks to major product, team and tech investments that include enhanced search capabilities and cutting-edge mapping data. MapQuest's mission is to empower people and businesses to find what they need and navigate how to get there. It is now used by millions of people each month and also operates RoadWarrior, a subscription route-planning app that leverages a proprietary algorithm to streamline complex multi-stop itineraries for delivery drivers. The company is now owned by System1, an industry-leading omnichannel digital marketing platform, powered by Machine Learning and AI. MapQuest's Private Maps concept is consistent with System1's privacy mission. System1 has stated as part of its mission that it believes everyone has the right to control their data, protect their privacy and be safe online, making it the company's duty to 'bring privacy solutions to market that can benefit from our privacy-focused expertise.'
Los Angeles Times
18-03-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Resecurity Partners With Union of Arab Banks to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention Across the Arab Financial Sector
Resecurity, a Los Angeles-headquartered cybersecurity company protecting Fortune 500 companies and government agencies globally, has announced via press release a strategic partnership with Union of Arab Banks (UAB) to enhance cybersecurity capabilities, fraud prevention and threat intelligence sharing across the Arab banking and financial sectors. Union of Arab Banks, which represents over 330 Arab banking and financial institutions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), serves as the largest banking and financial consortium in the region. UAB's membership spans central banks, leading commercial banks, investment banks, financial institutions and development funds, playing a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, innovation and economic development across the Arab banking ecosystem. The organization also works closely with regional and international regulatory bodies to advance financial inclusion, digital transformation and risk management practices in the sector. Through this collaboration, Resecurity and UAB will work together to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of Arab banks, promote the adoption of advanced cyber threat intelligence solutions and implement proactive fraud prevention measures to protect banks and their customers from cyber-enabled fraud and financial crime. 'As the digital transformation of the Arab banking sector accelerates, cybersecurity becomes a top priority to safeguard sensitive financial data and maintain the trust of our customers and partners. Through our collaboration with Resecurity, we are bringing world-class threat intelligence and cybersecurity expertise to the Arab banking community to help mitigate cyber risks and enhance regional cyber resilience,' said Wissam Fattouh, secretary general of Union of Arab Banks and World Union of Arab Bankers. This partnership will provide UAB member banks with access to Resecurity's comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions, including its Fraud Prevention Platform, which is specifically designed for the financial sector. The Fraud Prevention Platform leverages advanced threat intelligence, behavioral analytics and machine learning to detect and mitigate fraudulent activities in real time, protecting banks and their customers from evolving financial crime threats. In addition, banks will gain access to Resecurity's threat intelligence platforms, digital risk monitoring capabilities and advanced cyber threat detection technologies. Resecurity's intelligence-driven approach empowers financial institutions to proactively identify, assess and mitigate cyber risks. 'We are honored to partner with the Union of Arab Banks, a leading institution driving the advancement and security of the Arab financial ecosystem,' said Gene Yoo, CEO of Resecurity. 'Cybersecurity and fraud prevention have become essential pillars of digital banking and financial services. By combining Resecurity's intelligence-led cybersecurity solutions and dedicated fraud prevention technologies with UAB's regional leadership, we are confident this partnership will help enhance the security and trust of financial institutions across the Arab world.' The collaboration will also foster greater information sharing, joint training initiatives and cybersecurity capacity-building programs, equipping Arab banks with the intelligence and tools necessary to proactively respond to emerging cyber threats and fraudulent schemes. Information for this story was sourced from Businesswire.
