Author: Michelle Dryden

Categories
Business

AM Best affirms credit ratings of Independence American Insurance Company following announced acquisition by JAB Holding Company s.à.r.l.

OLDWICK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” (Excellent) of Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC) (Wilmington, DE). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect IAIC’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). The ratings also reflect support from the ultimate parent, JAB Holding Company s.à.r.l. (JAB Holding).

 

On June 20, 2022, JAB Holding, IAIC’s ultimate parent, announced the $1.4 billion – comprised of $1.15 billion cash and $250 million in seller notes – acquisition of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited’s (Fairfax) interest in Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group, which included Pethealth Inc., and their operations. Furthermore, as part of the transaction, Fairfax would invest $200 million to partner with JAB Holding through its latest consumer fund. The transaction, closed on Oct. 31, 2022, is expected to increase IAIC’s market share significantly, with premium projected to grow substantially through year-end 2022 and over the next two years as business is added.

 

The ultimate parent, JAB Holding, invests in premium consumer brands and industries, including the pet insurance business. The ultimate parent also provides broadened financial flexibility and access to additional explicit and implicit capital support as needed.

 

The balance sheet strength reflects IAIC’s strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), as well as conservative investments and adequate reserves. While the expected increase in premium over the next two years might temporarily pressure IAIC’s risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by BCAR, JAB Holding is expected to support the strongest level of risk-adjusted capital via contribution as needed to support the growth, new business strain and provide stability. IAIC’s operating performance is assessed as adequate and has been supporting the growth trend in absolute capital and surplus over the past two years. The company’s operating earnings have remained stable but are expected to increase following the acquisition, with loss ratios expected to fluctuate in the mid-to-upper 50% range. Conversely, the expense ratios are expected to improve somewhat, benefiting from higher top-line growth, which the company expects to be in the high teens over the next few years. AM Best assesses IAIC’s business profile as limited given the monoline nature of the business; however, this transaction accelerates the company’s strategic goals to become a major player in the pet health insurance and related services space, which is facilitated further by IAIC’s existing capabilities and network. AM Best assesses IAIC’s ERM program as appropriate. The plan, which sets forth a strong risk culture and governance, along with ongoing discipline and risk identification, has continued to evolve over the past year, adding more sophisticated risk and contingency plans around the pet insurance business.

 

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

 

Copyright © 2022 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Antonietta Iachetta
Senior Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5792
antonietta.iachetta@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Joseph Zazzera, MBA
Director
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5797
joseph.zazzera@ambest.com

Al Slavin
Communications Specialist
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5098
al.slavin@ambest.com

Categories
Business Technology

Mobeus unveils Airglass – Ushering a new category of transparent computing

Airglass will deliver a complete, personalized desktop experience, giving people an immersive, natural, and secure communications tool for today’s modern meeting.

 

SPARTA, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #SpaceForLife—Mobeus Industries, Inc., the tech company born from the friction between humans and technology, kicked off Constellation’s Connected Enterprise (CCE) last week with the unveiling of its first product, Airglass, a video and audio communications tool that is unlike any other in the market. Harnessing Transparent Computing – a novel user-centric computing paradigm in which the hardware and software are separated in different places – Airglass converts the desktop into a transparent, glass-like layer, creating the futuristic experience of seeing beyond the display screen. Attendees of the three-day innovation summit in Half Moon Bay were among the first to experience how Airglass combines interactive air, i.e., a virtual, see-through touch screen, and immersive glass, i.e., an overlay of an invisible digital layer atop the display, to deliver an enhanced meeting experience.


“It’s not often that you have the opportunity to be part of the launch of an industry that is going to redefine what is normal ten years from now,” said Alan Lepofsky, Chief Evangelist at Mobeus. “As a former industry analyst, it’s exciting to see previously considered ‘futuristic’ technologies that I used to write about become a reality, and this is just the beginning.”

 

“Everything we do at Mobeus is aimed at inventing kind and frictionless technology. We deliberately ignored the ‘Hollywood Squares’ design used on other meeting platforms and envisioned a connection product from the ground up,” said Richie Etwaru, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman at Mobeus. “The outcome feels more natural, more connected, more human, which felt like the locus for a much-needed reset between humans and machines.”

 

At CCE, Etwaru gave attendees a sneak peek of additional features to be released within Airglass later this year. Several high-touch executives experienced first-hand how the next iteration of the application instantaneously transforms a person’s desktop into an immersive experience without needing headsets, goggles, or handheld peripherals. In leveraging interactive air, attendees tested Airglass’ gesture-controlled sensing technology while learning how Mobeus plans to create novel, immersive experiences that display information in more compelling formats than conventional data-visualization tools.

 

Airglass is a desktop application available for Windows and macOS, while the companion mobile app will be released at a later date. Currently, the desktop application offers all subscribers five innovations:

  • See-through technology. Forming a glass-like layer atop any application in use, Airglass removes the need to minimize, move and restore windows, thus empowering anyone to meet and work at the same time. Whether sending notes within a messaging program or creating a presentation with a graphic design platform, subscribers can alter the Airglass Glasstop/Home Screen’s transparency, darkening or illuminating it so that focusing is seamless.
  • Draw with anyone, anywhere. The Airglass Illustration Tool transforms meeting participants’ mouse cursor into a collaborative pen. Personalized digital ink can be used for circling, underlining, and scribbling on anything that is on the presented screen, regardless of what is being shared.
  • Fewer meetings, more time. Airglass’ collaboration technology provides an intuitive workflow so people can quickly connect and get to business. The tool encourages nimble exchange and interaction with its in-call user interface, making ad-hoc collaboration more accessible by allowing subscribers to consolidate multiple Airglass calls into a single session with the “Merge” feature.
  • Live support. Airglass’ Live Concierge is an unparalleled service that allows subscribers to receive white glove assistance via a live video chat with a real person. Airglass live support is delivered one-to-one or one-to-many directly through the application, so consumers receive more personalized solutions in real time whenever they need them.
  • Reduce meeting fatigue. Airglass shows a maximum of up to three participants at a time and will automatically cycle in other attendees based on how recently they have spoken in the session. All other participants will remain out of sight unless they speak and have their video turned on.

 

Concluded Etwaru, “We’ve been using Airglass internally at Mobeus for a few months, and there is no going back. I now de-prioritize any meeting that isn’t in ‘The Glass’ because I no longer want to contend with the mental fatigue caused by video conferencing software. It’s time for a technological catch-up – ‘good enough’ is no longer an option.”

 

Mobeus’ commitment to developing a user-friendly, intuitive, and comprehensive portfolio also extends to its trial and purchase options. Mobeus offers a full-featured, 14-day trial of Airglass before subscribers can opt to pay $14.95 per month or $145 annually.

 

Resources

Note

  • Select features shown at CCE may not be available at this time.

 

About Mobeus

Headquartered in New Jersey, Mobeus Industries, Inc. is a human connections company seeking to reduce people’s friction with the technology around them. Mobeus believes that technology should enhance humanity and positively impact the relationships between people. The company’s solutions enable a novel form of expression so that communication is more transparent, comprehension is sharper, and human connections are more profound. Learn more at mobeus.com.

Contacts

Fiana Tulip

Head of Communications, Mobeus

817.691.3031

fiana.tulip@mobeus.com

Categories
Business

AM Best revises outlooks to positive for FHM Insurance Company

OLDWICK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #insurance—AM Best has revised the outlooks to positive from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb-” (Good) of FHM Insurance Company (FHM) (Jacksonville, FL).

The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect FHM’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, limited business profile and marginal enterprise risk management (ERM).

 

The outlook revisions to positive reflect a prospective view that improvement in the company’s ERM is taking hold with a degree of sustainability not recently demonstrated, as evidenced by continuous and foundational underwriting actions taken by management to improve the overall operating performance, accompanied by a supportive level of risk-adjusted capitalization. Improved operating performance would likely translate to further strengthening and growing the balance sheet given management’s appropriate risk appetites and tolerances. FHM benefits from industry and product expertise, as well as a modest amount of financial flexibility derived from the recent purchase of control of FHM by a regional peer, LUBA Casualty Insurance Company.

 

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

 

Copyright © 2022 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Kourtnie Beckwith, CPCU, AU, AMIM
Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5124
kourtnie.beckwith@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Dan Teclaw
Associate Director
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5394
dan.teclaw@ambest.com

Al Slavin
Communications Specialist
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5098
al.slavin@ambest.com

Categories
Business Entertainment News Lifestyle

Carly Rae Jepsen partners with Lenovo to light up Broadway for a live, one night only performance

Lenovo laptops based on the Intel Evo platform inspires creatives to utilize technology to pursue and ignite their passions

 

LOS ANGELES — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Monday, Lenovo announced their upcoming Broadway debut via a partnership with GRAMMY®-nominated singer and songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen. Lenovo, Intel, and Carly are partnering to produce a first-of-its-kind, Broadway-inspired music video for her single “Surrender My Heart” from her critically acclaimed fifth studio album The Loneliest Time, which dropped on October 21 (via 604/Schoolboy/Interscope). Collaborators on the new LP include Rufus Wainwright, Captain Cuts, John Hill, Kyle Shearer, Alex Hope, Tavish Crowe, Rostam Batmanglij and Bullion.


Performing in the heart of New York City on November 17th, Carly will showcase her love of Broadway by bringing theater goers on a journey through her newest music video – all performed on stage in front of a live audience. Leading up to the performance, Carly will work with an all-star creative team to bring her Broadway pop vision to life with signature vibrant colors and the addition of some exciting cameos, truly making this an unforgettable one night only experience for fans in attendance.

 

“It’s almost impossible for me to express how much passion I have for theater and I’m beyond excited that Lenovo and Intel are going on this journey with me to turn one of my new tracks into a live Broadway inspired music video,” says Carly Rae Jepsen. “Broadway was hit especially hard throughout the pandemic and I love that I will have the opportunity to utilize my new music to bring attention to this inspiring community.”

 

A limited number of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Fans, 21+ or older, will have the chance to win access to this exclusive live NY event! Additionally, specific props and costumes from the music video will be auctioned off at a later date to benefit charities close to Carly’s heart.

 

From stage lighting control to the ability to map out each second on stage, Lenovo laptops based on the Intel Evo platform will be on-hand to help Carly bring her creative vision to fruition. Leading up to the performance, Lenovo will be supplying technology products that provide the productivity, versatility, and world-class features needed to put on a show of this magnitude. These devices will enable all cast members and production crew to bring their unique skills to life, setting a new bar for live performances and ensuring that the event will be talked about for years to come. Lenovo and Carly will tease the rehearsal process and the frantic behind the scenes action expected from any live Broadway performance on social media throughout pre-production and the day of the actual show!

 

“At Lenovo, our continued mission is to enable and inspire people through the power of our technology,” said Gerald Youngblood, Chief Marketing Officer, Lenovo North America. “This program is an important example of how our technology can help realize a creative vision. We are thrilled to partner with Carly Rae Jepsen to help bring hers to life.”

 

About Carly Rae Jepsen

In her exuberant pop anthems, Carly Rae Jepsen seeks out the thrilling new emotions that surface in love and amplifies them into musical adrenaline rushes. By distilling pure feeling into soaring hooks, the Canadian singer/songwriter, who broke out with her 2012 global hit “Call Me Maybe,” has been recognized as a modern master of pop songwriting. Now she emerges from a period of isolation with her new album The Loneliest Time, which sees her pushing her craft in more introspective and playful directions. Without compromising her infectious dance sensibilities, she emerges a more astute and compassionate songwriter, marking a progression from 2019’s lovesick Dedicated and the buoyant ’80s-inspired synth-pop on E·MO·TION, the 2014 LP that launched her into cult pop star status. What has remained constant across her career so far is that songwriting is Jepsen’s way of exploring her fascination with relationships. She grew up in Mission, British Columbia, with divorced parents who had both remarried by the time she was 5. Observing how different those partnerships were, she carried a curiosity about romantic dynamics into her adult life, where she jots down any reflection that has lyrical potential. Ultimately, she hopes that her lyrical candor will remind listeners that they are never truly isolated. “There’s a communal feeling in knowing that so many people are feeling the same way that you do,” she says. “There’s a connection in knowing that other people also feel lonely.”

 

About Lenovo

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$70 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #171 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 75,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company by further expanding into key growth areas including server, storage, mobile, solutions and services. This transformation together with Lenovo’s world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and sustainable digital society for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com,and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

Contacts

UMG Press Contact:
Michael Kutach

Senior Vice President, Element Brand Group

Tel: (310) 993-1070

michael@elementbrandgroup.com

Lenovo Press Contact:
David Hamilton

Sr. Communications Manager, North America

Tel: (864) 979-0024

DHamilton1@lenovo.com

Categories
Business

Affinity Federal Credit Union names Kevin Brauer as its new CEO

Brauer succeeds current CEO John Fenton and will continue to advance Affinity’s financial wellbeing initiatives and member-centric mission

 

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Affinity Federal Credit Union (Affinity), a member-based, federally insured, full-service financial institution, has appointed Kevin Brauer as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/President. Brauer is the current Chief Administrative and Financial Officer at Affinity and will succeed the current CEO/President, John Fenton. Fenton has served as Affinity’s CEO for over 27 years and led the organization’s growth as the largest credit union headquartered in the state of New Jersey.1

“Kevin is a long-tenured, well-respected and highly regarded member of the Affinity leadership team,” said Richard Meene, Chairman of Affinity’s Board of Directors. “He is committed to Affinity’s mission of supporting the financial wellbeing of its members and has been instrumental in developing the philosophy, services and impact that will continue to fuel our organization, as well as better support the communities we serve. We are confident in his vision for Affinity’s future and are thrilled to appoint him to this role.”

 

Affinity seeks to improve the financial wellbeing of its members and the communities it serves. Fenton provided the vision and execution for this philosophy, working to position Affinity as an industry-leader and a trusted partner for its members and community. Affinity supports this mission through its suite of products and services for the individuals and businesses it serves, including various lending options, credit counseling and debt support, competitive credit card offerings, investing, and insurance solutions.

 

Brauer has over three decades of financial services industry experience, and more than seven years with Affinity. He has played a significant role in leading Affinity’s value proposition to its members and designing Affinity’s financial wellbeing initiatives. Within Affinity, Brauer has led the Administration, Human Resources, Finance, Payment Solutions, Data, Digital Technology, Consumer and Commercial Lending, Enterprise Risk Management and Operational Risk groups. Prior to joining Affinity, he held executive level positions with VSoft Corporation, Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union and Empire Corporate Federal Credit Union, as well as roles in public accounting for a Fortune 500 company.

 

Brauer commented: “I am honored to lead Affinity into the next phase of its history, building on the foundation John laid for promoting financial wellbeing for our members and communities. Our goal is to advance our members’ overall financial wellbeing and it is exciting to partner with our team members across the organization to achieve this in a new capacity.”

 

 

Brauer will assume the role of CEO/President effective Jan. 1, 2023. He will report to the Board of Directors and assume leadership of Affinity’s 500-person team in its Basking Ridge, New Jersey headquarters and across its over 20 branch locations. Fenton will remain in a transitional role for a few months; he will also retain responsibilities with the Affinity Foundation.

 

Brauer is a Certified Public Accountant who holds a Master of Business Administration from Marist College and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Niagara University.

 

1 Source: NCUA.gov. Using the “Credit Union and Corporate Call Report Data” found here: https://www.ncua.gov/analysis/credit-union-corporate-call-report-data

 

About Affinity Federal Credit Union

Affinity Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution, member-owned, and community-focused, with a mission to nurture your financial wellbeing. With more than 20 branches across the tri-state area, Affinity is the largest credit union headquartered in the state of New Jersey, proudly ranking in the top 2% of all credit unions in terms of asset size.1 The Affinity difference is about people helping people on a deeper level and understanding what YOU need to make your unique dreams a reality. For more information, please visit www.affinityfcu.com.

Contacts

Media Contact
Marissa Comerford

Gregory FCA for Affinity Federal Credit Union

affinity@gregoryfca.com
610-228-2104

Categories
Business

Best’s Review: Leading U.S. auto insurers and more

OLDWICK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — October’s Best’s Review looks at the U.S. auto insurance industry with Best’s Rankings for:

The issue also includes:

 

Best’s Review is AM Best’s monthly insurance magazine, covering emerging issues and trends and evaluating their impact on the marketplace. Access to the complete content of Best’s Review is available here.

 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

 

Copyright © 2022 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Patricia Vowinkel

Executive Editor, Best’s Review®
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5540

patricia.vowinkel@ambest.com

Categories
Art & Life Business Culture

Win daily prizes at PlayStar.com this Halloween with trick or treat game

Spend $50 playing slots at PlayStar.com for a shot at the hidden game and a chance to win free spins and Prizeout gift cards.

 

NEWARK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Get into the spirit of Halloween with a frightfully fun way to win prizes every day you play slots. From now until October 31, New Jersey online casino PlayStar is giving players the chance to play their exclusive, spook-tacular TRICK OR TREAT game to customers who spend $50 or more playing any slot in a 24-hour period.

The game is not available in the PlayStar lobby but will magically appear on the promotions page of your account once the promo’s conditions are met. Creepy, huh?

 

Then you’ll get to play on the game for a chance to win free spins or gift cards, will it be trick or treat?

 

We’re deadly serious when we say it’s shockingly easy to win free spins or $10 Prizeout gift cards each and every day.

 

This includes up to 100 free spins on our scarily popular Double Stacks slot from NetEnt.

 

PlayStar launched in New Jersey earlier this year with a mission to deliver an online gambling experience like no other for players across the USA. With a big focus on personalization, engagement and customer experience, the team plans to launch in Pennsylvania before the end of 2022.

 

Jon Bowden at PlayStar said: “Halloween is our favorite time of year at PlayStar.com, which is why we’ve got a few freaky surprises in store for our players this October. We have a host of Halloween-themed games in our lobby, like Raven’s Reveal, Halloween Jack, Lightning Horseman, but fans of the genre will be dying to check out our hidden TRICK OR TREAT game for a chance to win some spine-tingling prizes.”

ENDS

 

Editor’s notes:

ABOUT PLAYSTAR

PlayStar is a challenger online casino brand that promises to deliver a player experience like no other. We make the player feel like they are the star of the show through personalization, unique promotions, unrivalled loyalty rewards and superior customer service. PlayStar has recently launched in New Jersey, with Pennsylvania and additional states to follow next year.

 

Contacts

For Media Enquiries
Sarah Blackburn

GameOn

T: 0034628499459

Categories
Business Lifestyle Technology

 KKR to acquire Ness Digital Engineering

NEW YORK — (BUSINESS WIRE) — KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced the signing of definitive agreements under which KKR will acquire 100% of Ness Digital Engineering (“Ness” or the “Company”), a global full-lifecycle digital services transformation company, from The Rohatyn Group (“TRG”).

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, Ness is a leading provider of end-to-end digital transformation services that specializes in building digital software products and platforms. Ness helps organizations envision, build, and continually evolve their digital platforms to enter new markets, capture new revenue, and gain operational efficiencies. The Company offers a wide range of digital practices that include cloud engineering, data and analytics, experience design, intelligence engineering, and salesforce for businesses across sectors. Today, Ness has a presence in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with a globally diversified talent pool across India, Eastern Europe, and the United States.

 

Gaurav Trehan, Partner and CEO of KKR India, said, “Digital transformation and adoption is a critical strategy for businesses of all sizes worldwide. Against this backdrop, KKR believes that Ness is well-positioned for growth, supported by its exceptional, experience-led product engineering heritage. KKR is pleased to invest in Ness’ capabilities and looks forward to working alongside its talented team to further scale Ness’ digital-first platform, achieve its global ambitions, and better enable its customers to compete in the digital economy.”

 

Ranjit Tinaikar, CEO of Ness, said, “We are thrilled to welcome an investor of KKR’s caliber in Ness. We believe this transaction will help us turbocharge our growth plans and further strengthen our competitive market position. We look forward to leveraging KKR’s global platform and strong investment and operational expertise to deliver more innovative solutions to help our customers keep up with the pace of digitalization required by the accelerated online economy. I want to thank TRG for their consistent stewardship throughout the years. They have been great strategic partners to the management team and helped us to execute our growth strategy.”

 

Nicolas Rohatyn, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of The Rohatyn Group, said, “We are proud to have tapped into TRG’s technology services expertise and extensive global experience to help Ness become a unique, global leader in the digital space. We wish the Company the best in its next chapter.” Tom Kucera, Managing Director at TRG, added “I am grateful to Ranjit, the management team and Ness’ more than 4,000 employees for their partnership, dedication and support over the years. It has been a privilege working closely with them to build Ness into a premier digital transformation platform and I wish them continued success.”

 

Ness adds to KKR’s global portfolio of technology investments, which includes, but is not limited to, Cloudera, a leading provider of enterprise-grade, hybrid data management software in the United States; Yayoi, a software developer, distributor, and support service provider for small-and-medium-sized enterprises in Japan; Probe CX, a provider of outsourced customer experience and business process outsourcing solutions in Australia; MYOB, a leading Australian online business management company; and Jio, a next-generation technology platform that provides digital services across India.

 

KKR makes its investment from its Asian Fund IV. Additional terms of the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, were not disclosed.

 

About Ness Digital Engineering

Ness is a full lifecycle digital engineering firm offering digital advisory through scaled engineering services. Combining our core competence in engineering with the latest in digital strategy and technology, we seamlessly manage Digital Transformation journeys from strategy through execution to help businesses thrive in the digital economy. As your tech partner, we help engineer your company’s future with cloud and data. For more information, visit ness.com.

 

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life, and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

 

About TRG

Founded in 2002, The Rohatyn Group is an asset management firm focused on emerging markets and real assets, headquartered in New York, with a global presence in 16 cities across the US, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. For more information, please visit www.rohatyngroup.com.

Contacts

Media

For KKR:

KKR Asia Pacific

Wei Jun Ong

+65 6922 5813

WeiJun.Ong@kkr.com

For Ness:

Vivek Kangath

+91 97425 65583

Vivek.Kangath@ness.com

For TRG:

Julia-Ambra Verlaine

+1 212 984 3539

Julia.Verlaine@rohatyngroup.com

KKR Americas

Julia Kosygina and Miles Radcliffe-Trenner

+1 212 750 8300

Media@kkr.com

AdFactors (for KKR India)

George Smith Alexander

+91 98213 56867

George.Smith@adfactorspr.com

Categories
Business Lifestyle Technology

Comcast boosting speeds across Tennessee

New Speeds Rolling Out This Week as Xfinity Continues to Deliver a Fast, Reliable and Secure Connectivity Experience that Others Can’t Match

Network Innovation Continues as Xfinity Evolves to a 10G Future

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — More than 20 million Xfinity households across the country, including Tennessee will soon be waking up to faster Internet, thanks to Xfinity. The country’s largest gigabit network is boosting speeds on its most popular plans beginning this week, providing customers with an even better connectivity experience as they stream the latest 4K blockbuster, game online, videoconference, and more, all at the same time. With this latest round of speed increases, Xfinity continues to provide unparalleled value compared to other providers – including significantly faster speeds and better reliability than mobile and 5G Home Internet.


The announcement comes on the heels of Comcast’s launch of the nation’s largest- and fastest-ever multi-gig deployment that will reach more than 50 million homes and businesses with 2 Gbps speeds before the end of 2025.

 

“Households in Tennessee and across the country continue to see a sharp increase in their connected devices, so faster internet speeds and a more reliable connection have never been more critical,” said Jason Gumbs, Comcast Regional SVP.

 

Faster Speeds Rolling Out Nationwide

Beginning this week, new and existing customers will be able to take advantage of the following upgraded speeds*:

  • Performance Starter/Connect from 50 Mbps to 75 Mbps
  • Performance/Connect More from 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps
  • Performance Pro/Fast from 300 Mbps to 400 Mbps
  • Blast/Superfast from 600 Mbps to 800 Mbps
  • Extreme Pro/Gigabit (formerly Ultrafast) from 900 Mbps to 1 Gbps

 

Benefits Beyond Speed – Reliability and Security

The benefits of Xfinity go beyond faster speeds. Xfinity’s comprehensive connectivity experience combines a powerful network built to deliver Internet in the home, reliably and securely, with cutting-edge hardware and software.

 

  • Reliable – Next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver the most advanced WiFi technology, WiFi 6E, with 3x more bandwidth to power hundreds of devices, gigabit speeds over WiFi, and ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like playing video games or using virtual reality. xFi Pods extend that coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home, when needed.
  • Secure – xFi Advanced Security – included free for customers who lease an Xfinity gateway – protects connected devices from malware and other threats at the gateway before they reach devices and the household members who are using them. Xfinity has stopped billions of cyber security threats since introducing the service a few years ago.

 

A Network Built for the Future

Comcast’s Xfinity Internet service is delivered using Comcast’s existing network architecture and the connections that are already in most customers’ homes – no digging up yards required. Faster speeds will be just one of the consumer benefits made possible through Comcast’s continued efforts to evolve its entire network to 10G.

 

10G is a next-generation technology platform supported by a global collaboration of companies in the Internet industry focused on building networks that stay ahead of consumer demand for connectivity. Recently, Comcast successfully tested the final component needed to deliver multi-gigabit symmetrical speeds – powered by 10G and DOCSIS 4.0 technology – throughout its entire network. In addition to fast speeds, 10G efforts will provide even greater network reliability, lower latency, faster troubleshooting, and increased energy efficiency.

 

Comcast continues to expand its technologies across Tennessee. The company recently added new gigabit and high-speed internet service tiers to more areas in Tennessee, and continues to expand its network to underserved areas across the state. Comcast has invested over $700 million in infrastructure across the state over the past three years to bridge the digital divide.

 

To learn more about Xfinity’s Internet and connectivity solutions for customers, click here.

 

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

 

*Performance Starter, Performance, Performance Pro, Blast and Extreme Pro speed tiers are for customers in Comcast’s Northeast Division markets: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia

 

Connect, Connect More, Fast, Superfast, and Gigabit speed tiers are for customers in Comcast’s Central and West Division markets: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin

Contacts

Sara Jo Walker
Senior Director of Public Relations

sarajo_walker@cable.comcast.com
615.417.4899

Categories
Business Culture

ExtensisHR wins multiple Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Awards

HR provider earns recognition for DEI practices, employee well-being, and professional development

 

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #HR—ExtensisHR, a nationally recognized Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and HR Outsourcing (HRO) services provider, proudly announces it has earned three 2022 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards. Issued by research company Energage, these awards celebrate organizations that excel in specific areas of workplace culture.

ExtensisHR has received highest honors in the following categories:

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Celebrates organizations that are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive place to work, no matter one’s background.
  • Employee Well-Being: Celebrates organizations that put the health and wellness of their employees at the center of their company culture.
  • Professional Development: Celebrates organizations that focus on developing their employees’ careers and enable them to grow professionally.

 

“It’s always a privilege to be acknowledged by our team members for prioritizing their workplace well-being and professional growth,” said David Pearson, Senior Vice President of People and Culture at ExtensisHR. “Our people work tirelessly to help our customers create the best possible work environment for their employees, and we demonstrate that commitment to our workforce as well by creating a safe, inclusive, collaborative culture where everyone is empowered to do their best work. Knowing this award is once again based on employee feedback makes it that much more meaningful.”

 

This is the third culture-focused award ExtensisHR has received this year, first being named a Top Workplace in New Jersey by NJ.com, followed by earning a Great Place to Work® Certification™. For over 25 years, ExtensisHR has adopted a people-first mentality, offering employees ample paid time-off, affordable and comprehensive health benefits, competitive wages, access to a 401(k) savings and investment plan with employer match, student loan reimbursement, professional development resources, and many other work-life balance perks. ExtensisHR also continues to set the standard on creating initiatives that enhance social connection and team building through complimentary drinks and snacks, company sponsored lunches, community give back programs, and other thoughtful events.

 

The company strongly champions diversity in its team culture, launching a DEI Committee as part of its longstanding commitment to creating an environment where all employees are included, treated with dignity and respect, and equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to grow their careers. ExtensisHR actively uses insights from this committee to increase the diversity of its leadership team and staff, create greater consistency and equity across the organization, and recruit, train, mentor, and offer career opportunities to people of all backgrounds and demographics.

 

“Top Workplaces is a beacon of light for organizations as well as a sign of resiliency and impressive performance,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward. Top Workplaces draw on real-time insights into what works best for their organization, so they can make informed decisions that have a positive impact on their people and their business.”

 

About ExtensisHR

Founded in 1997, ExtensisHR is a leading national Certified Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and HR Outsourcing (HRO) solution provider, focused on delivering exceptional customer service. We specialize in tailored HR solutions for small- and medium-sized businesses, with a comprehensive portfolio including human resources, benefits, payroll, Work Anywhere™ technology, risk and compliance, employee management, recruiting, and more. To learn more or to become a broker or business partner, visit: www.extensishr.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Contacts

Media:
Stephanie Clark

ExtensisHR

sclark@extensishr.com
732-236-5224