Fintech PR
EQT and GIC to acquire majority stake in Calisen, a leading independent smart metering company in the UK
- EQT and GIC to acquire a majority stake in Calisen
- Calisen is a leading independent provider of smart meters and energy transition infrastructure in the UK, whose purpose is to accelerate the development of a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable energy sector.
- Long-term investment by EQT and GIC to support Calisen’s growth ambitions in the UK smart meter market and abroad, as well as expansion into adjacent sectors.
STOCKHOLM, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The EQT Active Core Infrastructure fund (“EQT”) and GIC, a leading global investor, are pleased to announce an agreement to jointly acquire a majority stake in Calisen Group (“Calisen” or “the Company”) from funds managed by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock, the Infrastructure business of Goldman Sachs Alternatives and Mubadala Investment Company. Equitix will remain a minority investor.
Headquartered in Manchester, Calisen is a leading independent owner and manager of essential energy infrastructure assets. The Company is a provider of smart meters, electric vehicle charging, solar and battery, and heat pump installation, meter reading, maintenance and ancillary services, whose purpose is to accelerate the development of a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable energy sector.
Operating under long-term contracts, Calisen has firmly established itself as a provider of choice in the UK thanks to its scale, operational excellence, and strong customer relationships. With an installed base of approximately 16 million meters, it is well-positioned to capitalize on market trends underpinned by the continued energy transition. The roll-out of smart meters is expected to continue to increase due to a supportive regulatory framework towards net zero as well as demand from energy suppliers and customers to support energy efficiency and the balancing of the electricity grid.
EQT and GIC will support Calisen’s long-term prospects by driving the continued rollout of its energy transition-related assets, including smart meters, heat pumps and renewable energy systems, both in the UK and abroad. It will also explore expanding into adjacent sectors, such as smart water metering.
Kunal Koya, Partner in EQT Active Core Infrastructure’s Advisory Team, said: “Calisen is an exciting investment opportunity, combining significant downside protection and cash flow visibility with tangible upside potential. Its critical role in the UK’s energy transition aligns perfectly with EQT’s commitment to investing in essential infrastructure that contributes to a more sustainable future. We look forward to partnering with management and GIC to embark on Calisen’s next phase of growth.”
Ang Eng Seng, Chief Investment Officer, Infrastructure, GIC remarked: “We are pleased to be investing in Calisen, a high-quality business with a strong market position and good sector tailwinds. Through its integrated business model, Calisen owns, installs, reads and maintains the meters throughout their useful life. With its steady cash flows and long-term contracts, we are confident in Calisen’s growth potential as a core infrastructure investment.”
George Kay, Head of Infrastructure, Europe at GIC, commented: “Smart meters have a crucial role to play in the energy transition. Whilst they are installed at the consumer’s home, they create value across the supply chain. Consumers can track their consumption and potentially lower their bills through access to different tariffs, while suppliers and grid operators can save costs. Our investment will support the roll out of meters across the UK and we look forward to working with management, EQT and Equitix to grow the business for the long term.”
Sean Latus, CEO of Calisen, said: “I am delighted to welcome EQT and GIC as new long-term majority owners of the business alongside our continuing investor. Calisen plays an active role in the decarbonisation of the UK economy, a position we intend to strengthen with the support of all of our shareholders. EQT and GIC’s experience in the energy sector will be invaluable as we look to leverage our scale and customer relationships to significantly expand our smart meter portfolio and replicate our success in adjacent areas.”
The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions including regulatory approvals.
Contact
EQT Press Office, [email protected]
GIC, Samantha Chiene, [email protected]
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Fintech PR
Costa Rica’s digital identity reflects its international growth
- A study by the international firm Bloom Consulting indicates a remarkable growth in searches in both sectors.
SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A new analysis of Costa Rica’s identity and digital footprint reveals that the country has consolidated its position by showing significant growth in tourism and exports, according to the 2022-2023 study conducted by Bloom Consulting for esencial COSTA RICA.
Based on more than 12.4 million searches, this report highlights how Costa Rica has managed to capture global interest in key areas such as tourism, investment, and exports. In addition, it underlines the country’s alignment with the principles of sustainability, a central issue for Costa Rica at the global level. In particular, the aspects of renewable energy, carbon neutral and sustainable products occupy a prominent place in international searches, reflecting the growing perception of the country as a leader in the fight against climate change and in the use of clean technologies, aligning with the 2035 Strategy of esencial COSTA RICA that seeks to consolidate the country as a world leader in sustainability.
“This fingerprint study is an invaluable tool to understand how Costa Rica is perceived globally and which aspects generate the most interest in key sectors. It allows us to fine-tune our strategies, projecting the value of Costa Rica in a way that connects with those seeking authentic and reliable experiences in a destination of quality and sustainability, “commented Adriana Acosta, Director of esencial COSTA RICA.
Tourism-related searches reached 11 million, positioning Costa Rica as one of the most attractive destinations in the world. The United States leads with almost 50% of these searches, followed by Canada and Germany. Ecotourism, surfing, and luxury tourism niches remain strategic, and searches related to sustainable activities, such as bird watching, hiking, and tourism in national parks.
In addition to its strong performance in tourism, Costa Rica has recorded a significant 8% increase in export-related searches. Products such as coffee, flowers and cocoa are the most sought after, with notable increases such as 20% in cocoa searches and 16% in coffee. This shows the competitiveness of Costa Rican exportable supply in international markets, particularly in Europe and North America.
Investment searches grew 17%, highlighting topics such as “labor costs,” “port infrastructure,” and “clean energy.” These data confirm the growing interest of international investors in Costa Rica, positioning it as an attractive destination for the development of its operations.
One of the highlights of the study is the strength of Costa Rica’s digital footprint. Content generated by official sources in the country appears in 83% of searches, which ensures that international perception is aligned with Costa Rica’s real offer.
The institutions that are part of the governance of the Country Brand play a key role in this positioning, managing reliable and up-to-date information in strategic sectors such as tourism, investment and exports.
The analysis also shows how Costa Rica has recovered and surpassed pre-pandemic levels of global interest, particularly in tourism, with a 42% growth in searches. This increase is driven by the reactivation of tourism in key markets such as the United States and Europe, which indicates a strong return of this activity after the pandemic.
“One of the objectives of the 2035 Strategy of esencial COSTA RICA is for our country to consolidate its global positioning as an example of sustainability and fight against climate change; and this new digital footprint study allows us to continue evaluating the perceptions of consumers who seek Costa Rica for different objectives, to continue working on those messages,” Acosta concluded.
With a robust digital identity and an effective content strategy, Costa Rica continues to consolidate its presence in key markets, attracting both tourists and investors and exporters from all over the world, which generates new opportunities for economic development and well-being for Costa Ricans.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2572530/shutterstock_1703256913.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/costa-ricas-digital-identity-reflects-its-international-growth-302323145.html
Fintech
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Axos Bank, Global Trading Network, Fonepay, Compass Plus Technologies, Instacoins)
Axos Bank Partners with Way.com to Address Rising Car Costs
Axos Bank has teamed up with Way.com to help customers mitigate increasing car expenses. This partnership focuses on vehicle refinancing and aims to offer savings through integrated digital solutions. By combining Way.com’s auto services with Axos’ financial products, users can streamline their vehicle-related expenses, from insurance to payments. This move reflects Axos’ strategy to enhance its consumer offerings by leveraging partnerships in niche sectors.
Source: Axos Bank.
Brazil’s Largest Drug Gang Under Investigation for Fintech Infiltration
Brazilian authorities are probing the country’s largest drug gang for using fintech platforms to launder money. This investigation highlights concerns over the growing use of digital financial tools by organized crime. The gang allegedly exploited fintech’s lack of stringent oversight compared to traditional banking, raising red flags about regulatory gaps in the digital financial landscape.
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GTN Appoints New CEO to Drive European Expansion
Global Trading Network (GTN) has appointed Christopher Gregory as CEO for Europe, marking a pivotal step in its strategic expansion across the continent. Gregory, known for his expertise in fintech and capital markets, is expected to lead GTN’s efforts in diversifying its product offerings and enhancing its market presence. This leadership shift underscores GTN’s commitment to capitalizing on Europe’s burgeoning fintech market.
Source: PR Newswire.
Fonepay and Compass Plus Launch Nepal’s First Virtual Credit Card
Nepal’s digital payments ecosystem takes a leap forward with Fonepay partnering with Compass Plus Technologies to introduce the nation’s first virtual credit card. This innovation aims to promote cashless transactions and enhance financial inclusion by offering secure, contactless payment options. This development aligns with Nepal’s digital transformation goals and is set to redefine consumer payment experiences in the region.
Source: Fintech Futures.
Instacoins Partners with Luxury Brands for Digital Payments
Instacoins is expanding its footprint in the luxury market by partnering with high-end brands to enable cryptocurrency payments. This initiative is designed to offer affluent customers a seamless digital payment option, blending traditional luxury shopping with modern fintech solutions. The partnership also reflects the increasing adoption of cryptocurrency in mainstream commerce.
Source: PR Newswire.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Axos Bank, Global Trading Network, Fonepay, Compass Plus Technologies, Instacoins) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech
Bety Unveils Enhanced Offer of 20,000+ Crypto Games and Sportsbook Events
Bety is a decentralized casino and sportsbook platform that supports Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals. It is owned and operated by 12 Stars International Gaming Solutions Limited, a company established in Seychelles.
Bety, one of the leading Web3 betting platforms with a decentralized approach to casinos and sportsbooks, has unveiled its enhanced offer, boasting over 20,000 crypto casino games, sports, and eSports events. The platform aims to become one of the top Bitcoin casinos with a fair, transparent, and unmatched gaming experience for everyone
Blockchain technology is a catalyst for innovation in all sectors, and online casino gaming is no exception. The growing adoption of cryptocurrency into the mainstream supports the emergence of groundbreaking platforms in digital entertainment. Bety is one of the major players spearheading this revolution by offering secure and accessible gaming experiences to change how people interact with online gambling services.
The Advantages of Web3 Betting
Traditional online casinos have been around since the early days of the Internet. However, they have always faced the same challenges, such as slow payouts and high deposit/withdrawal fees. Moreover, users have often complained about the improvable fairness of game bets and their outcomes.
Web3 betting solves these issues and takes online casino gaming to the next level through blockchain gaming. Its use of decentralized ledger technology ensures a transparent gaming experience for all users. It also accelerates deposit and withdrawal times at considerably lower costs than what traditional casinos practice.
The processing times for deposits at traditional and crypto casinos are similar, often occurring instantly. However, there is a significant difference in withdrawal times between conventional online casinos and blockchain-based casinos.For example, traditional casinos can take several days to process withdrawals. Users often have to wait up to 3 days to transfer winnings to their credit/debit cards and 7 days via bank transfers. On the other hand, crypto casinos process payouts in only a few minutes, sometimes instantly, depending on the blockchain network’s congestion. This remarkable speed allows players to access their earnings faster and enhances the user experience.
The Rise of Blockchain Gaming
Blockchain gaming is a game-changer for the online casino experience. This technology offers unprecedented levels of trust and transparency. Thanks to its decentralized nature, players from various regions can play in complete anonymity and privacy. Furthermore, the lack of a centralized authority enhances game insights. It sets the stage for provably fair game mechanics, thus empowering players to make informed choices.Bety is an innovative blockchain gaming platform that employs the Provable Fairness concept, which is fundamental for Web3 betting. The platform ensures that game outcomes are determined randomly and cannot be manipulated by the operator or any other party. Therefore, Bety guarantees equal winning odds for all players.
Innovation and Accessibility
Bety stands out as a popular crypto casino with a rich selection of classic casino games and sports events catering to high-end players. The platform excels through its user-centered approach, which includes various bonuses, an exclusive VIP program, and 24/7 customer support.Moreover, Bety embraces the latest technological advances by incorporating the many benefits of blockchain networks, such as Bitcoin payments. The platform supports quick Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals, offering higher privacy and accessibility than traditional payment methods, such as debit or credit cards.
Hash Games at Bety Casino
Blockchain technology increases the gaming offer for online casinos, providing games not supported by traditional casinos. For example, conventional casinos rely on the classic offer of vintage games with limited scalability and versatility potential. On the other hand, blockchain provides a fertile ground for boundless creativity, spurring innovative concepts, such as play-to-earn and hold-to-earn.Gaming diversity is one of the most exciting aspects of building a Web3 betting platform on blockchain technology. In addition to offering traditional casino games such as slots, poker, blackjack, and roulette, Web3 casinos also provide hash games.Hash games are fast-paced, simple games that mimic classic casino games while adding a pinch of excitement. The game mechanics use hash value calculation and blockchain algorithms to deliver a thrilling, straightforward gaming experience. Players must wager on a predicted hash interval and win if their prediction is correct. Hash games involve various betting options that broaden the winning odds.Bety has several hash games in its versatile blockchain gaming offer, including Hash Banker Player, Hash Bull, 3-Min Bull, 1-Min Banker Player, and more. These games function by simple, easy-to-understand rules and ensure provable fair outcomes with appealing RTP rates.
A Unique Classic Casino Gaming Offer
In the most recent offer upgrade, Bety reveals an enhanced gaming offer, including slots, live casino, table games, lottery games, and sports events. Users can pick from over 10,000 casino games from leading brands, such as PGSoft, Evolution Gaming, Evoplay, Yggdrasil, Red Tiger, EG Games, Spribe, JILI, AE Sexy, Ezugi, and PNG. This stellar collection of games from reputable brands ensures players have non-stop access to the latest games and live events while enjoying a cutting-edge gaming experience.Bety offers a versatile library of over 10,000 slot games from more than 100 leading brands. Many of these games involve highly appealing bonuses, making the playing experience even more exciting. The platform replicates an authentic casino experience through its live casino that players can enjoy without leaving their homes. Also, the table games section includes many traditional and fan-favorite games, such as poker, blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, and more.
Promotions & Bonuses
Bety also provides several promotions for new and veteran players to make the gaming experience even more thrilling and fulfilling. The platform offers bonuses on the first 4 deposits and 7-day and monthly bonuses. Furthermore, referring friends to Bety entitles players to additional bonuses and earning opportunities.
The VIP Program
Bety invites players to explore its large blockchain gaming selection. They can quickly make transparent and instant Bitcoin deposits to play these games and boost their profiles on the platform. In time, the most loyal players can enter Bety’s VIP program and enjoy several advantages, including cash back incentives, free chests, free spins, and personal VIP assistants. Moreover, the platform also supports instant Bitcoin withdrawals.
The post Bety Unveils Enhanced Offer of 20,000+ Crypto Games and Sportsbook Events appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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