Category Archives: Business

Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Z Consulting, LLC and The Bridge

Aurora, CO, July 02, 2024 — Z Consulting is a boutique consulting firm focused on helping companies transform their business practices to achieve ultimate effectiveness and efficiency, doing so at their acceptable pace of change. They offer their clients solutions in all fields of management consulting: strategy, organization/culture design, processes and change management.

The Bridge is a team of innovative strategy and technology consulting professionals who come together to empower leaders to drive remarkable progress in transforming their teams, organizations, and industries.

“Over the last 15+ years, Deb has built Z Consulting into a nationally recognized leader in the healthcare industry. The strategic combination with The Bridge will allow her to continue to grow the business while leveraging The Bridge’s expertise and innovation. This is a great match between two great companies!” – Kevin Barrett, Transaction Director, Benchmark International

High Commissioner of Malaysia to the Republic of India to Undertake Working visit to Mumbai, 30 – 31 May 2024

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  H.E. Dato’ Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the Republic of India will be undertaking a working visit to Mumbai from 30th until 31st May 2024. It will be his first visit to Mumbai since assuming his post in October 2023. The High Commissioner of Malaysia is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on H.E. Ramesh Bais, Governor of Maharashtra during the visit. He will also meet with the business community in Mumbai to explore opportunities and exchange views on strengthening economic cooperation between Malaysia and India.

India and Malaysia established bilateral relations in 1957. In terms of trade and investment, both countries signed the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (MICECA) in February 2011. The total bilateral trade volume in 2023 was recorded at USD 16.53 billion. India was Malaysia’s 11th-largest export destination and 12th-largest import source. Within ASEAN, Malaysia ranks as India’s third-largest trading partner. Currently, Malaysia is leading the negotiations for the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) with India to make it more trade-facilitative and beneficial for businesses across the region.

Among the Malaysian companies that currently are operating in Mumbai are Khazanah Malaysia, Petronas Lubricants, Maybank, and MFE Formwork Technology (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Dr Kanans Visvanats FRSC Honoured as Global Researcher of the Year 2024

Riga, Latvia Prof. Dr Kanans Visvanats FRSC is a distinguished academic researcher based in Riga, Latvia. He is known for his significant contributions to various fields of study, particularly in areas such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental science. Dr Kanans Visvanats has a robust academic and research background, often engaging in interdisciplinary projects that bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical applications. His work frequently involves collaboration with international institutions and publication in high-impact scientific journals. Dr Kanans Visvanats FRSC, currently Director at The Institute of Economics of The Latvian Academy of Science has several degrees to his credit. Bachelor of Petroleum Engineering, Masters in Business Management and Doctorate of Philosophy in Business Administration. Garwood Innovation Fellow at Garwood Centre of Open Innovation, Haas School of Business Berkeley University of California.

Dr Kanans Visvanats was felicitated at the power-packed industry gatherings, policy makers & Academia in Mumbai on 18th May 2024. Doyens of the industry debated critical international issues at the Leadership Conclave 2024.

Prof. Dr Kanans Visvanats (Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry) has been recognized for his breakthrough research in oncology, highlighting his significant contributions to cancer research. His work in this field is aimed at developing innovative treatments and improving the understanding of cancer biology. Dr. Vishwanatth has been instrumental in the development of new cancer therapeutics. His research focuses on creating more effective and targeted treatments with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.He has conducted extensive research on identifying and validating biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of various cancers. These biomarkers are crucial for personalized medicine approaches. Dr Kanans Visvanats’s work also explores the mechanisms by which cancers develop resistance to existing therapies. Understanding these mechanisms can lead to the development of strategies to overcome resistance.

Dr Kanans Visvanats ‘s research often focuses on analyzing and developing economic policies that can drive sustainable growth. His work includes evaluating the impact of various economic policies on both national and global scales. He explores the relationship between technological innovation and economic development, studying how advancements in technology can spur economic growth and improve societal well-being. Dr Kanans Visvanats’s work continues to influence the field of oncology, driving forward the development of more effective and personalized cancer therapies.

Prof. Dr Kanans Visvanats FRSC integrates environmental considerations into economic models, advocating for policies that balance economic development with environmental sustainability. Dr Kanans Visvanats has made significant research contributions primarily in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental science. His work often focuses on the development of innovative solutions to complex problems, bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical applications. Here are some key highlights of his research contributions and notable publications:

Research Contributions:

Pharmaceutical Innovations:

Dr Kanans Visvanats has been involved in the development of novel drug formulations and delivery systems. His research aims to improve the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals.

Biotechnology Advancements:

He has contributed to the field of biotechnology through his work on genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and the development of biopharmaceuticals. His research often addresses the challenges of producing biologics and vaccines.

Environmental Science:

Dr Kanans Visvanats ‘s research includes studies on environmental pollution, waste management, and sustainable practices. He has worked on projects aimed at reducing industrial pollution and developing eco-friendly technologies.

Current Projects and Collaborations:

Dr Kanans Visvanats is involved in several interdisciplinary projects that aim to address global economic challenges at the Institute of Economics of The Latvian Academy of Sciences. His collaborations often include international institutions, government agencies, and private sector partners, reflecting his commitment to applying research for practical solutions. Dr Kanans Visvanats is a leading researcher & on the board of Directors at the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. His role at this prestigious institution underscores his significant contributions to economic research and his influence in the academic community. Here are some key aspects of his work and contributions:

International Trade and Economics:

His research also delves into international trade dynamics, examining how trade policies and agreements affect economic relations between countries. Dr. Kannan Vishwanatth is a passionate researcher with about 25 years of experience in Pharmaceutical and International Trade. He has received The Albert Schweitzer Medal For Science, The Malcolm Adiseshiah Award for Distinguished Studies 2020, and The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Excellence Award For Medicine. He Was Awarded the Academic Professional Award at the American College of Dubai in UAE. He has co-authored and filed 15 world patents on products and various non-infringing processes in Anti-Malarial and Anti-Cancer products from Herbal Extracts with expertise in Licensing, Business Development, API, Generics, and Finished Doses. Dr. Kannan Vishwanatth is a global Citizen & a strong believer in Corporate Social Responsibilities. Dr. Kannan Vishwanatth is a top academic researcher at the Garwood Innovation Fellow at Garwood Centre of Open Innovation, Haas School of Business Berkeley University of California & a Member of the Council at the Institute of Economics of The Latvian Academy of Sciences Riga. Dr. Vishwanatth further pursued higher studies at the University of Azteca European Programs. Having mastered Chemical Engineering, Vishwanath started his entrepreneurial journey a decade ago and formed a successful mid-sized pharmaceutical company with a major thrust on API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient). Dr. Kannan Vishwanatth has floated Dr Ashleys Herbals Limited, an independent herbal research firm that will function as a pioneer institute in the area of research, education, conservation, and popularization of Ayurveda medicinal plants.

Egis Leads the Way in Aviation Infrastructure Development Inaugurating Three Strategic Airport Projects in India

New Delhi, Delhi, India Egis, a global leader in the consulting, construction engineering and mobility sectors, has announced the successful completion of three major airport infrastructure projects in India. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the new integrated passenger terminal buildings at Trichy Airport, Pune Airport, and Lucknow Airport, greatly enhancing capacity, energy efficiency and passenger experience.

Sandeep Gulati, Managing Director, Egis South Asia said, “This achievement signifies our commitment to excellence and innovation in the aviation infrastructure sector. Egis expresses gratitude to all stakeholders and contributors for their invaluable support in achieving these milestones. Special thanks to the project site team and contributors inside and outside egis.”

Lucknow International Airport

Lucknow and Pune International Airports
On 10th March 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, along with other esteemed dignitaries inaugurated two new passenger terminal buildings at Lucknow and Pune airports. Egis’ project management consultancy services at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow ensured seamless execution, resulting in a terminal equipped with seven passenger boarding bridges, and 76 check-in counters.

At Lohegaon International Airport in Pune, the new terminal features ten passenger boarding bridges and 72 check-in counters. Egis’ comprehensive design and project management consultancy services facilitated the creation of terminal buildings with cutting-edge facilities and captivating aesthetics. Both airports showcase stunning artwork reflecting their cities’ rich cultural legacies. The unveiling of the new terminal buildings by Prime Minister Modi was witnessed by distinguished guests, including the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Anantrao Pawar.

Tiruchirappalli International Airport
These inaugurations follow the successful delivery of Tiruchirappalli International Airport (Trichy) in January of this year. Egis played a pivotal role as the Design and Project Management Consultant (PMC) for the airport’s and its associated infrastructure. Spanning an impressive 75,000 sqm, the new integrated passenger terminal building boasts a remarkable Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) 4-star sustainability rating and state-of-the-art facilities, designed to cater to 4.5 million passengers annually.

Immundiagnostik, Inc. Partners with BioPorto Diagnostics A/S

Manchester, NH, July 02, 2024 — Immundiagnostik, Inc., a leading provider of immunoassays and detection tools for clinical and research laboratories, today announced a partnership with BioPorto Diagnostics A/S, an in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) company with a focus on improving patient lives through actionable biomarkers. This collaboration expands Immundiagnostik’s product portfolio to include BioPorto’s highly regarded line of NGAL (Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin) ELISAs for human, mouse, rat, pig, dog, and monkey.

BioPorto’s NGAL ELISA Kits for Research Use Only are known for their exceptional reproducibility and user-friendly design, featuring ready-to-use calibrators and pre-coated 96-well ELISA plates. These kits offer significant value to researchers and scientists investigating nephrotoxicity and other sources of tubular injury. The availability of species-specific assays, from mouse to human, facilitates a crucial connection between preclinical and clinical research endeavors.

“We are thrilled to partner with BioPorto Diagnostics A/S to bring their NGAL ELISA kits to the clinical research labs we serve,” said Terry Fisher, Chief Operations Officer at Immundiagnostik, Inc. “Expanding our offering with these innovative products aligns perfectly with our mission to support and empower clinical researchers with the tools they need to advance our understanding of these conditions and ultimately improve clinical outcomes.”

The NGAL ELISAs distributed by Immundiagnostik, Inc. are for research use only in the U.S.

Godfrey Phillips India Limited Announces Annual Results Showcasing a Strong Performance and Reaffirming its Trajectory of Robust Growth

New Delhi, Delhi, India  Godfrey Phillips India Ltd. (GPIL), a leading FMCG company, announced its annual results for the fiscal year 2023-24. The Fortune 500 India and Economic Times 500 India Company’s results reflect a continued trend of growth and solid financial performance, showcasing the company’s resilience and strategic focus.

GPIL reported a solid financial performance for the fiscal year 2023-24, reflecting its strategic focus and operational effectiveness. The company achieved a notable increase in consolidated revenue, reaching Rs 5305 Cr driven by a strong market presence. Consolidated Net profit for the year rose to Rs 884Cr bolstered by sales growth, effective cost management and increasing unmanufactured tobacco export. Earnings per share increased to Rs 169.87, indicating robust profitability. The results highlight GPIL’s ability to navigate and excel in a competitive market landscape. The Company has achieved high efficiency and productivity as its efforts in digital transformation and use of data science and AI are yielding good results. This performance sets a positive trajectory for continued growth in the first quarter of FY 24-25.

Commenting on the results, Dr. Bina Modi said, “To me, our financial success is validation of our people-centric policies. I have always maintained that companies grow when their people grow. Our focus remains on sustainable growth, ensuring that our practices benefit all stakeholders, from our dedicated employees to the farming communities at the grassroots level. We believe that true growth is achieved when we act conscientiously, considering the environment and the broader community in every decision we make. I’m extremely proud to share that with our continued efforts towards betterment of our people and the planet, Godfrey Phillips India has once again been recognized as a Great Place To Work, making it sixth achievement in a row! This acknowledgment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes the growth and well-being of our people. “

Sharad Aggarwal, CEO of Godfrey Phillips India Limited, added, “Our financial performance this year is a reflection of the strategic decisions we have made to drive growth and efficiency. We have been proactive in the use of new age technology and modern management practices. We have achieved significant milestones, including a consolidated revenue growth of 24.5%, and our consolidated net profit has increased by 28.1%. We expect thiBs positive trend to persist into Q1 of FY 24-25 as well. The entire OneGPI family believes in striving for excellence. Our success is the sum of the whole team’s efforts.”

As GPIL moves forward, the company remains dedicated to delivering optimal growth and benefits to every person associated with it. The leadership team is confident in maintaining the positive trajectory and achieving new milestones in the future.

Pathways World School Re-Certified with LEED Platinum Certification: A Testament to Sustainable Excellence

Gurgaon, Haryana, India  Pathways World School has achieved a significant milestone by being re-certified with the prestigious LEED Platinum certification, the highest level awarded by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program by the United States Green Building Council (USGBS). This accomplishment highlights the school’s dedication to environmental sustainability and aligns seamlessly with its ethos of being Nature’s Own School.

The LEED Platinum certification is a globally recognized benchmark for green building design, construction, and operation. It signifies excellence across various sustainability metrics, including energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, and improved indoor environmental quality.

Enhancing the Learning Environment

The re-certification has a profound impact on both the school and its community. The green building features contribute to a healthier and more productive learning environment, providing natural lighting, improved air quality, and energy-efficient systems. These elements create an optimal setting for students to excel academically and personally.

Educational and Community Leadership

The school’s commitment to sustainability is integrated into its curriculum, offering students hands-on learning experiences about environmental stewardship. The campus serves as a living laboratory where students can observe and participate in sustainable practices, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of environmental issues.

By achieving the highest level of LEED certification, Pathways World School sets a powerful example for other educational institutions and organizations. The school’s leadership in sustainability inspires the community to adopt greener practices and contributes to broader environmental awareness.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Pathways World School remains dedicated to its mission of fostering environmental stewardship and sustainability. The school plans to continue innovating in green building practices, expanding its sustainability curriculum, and engaging with the wider community to promote a greener future.

Innoterra Appoints Avinash Kasinathan as Head of India Business

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India We are delighted to announce that Avinash Kasinathan has joined Innoterra as the Head of India business, effective immediately. Avinash brings with him rich experience in strategy, technology, and the agriculture sector.

Avinash started his career as a consultant at McKinsey. Prior to joining Innoterra, he served as the CTO of WayCool and CEO of CENSA (Waycool’s technology wing), where he played a pivotal role in building a scalable, well-governed, and sustainable food and agri-tech platform. He has been instrumental in conceiving, conceptualizing, and building the Censa platform as one of the most comprehensive tech stacks in the food economy.

At Innoterra, Avinash will focus on building Innoterra’s India business portfolio, including but not limited to our agri-tech platform, Farmlink, our high-quality milk and cattle feed business Milklane, and the domestic sales and business relating to our banana vaccine, BanacXin.

“We are thrilled to welcome Avinash to our Group Executive Board,” said Pascal Foehn, CEO of Innoterra. “His background in technology coupled with his affinity for the Indian agricultural sector will be invaluable as we continue to grow the Innoterra footprint in India. We look forward to growing together.”

“The sector is at an inflection point, and Innoterra is well-positioned to disrupt the Indian agri value chain. I’m excited to join Innoterra and drive further margin expansion,” said Avinash Kasinathan.

IDFC FIRST Bank to Raise Rs 3,200 cr Via Preferential Issue

2nd Ju ly 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India IDFC FIRST Bank has laid a robust foundation with a strong and profitable business model. The Bank is seeing strong traction in raising deposits with customer deposits growing by 42% in FY24 over FY23. The Bank also sees significant upcoming opportunities for loan growth with high asset quality. The overall asset quality of the Bank continues to be good, with a GNPA of 1.88% and an NNPA of 0.60% as of March 31, 2024. In the retail, rural, and sme finance book, the Gross and Net NPA continue to be quite low at 1.38% and 0.44% respectively as of March 31, 2024.

The Bank is also well positioned in terms of experience, team, technology, systems, risk management, and controls, to take advantage of the growth opportunities in a stable manner. The business is also profitable with the profit after tax increasing to Rs. 2,957 crores in FY24, an increase of 21% over Rs. 2,437 crores in FY23. The capital adequacy as of March 31, 2024, is strong at 16.11%. To take advantage of upcoming growth opportunities, the Bank intends to raise funds of Rs. 3,200 crores by issuing equity shares of the Bank on a preferential basis. With this proposed capital raise of Rs. 3,200 crores, the overall capital adequacy of the Bank will further increase to 17.49%, as computed on the risk-weighted assets as on March 31, 2024, which will put the bank in a strong position to participate in future growth.

With the aforesaid intention, the Board of Directors (“Board”) of the Bank at its meeting held today i.e., May 30, 2024, has, inter-alia, considered and approved to Issue, offer and allot 39,68,74,600 (Thirty-nine crore sixty-eight lakhs seventy-four thousand and six hundred) equity shares of face value of Rs. 10/- each fully paid-up, on a preferential basis, to the allottees, as mentioned in Annexure

1 (“Proposed Allottees”), for Rs. 80.63/- per equity share, amounting to Rs. 3,200 crore (Rupees Three thousand and two hundred crore only) (round off) (“Preferential Issue”), by the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI ICDR Regulations, and also subject to approval of the shareholders of the ‘Bank’.

Further, the Board of Directors of the Bank has approved a process of carrying out Postal Ballot to seek approval of the shareholders of the Bank for issuance and allotment of equity shares by way of preferential issue to the Proposed Allottees. Also, the Board has approved the draft Postal Ballot Notice to be issued to the shareholders to seek their approval for the Preferential Issue.

Imbassy Unveils Webflow Republic: Designing Impact & Driving Change with Webflow

Red Sea, Egypt, July 01, 2024 — Imbassy, a leading digital marketing agency, announces the launch of Webflow Republic, a dedicated division focused on harnessing the transformative potential of Webflow. Webflow Republic combines Imbassy’s proven digital marketing expertise with the unmatched flexibility and speed of Webflow to deliver impactful website design, development, and marketing solutions for startups, scaleups, and enterprises.

“We are thrilled to introduce Webflow Republic,” said Yasser Aly, Co-Founder & CEO of Imbassy. “Webflow represents a paradigm shift for businesses seeking to build modern, high-performing websites that not only look amazing but also drive real change. Through Webflow Republic, we empower our clients to design impact and drive change, achieving faster go-to-market times and ultimately propelling their business success.

Webflow Republic offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to unlock the full potential of Webflow, including:

Strategic Webflow Design: Imbassy’s experienced designers will craft beautiful, user-centric websites that align perfectly with your brand identity and business goals, maximizing impact.
Seamless Webflow Development: Leveraging their expertise in Webflow development, Imbassy’s team will bring your website vision to life, ensuring exceptional functionality and performance to support your growth.
Data-Driven Webflow SEO: Imbassy’s SEO specialists will optimize your Webflow website for search engines, driving organic traffic and qualified leads, propelling you towards your goals.
Integrated Webflow Marketing: Imbassy will develop a comprehensive digital marketing strategy that seamlessly integrates with your Webflow website, maximizing your return on investment and driving measurable change.

Why Choose Webflow Republic?

Unmatched Speed and Agility: Webflow empowers businesses to launch impactful websites faster and iterate more efficiently, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve.
Unparalleled Design Flexibility: Webflow provides complete design freedom, enabling businesses to create unique and visually stunning websites that captivate their target audience.
Focus on Measurable Impact: Imbassy’s data-driven approach ensures that your Webflow website is designed to achieve your specific business objectives, driving measurable change.
Experienced Webflow Partners: Imbassy’s team of Webflow experts possesses the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional results, helping you design impact and achieve your goals.