Dr Jane Goodall delivers an important message of hope at the 2022 Procter & Gamble AMA Sustainability Summit

The event saw participation from world-renowned Conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, who shared how corporations can drive real change in the world. P&G announced progress toward its Ambition 2030 goals at its regional Sustainability Summit.

SINGAPORE, Jan. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) today announced that it hosted its 2022 Sustainability Summit for the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa (AMA) region. Built on the theme “Hope for our Home”, the Summit explored how corporations, non-profit organisations, governments and the wider community can work together to drive real change, bring hope to the world, and make it a better place to live.

Hosted virtually, the event featured world-renowned Ethologist and Conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Circulate Capital Ocean Fund chief executive Rob Kaplan, as well as United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador, Dia Mirza, who came together to address key issues surrounding climate change.

At the summit, Dr Jane Goodall debunked the belief that corporations and non-profit organisations are standing at opposite sides. In a fireside chat with P&G Chief Brand Officer, Marc Pritchard, she shared that large corporations like P&G can take positive steps forward, create ripple effects around the globe, and encourage more consumers to take small, sustainable actions in their everyday lives.

“With annual GDP growth seemingly more important than our grandchildren’s future, the time is now to choose what sort of impact we can make. As more and more organizations like P&G drive change and join forces, there is hope. It’s time to get a new mindset and to see things differently. Everything is connected, and every one of us can make a difference,” said Dr Jane Goodall.

During the Summit, P&G also announced regional progress made toward its Ambition 2030 Goals. With P&G President for Asia Pacific, Middle East and AfricaMagesvaran Suranjan, announcing the following progress made:

  • In May 2021, P&G pledged to launch 12 pilot reforestation projects in 12 months for its Forests for Good initiative. P&G has since launched more than 20 pilot reforestation projects in areas including the Jebal Ali Reserve Mangrove Forest in UAE, the Sierra Madre Mountain Range Forest in Philippines, the Embu Region in Kenya, along with other AMA countries including Uganda, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
  • P&G will continue investments in programs to conserve landscapes, protect species, and improve sustainable farming practices. These include working with the World Wildlife Fund Malaysia and the Emirates Marine Environmental Group in UAE to protect the Malayan Tiger and the endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle respectively. P&G established a Smallholder Farmers Program across palm plantations in Malaysia since 2018, to help improve sustainable farming practices and the wellbeing of farmers, their families, and communities.
  • P&G has declared its commitment to run more than 85% of its plants across AMA on purchased renewable electricity by the end of 2022. To date, P&G has already achieved 87% with its AMA manufacturing sites.
  • Apart from 100% of P&G’s manufacturing sites being Zero Waste to Landfill, the company has also celebrated a significant milestone of having its first Zero Waste office in AMA, located in the Dubai site. P&G will progressively have more of these Zero Waste offices across the AMA region.
  • P&G has announced support for the Jane Goodall Institute and its flagship Roots & Shoots Program, which encourages and enables youth action to implement projects within P&G and in local communities that help animals and the planet.

Magesvaran Suranjan said: “We are fully committed to making a positive impact in the world and creating a sustainable future for generations to come. By integrating sustainability into the way that we do business every day, all of us at P&G are empowered to make a meaningful difference for our environment.”

P&G AMA’s Executive Sponsor of Sustainability, and Senior Vice President of P&G Japan, Standa Vecera commented: “We’ve already made significant progress over the past 10 years to reduce the environmental impact from our operations, and we know that we can do more. P&G has also set an ambition toward net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and will continue to step up with science-based targets to guide our efforts in being a Force for Good.”

Circulate Capital Ocean Fund CEO Rob Kaplan, and Actor, Producer and United Nations Environment Goodwill Ambassador, Dia Mirza, also shared their thoughts on encouraging sustainable actions

Rob Kaplan commented, “Nobody can stay on the side line. Sustainability is a team sport. It has to be at the core of both the company strategy and the operations in order to drive meaningful change. By working together there is hope.”

Dia Mirza said: “The Sustainable Development Goals are the North Star and if they are adopted and implemented everywhere we have a genuine chance of solving some of the biggest problems we face within this decade. Brands find a way into so many hearts and homes. If more brands like P&G leverage their power to drive change, there is hope for the planet.”

P&G is committed to accelerating action on climate change toward net zero GHG emissions by 2040.

P&G has set a new ambition to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations and supply chain, from raw material to retailer, by 2040 as well as interim 2030 goals to make meaningful progress this decade.

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Quectel launches Connectivity-as-a-Service to help connect a smarter world

SHANGHAI, Jan. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global IoT solutions provider, has launched Connectivity-as-a-Service (CaaS) to provide connectivity-enabled modules that can be shipped for use anywhere in the world. The new unit complements Quectel’s heritage of providing innovative modules and antennas to support cellular connections and allows customers to simplify their edge-based deployments by purchasing connectivity alongside modules, antennas and design services. For Quectel, adding connectivity broadens the company’s portfolio and increases the completeness of its offering.

Quectel connectivity will initially launch to customers in EMEA, providing global connectivity before extending to Asia-Pacific and Latin America customers later in 2022.

Quectel connectivity is available now in more than 190 countries via over 500 network operators, and currently provides 2G, 3G, 4G, NB-IoT and Cat-M connections. Connectivity from Quectel is available to the whole market and will particularly benefit deployments that can realize accelerated time-to-market and optimized business efficiencies from using a single supplier for module, antenna and connectivity.

In addition, with embedded and integrated SIM (eSIM and iSIM) entering mainstream adoption, it makes even stronger sense for Quectel to offer connectivity services because the company will be able to deliver connectivity-enabled modules. This further simplifies customer deployments which previously would have needed to have a local-market traditional SIM card installed. With an eSIM or iSIM enabled module plus Quectel connectivity, the module, once powered up, will attach to the best available network.

“Quectel connectivity is built on the backbone of service, quality and reliability, backed by Tier 1 providers and robust service level agreements (SLAs),” said Richard Hart, the Director of Global Connectivity at Quectel. “While we support all forms of traditional SIM modules, we specifically also support connectivity-enabled modules that can be shipped for use anywhere in the world which means customers will be able to explore innovative business models that encompass combined module, connectivity and antenna deployments. Our focus is on providing commercial flexibility for our customers to ensure they receive high quality connectivity that enables their IoT solutions. Using self-optimizing tariffs, we can minimize the risk of additional charges when issues such as over-the-air (OTA) software updates utilize extra bandwidth and therefore prevent bill shock.”

Alongside its long-standing global expertise in modules and antennas, Quectel also has significant experience in connectivity, having developed its QuecConnectivity platform that manages more than 30 million SIMs in Asia. The CaaS offering can combine connectivity with modules and antennas, providing customers a single point of entry to Quectel’s full portfolio of products and services.

“By adding connectivity to our capabilities, Quectel is reducing complexity for our customers by simplifying and accelerating IoT device deployment said Patrick Qian, the Chief Executive Officer of Quectel. “Quectel is committed to innovation that drives benefits for customers in the IoT industry, and our connectivity offering is another milestone in that journey. Quectel has helped IoT companies build a smarter world for more than a decade, now we will connect a smarter world.”

About Quectel

Quectel’s passion for a smarter world drives us to accelerate IoT innovation. A highly customer-centric organization, we are a global IoT solutions provider backed by outstanding support and services. Our growing global team of over 3,000 professionals sets the pace for innovation in cellular, GNSS and WiFi/BT modules, antennas and IoT connectivity. Listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (603236.SS), our international leadership is devoted to advancing IoT across the globe.

For more information: www.quectel.comLinkedInFacebook and Twitter.

Growatt unveils AXE LV battery system to empower off-grid solar energy storage

SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider Growatt adds AXE LV battery system to its smart energy product portfolios, expanding market reach to meet the growing demand for residential off-grid lithium battery storage systems.

Growatt unveils AXE LV battery system to empower off-grid solar energy storage

“The new AXE LV battery system covers a wide range of capacity extending from 5kWh to 400kWh, which caters to differentiated needs from daily households to large business and industrial scenarios,” said Lisa Zhang, Marketing Director at Growatt.

The modularity of AXE LV battery system makes it easy to be installed with internal plugs, requiring no extra cable connections, while with all the external cables integrated onto one plug, its connection to the inverter is much more simplified. In short, this unique design greatly reduces installation difficulty and time.

In terms of safety, it enjoys multi-level protections from the inverter and BMS, such as cell security monitoring and balancing. Meanwhile, as a cobalt-free LFP battery, it stands out for its high-temperature resistance, strong safety and stability as well as better performance of up to 5,000 charge cycles. It also has a longer life span of more than 10 years while traditional lead-acid batteries can only last 2-3 years. Generally, it holds more advantages in terms of the TCO ( total cost of ownership) for customers.

With regard to compatibility, AXE LV battery system can be used with all Growatt’s SPF off-grid series inverters. Moreover, it also works perfectly along with the SPH and SPA series storage inverters.

Growatt offers one-stop services to deliver better customer experiences. The company provides technical support upon installation for faster completion. For daily use and maintenance, it provides whole-system warranty including the battery system and storage inverters. Any system issue, if it occurs, can be quickly located and solved more efficiently. Additionally, Growatt allows installers to upgrade the firmware of the battery system remotely, which can help reduce the O&M cost and improve service efficiency.

About Growatt

Established in 2010, Growatt is a global leader in smart energy solutions. According to IHS Markit and Wood Mackenzie, the company is the world’s No.1 residential inverter supplier and also ranks among the global top 5 suppliers of commercial inverters. For storage hybrid inverters, Growatt is the second largest supplier in the world according to Wood Mackenzie.

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Sungrow Wins MESIA Solar Awards 2022 as the “Regional Technology Provider for Inverters” on the World Future Energy Summit

ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — As the World Future Energy Summit 2022 rang down the curtain, Sungrow, the global leading inverter solution supplier for renewables, won MESIA Solar Awards 2022 as the “Regional Technology Provider for Inverters”. As the only company winning this award, it bears strong testimonial to Sungrow’s advanced technologies. This award represents the recognition from local authority, honoring Sungrow’s excellent performance in the Middle East and North Africa all over the past years.

MESIA_Solar_Awards_2022

The Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA) is the largest solar trade association in the MENA region, representing over 150 international and local organizations. Each year, MESIA awards good practice, professionalism, quality, safety, and innovation with the “MESIA Solar Awards”. In 2022, Sungrow applied for the “Regional Technology Provider” with its ultra-powerful string inverter SG350HX and the most innovative “1+X” modular inverter. After rounds of judging via a panel of industry experts and leaders, Sungrow won this honor eventually among other distinguished applicants.

According to MESIA’s testimonial of this award, the two utility-scale inverters: SG350HX and “1+X” modular inverter prove more technically adaptable to MENA region, as they are able to lower the LCOE by the compatibility with the growing preference of higher wattage. Both inverters passed all international and IEC standards and they have high protection standard.

Throughout the past three days from January 17th to 19th at the WFES 2022, Sungrow also showcased several new products. The latest 1500V Liquid Cooled Energy Storage System, the new-generation Residential Energy Storage System—SH6.0RS and other solar plus storage products were exhibited. Many prestigious international energy companies including ACWA Power, EDF, Masdar, AMEA Power, Marubeni visited Sungrow’s booth and learned about the new solutions. Moreover, Sungrow signed a total of 340MW of residential, and C&I inverter orders with three well-known distributors including Organge from the UAE, ACO from Egypt and AI-Raebi from Yemen.

Facing the booming renewable energy industry in MENA, Sungrow began strategizing and cultivating the MENA market quite early. Currently, Sungrow occupies the largest market share in that region. In the future, relying on the localized sales network, warehouse, and service outlets, Sungrow looks forward to expanding its presence in MENA and helping the region’s transition to clean energy.

About Sungrow

Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. is the world’s most bankable inverter brand with over 182 GW installed worldwide as of June 2021. Founded by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the R&D of solar inverters with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, C&I, and residential applications, as well as floating PV plant solutions. With a strong 24-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power installations in over 150 countries. Learn more about Sungrow via: www.sungrowpower.com.

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Expereo Launches SD-WAN Gateways

Expanding its managed services portfolio

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, Jan. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Expereo, the leading global provider of managed Internet, SD-WAN, SASE, and Cloud Access solutions, announces the launch of SD-WAN Gateways. This new service boosts the SD-WAN performance for enterprises with a global footprint to support their multi-cloud strategies and increase application performance.

SD-WAN Gateways allow enterprises’ global network to enhance the SD-WAN experience between data centers and hub sites both intra-regionally and globally, without sacrificing in-country performance. Enterprises can combine their existing SD-WAN solution with Expereo SD-WAN Gateways, to optimize the end-user application experience and reduce operational costs.

The new service leverages Expereo’s managed SD-WAN service offerings complemented with proprietary smart BGP routing optimization technology, optimizing SaaS reach and access to public and private cloud, overcoming internet limitations.

“Businesses are entering a multi-cloud era in which the internet cannot always provide consistent quality for enabling their applications to perform seamlessly. One of the main SD-WAN Gateways benefits is that it combines a scalable network infrastructure with an enhanced WAN performance boosting your application performance. This results in a better user experience and higher productivity,” comments Sander Barens, CPO of Expereo.

As Thomas Jongerius, SD-WAN/SASE Technical Lead at Expereo explains “Many enterprises face poor application experience due to unpredictable Internet performance resulting in high IT and support cost for businesses that operate globally. Our new SD-WAN Gateway service is all about getting the best application performance across the entirety of your network.”

With SD-WAN Gateways, Expereo expands its managed services offering, taking a new step towards simplifying global cloud connectivity.

About Expereo

Expereo is the leading provider of managed network solutions, including Global internet connectivity, SD-WAN, SASE, and Cloud Access Optimization services. Expereo is the trusted partner of 30% of Fortune 500 companies and powers enterprise and government sites worldwide, helping to enhance every business’ productivity with flexible and optimal Internet performance. In Feb 2021, Vitruvian Partners international growth capital and buyout firm acquired a majority stakeholding in Expereo, alongside the leading European private equity firm Apax Partners SAS and the company’s management.

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Contact:
Emese Csikai
+44 7518 293463
[email protected]

Madison Realty Capital Completes Record 2021 with $6.4 Billion in Transaction Volume Across 72 Deals and Raises Largest Debt Fund Ever at $2.08 Billion

Additional Highlights Include Launch of New $500 Million Hospitality Lending Platform

New York, Jan. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Madison Realty Capital, a vertically integrated real estate private equity firm focused on debt and equity investment strategies, today announced the completion of one of the most active years in the firm’s 17-year history.  2021’s notable highlights include:

  • Closing a record $6.4 billion in total deal volume in 2021 across 72 transactions. The firm executed deals ranging from $10 million to $485 million in all major U.S. metropolitan markets.  Throughout 2021, Madison originated and acquired loans across asset classes including multifamily, mixed use, retail, office, industrial, land and hotel and invested in transitional and special situation loans as well as provided financing for ground-up development and construction.  In the last two months of 2021 alone, the firm closed 26 new deals representing nearly $2.7 billion.
  • Raising $2.08 billion in equity commitments for Madison Realty Capital Debt Fund V LP (“Fund V”), exceeding the fund’s $1.75 billion target. Fund V, the firm’s largest debt fund ever, received significant support from existing investors as approximately 70% of the institutional LPs in Madison’s prior fund re-upped into Fund V.  Additionally, 52% of the capital committed for Fund V came from new limited partners, both domestically and abroad.
  • Originating over $1 billion in loan-on-loan financing for twelve alternative lenders as part of its lender financing strategy. The firm provided financing solutions to alternative real estate lenders for projects in California, Florida, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon through its income-oriented debt investment vehicle, which targets lighter value-add and core-plus real estate transactions with a greater focus on income generation with rates of approximately 4% to 6%.
  • Launching an institutional hospitality lending platform, Madison Newbond, with $500 million of initial lending capacity in partnership with Newbond Holdings.  Madison Newbond offers unique financing programs to new and existing borrowers across the hospitality spectrum from limited-service hotels and developers to ultra-luxury resorts and targets opportunities including transitional lending and ground up developments, as well as first mortgages, mezzanine loans and preferred equity, across major metropolitan markets.
  • Attracting and retaining executive talent.  In April 2021, Madison announced seasoned executive Urian Yap joined the firm as Chief Financial Officer from The Blackstone Group, where he led the global loan operations team for Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies and the financial reporting team for Blackstone Mortgage Trust Inc.  Madison expanded its team with 12 new professionals, further building-out multiple real estate investment disciplines and capabilities. Additionally, Madison, which first opened its Los Angeles offices in 2018, continued to grow its presence on the west coast with the opening of its new Los Angeles office in Century City.

Josh Zegen, Managing Principal and Co-Founder of Madison Realty Capital, said, “Madison Realty Capital further distinguished itself in 2021 by providing single-source, customized financing solutions for borrowers’ unique needs and delivered speed, certainty of execution, and strong underwriting, despite a highly dynamic market environment.  I am proud of what we were able to accomplish, which is a testament to our team as well as the culture and expertise we have developed over the past 17 years. We look forward to continuing to execute on behalf of our borrowers, investors, and communities we serve in 2022 and beyond.”

Noteworthy transactions for the firm in 2021 include:

  • Breaking ground for a mixed use residential and public school development in Woodside, Queens in a public-private partnership with the NYC School Construction Authority and Department of Education;
  • A $34 million loan-on-loan financing for the redevelopment of a multifamily property in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles;
  • A $106 million construction loan to Arch Companies and AB Capstone for the ground-up development of Myrtle Point, a mixed-use residence in New York City;
  • A $450 million construction loan to The Rabsky Group for a 1,098-unit mixed-use development in Downtown Brooklyn;
  • A $278.5 million construction loan to Reger Holdings, LLC for a portfolio of 734 multifamily apartments, 1,264 multifamily units, and 117 luxury condominium residences across three projects in Austin, Texas;
  • A $30 million first mortgage loan to Metropica Development for a luxury condominium tower and ten acre development site in Sunrise, Florida;
  • A $79 million loan to Vella Group for a portfolio of five industrial and flexible office properties in Los Angeles, California;
  • A $395 million loan for a portfolio of 1,161 units across three multifamily projects in Bayonne, Raritan and Linden, New Jersey as well as a land site at the former Bears Stadium with plans for 4,200 residential units;
  • A $110 million loan to Harridge Development, Silverpeak Real Estate Partners, and an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management for single-family homes in a master-planned housing development in Historic San Pedro, Los Angeles.

About Madison Realty Capital 

Madison Realty Capital is a vertically integrated real estate private equity firm that, as of December 31, 2021, manages approximately $8 billion in total assets on behalf of a global institutional investor base. Since 2004, Madison Realty Capital has completed approximately $20 billion in transactions providing borrowers with flexible and highly customized financing solutions, strong underwriting capabilities, and certainty of execution. Headquartered in New York City, with an office in Los Angeles, the firm has approximately 70 employees across all real estate investment, development, and property management disciplines. Madison Realty Capital has been frequently named to the Commercial Observer’s prestigious “Power 100” list of New York City real estate players and is consistently cited as a top construction lender, among other industry recognitions. To learn more, follow us on LinkedIn and visit www.madisonrealtycapital.com.

Nathaniel Garnick/Grace Cartwright
Gasthalter & Co.
+1 (212) 257 4170
[email protected]