zimmer-biomet-announces-third-quarter-2020-financial-results

Zimmer Biomet Announces Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZBH) today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.  The Company reported third quarter net sales of $1.929 billion, an increase of 2.0% over the prior year period, and an increase of 1.1% on a constant currency basis.  Net earnings for the third quarter were $242.5 million.  Net earnings on an adjusted basis were $376.8 million.

Diluted earnings per share were $1.16 for the third quarter, a decrease of 44.2% from the prior year period.  Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $1.81 for the third quarter, an increase of 2.3% over the prior year period.

“While the stronger than expected recovery of elective procedures in the third quarter was encouraging, we also remain focused on ZB’s strong operational execution, which continues to drive confidence in our underlying business,” said Bryan Hanson, President and CEO of Zimmer Biomet.  “It is important to note that the challenges and fluidity around COVID-19 persist as we move into the end of the year. Still, we will continue to transform our business, invest for greater value and prioritize innovation to better position the Company for accelerated growth over the long term.  I am so proud of our global team for the support we provide healthcare professionals and patients every day and our ongoing commitment to the ZB mission to better the lives of people around the world.”

While the recovery from COVID-19 continued in the third quarter, the pace of procedure volume and patient returns slowed toward the end of the period, with overall performance still negatively impacted by the pandemic. Stronger recovery was seen in the Americas and Asia Pacific in the quarter, with a slower return in regions within Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Please see the attached schedules accompanying this press release for additional details on performance in the quarter, including sales by Zimmer Biomet’s three geographies and five product categories.

Recent Highlights

Aligned with Zimmer Biomet’s active portfolio management strategy and the ongoing transformation of the business, the Company has invested in priority and right-to-win areas to drive long-term growth, including two recently completed acquisitions.  Collectively, these deals total approximately $80 million in initial spend and up to $98 million in deferred and milestone payments and add new or soon-to-be launched product offerings to the Zimmer Biomet portfolio:

  • Incisive LLC, a privately-held operating room (OR) solutions company in the expanding $1.2 billion global integrated OR market; Incisive’s technology drives efficiency in the surgical setting through a comprehensive offering of “smart OR” infrastructure, including surgical booms and lights with a smaller footprint as well as proprietary data analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities; this approach reduces acquisition and construction costs and is especially attractive to ambulatory surgery center (ASC) customers; revenues will be recorded in the Company’s S.E.T. segment
  • Relign Corp., a privately-held company in the attractive and growing $1.6 billion arthroscopy market and overall $5 billion sports medicine market; Relign’s offerings include the consolidation of three differentiated arthroscopy tower components into a single system, a first in the industry, and address a key portfolio gap for Zimmer Biomet in the sports medicine and broader ASC markets; revenues will be recorded in the Company’s S.E.T. segment

Geographic and Product Category Sales

The following sales tables provide results by geography and product category for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, as well as the percentage change compared to the prior year periods, on both a reported basis and a constant currency basis.

NET SALES – THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

(in millions, unaudited)

Constant

Net

Currency

Sales

% Change

% Change

Geographic Results

Americas

$

1,216.5

3.2

%

3.3

%

EMEA

366.2

(2.3)

(5.7)

Asia Pacific

346.6

2.3

0.7

Total

$

1,929.3

2.0

%

1.1

%

Product Categories

Knees

Americas

$

402.6

0.9

%

0.9

%

EMEA

126.6

(6.4)

(9.5)

Asia Pacific

119.5

1.7

(0.1)

Total

648.7

(0.5)

(1.4)

Hips

Americas

268.6

7.9

8.0

EMEA

109.7

0.8

(2.6)

Asia Pacific

105.8

4.4

2.9

Total

484.1

5.4

4.4

S.E.T *

359.9

3.3

2.5

Dental, Spine & CMFT**

295.5

7.3

6.5

Other

141.1

(10.3)

(11.1)

Total

$

1,929.3

2.0

%

1.1

%

* Sports Medicine, Extremities and Trauma

** Craniomaxillofacial and Thoracic

 

NET SALES – NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

(in millions, unaudited)

Constant

Net

Currency

Sales

% Change

% Change

Geographic Results

Americas

$

3,051.5

(14.9)

%

(14.8)

%

EMEA

983.0

(23.0)

(22.7)

Asia Pacific

904.7

(8.8)

(9.0)

Total

$

4,939.2

(15.7)

%

(15.6)

%

Product Categories

Knees

Americas

$

1,003.9

(17.9)

%

(17.9)

%

EMEA

344.5

(27.4)

(27.0)

Asia Pacific

304.3

(13.6)

(13.4)

Total

1,652.7

(19.4)

(19.2)

Hips

Americas

671.8

(10.3)

(10.2)

EMEA

291.9

(20.6)

(20.4)

Asia Pacific

282.7

(7.0)

(7.2)

Total

1,246.4

(12.3)

(12.2)

S.E.T *

946.1

(10.9)

(10.8)

Dental, Spine & CMFT**

729.7

(14.7)

(14.7)

Other

364.3

(22.2)

(22.2)

Total

$

4,939.2

(15.7)

%

(15.6)

%

* Sports Medicine, Extremities and Trauma

** Craniomaxillofacial and Thoracic

Cash Flow and Balance Sheet

Cash provided by operating activities for the third quarter was $381.3 million and free cash flow was $287.2 million.  At September 30, 2020, the Company had $967.3 million in cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet.  In the third quarter, the Company paid $49.6 million in dividends and declared a dividend of $0.24 per share.  As previously announced, Zimmer Biomet refinanced $1.5 billion in debt that came due April 1, 2020, renegotiated the terms of its $1.5 billion revolver and secured an additional $1.0 billion credit facility.  No borrowings are outstanding under these credit facilities.

Financial Guidance

While Zimmer Biomet saw encouraging recovery in elective procedures during the third quarter, there continues to be uncertainty around the scope and duration of COVID-19 and its ongoing impact. Therefore, the Company is currently unable to quantify the expected impact on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, which could be material, for 2020 and is not providing fourth quarter financial guidance at this time.

Conference Call

The Company will conduct its third quarter 2020 investor conference call today, November 6, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. ET.  The audio webcast can be accessed via Zimmer Biomet’s Investor Relations website at https://investor.zimmerbiomet.com.  It will be archived for replay following the conference call.

chindata-group-opens-asia’s-largest-single-hyperscale-data-center-in-shanxi

Chindata Group opens Asia’s largest single hyperscale data center in Shanxi

 

Chindata Group(Nasdaq: CD) has successfully opened Asia’s largest single hyperscale data center in its Taihang Mountain Energy and Information Technology Industrial Campus of the Pan-Beijing Area, Datong, North China’s Shanxi province, on Sunday 25 October.

The data center has a total IT capacity of 50 megawatts to support artificial intelligence-based computing delivered by global tech giants. For a single server room in this data center building, its IT capacity could be over 18 megawatts.

Chindata Group launches an online video(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjCQ3rYmwL0) to take a virtual tour inside this Asia’s largest single hyperscale data center and reproduce its construction process to show those state-of-the-art sophisticated technologies applied in this campus.

With more than 12 tailored pending or approved patents, this single data center is equipped with latest technologies, ranging from power distribution network, IT equipment, cooling system, to energy utilization, in support of the sustainable operation of this Asia’s largest single hyperscale data center.

For example, Chindata Group has initially employed one self-own 110kV cabin substation and one back-up 35kV substation plus an access to dedicated renewable energy into this campus. By advanced power system architecture and multiple independent power supply from the State Grid, this campus boasts the most reliable power distribution network in China’s data center industry in response to leading technology companies’ power demands.

Besides, one of the world’s most efficient chilled water systems self-developed by Chindata Group is put into mass application on this campus for the first time to keep a high energy efficiency by increasing the natural cooling time while adapting to 40kW per AI server rack’s working environment requirement.

As a leading hyperscale data center solution provider in emerging Asia-Pacific markets, Chindata Group strives to build a public and altruistic platform to bridge the digital divide. As a result, this newly-built data center is totally carrier-neutral with shared standards and open technology, for the benefit of every internet user.

business-leaders-turn-to-analytics-to-reimagine-a-post-covid-(and-post-election)-world

Business leaders turn to analytics to reimagine a post-COVID (and post-election) world

 

With the global coronavirus pandemic and the U.S. presidential election as a backdrop, organizations face tough questions about how to lead in very challenging times. SAS, the leader in analytics, will present answers in a free virtual event featuring business executives, a timely session on data analytics in elections, and America’s “historian-in-chief.”

The SAS Executive Connection: Reimagine event will take place on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 11:00am ET (8:00am PT5:00pm CET). It will focus on how organizations can apply lessons learned from the global pandemic to prepare for the future. The event is the third segment of the SAS Executive Connection Series: Respond, Recover and Reimagine.

Register today at www.sas.com/en_us/events/sas-global-forum/executive-connection-reimagine.html.

Analyzing Votes, Polls and Elections

“Unmasking Election Data with @AnalyticSteve” will explore the role of data and analytics in voting, and give a quick analysis of the U.S. presidential election and what we’ve learned. It will feature Steve Bennett, Director of the Global Government Practice at SAS. His Twitter handle is @AnalyticSteve.

Addressing Leadership Challenges

The event will feature a keynote discussion with renowned presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin. She will share observations on the election, discuss historical crises like the Great Depression and World War II and how leaders responded, and convey lessons from her best-seller Leadership in Turbulent Times.

Reimagine: Business executives share their stories

From staffing and supply chains to customer engagement and fighting fraud, business as usual is not an option. Global business executives will reveal how their organizations have adapted and responded to challenging economic conditions. Organizations presenting include:

  • COPD Foundation
  • Dataprev [Brazil]
  • Dompé Farmaceutici [Italy]
  • GE Appliance, a Haier Company
  • Hanesbrands Inc.
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • R+V Insurance [Germany]
  • Rogers Bank [Canada]
  • Town of Cary, N.C.
  • University of North Texas

“With powerful analytics, organizations can transform data into decisions that improve lives and results.” – Steve Bennett, SAS

Analytics are key

While no one technology is a “silver bullet” to end the pandemic, advanced analytics like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are key tools in helping respond to coronavirus-related business challenges. And while response and recovery are ongoing, forward-looking organizations also seek to reimagine their operations and approaches in a post-COVID world.

“2020 has been a year like no other. Businesses continue to struggle with uncertainty. And everyday people around the world worry about the health of their families, the stability of their jobs and the strains on society,” said Bennett. “With powerful analytics, organizations can transform data into decisions that improve lives and results. They can also reimagine how their businesses operate, with a blend of digital, virtual and agile.”

cellarity-signs-up-with-excelra-for-gostar-database-to-enrich-its-drug-discovery-platform

Cellarity signs up with Excelra for GOSTAR database to enrich its drug discovery platform

 

Excelra, a leading global data science & data analytics company, and Cellarity, a flagship pioneering company working on the development of a new generation of medicines to treat diseases at the level of cell behaviours, have today announced an agreement whereby Excelra will provide Cellarity access to its Global Online Structure Activity Relationship database (GOSTAR).

GOSTAR is the world’s largest small molecule medicinal chemistry intelligence platform that encompasses over 8 million compounds, linking chemical structure to biological, pharmacological and therapeutic activities. With a vast knowledge base of 28 million SAR data points, GOSTAR equips researchers in the early as well as optimization stages of drug discovery.

Cellarity’s drug discovery platform uses high-resolution biological data and unique machine learning capabilities to pioneer an entirely new approach to drug discovery. Cellarity is designing medicines that target and change cell behaviors to unlock treatments in a large number of disease areas. “We are looking forward to using high quality annotated GOSTAR data on millions of small molecules, while leveraging Cellarity’s proprietary AI/ML modules to generate predictable drug-like molecules that ultimately guide the design of novel Cell Behavior-Targeted therapies. Our preliminary assessment gives us the confidence in the utility of GOSTAR database,” said Ramakanth Sarabu, Head of Chemistry, Cellarity.

“GOSTAR is a widely used structure activity relationship database in AI/ML driven drug discovery programs. We strongly believe that this collaboration equips AI/ML and medicinal chemistry researchers at Cellarity to utilize curated interactions of millions of small molecules with potential drug targets to generate novel compounds with desired pharmacological profiles,” said Raveendra Dayam, Director, Chemistry Services, Excelra.

organic-tea-market-size-worth-$112-billion-by-2027-|-cagr:-162%:-grand-view-research,-inc.

Organic Tea Market Size Worth $1.12 Billion By 2027 | CAGR: 16.2%: Grand View Research, Inc.

 

The global organic tea market size is expected to reach USD 1.12 billion by 2027, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., expanding at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2020 to 2027. The rising importance of a healthy lifestyle among the consumers in light of increased awareness regarding wellness nutrition through social media and satellite television channels is expected to expand the market scope. Furthermore, growing concerns related to adverse effects associated with synthetic ingredients in packaged food and beverages are expected to compel the buyers to increase spending on consuming organic tea as a key alternative to conventional drinks.

Key suggestions from the report:

  • The herbal product segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during forecast years with a CAGR of 17.1% from 2020 to 2027. The rising importance of herbal tea as a daily drink for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is expected to have a positive impact on the segment growth over the next few years
  • Based on taste, the flavored segment accounted for the largest share of more than 80.0% in 2019. This is attributed to the increased preference for these products due to the easy access of such products to the consumers through offline as well as online channels
  • By form, the leaf and powder segment accounted for the largest share of more than 45.0% in 2019. The growth of the segment is attributed to the first-mover advantage associated with leaf as well as powder forms
  • Asia Pacific dominated the market with more than 35.0% share in 2019. Extensive customer base in countries, including ChinaIndiaJapanThailand, and Vietnam, is expected to fuel the regional market growth in the near future.

Read 80 page research report with ToC on “Organic Tea Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Camellia Sinensis-based (Green, Black, Oolong, White), Herbal), By Taste, By Form, By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 – 2027” at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/organic-tea-market

Product launches have been playing a crucial role in shaping the industry dynamics. For instance, in October 2019, Celestial Seasonings launched TeaWell, a product line that includes organic wellness tea, which provides a vigorous combination of health benefits, along with pleasant flavors. The line offers a large number of flavors formed using a blend of herbs and botanicals that improve the shape of both mind and body. These products contain “Daily Wellness Core”, which is a combination of four essential ingredients, including panax ginseng, dandelion root, elderberry, and green rooibos.

It is claimed that panax ginseng improves mental vitality, dandelion root enhances digestion, elderberry boosts immunity, and green rooibos acts as antioxidants. Some of the popular products being offered under the product line are Organic Green Tea with Grapefruit, Organic Moringa Lemon Ginger, and Organic Hibiscus with Lime. These products are available for USD 4.99.

Grand View Research has segmented the global organic tea market on the basis of product, taste, form, distribution channel, and region:

  • Organic Tea Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Thousand, 2016 – 2027)
    • Camelia Sinesis-Based
      • White
      • Black
      • Green
      • Oolong
      • Others
    • Herbal
  • Organic Tea Taste Outlook (Revenue, USD Thousand, 2016 – 2027)
    • Flavored
    • Plain
  • Organic Tea Form Outlook (Revenue, USD Thousand, 2016 – 2027)
    • Tea Bag
    • Leaf & Powder
    • Liquid
  • Organic Tea Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Thousand, 2016 – 2027)
    • Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
    • Convenience Stores
    • Online Stores & D2C
    • Others
  • Organic Tea Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Thousand, 2016 – 2027)
    • North America
      • The U.S.
    • Europe
      • The U.K.
      • Germany
    • Asia Pacific
      • India
      • Japan
      • China
      • Indonesia
    • Central & South America
      • Brazil
    • Middle East & Africa
      • South Africa

List of Key Players of Organic Tea Market

  • Compass Tea Company
  • Davidson’s Organics
  • Little Red Cup Tea Co.
  • Numi, Inc.
  • PepsiCo
  • The Coca-Cola Company
  • The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
  • Tielka
  • Unilever
  • Wessanen

Find more research reports on  Consumer F&B Industry, by Grand View Research:

  • Matcha Tea Market – The global matcha tea market size was estimated at USD 1.63 billion in 2018 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.
  • Hot Drinks Market – The global hot drinks market size was valued at USD 250.7 billion in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period.
  • White Tea Market  The global white tea market size was estimated at USD 1.48 billion in 2018. Increasing the importance of these products due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which boost the immune system.
natural-food-colors-&-flavors-market-worth-$6.8-billion-by-2025-–-exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets

Natural Food Colors & Flavors Market worth $6.8 billion by 2025 – Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarkets™

 

According to MarketsandMarkets™, the “Natural Food Colors & Flavors Market by Color Type (caramel, carotenoids, anthocyanins, curcumin, annatto, and copper chlorophyllin), Flavor Type (natural extracts, aroma chemicals, & essential oils), Application & Region – Global Forecast to 2025”, published by MarketsandMarkets™, the market size is estimated to be valued at USD 5.0 billion in 2020. It is projected to reach USD 6.8 billion by 2025, recording a CAGR of 5.4%, in terms of value. There is an increase in the demand for processed food and clean label, which is driving the market.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=676

The food application segment is projected to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Based on application, the natural food colors & flavors market is dominated by the food segment. The consumer trends such as easy-to-use, health & wellness, and clean label trends influence the overall market. The easy-to-use trend is due to the rapid urbanization in emerging markets. Consumers demand healthier ingredients in their food products. The growing side effects of synthetic colors and flavors  compel the consumers in emerging and developed economies to focus on an improved consumption.

Browse in-depth TOC on “Natural Food Colors & Flavors Market

136 – Tables
62 – Figures
252 – Pages

The European region dominates the natural food colors & flavors market with the largest share in 2019, whereas South America is expected to witness the highest growth rate.

In EuropeGermany dominated the natural food colors & flavors market due to the high production and demand of clean label food & beverages.  The worldwide natural food ingredients market is primarily driven by the rising demand for safe and plant-based products. The natural food colors & flavors industry functions with legislators and regulators to deliver qualitative products to its end users. In the major markets.

The increase in the developed economy and per capita income has enabled the consumers to invest in more health and health related services, in the South American region. This is one of the major drivers for natural food colors & flavors in the region. Apart from that, the millennial consumers are more health conscious and open to experiment with various ingredients, this is also thriving the market in the region.

Request for Customization: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=676

Key players:

This report includes a study on the marketing and development strategies, along with the product portfolios of leading companies. It consists of profiles of leading companies, such as DuPont (US), Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) (US), Givaudan (Switzerland), Kerry Group, Plc (Ireland), International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) (Israel), Mane (France), Sensient (US), T. Hasegawa (Japan), Firmenich (Switzerland), Robertet (France), Symrise (Germany), Synergy Flavors (US), Amar Bio-Organics India Pvt. Ltd. (India), Taiyo International (Japan), The Foodie Flavors Ltd (UK), Besmoke Ltd (UK), Aromata Group (Italy), Gulf Flavors and Food Ingredients FZCO (UAE), Seluz Fragrances & Flavors Company (Turkey), and Takasago (Japan).

hollister-provides-comment-on-approval-of-recreational-cannabis-in-arizona

Hollister Provides Comment on Approval of Recreational Cannabis in Arizona

 

Hollister Biosciences Inc. (CSE: HOLL) (OTC: HSTRF) (FRANKFURT: HOB) (the “Company“, “Hollister Cannabis Co.” or “Hollister“) a diversified cannabis branding company with products in over 280 dispensaries throughout California, and over 80 dispensaries throughout Arizona provides comment on the successful passage of Proposition 207 – legalizing the cultivation, sale and consumption of recreational cannabis in the state of Arizona.

“Seeing recreational Cannabis legalized in the state is an encouraging sign and is hopefully another step toward federal legalization. It should lead to increased tax revenue and job creation. The recreational cannabis market in Arizona could be valued at up to US $760 million by 20241, significantly expanding the total addressable market for Cannabis in the state. We look forward to making our product line available to both the medical and recreational end user.” Shared Jacob Cohen, Founder of Venom Extracts, Hollister’s 100% owned subsidiary based in Arizona.

Arizona Presence

Hollister, through its 100% owned subsidiary, Venom Extracts (“Venom“), is one of Arizona’s premier extract brands and one of the state’s largest producers of award-winning medical cannabis distillate and related products. With an experienced management team and unparalleled reputation for quality, Venom prides itself as a differentiated extraction company by producing legal cannabis products at a price point that allows retailers to generate higher profits. Focused on proprietary efficiencies, Venom is able to produce more product per square foot than its competition, maintaining lower costs and risks than a typical extraction company.

ceva,-inc.-third-quarter-2020-earnings-release-and-conference-call-scheduled-for-november-5

CEVA, Inc. Third Quarter 2020 Earnings Release and Conference Call Scheduled for November 5

 

CEVA, Inc. (NASDAQ: CEVA), the leading licensor of wireless connectivity and smart sensing technologies, will announce results for the third quarter 2020 on November 5, 2020 before the NASDAQ market opens.

Following the release, CEVA management will conduct a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the operating performance for the quarter.

The conference call will be available via the following dial in numbers:

  • U.S. Participants: Dial 1-844-435-0316 (Access Code: CEVA)
  • International Participants: Dial +1-412-317-6365 (Access Code: CEVA)

The conference call will also be available live via webcast at the following link: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/984/37971. Please go to the web site at least fifteen minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software.

For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay will be available by dialing +1-877-344-7529 or +1-412-317-0088 (access code: 10148556) from one hour after the end of the call until 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on November 12, 2020. The replay will also be available at CEVA’s web site www.ceva-dsp.com.

ae-industrial-partners-acquires-linkware-and-pangiam,-combines-the-companies-to-create-a-full-service-travel-and-security-solutions-technology-platform

AE Industrial Partners Acquires Linkware and Pangiam, Combines the Companies to Create a Full-Service Travel and Security Solutions Technology Platform

AE Industrial Partners, LP (“AEI”), a private equity firm specializing in Aerospace, Defense & Government Services, Power Generation, and Specialty Industrial markets, announced today that it has acquired Linkware, LLC (“Linkware” or the “Company”), a leading provider of custom software solutions and consulting services to federal government organizations, and PRE, LLC d/b/a Pangiam (“Pangiam”), a security and travel consulting services provider. AEI will combine Linkware with Pangiam to form a highly integrated travel solutions technology platform providing a more seamless and secure travel experience. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The combined entity will go-to-market in the commercial sphere as Pangiam, while the Company will continue to use the Linkware brand for its best-in-class digital services to government customers. Pangiam will leverage its strong industry experience and relationships, combined with the high-end capabilities of Linkware, to offer a unique, full-service platform serving the critical travel security ecosystem. The combined Company’s scale and complementary capabilities will provide significant value to both companies’ respective customer bases in the commercial and government markets.

Founded in 2011 and based in Alexandria, Virginia, Linkware provides custom software solutions and consulting services to federal government organizations. Key capabilities include software related to biometrics, facial recognition, deep learning and artificial intelligence used in highly critical national-security applications. Linkware was co-founded by Leo FthenosBobby ParaskevopoulosHoward Stone, and Vasilios Tzeremes, all of whom will continue to serve as Managing Directors, own a meaningful portion of Pangiam and remain key stakeholders in the new platform. Messrs. Fthenos, Paraskevopoulos, Stone and Tzeremes are excited to partner with Pangiam and AEI given their breadth of experience and the capital they bring to support Linkware’s continued growth.

Pangiam, founded by Kevin McAleenanPatrick Flanagan and Dave Reissfelder, provides security and travel consulting services to commercial customers across a variety of industries. Pangiam offers a fully integrated pre-clearance travel technology architecture to enhance travel security and facilitate a seamless passenger experience.

Pangiam will be led by Kevin McAleenan, Chief Executive Officer, and Patrick Flanagan, Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Pangiam, Mr. McAleenan, an Operating Partner at AEI, served as a law enforcement executive in national command and leadership roles, most recently as Acting Secretary of Homeland Security and Commissioner of U.S. Customs & Border Protection. Mr. Flanagan brings two decades of government and security experience, having served as Acting Chief of Staff at the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs & Border Protection, as well as serving in key roles at the Transportation Security Administration and the National Security Council.

“Combining Linkware with Pangiam will create a compelling travel and security solutions technology platform with unlimited potential,” said Mr. McAleenan. “The combination of our businesses will enable us to offer comprehensive solutions to aviation and security agency stakeholders.”

“We share Pangiam’s vision to push the boundaries of innovation in the travel and security ecosystem to enable greater opportunities for more secure and seamless travel,” said Mr. Fthenos. “With strong support from Pangiam and AEI, we look forward to accelerating our efforts and delivering new capabilities to the market.”

“Linkware has been a critical resource to its customers in supporting mission imperative projects with strong recurring performance and a highly technical staff,” said Kirk Konert, a Partner at AEI “Now, as part of a broader technology platform in Pangiam, Linkware will have the demonstrated innovation to address the growing demand for seamless travel and security solutions.”

“Both government and commercial customers are seeking state-of-the art solutions to make travel safer and more streamlined,” said Bryan McElwee, a Principal at AEI. “We believe the combined company will meet the needs of all customers with comprehensive offerings.”

voyager-labs-awarded-“best-ai-industry-solution-for-intelligence”-for-its-outstanding-work-in-applying-ai-to-accelerating-investigations,-mitigating-risk,-and-acquiring-actionable,-previously-unattainable-insights.

Voyager Labs awarded “Best AI Industry Solution for Intelligence” for its outstanding work in applying AI to accelerating investigations, mitigating risk, and acquiring actionable, previously unattainable insights.

 Voyager Labs, a world leader in the Artificial Intelligence space, announced today that it has been selected as the winner of “Best AI Industry Solution for Intelligence” in the 2020 AI Breakthrough Awards program conducted by AI Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) market today.

The mission of the AI Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the innovation, hard work and success in a range of AI and machine learning related categories, including AI platforms, Deep Learning, Smart Robotics, Business Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, industry-specific AI applications and many more. This year’s program attracted more than 2,750 nominations from over 15 different countries throughout the world.

“Voyager Labs’ proprietary AI algorithms power a unique state-of-the-art technology that provides insights no one else can,” said James Johnson, Managing Director, AI Breakthrough. “This certainly is a breakthrough achievement and we are excited to recognize Voyager Labs with our ‘Best AI Industry Solution for Intelligence’ award in the 2020 AI Breakthrough Awards program.”

Voyager Labs’ solutions leverages pattern recognition, natural language understanding and deep learning to enable organizations, worldwide, to investigate massive amounts of complex, unstructured data automatically and acquire near real time, actionable insights that would otherwise be inaccessible.

“We’re humbled and honored to receive this important award. We’re committed to continue leading in the development of breakthrough science technologies,” said Avi Korenblum, Voyager Labs Founder and CEO. “By delivering this technology to our customers worldwide, we enable them to effectively counter escalating threats and fulfill their public safety commitment.”