VIEWPOINT ARTHUR LITTI 2024 FIBER 1 + 1 = 3: AN EQUATION FOR EFFECTIVE POST- MERGER INTEGRATION AUTHORS Realizing the true potential of fiber transactions in Europe & beyond Lars Riegel Gabriel Mohr Dr. Nejc Jakopin Nikolay Grozdanov Peter Freundel Tamas Lakos With tightening market conditions and ambitious competitive plans, the fiber to the home (FTTH) market seems poised for consolidation. In this Viewpoint, we argue that consolidation presents value creation potential for both players and investors — by ...

Chemicals 50 2024 The annual report on the most valuable and strongest Chemicals brands Supplementary analysis on Agriscience, Agri-nutrients and Paints brands May 2024 Contents About Brand Finance 3 Foreword 4 David Haigh, Chairman & CEO, Brand Finance ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an overall investment rating for the industry but highlights the significant contribution of brand strength to business value, suggesting a positive outlook for brands that effectively manage their brand equity [5][6]. Core Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of brand strength in asset management and sovereign wealth funds, indicating that brands with active investment strategies tend to have a higher proportion of brand value relative to assets under management (AuM) [6][7]. - BlackRock is identified as the world's most valuable asset management brand with a brand value of USD 7.0 billion, while JP Morgan Asset Management is recognized as the strongest brand with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.4 [18][22]. - The report notes a trend of traditional asset managers entering private credit markets and sovereign wealth funds adopting characteristics of venture capital and hedge funds [7]. Summary by Sections Brand Value Ranking - BlackRock leads with a brand value of USD 7.0 billion, followed by JP Morgan Asset Management, Vanguard, and Blackstone [20][39]. - The top ten asset management brands include notable names such as Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs, and State Street Global Advisors, with varying brand values and BSI scores [33][39]. Strongest Brands - JP Morgan Asset Management is highlighted as the strongest asset management brand with a BSI score of 87.4, driven by high awareness and performance metrics [22][23]. - HSBC Asset Management is noted as the strongest non-US brand, while BNP Paribas Asset Management leads among non-US brands for brand value [24][26]. Sovereign Wealth Funds - The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is recognized as the most valuable sovereign wealth fund brand with a value of USD 1.1 billion, ranking second in brand strength [29][30]. - The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is noted for its strong brand presence, with a BSI score of 63.9, reflecting its long-standing investment history [30][29]. Market Trends - The report indicates a growing importance of alternative managers and sovereign wealth funds in the rankings, with firms like Blackstone and KKR making significant impacts [6][18]. - The blurring lines between traditional asset management and alternative investment strategies are emphasized, showcasing the evolving landscape of the industry [7].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - The report emphasizes the need for equitable electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions in lower-income multifamily housing to address transportation inequities and enhance access to e-mobility options [10][12][16]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act have increased funding for EV charging infrastructure, yet access remains concentrated in higher-income areas, leaving lower-income multifamily residents with significant gaps [10][11]. Project Background - The Multifamily Charging Accelerator Project aims to identify transportation needs and tailor charging solutions for lower-income multifamily housing, addressing disparities in charging access [16][19]. Charging Access Gaps - Approximately 80% of EV charging occurs at home, primarily in single-family homes, while over 40% of residents in major cities live in multifamily housing with limited charging options [17][18]. Key Considerations for Developing Equitable Charging Access - Community-driven solutions, cost burden considerations, electrical capacity, environmental justice, local transportation needs, and safety are critical factors in developing equitable charging access [20][21][22][23][24]. City Partnerships - The project collaborates with Atlanta, Phoenix, and Portland to implement charging solutions, focusing on underserved communities and leveraging local incentives [27][28][29]. Recommendations for Scaling Solutions - Recommendations include prioritizing community needs, fostering affordability, planning complementary mobility solutions, forming local partnerships, ensuring affordable charging, and developing an incremental change approach [12][13][14][15]. Outreach to Residents - Engagement with residents through surveys and community events is essential to understand their transportation needs and preferences for charging solutions [56][57]. Identifying Resident Needs - The report highlights the importance of understanding residents' transportation patterns and challenges to inform the development of effective charging solutions [58][59][61].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Micro-, small, and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) are crucial to global economies, accounting for two-thirds of business employment in advanced economies and almost four-fifths in emerging economies, contributing to half of all value added [10][14] - Enhancing MSME productivity could yield significant economic value, with potential increases of 5% of GDP in advanced economies and 10% in emerging economies if MSMEs reach top-quartile productivity levels [10][11] - The productivity gap between MSMEs and large companies varies significantly across countries and sectors, with MSMEs in Kenya being only 6% as productive as large companies, while those in the UK are at 84% [46][54] Summary by Sections 1. Small Businesses Power the Economies of Today and Tomorrow - MSMEs create substantial value, contributing roughly half of global GDP, with shares exceeding 60% in countries like Portugal and Kenya, while being less than 40% in the US and India [25][27] - MSMEs are significant job creators, accounting for about 40% of all employment and 70% of employment in the business sector, with figures as high as 96% in Kenya [25][33] 2. Boosting MSME Productivity Could Yield Significant Value - The productivity of MSMEs is about half that of large companies, with significant variation across countries and sectors [45][46] - The productivity gap is larger in emerging economies compared to advanced ones, with microenterprises lagging further behind [46][47] 3. Looking Through a Microscope to Fill the Gaps - A detailed analysis reveals that MSME productivity varies widely across subsectors and countries, with specific subsectors driving the majority of the productivity gap [11][12] - Stakeholders must develop targeted productivity strategies that consider the unique challenges faced by MSMEs in different contexts [12] 4. Creating Value Through Networks and Interactions - MSMEs and large companies can benefit from improved productivity through collaborative networks, with evidence showing that productivity improvements in one can lead to gains in the other [11][12] 5. Seven Examples of Win-Win Domains - The report highlights specific sectors where MSMEs can thrive and contribute to overall economic growth, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies for different industries [11] 6. Delivering a Win-Win Future - The future of MSMEs hinges on their ability to adapt and scale, with a focus on enhancing productivity and fostering collaboration with larger enterprises [11][12]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook on mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the insurance sector, suggesting that they are an optimal way for insurers to expand or increase profits, with an expectation for this trend to accelerate in the coming years [5][17]. Core Insights - Successful post-merger integration is crucial for capturing the expected value from M&As, requiring significant time and financial resources [5][17]. - The integration process consists of four main pillars: planning ahead, aligning stakeholders, efficiently integrating systems, and closely monitoring synergies [17]. - A structured approach, such as employing a "SMART PMO" (Project Management Office), is essential for driving integration efforts and ensuring that all business units are involved [6][17]. Summary by Sections Post-Merger Integration Process - The integration process begins with acquisition preparation and ends with post-integration follow-up, which includes conducting due diligence, creating integration plans, executing the integration, and monitoring success [5][6]. Key Activities - Key activities in the integration process include preparation of acquisition, integration planning, implementation, and post-integration follow-up, with a focus on establishing project governance and tracking progress [6][7]. Stakeholder Alignment - Aligning stakeholders is critical, requiring regular updates and communication to ensure that all parties, including employees and sales channels, are informed and engaged throughout the integration [8][9]. System Integration - Efficiently integrating systems is vital, addressing technical issues such as data warehouse integration and ensuring that all sales channels operate from a unified platform [9][11]. Monitoring Synergies - Continuous monitoring of synergies is necessary to ensure that the combined entity achieves greater value than the sum of its parts, focusing on client retention, sales growth, and cost synergies [11][12]. Common Pitfalls - The report identifies common pitfalls in post-merger integration, emphasizing the importance of proper planning, stakeholder engagement, and addressing cultural differences to avoid hindering progress [12][14]. Conclusion - The report concludes that proper post-merger integration requires a broader focus beyond just product portfolios and technology, emphasizing the need for agile problem-solving and cultural considerations [17].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or companies involved [3]. Core Insights - Access Bank remains Nigeria's most valuable brand, with a brand value increase of 73% to NGN355.3 billion, contributing significantly to the banking sector's overall brand value [16][17]. - The banking sector collectively accounts for 50% of Nigeria's total brand value, showcasing its resilience amid economic challenges such as currency devaluation and inflation [17][18]. - Dangote Cement follows as the second most valuable brand, with a brand value increase of 73% to NGN324 billion, driven by high demand in the construction sector [17][21]. - GTCO is recognized as Nigeria's strongest brand, achieving a AAA rating and a brand value increase of 31% to NGN186.8 billion, reflecting improvements in brand strength metrics [21][22]. - The report highlights that Nigeria's fastest-growing brands have nearly tripled in value, with Flour Mills Nigeria seeing a 161.9% increase to NGN323.9 billion [18][21]. Ranking Analysis - Access Bank leads the ranking of the most valuable Nigerian brands, with a brand value of NGN355.3 billion, up 73% from the previous year [31]. - Dangote Cement ranks second with a brand value of NGN324 billion, also reflecting a 73% increase [31]. - Flour Mills Nigeria ranks third, with a brand value of NGN323.9 billion, marking a significant growth of 161.9% [31]. - The top ten brands include several banking institutions, indicating the sector's dominance in brand value [31]. - The report notes that despite economic pressures, many top brands have continued to flourish and expand their influence beyond Nigeria [18][19]. Brand Strength Insights - GTCO achieved a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.6, reflecting a notable increase in brand strength metrics [21][22]. - The report indicates an overall improvement in BSI scores for Nigerian brands, attributed to enhanced research and understanding of brand perceptions [21][22]. - Access Bank also leads in Sustainability Perceptions Value (SPV) at NGN24.5 billion, indicating the financial value linked to its sustainability reputation [29][30]. Methodology - The report employs a comprehensive methodology for brand valuation, incorporating market research and brand strength metrics to derive brand values [66][67]. - Brand strength is assessed through a structured review of data reflecting brand-building activities, leading to a Brand Strength Index score [80][81].

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