Latest news with #acquisitions
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ZETADISPLAY AB (publ) INTERIM REPORT 1 JANUARY
Q1 Interim report JANUARY – MARCH 2025 for ZetaDisplay AB (publ) is now available at Report summary: Continued Growth and Strategic Wins Position ZetaDisplay for the Future JANUARY – MARCH 2025 Adjusted recurring revenue* increased by 9.9% to 65.4 (59.5) million Recurring revenue increased by 7.4% to 65.4 (60.9) million Adjusted net sales* increased by 26.8% to SEK 159.6 (125.9) million Net sales increased by 25.5% to SEK 159.6 (127.2) million Gross margin decreased to 56.4% (59.9 %) Adjusted gross margin* decreased to 56.4% (59.5%) Adjusted EBITDA* increased to SEK 22.0 (11.5) million * Recurring revenue for the first quarter of 2024 has been reduced by SEK 1.3 million to reflect the restructuring of our German operations, during which certain non-core activities were identified for discontinuation. CEO comment CONTINUED GROWTH AND STRENGTHENED MARKET POSITION Adjusted net sales for the quarter increased by 26.8% to SEK 159.6 (125.9) million, primarily driven by strategic acquisitions that significantly strengthened our market presence in Europe, and further supported by 7% organic growth, notably from our global accounts. Adjusted recurring revenue grew by 9.9% to SEK 65.4 (59.5) million, representing 41.0% of net sales. Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter rose to SEK 22.0 (11.5) million, reflecting our ability to scale efficiently while maintaining sound cost control. We are honored to have been named 'Outstanding Company of the Year' at the 2025 Digital Signage Awards, with Engage Suite receiving recognition for its industry innovation and impact. These honors underscore our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive customer engagement and innovation excellence. During the quarter, we successfully completed our bond refinancing on favorable terms, reflecting the strong confidence our financial partners have in our strategic direction and financial health. We announced a significant new contract with Ruter, Oslo's public transport authority. This five-year agreement involves modernizing digital signage across 370 transit locations, enhancing real-time passenger information and overall commuter experience, and increases our market position in the public sector. In Germany, we are making good progress in transforming our local company to embrace Zetadisplay's Full-Service-Provider business model and are now offering our comprehensive digital signage solutions both to existing and new customers. In the UK, we have appointed a new Managing Director and are focusing on leveraging our Engage Suite platform, both by migrating key UK customers and by strengthening our value proposition to more proactively attract new customers. OUTLOOK We are encouraged by the continued evolution we see in areas such as hardware, analytics, AI, retail media and security, as well as by the positive market receptiveness to our offering. Our Full-Service-Provider business model, including our award-winning Engage Suite platform and a strong local market presence, positions us well to support our organic growth ambitions. The successful integration of Beyond Digital Solutions in the UK and our transformation into a Full-Service Provider across all markets, including Germany, enhance our capability to deliver comprehensive, international value-driven services. Looking ahead, we remain focused on driving long-term value through innovation, operational excellence, and deeper customer engagement to accelerate profitable growth. At the same time, we remain diligent in our cost and investment priorities with measures to navigate any unexpected effects from ongoing external market influences. I extend my sincere gratitude to all our employees for their dedication and to our customers for their continued trust in ZetaDisplay. Malmö, 30 May 2025 This information is information that ZetaDisplay AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of Anders Olin, at 08:00 CET on 30 May 2025 - Full Q1 report attached and available at - For further questions, please contact: Anders Olin, President & CEO Mobile: +46 076-101 14 88 E-Mail: Claes Pedersen, CFO Mobile: +45 23-68 86 58 E-Mail: ABOUT ZETADISPLAY More than 20 years of leadership and innovation in digital signage. ZetaDisplay was founded 2003 in Sweden as one of the early pioneers of digital signage. We are one of the leading European corporations in the digital signage market and a leading force in the European digital signage industry. Our proprietary software platform, digital business development and consulting services, innovative digital signage solutions, and creative concepts regularly inspire- influence and guide millions of people every day in retail environments, in restaurants, on advertising screens, in factories, on trains, on cruise ships, in stadiums, in workplaces and in all types of public spaces indoor and outdoor. ZetaDisplay is one of the largest leading European digital signage companies with direct operations in eight European countries and the US with +125,000 active installations in over 50 countries, across all major continents where we are the business partner of choice for many of the worlds most respected blue-chip brands and companies. ZetaDisplay is based in Malmö-Sweden, has a turnover of SEK +600 million and employs approx. 250 co-workers. ZetaDisplay is owned by the investment company Hanover Investors. More information at and Attachment ZetaDisplay AB (publ) Interim Report Q1 2025
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Smooth business handovers: A survival guide for South Africa's entrepreneurs
In today's dynamic business environment, leadership transitions are inevitable. Whether due to a c-suite reshuffle, a merger, or an acquisition by a larger group, periods of transition can be destabilising for businesses of any size. In fact, research based on over 40,000 corporate acquisitions spanning over four decades has shown that 70% of mergers and acquisitions fail to fulfil their expectations. Amogelang Montane, human resources business partner at Business Partners Limited Amogelang Montane, human resources business partner at Business Partners Limited, believes that effective leadership is at the heart of any successful business transition. 'Any big change, when not managed properly, can result in operational inefficiencies, employee uncertainty, and even a knock to revenue. However, many of these results are often avoidable, and with a well-planned handover strategy, it's possible for your business to make it through these times of uncertainty.' While any change in leadership can be challenging to manage, Montane notes that mergers and acquisitions require particularly careful consideration – especially when a smaller business is being acquired by a larger company or corporation. 'When a business merges with another or is acquired by a larger group, the shift in company culture, operational processes, and management structures can cause significant disruption to the 'norm' employees have become used to. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in particular, may struggle to integrate into a larger corporate framework without a clear roadmap.' Montane lists four key considerations for entrepreneurs to ensure business continuity during these types of transitionary periods. - Clear communication Transparent communication with employees, customers, and other key stakeholders is vital. 'Ensuring that all parties are kept up to date about changes and their implications will help manage expectations and reduce uncertainty across the organisation,' says Montane. - Strategic planning A comprehensive transition strategy should be in place before any major leadership or structural change. This includes clear succession planning, especially for family-owned businesses and founder-led SMEs, notes Montane. 'These smaller, tight-knit businesses often face challenges when ownership or leadership is transferred. Without a structured succession plan, conflicts may arise, threatening the business's continuity,' he explains. - Talent retention It's estimated that 47% of key employees leave within the first year following a merger or acquisition, and 75% leave within the first three years. 'This is why keeping employees motivated and aligned with the company's vision during a transition is one of the greatest human resources responsibilities in a merger. The loss of talent after an acquisition can be so significant that it erodes value from the transaction,' says Montane. He adds that conducting due diligence around culture and operational processes is also critical when merging two organisations. 'While HR is responsible for supporting employees on a day-to-day basis, it is up to the leadership team to provide reassurance, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth to retain key talent.' - Financial stability Ensuring access to capital during periods of transition can help businesses to persevere through potential financial instability. 'As a financier to SMEs, we have seen first-hand how well-planned transitions supported by the right funding can ensure business continuity,' adds Montane. While leadership transitions can be daunting, they also present an opportunity for businesses to evolve and strengthen their competitive position. By implementing a structured approach, SMEs can mitigate risks and emerge stronger on the other side of change. 'As South Africa's SME sector continues to grow and evolve, businesses must embrace change as a constant. With the right leadership and strategic planning in place, transitions can be transformed into catalysts for success,' concludes Montane.
Bloomberg
2 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
JPMorgan Hires Top HSBC Dealmaker Kamal Jabre as Vice Chair
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is hiring HSBC Holdings Plc 's global head of mergers and acquisitions, Kamal Jabre. The London-based banker will join JPMorgan later this year as a vice chair of M&A to help expand the business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, according to an internal memo seen by Bloomberg. He'll work closely with JPMorgan's coverage teams and partner with its financial sponsors, natural resources and Middle East and North Africa groups.
Bloomberg
2 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
JPMorgan Sees Asia Deals on the Horizon in Volatile Markets
Dealmaking in Asia Pacific is looking pretty buoyant as companies assess the best places to allocate capital in volatile times, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. 's head of investment banking in the region, Paul Uren. While the veteran banker and his team are measured in the outlook for transactions in APAC this year, they are busy talking with clients about ways to diversify their businesses or supply chains, including through mergers and acquisitions. Selling non-core assets, raising capital and refinancing debt are also under discussion, Uren said in an interview in Hong Kong.
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Why investors love Definity's big acquisition, helping the home and auto insurer extend its hot run
Expected industry consolidation is forcing Canada's auto and property insurers to choose between eating or being eaten, and Definity Financial Corp. DFY-T is leaving no one guessing where it stands. On Tuesday the company, which predominately operates in Ontario, shelled out $3.3-billion for the Canadian operations of U.S. insurance giant Travelers Companies Inc., a deal that amounted to 40 per cent of Definity's stock market value. In most circumstances, taking such a big bite would be considered a risky bet. Yet Canada's auto and property insurance market has become very lucrative for the industry's best operators, and investors are so intrigued by the growth opportunity that they scrambled to buy more Definity stock on Wednesday, both through an upsized share sale that helps finance the takeover and in the open market. By day's end, Definity's stock jumped 11.3 per cent. Its total return, including dividends, since going public in November, 2021, is now 198.1 per cent, trouncing the 46.9-per-cent total return for the S&P/TSX Financials Index over the same period. Travelers, meanwhile, made the opposite call. The American insurer expanded to Canada in 2013 and 12 years in, its 1.85-per-cent market share remains muted. The company's Canadian business also accounted for just 2.3 per cent of its total property and casualty – that is, home, auto and commercial – premiums in 2024. While Travelers' shares have been on a run of their own and the company is in good financial standing, fighting Canadian rivals would take more capital, because the company would likely need to grow by acquisition. Instead, management decided to sell while home and auto insurers are trading at premium valuations. Travelers declined to comment. The sector is scorching hot for multiple reasons. To start, home and auto insurers are seen as defensive stocks amid the stock market volatility. Banks often struggle with surging loan losses during economic downturns, but property and casualty insurers do not face the same threats. Pricing conditions have also been favourable to insurers. Across the industry, executives often talk about 'soft' and 'hard' markets – the former is when insurers drop their prices and increase their risk tolerance in hopes of gaining market share, and the latter is when companies drop clients and hike premiums. Canada's P&C insurers have been operating in a hard market for a few years now, and there aren't many signs of it changing. When Definity reported first-quarter earnings in early May, chief executive officer Rowan Saunders said the hard market helped premiums grow 9.6 per cent over the same quarter in the prior year. The industry's best operators have also invested in technology that improves their risk models which, in turn, help them determine which clients are worthy of underwriting. This means rising prices and better profits. It also means a lower combined ratio for an insurer, which is a measure of claims to premiums earned. In 2018, Definity's combined ratio was 111.8 per cent, meaning it was paying out more in claims than it was bringing in through premiums. In the first quarter, the ratio had fallen to 94.1 per cent. Having proven its operating prowess, Definity became quite vocal over the past year about wanting to make an acquisition. The company was sitting on excess capital, and its balance sheet was in such good shape that it was comfortable adding debt to fund a large deal. By combining with Travelers' property and casualty business – Travelers' surety business in Canada will remain with the American company – Definity vaults into fourth place, ranked by market share, and its new heft will offer the scale Mr. Rowan believes is necessary to compete in a rapidly changing technology environment. Because Definity will have more revenue, it can spread its technology expenses – to upgrade its risk systems and to transform its claims operations – over a larger pot. And by growing, Definity can mimic the expansion strategy that has been so successful for Canadian rival Intact Financial Corp. Once known as ING Groep NV's Canadian arm, Intact rebranded in 2009 after ING sold the business to public investors. Intact then went on an acquisition spree in Canada, the United States and, most recently, in Britain with its deal to buy RSA Insurance Group. The growth abroad has impressed investors, because Intact has successfully integrated its takeover targets and increased profits in the process. In an interview Tuesday, Mr. Saunders said his immediate focus is to integrate the Travelers' business, but he added, 'We still have capital to keep deploying.' It's not yet clear who else would consider selling, but the more the industry consolidates, the better it is for top operators, because pricing power will only increase.
