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RLWRLD Raises $15M to Build ‘GPT for Robots,’ Backed by Asia’s Industrial Giants

As Silicon Valley builds AI for the internet, RLWRLD trains AI to act in the real world—with support from LG, SK, KDDI, ANA, and more

SEOUL, South Korea and TOKYO, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — RLWRLD, a Physical AI startup building robotics foundation models, today announced a $15 million seed round backed by a powerful alliance of industrial leaders from Korea and Japan.

Team RLWRLD
Team RLWRLD

The round includes investments from LG Electronics, SK Telecom, KDDI, ANA Holdings, Mitsui Chemicals, and Shimadzu Corporation, as well as leading AI-focused VCs from Japan and Korea, including Hashed, Mirae Asset, and Global Brain—marking one of the most significant cross-border bets on the future of real-world AI.

RLWRLD is led by Jung-hee Ryu, whose previous company, Olaworks, was acquired by Intel in its first-ever acquisition of a Korean startup. The founding team includes KAIST Chair Professor Jinwoo Shin, Kurly’s ex-CTO, a Kakao engineering lead, and a former BCG partner, forming a world-class squad to tackle what may be the next trillion-dollar opportunity in AI: machines that can move, think, and adapt in the physical world.

“Silicon Valley is building brains for the internet. We’re building brains for machines.”

— Jung-hee Ryu, Founder & CEO, RLWRLD

From Text to Touch: The Rise of Physical AI

While generative AI leaders race to master text, code, and images, RLWRLD is developing foundation models that learn from real-world sensors, robotics systems, and industrial workflows. These models enable robots to reason and act autonomously in dynamic physical environments—factories, warehouses, logistics hubs, and beyond.

RLWRLD’s platform is built on three strategic pillars:

  • Embodied model architecture optimized for real-world intelligence
  • Industrial-scale data pipelines from East Asia’s manufacturing ecosystem
  • Plug-and-play infrastructure that integrates seamlessly with existing robotics systems

“We’re not just writing papers—we’re training models that solve real-world problems on real production floors.”

Jinwoo Shin, Chief Scientist, RLWRLD & KAIST Chair Professor

Building a Real-World AI Ecosystem

The $15M funding will accelerate RLWRLD’s next phase:

  • Expanding proprietary data pipelines across industrial partner sites
  • Advancing its robotics foundation model stack
  • Deepening integration with robotics and sensor companies in Asia and North America

The company is also building a multi-stakeholder innovation ecosystem through collaborations with KAIST, Seoul National University, and POSTECH, and with robotics manufacturers like WIRobotics, Rainbow Robotics, Wonik Robotics, Robotis and more.

“RLWRLD combines deep AI research with industrial execution at scale. That’s what makes this a rare, high-conviction investment.”

— Simon Seojoon Kim, CEO, Hashed

About RLWRLD

RLWRLD is a Physical AI company developing robotics foundation models trained on real-world data from East Asia’s top manufacturing ecosystems. Founded by serial entrepreneur Jung-hee Ryu, the company brings together world-class AI, robotics, and industrial expertise to power the next generation of embodied intelligence.

Learn more at rlwrld.ai.

Media Contact:

Leehyoung Yang, Team Cookie, leehyoung@teamcookie.kr 

Empowering FMCG Brand Growth Through Retailer Engagement

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For small and local Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brands, gaining access to rural and urban retail markets remains a major challenge. Challenges such as limited distribution, high marketing costs, and tough shelf competition often restrict these brands to their immediate communities.

Ninja Mart’s Kongsi Rezeki, Kongxi Huat! campaign helped partner brands reach 8,500+ small retailers nationwide, boosting sales by 37%.
Ninja Mart’s Kongsi Rezeki, Kongxi Huat! campaign helped partner brands reach 8,500+ small retailers nationwide, boosting sales by 37%.

Through Ninja Mart’s Kongsi Rezeki, Kongxi Huat! Campaign, which ran from January to March 2025, Ninja Mart – Ninja Van Malaysia’s distribution arm – collaborated with Indofood, Julie’s, Yupi, Cricket, Yokefood, and MIWA to help the brands reach over 8,500 independent retailers, expanding their market presence beyond major hypermarkets and into smaller grocery stores and convenience outlets across Malaysia. On average, the brands saw a 37% increase in sales during the campaign.

“At Ninja Mart, we recognise that FMCG brands, especially smaller and local players, breaking into the retail market isn’t just about distribution, but about building relationships and visibility. Through this initiative, we helped  brands expand into new retail spaces and empowered  them with data-driven insights, direct retailer engagement, and targeted marketing strategies. By bridging the gap between brands and independent retailers, we’re creating a more connected retail ecosystem in Malaysia,” said Matthew Sequerah Lee, Head of Ninja Mart Malaysia.

With a focus on direct brand-to-retailer engagement, the campaign delivered a measurable impact for participating brands:

  • Spend & Win Campaign Ninja Mart, in collaboration with brand partners, rewarded retailers with 100 exclusive prizes.
  • Retail Point of Sale Materials (POSM) & Goodie Bag Distribution – Tailored POSM and sampling initiatives drove product trials, boosting conversions and retailer confidence.
  • Brand Focus Weeks – Dedicated promotional periods with promotions and custom POSM materials in key retail stores enhanced brand visibility and sales.
  • Urban Brand Tour – On-ground engagement connected brands with retailers, offering firsthand sales insights and strengthening relationships.
  • Data-Driven Brand Collaboration – Monthly performance reports provided brands with insights on sales, market coverage, and retailer feedback for strategic growth.

How Brands Benefitted from Retail Expansion Strategy

Indofood faced challenges with product availability and brand awareness in Malaysia. Its early focus on Modern Trade (supermarkets and large chains) limited its reach into General Trade (independent shops and mini-marts), especially in rural areas with strong growth potential. Ninja Mart addressed this by refining Indofood’s distribution strategy, from effectively bridging the gap in availability and accessibility.

Ninja Mart has transformed our approach to General Trade by bringing the structure and efficiency of modern trade into a fragmented market. Their data-driven strategies, extensive retail network, and tailored campaigns have significantly expanded our reach and boosted sales. We trust Ninja Mart as one of the key partners in driving Indofood’s growth in Malaysia,” said Steven Lim, Key Account Manager from Indofood (M) Food Industries Sdn Bhd.

Yupi faced challenges with network distribution and market penetration, particularly within the General Trade segment, which includes grocery outlets across rural and semi-urban areas. Though demand was growing, gaps in coverage and logistical challenges restricted national expansion.

Ninja Mart has transformed Yupi’s presence across Malaysia. With their robust distribution network and deep expertise in on-the-ground sales, they’ve ensured that Yupi products are not only available but flourishing in both urban and rural markets. Their data-driven approach, flawless execution, and strong collaboration with Delfi has enabled us to reach more retailers and consumers than ever before. Thanks to this partnership, Yupi is now more accessible to Malaysians nationwide,” mentioned by an Executive Office representative, Delfi Marketing Sdn Bhd.

For smaller FMCG brands, growth goes beyond delivery but relationships, visibility, and insights. By combining logistics expertise, retailer engagement, and data-driven strategies, Ninja Mart is helping brands scale in ways that traditional distribution models often overlook.

FUNKO ANNOUNCES FIRST LICENSED STORE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA IN THE PHILIPPINES

Expanding its global footprint, Funko brings an immersive retail experience to one of its fastest-growing fan communities

MANILA, Philippines, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Funko, Inc. (NASDAQ: FNKO), the global pop culture lifestyle brand, today announced the planned opening of the first Southeast Asian Funko-licensed store by local retailer, Funtastik Enterprises Corp, in the Philippines, scheduled for June 2025. This expansion marks another milestone in Funko’s international growth strategy, reinforcing its commitment to meeting fans where they are and bringing the brand experience to its passionate communities.

Funko to open its First Southeast Asian standalone store in Manila's SM Mall of Asia
Funko to open its First Southeast Asian standalone store in Manila’s SM Mall of Asia

Driven by thriving comic conventions, strong community engagement, and a booming e-commerce ecosystem, the Philippines is one of the most active markets for pop culture in Southeast Asia. Filipino fan communities rank among the world’s most engaged audiences for Funko, making this a strategic move to bolster local engagement and attract new fans. Funko has partnered with Funtastik based on its market expertise and focus on customer service. 

“As a global brand, Funko is committed to expanding our presence in the most engaged and fastest-growing fan communities,” said Cynthia Williams, CEO of Funko, Inc. “The Philippines is one of our strongest-performing markets in Asia, and this licensed store represents our investment in its passionate fanbase. We’ve seen remarkable success with similar stores in the Middle East, and we’re excited to bring that momentum here. By deepening our retail footprint and enhancing direct-to-consumer experiences, we hope to inspire connection, self-expression, and fun for our fans—wherever they are in the world.”

Located in SM Mall of Asia, the retail space will offer exclusive product drops and interactive zones, celebrating beloved entertainment, sports, and music franchises, as well as the growing world of anime. Fans can expect an array of collectibles, including the iconic Funko Pop! line, Bitty Pop! and Loungefly.

With this launch, Funko accelerates its global reach through best-in-class retail and licensing partnerships, shaping the next era of fan culture across Asia.

About Funko

Funko is a global pop culture company at the forefront of the growing Kidult economy and evolving fan behavior. With a diverse portfolio of owned and licensed brands – including Funko, Loungefly, and Mondo – Funko delivers industry-defining products that span vinyl figures, micro-collectibles, fashion accessories, apparel, plush, action toys, high-end art, music and digital collectibles, and more. Through these products, which include Pop! Yourself, Bitty Pop!, and Digital Pop!™ among others, Funko inspires fans to express their passions, build community, and have fun. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Washington state, Funko has offices, retail locations, operations, and licensed partnerships in major consumer geographies across the globe. Learn more at Funko.com, Loungefly.com, and follow us on TikTok, X, and Instagram.  

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including statements regarding Funko’s retail presence and partnerships. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Hi & Fi Asia-China 2025: Charting New Frontiers in Health and Food Innovation

Categories: Food Ingredients, Health & Nutrition, Trade

SHANGHAI, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Asia’s premier platform for health ingredients and food innovation, Hi & Fi Asia-China, is set to return with its most ambitious edition yet. From 24-26 June 2025 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) Shanghai.

The event will unite company leaders, disruptors, and innovators across the F&B, nutraceutical, and pet nutrition industries, offering unparalleled opportunities to explore cutting-edge trends and forge transformative partnerships.

A Gateway to Asia & China’s Thriving Markets

With over 500+ exhibitors from 80+ countries—including giants like Givaudan, Bloomage Biotechnology, Angel Enzyme, Cabio, BGG, Amicogen, KD Nutra, Golden Omega, showcasing Healthy Ingredients, Food & Beverage Ingredients, Natural Organic Ingredients, Animal & Plant Extracts, Functional Food, Food additives, Flavors, Spices Condiments, Probiotics, Novel Food Ingredients, etc.

How to Grow Your Business at Hi & Fi Asia-China?

3 industrial co-located shows bring numerous networking opportunities: to co-locate with Healthplex Expo / Natural & Nutraceutical Products China 2024 (HNC), Propack China & Starch expo – 200,000㎡, 2,500+ exhibitors, 120,000+ visitors, connect across food, beverage & nutraceuticals.

Import & Export Desk to solve market access problems: on-site experts to resolve trading and certification queries in real time.

Pre-event matchmaking service: arrange early enrollment for registered buyers to connect suppliers before the show.

Newly Launched Pavilions Ensure Higher Efficiency of Your Visit

Natural Food & Spices Pavilion: Embark on a global spice journey—from India’s bold, aromatic curries to the Mediterranean’s fragrant rosemary. These diverse flavors fuel culinary creativity, elevating food innovation to new heights.

Healthy Condiments Pavilion: The epicenter of wellness trends, featuring low-sodium soy sauce, organic sauces, and more. Connect seamlessly with suppliers and buyers to create the next market sensation.

Novel Food Ingredients Pavilion: Discover cutting-edge ingredients like algae protein and plant-based alternatives, empowering businesses to develop standout products and gain a competitive edge.

Sugar free Pavilion: Explore ingredients like Stevia, Glycosides, Erythritol, Xylitol, Maltitol, Sorbitol

Marine Resources Pavilion: Showcasing Marine Oil (Fish Oil, Krill Oil, Algal Oil), Omega-3 (ALA, EPA, DHA), Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid), Omega-9 (Oleic Acid), Fish Collagen Peptide and Oyster Peptide, etc. 

Innovative Engagement Formats Forecast

Fi Innovation Awards: As the top important event of Hi & Fi Asia-China, which aims to recognize the best innovation breakthroughs in Health, Technology and Sustainability in the food and beverage industry through third-party fair, authoritative and professional judging.

Themed Innovation Tours: Explore aging-population solutions (Silver Economy), beauty-from-within nutraceuticals (Nutricosmetic), and award-winning stands of Food Innovation Awards.

New Product Zone: In partnership with Innova Market Insights, brings together and showcases the world’s cutting-edge new and trendy food trends and health products and snacks.

Registration is now open! Secure your visitor pass at https://b8h.cn/Gqv1W1 and join the innovation movement at Hi & Fi Asia-China!

Media Contact:
Sini
Email:Sini.bai@informa.com 
Tel:8602133392212

JelloX Biotech Establishes US Research Base

To further advance oncology with technology, the biotech startup is setting up a 3D cancer pathology lab in the Phoenix-based Discovery Oasis biotech space.

PHOENIX, Ariz. and HSINCHU, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — JelloX Biotech Inc., a Taiwan-based startup at the forefront of cancer pathology, is announcing it will open a lab in the Discovery Oasis biotechnology space in Phoenix, Arizona.

JelloX Biotech Inc. provides a comprehensive 3D pathology platform and service, which can be rapidly implemented in standard pathology laboratories.
JelloX Biotech Inc. provides a comprehensive 3D pathology platform and service, which can be rapidly implemented in standard pathology laboratories.

Contact JelloX at sales@jellox.com to explore partnerships and learn more about the company’s cutting-edge 3D pathology technology.

An expansive 120-acre development, Discovery Oasis is envisioned as a biotechnology corridor of collaboration to advance groundbreaking solutions to humanity’s most complex medical challenges. With around 1,100 square feet of space housing some of its most advanced equipment, JelloX will leverage its new lab for applying cutting-edge technologies like 3D imaging and AI to cancer pathology.

“Medical problems like cancer require many parties working together to create better treatments and patient care,” commented Dr. Yen-Yin Lin, CEO of JelloX. “With all the promise 3D pathology offers, we are thrilled to establish a research base in the US, particularly one where we can work hand-in-hand with other pioneering companies to fight cancer while contributing to the country’s leadership in biotech innovation.”

JelloX’s breakthrough 3D pathology technology

As the company’s research has consistently shown, the higher sensitivity of 3D methods has real implications for improving diagnosis and treatment in oncology. Traditional methods of tissue sampling offer limited information on a tumor. Methods using 3D pathology can not only identify cases previously classified as “false negatives” but also enable early cancer detection. This allows for earlier treatment initiation and greater precision.

Dr. Lin continued: “3D pathology can offer at least 50 times more information than conventional 2D methods, providing pathologists with a more comprehensive understanding of a tumor’s biology. The power of such a diagnostic tool lies in its ability to help pathologists stratify and personalize, matching the right patients with the right treatment at the right time. This ultimately leads to better prognosis, quality of life, and more patient-centered care.”

JelloX’s recent research collaborations with major healthcare institutions in Japan and Taiwan have consistently shown the value of 3D pathology across demographics and in a variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, and HER2 detection in breast cancer.

In addition to the prospect of improving patient outcomes, JelloX’s 3D pathology technology has the potential to expand possibilities across healthcare stakeholders:

  • For physicians: This advanced diagnostic tool offers a more comprehensive patient data set and, when integrated with AI, helps reduce physician workloads.
  • For pharmaceutical companies and research institutions: The technology enhances companion diagnostics (CDx) for drug usage and serves as a valuable tool for new drug development.
  • For healthcare systems: 3D pathology optimizes medical resource allocation and minimizes unnecessary financial and healthcare burdens.

About JelloX Biotech Inc.

Based in Hsinchu, Taiwan, JelloX Biotech Inc. is a startup which focus on advancing cancer pathology through 3D digital imaging and AI technology. 

For more information, please visit: https://jellox.com/en/home/

Hohem Presents Next-Gen AI Solutions at Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2025

HONG KONG, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hohem, a leading global innovator in smartphone and camera gimbals, is delighted to announce its participation in the Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2025 from April 13th to 16th, 2025. Hohem makes several groundbreaking product lineups designed to elevate the filmmaking and content creation experience.

Hohem Presents Next-Gen AI Solutions at Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2025
Hohem Presents Next-Gen AI Solutions at Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2025

Visitors are invited to visit Hohem at Booth 1D-E16 to experience live demonstrations, and interactive workshops with professional photography content creators, and participate in Hohem-exclusive activities for a chance to win unique gifts and a first look at the latest releases. The Hohem team will be on hand to demonstrate how AI-powered gimbals can enhance your filmmaking workflow, providing more excellent stability, creativity, and efficiency.

Key Product Featured at the Hohem Booth:

Hohem iSteady M7 Smartphone Gimbal: Flagship smartphone gimbal with subject tracking and a 1.4-inch full-color screen controller that elevates smartphone photography.

Hohem iSteady MT2 Camera Gimbal: Harnessing AI technology for ultra-smooth stabilization and intelligent shooting modes.

Compact and Portable Gimbals: Explore Hohem’s range of lightweight gimbals suitable for smartphones, action cameras, and tablets.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2025,” said Chen Min, CEO of Hohem. “This event is a fantastic platform for us to engage with industry leaders and enthusiasts while showcasing our latest breakthroughs in camera and smartphone stabilization technology.”

With its appearance at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2025, Hohem continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading brand in gimbal technology. Attendees are invited to visit the Hohem booth to explore how cutting-edge AI technology is revolutionizing the future of videography.

About Hohem:

Hohem is a leading innovator in gimbal technology, specializing in cameras and smartphones, designed to enhance the filmmaking and content creation experience. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Hohem continues to redefine industry standards and inspire creativity worldwide. Its innovation Gimbals has been chosen by customers in over 50 countries.

For more information, visit our:

Website: https://www.hohem.com
Hohem Store: https://store.hohem.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hohemglobal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hohem_global
TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@hohem_global 

The Gym Pod Launches in Hong Kong: Private, 24/7 App-Controlled Gyms

No More Excuses: Hong Kongers Can Now Book a Private Gym Session Anytime

HONG KONG, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Imagine a gym where you never need to wait for equipment, don’t feel judged, and can work out any time of the day – even at 2 a.m. That’s the experience The Gym Pod is bringing to Hong Kong SAR.

After revolutionizing the fitness scene in Singapore with over 50 smart, private gym pods, The Gym Pod has launched two pods in Hong Kong – and they’re already turning heads. These unmanned micro gyms offer an entirely new way to train: private, on-demand, and fully app-controlled.

Privacy Meets Convenience

The Gym Pod was designed for busy, modern city-dwellers who want flexibility, privacy, and a frictionless fitness experience. Each pod is a self-contained gym space, available 24/7 and bookable in seconds through the The Gym Pod mobile app.

Inside, users will find everything they need – free weights, benches, resistance equipment, and even digital screens that guide beginners through workouts. Check out the equipment list and setup to see what’s inside each pod.

With sessions starting from just HK$38 per half hour, The Gym Pod is one of the most affordable private fitness options in the city – no contracts, no crowds, just you and your workout. Or users can bring a friend or two and further share the cost.

Breaking the Barriers to Fitness

“We found that many people feel intimidated at traditional gyms, or they simply don’t have time for crowded peak hours,” says Chris, Co-Founder of The Gym Pod Hong Kong. “We built this for those people – to make fitness as convenient and comfortable as ordering food delivery.”

With privacy, affordability, and tech at its core, The Gym Pod has built a loyal following in Singapore. Now, it’s ready to empower Hong Kongers to take charge of their fitness journeys.

Expanding Across Hong Kong

The Gym Pod is actively looking for new locations across Hong Kong and is calling on property owners, developers, and mall operators who want to unlock value in underutilized spaces.

“Our pods can go anywhere — rooftops, car parks, clubhouses — all we need is 25 square meters,” they add.

Interested in bringing The Gym Pod to your building or community? Visit our partnership and franchise page to learn more.

IQ-EQ enters the ANZ market with AMAL Group acquisition

Latest acquisition taps into growing demand for trustee and administration services in ANZ while strengthening the Group’s global presence

SYDNEY, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IQ-EQ, an Astorg portfolio company, has signed an agreement to acquire the AMAL Group, a provider of Corporate Trust, Agency Services and Loan Servicing solutions with operations in Australia and New Zealand. The acquisition supports IQ-EQ’s strategy to expand its global corporate trust and loan servicing business and enter into key new growth markets.

This transaction is announced subject to regulatory approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) in Australia.

The acquisition takes place against the backdrop of accelerated growth in Australia’s corporate trust market due to strong continued year on year double digit growth in the securitisation market driven by regional growth in the non-bank lender (non-ADIs) market. With superannuation assets projected for 2025 to total $4.1 trillion and $11.5 billion in alternative investment flows we’re witnessing a significant shift driven by increased allocations to alternative assets such as infrastructure, real estate, and private equity. As interest rates ease private market fund managers are increasingly moving more into this market with high single digit growth expected across real assets and private credit and private equity. These market conditions are causing demand to rise for sophisticated, end-to-end trustee and loan administration solutions. 

As the region’s only integrated provider of loan servicing, corporate trust and agency services, AMAL Group has in excess of A$37 billion of funds under administration and supervision in Australia and New Zealand.                                                                                                

Commenting on the announcement, Mark Pesco, Group Chief Executive Officer at IQ-EQ said:

“This investment marks a significant milestone in our global expansion strategy, with an exciting opportunity to secure an important presence in two key new markets and take ownership of a leading corporate trustee, agency services and administration business.

“The AMAL Group’s addressable market spans the four key reporting segments of trustees – securitisation, wholesale loans, funds, and managed investment trusts, each of which have unique market dynamics and client requirements. As the only scaled end-to-end provider of trustee services and loan administration in Australia and New Zealand, this positions us to grow our corporate trust and loan administration business in synergy, cross-selling into our global client base and servicing our existing global clients amid growing demand for services in these new markets,” he added.

Richard Surrency, Group Chief Commercial Officer at IQ-EQ added:

“The AMAL Group brings deep client relationships, strong regulatory foundations, and market-recognised top-tier servicing capability to the table. Their highly experienced management team, full suite of licences, and proven technology infrastructure allows us to drive operational efficiencies, scale our offering, and accelerate growth across corporate trustee, loan administration and fund administration services. We’re particularly excited about the opportunity to build on its established track record in securitisation, and we hope to expand into adjacent areas over time.”

Chief Executive Officer of AMAL Trustees, Nick Procter further commented:

“Being part of a dynamic global player like IQ-EQ is a terrific market development that will enable AMAL to better service its existing clients and offer new products and services to a wider variety of markets and strategies. This transaction is good for everyone; for both businesses, for our clients and for the expert team of people who will help drive a smooth integration, business growth and success. We’re excited about what we can offer the Australian market and can’t wait to get started together.”

Following approval from the FIRB, AMAL Group will be rebranded to IQ-EQ, and the newly combined global IQ-EQ team will total 6,000 with an operational presence across 27 jurisdictions globally. The strategic acquisition of AMAL Group includes AMAL Asset Management Limited, AMAL Corporate Holdings Pty Limited and their subsidiaries collectively. Former principals of AMAL Group, Nick Procter and Tony Grant will continue to lead the business and will join the senior leadership team of IQ-EQ Asia ensuring continuity of the day-to-day delivery of services.

Leading global financial services group Nomura acted as financial adviser to IQ-EQ on this transaction.

Note to editors

About IQ-EQ

IQ-EQ is a global, top-tier investor services group with an unrivalled offering to meet the administration, compliance, and reporting needs of the investment sector in full and worldwide.

What makes us different is our people. Operating as trusted partners to our clients, we deliver intelligent solutions through a combination of well-honed technical expertise and strong relationships based on deep understanding. We’re driven by our Group purpose, to power people and possibilities.

We make life easier, more efficient and cost effective for our clients – be they fund managers, pension or sovereign wealth funds, multinational companies, or family offices – by providing everything in one place. Our services are underpinned by a Group-wide commitment to ESG and best-in-class technology including a global data platform and innovative proprietary tools supported by in-house experts.

Following this transaction, we’ll employ a global workforce of almost 6,000 people across 27 jurisdictions and have assets under administration (AUA) exceeding US$750 billion. We work with 13 of the world’s top 15 private equity firms. Also part of the IQ-EQ group of companies are First National Trustee Company, The Private Office and Agama.

To find out more about IQ-EQ visit iqeq.com

About Astorg

Astorg is a leading pan-European private equity firm with over €23 billion of assets under management. Astorg works with entrepreneurs and management teams to acquire market leading global companies headquartered in Europe or the US, providing them with the strategic guidance, governance and capital they need to achieve their growth goals. Enjoying a distinct entrepreneurial culture, a long-term shareholder perspective and a lean decision-making body, Astorg has valuable industry expertise in healthcare, software, technology, business services and technology-based industrial companies. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Astorg has offices in London, Paris, New York, Frankfurt, and Milan. 

For more information about Astorg: www.astorg.com| Follow Astorg on LinkedIn

Contact:
Louise Veitch
Louise.veitch@aspectusgroup.com