Parexel s’apprête à être acquise par EQT Private Equity et Goldman Sachs Asset Management

BOSTON et DURHAM, Caroline du Nord, 06 juill. 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Parexel, une organisation de recherche clinique (CRO) de premier plan à l’échelle mondiale axée sur le développement et la fourniture de nouveaux traitements innovants pour faire progresser la santé des patients, a annoncé aujourd’hui l’exécution d’un accord de fusion définitif en vertu duquel elle sera acquise par le fonds EQT IX (« EQT Private Equity ») et l’entreprise de capital-investissement de Goldman Sachs Asset Management (« Goldman Sachs ») auprès de Pamplona Capital Management LP pour la somme de 8,5 milliards de dollars.

« Au cours des 18 derniers mois, Parexel a poursuivi sa solide trajectoire de croissance en mettant ses patients au premier plan et en accélérant la création de nouveaux traitements pour les patients dans le besoin à travers le monde », a déclaré Jamie Macdonald, PDG de Parexel. « Avec le marché des services de recherche clinique externalisés qui devrait se développer à un CAGR prudent de 8 à 9 %, notre objectif demeure de faire progresser et innover Parexel afin de répondre aux besoins de nos clients dans l’ensemble du paysage en constante évolution du développement clinique. EQT et Goldman Sachs soutiennent cette vision et sont déterminées à investir dans Parexel et nos employés pour capitaliser sur cette opportunité de marché palpitante et faire une différence pour les patients. »

Eric Liu, associé et co-directeur mondial des soins de santé chez EQT, a commenté : « Nous avons suivi Parexel de près au cours des dernières années et avons été impressionnés par le développement et la trajectoire de la société. Notre investissement dans Parexel reflète l’accent mis par EQT sur le secteur des sciences de la vie, ainsi que notre engagement à collaborer avec des entreprises qui ont un impact positif sur la société. Nous sommes ravis de nous associer à Goldman Sachs pour la prochaine étape du voyage de Parexel, et de soutenir Jamie, qui avant son poste chez Parexel était conseiller principal de longue date chez EQT, ainsi que le reste de l’équipe de Parexel. »

Jo Natauri, associée et directrice mondiale des investissements dans les soins de santé privés au sein de Goldman Sachs Asset Management, a commenté : « Nous sommes ravis de travailler en partenariat avec Jamie Macdonald, l’ensemble de l’équipe de direction de Parexel et EQT pour soutenir Parexel, qui possède une solide expérience dans la fourniture d’excellence clinique à ses grands clients pharmaceutiques et biotechnologiques dans le monde entier. Nous sommes convaincus que cet investissement accélèrera la croissance de Parexel en s’appuyant sur l’empreinte mondiale de la société, ses solides capacités opérationnelles et son vaste réseau de soins de santé. »

John Halsted, associé directeur de Pamplona Capital Management, a commenté : « Nous sommes très fiers des progrès de Parexel au cours des quatre dernières années et du travail important qu’ils accomplissent pour aider à apporter de nouveaux traitements palpitants aux patients dans le besoin. En particulier, ils ont réussi à adapter l’entreprise pour travailler au cours d’une pandémie mondiale, et ont soutenu le développement de traitements pour lutter contre la pandémie de COVID-19 elle-même. Nous leur souhaitons plein succès dans leur prochaine phase de croissance. »

« Nous avons apprécié notre partenariat avec Pamplona, et nous les remercions de leur leadership et de leur soutien pour aider à transformer Parexel sous leur contrôle », a conclu M. Macdonald. « Au cours des derniers mois, notre capacité à pivoter et à nous adapter a favorisé de nouvelles façons de travailler tout en développant un solide historique de qualité et de réalisation pour les clients du monde entier. Alors que nous continuons à évoluer dans cette nouvelle ère du développement clinique en nous focalisant de manière dynamique sur la satisfaction des besoins d’innovation de nos clients dans des domaines tels que les preuves du monde réel, les essais cliniques décentralisés, les biostatistiques et la gestion des données, et dans des régions clés comme l’Asie/Pacifique où nous sommes parmi les CRO les plus importantes et les plus anciennes, nous sommes ravis de travailler en partenariat avec EQT et Goldman Sachs. Nous sommes impatients de tirer parti de leur solide expérience sectorielle et d’accélérer encore davantage l’évolution de Parexel en tant que l’une des CRO les plus importantes et à la croissance la plus rapide au monde. »

La transaction est soumise aux conditions habituelles, y compris la réception des approbations réglementaires applicables. Evercore a joué le rôle de conseiller financier de Parexel, et Kirkland & Ellis LLP a fourni des conseils juridiques en lien avec la transaction. Goldman Sachs et Jefferies LLC ont joué le rôle de conseillers financiers pour EQT Private Equity et Goldman Sachs Asset Management, et Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP a fourni des conseils juridiques en lien avec la transaction.

À propos de Parexel
Parexel soutient le développement de nouveaux médicaments innovants pour améliorer la santé des patients. Nous fournissons des services pour aider les clients biopharmaceutiques et des sciences de la vie partout dans le monde à transformer les découvertes scientifiques en nouveaux traitements. Des essais cliniques décentralisés aux services de conseil en règlementation en passant par l’exploitation des connaissances du monde réel, notre capacité thérapeutique, technique et fonctionnelle est étayée par une profonde conviction dans ce que nous faisons. Parexel a été nommée « Meilleure société de recherche contractuelle » en décembre 2020 par un panel indépendant pour Informa Pharma Intelligence. Pour tout complément d’information, consultez le site parexel.com et suivez-nous sur LinkedInTwitter, et Instagram.

À propos d’EQT
EQT est une organisation mondiale d’investissement axée sur des objectifs, avec plus de 67 milliards d’euros d’actifs sous gestion à travers 26 fonds actifs. Les fonds d’EQT comptent des sociétés de portefeuille en Europe, en Asie-Pacifique et dans les Amériques, avec un chiffre d’affaires total d’environ 29 milliards d’euros et plus de 175 000 employés. EQT travaille avec des sociétés de portefeuille pour atteindre une croissance durable, l’excellence opérationnelle et le leadership du marché. Pour tout complément d’information, veuillez consulter le site www.eqtgroup.com ou suivre EQT sur LinkedInTwitterYouTube et Instagram.

À propos de Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Equity
Réunissant des investissements traditionnels et alternatifs, Goldman Sachs Asset Management fournit à ses clients du monde entier un partenariat dédié et une focalisation sur les performances à long terme. En tant que principale section d’investissement au sein de Goldman Sachs (NYSE : GS), nous fournissons des services d’investissement et de conseil aux institutions, conseillers financiers et particuliers les plus importants au monde, en nous appuyant sur notre réseau mondial hautement connecté et sur des connaissances d’experts personnalisées, sur toutes les régions et tous les marchés, supervisant plus de 2 000 milliards de dollars d’actifs sous gestion à l’échelle mondiale au 31 mars 2021. Motivés par notre passion pour la performance de nos clients, nous cherchons à établir des relations à long terme basées sur la conviction, les résultats durables et le succès partagé au fil du temps. Goldman Sachs Asset Management investit dans l’ensemble des alternatives, y compris le capital-investissement, les capitaux de croissance, le crédit privé, l’immobilier et l’infrastructure. Fondée en 1986, l’entreprise de capital-investissement au sein de Goldman Sachs Asset Management a investi plus de 75 milliards de dollars depuis sa création. Nous combinons notre réseau mondial de relations, nos connaissances uniques sur l’ensemble des marchés, industries et régions, et les ressources mondiales de Goldman Sachs pour bâtir des entreprises et accélérer la création de valeur dans l’ensemble de nos portefeuilles. Suivez-nous sur LinkedIn.

À propos de Pamplona Capital Management
Pamplona Capital Management est un gestionnaire d’investissement spécialisé créé en 2005 qui fournit une plateforme de placement alternative pour le capital-investissement et d’autres stratégies diversifiées. Avec des bureaux à New York, Londres, Madrid et à Malte, Pamplona gère plus de 11 milliards de dollars d’actifs pour une variété de clients, y compris des fonds de pension publics, des gestionnaires de patrimoine internationaux, des sociétés multinationales, des bureaux familiaux et des fonds spéculatifs. Pamplona investit des capitaux à long terme dans la structure du capital de ses sociétés de portefeuille dans des situations de marché public et privé.

CONTACTS

Pour Parexel :
Lori Dorer
Vice-présidente sénior des communications d’entreprise
+1 513 496 8121

Lindsay LeCain
Real Chemistry
+ 1 508 259 9521

Pour EQT :
Daniel Yunger, Kekst CNC, + 1 917 574 8582
Bureau de presse d’EQT, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334

Pour Goldman Sachs :
Leslie Shribman
+1 212 902 5400

Pour Pamplona Capital Management :
Ed Orlebar, TB Cardew
ed.orlebar@tbcardew.com
+44 (0)7738724630

LG HVAC Virtual Experience Showcases Company’s Latest Solutions, Whenever, Wherever

Utilizing the Latest Technology, Virtual Showroom Lets Visitors Get to Know LG’s Wide Range of Residential and Commercial HVAC Solutions

SEOUL, South Korea, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics (LG) is launching the LG HVAC Virtual Experience, a new, interactive online showroom that gives visitors the opportunity to browse and learn all about its extensive portfolio of first-class HVAC solutions, anywhere, anytime. Helping customers to make better decisions for their families or valued employees, the intuitive, online space makes it possible to view the company’s latest solutions in a variety of virtual environments and discover their many benefits, such as greater comfort, improved indoor air quality and seamless control.

LG DUAL Vane Cassette installed in the high-rise office setting

Upon entering the LG HVAC Virtual Experience, visitors can choose from several business and living space categories: Residential Apartment, Residential Villa, Office General, Office High-Rise, Retail and Hotel. Customers can then freely roam their selected 3D environment using just a mouse or touchscreen device, clicking on straightforward menus as they go to reach additional information like specifications, features, product videos and case studies for each model. Simple to use and navigate, LG’s new virtual platform is a great tool for consumers, industry professionals and partners looking to create healthier and more comfortable indoor spaces.

LG HVAC Product Line-up (From Left, Round Cassette, DUALCOOL with AirCare Complete System, Therma V)

What’s more, the virtual showroom allows visitors to see the behind-the-scenes details and technologies. By pressing the on-screen Airflow and Piping buttons, visitors can uncover how air travels in an air conditioner or air purifier and how pipes direct water and refrigerant through a system. They can even virtually switch operational modes and observe how airflow changes from one air conditioner to another. Beyond the technology and science, the showroom is a great place to check out all the products’ stylish designs to see how they match various virtual interiors.

LG Virtual Experience showcasing 4-way Cassette with DUAL Vane in General Office Space

LG HVAC Virtual Experience is an engaging online resource that can give visitors a thorough understanding of the company’s latest, optimized HVAC solutions for different kinds of spaces, helping them figure out which products are best suited to their specific needs. The showroom also demonstrates LG’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable future, highlighting innovative LG technologies, such as the energy-efficient R1 Compressor, and the company’s early adoption of the eco-friendly R32 refrigerant.

LG Virtual Experience showcasing Hydro Kit in Hotel Space

LG has been providing its highly efficient and environmentally responsible HVAC products for many years, and continues to satisfy customers across the world with its advanced, eco-conscious solutions for residential and commercial use. Anyone wanting to discover the company’s latest indoor environmental comfort technologies can visit LG Virtual HVAC Experience on a PC or smartphone.

“The LG Virtual HVAC Experience delivers a compelling way to experience our latest solutions, whenever and wherever you choose,” said James Lee, a Head of Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “We will continue to work tirelessly to create HVAC products that not only make homes and businesses more comfortable, but are better for users, the environment, and the future of our planet.”

About LG Electronics Air Solution Business Unit

LG air conditioning provides optimized solutions for every sector and climate with a wide range of cutting-edge systems that bring exceptional heating, ventilation and air conditioning performance to buildings worldwide. Through our unmatched expertise and industry knowledge, we respond directly to the needs of businesses seeking digitalized and eco-conscious HVAC solutions. We are the partner your business has been looking for, and are well prepared to integrate our leading technology into your day-to-day operations, supporting you and your business every step of the way. For more information, please visit www.LG.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1557919/LG_Dual_Vane_Cassette_High_rise_Office.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1557918/LG_HVAC_Product_Line_up.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1557920/LG_HVAC_Virtual_Experience_Showroom_01.jpg
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ANGOLA ENGAGED IN PEACE AND SECURITY IN SADC REGION

Luanda – Angola continues its efforts to contribute to the consolidation of peace, security and democracy in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Esmeralda Mendonça said Wednesday in Luanda.

Esmeralda Mendonça, who was speaking to the press at the end of the 23rd Virtual Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the SADC Organ on Cooperation for Politics, Defence and Security, said that Angola will continue to contribute equally to pacification and dialogue in the southern region, a fact that has earned the respect of the organisation’s member states.

She said that the member states of the organisation are sympathetic to the insecurity situation in Mozambique, particularly in the Cabo Delgado region, stressing that the countries are united and unanimous in making every effort to consolidate peace and harmony.

The secretary of state said that the participants at the meeting had discussed the holding of elections in the Seychelles islands and the United Republic of Tanzania, without the presence, for the first time, of SADC observers, due to restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which may also happen in Angola, in 2022.

During the meeting, Angola welcomed the work done by the executive secretariat of SADC, regarding the assessment of security threats in the region and aligned on the need to implement a budgeted action plan, taking into account the high impact of threats in member states.

The 23rd Virtual Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation was preceded by an experts meeting, held on the 5th and 6th of this month.

Source: Angola Press News Agency

Psyence Group and UK Psychedelic CRO Partners to Conduct UK Palliative Care Clinical Trial

Psyence Group Inc. (CSE: PSYG) (“Psyence” or the “Company”), a life science biotechnology company pioneering the use of natural psychedelics in mental health and well-being, is pleased to announce it has signed a partnership agreement with Clerkenwell Health (“Clerkenwell”). Clerkenwell is a leading psychedelic Contract Research Organisation (CRO) based in the United Kingdom.

Psyence is developing market leading clinical trials in the field of palliative care and has partnered with Clerkenwell, which will be responsible for jointly designing and delivering the UK clinical trial. Palliative care is the treatment and alleviation of suffering for those facing a serious acute or persistent medical issue, whether the prognosis is deemed terminal or chronic and ongoing. European Director Xan Morgan, based in the United Kingdom, will work closely with Clerkenwell to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

Psyence’s palliative care clinical trials are being designed by Dr. Dingle Spence, a Palliative Care Specialist and Psyence’s Medical Advisor. “There is an historic opportunity for psychedelics such as psilocybin to play a significant role in Palliative Care. We are interested in helping alleviate the many symptoms and conditions experienced by people dealing with serious illness including anxiety and depression, existential distress, quality of life concerns, and issues around grief and bereavement, using a Palliative Care lens that will provide a more holistic approach to their therapy,” says Dr. Spence.

Psyence recently strengthened its executive team with the appointment of biopharmaceutical stalwart Dr Neil Maresky, M.B, B.Ch. as Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Maresky has been instrumental in the launch, commercialization, and uptake of many ground-breaking medical innovations in North America.

“As we embark on our journey to commence a clinical trial we are excited to see the promising results from other early-stage clinical trials, which show the efficacy of psychedelic therapies across a multitude of mental health conditions,” says Dr Maresky, “Clerkenwell’s expertise, depth of knowledge and progressive thinking made them the ideal partner to collaborate with.”

“The United Kingdom is increasingly becoming a destination for medical psychedelic trials and a number of listed companies have successfully established and completed their Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials in the market. However, these companies have typically focused their research on synthetic compounds, while Psyence’s trial will use natural psilocybin produced at our federally licensed facility in Lesotho in Southern Africa,” Maresky says.

Psyence’s federally licensed commercial psilocybin cultivation and production facility produces certified, high-quality psilocybin yielding mushrooms for research and development purposes for research centres and universities. Designed and constructed to The British Standards Institute (BSI) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, the facility is equipped with specialised equipment to ensure optimum growing conditions and efficient harvesting and packaging.

“Having designed our own trial examining different doses of psilocybin and digitally-supported therapy for the treatment of depression, we are delighted to draw on our experience and provide advisory and operational support to Psyence. We will help them establish the procedures and protocols required to successfully run a clinical trial in order to gain regulatory approval for their products,” says CEO of Clerkenwell Health, Tom McDonald.

Psyence will apply for the necessary approvals in order to commence its clinical trial. The trial will be conducted in the United Kingdom and will be aligned with European, Canadian and US clinical trial guidelines.

About Psyence

Psyence, a public life science biotechnology company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: PSYG), sets the global standard for natural psychedelics. Psyence leads the way in natural psilocybin and other psychedelics for the healing of psychological trauma and its mental health consequences in the context of palliative care. Our name “Psyence” combines the words psychedelic and science to affirm our commitment to producing psychedelic medicines developed through evidence-based research.

Informed by nature and guided by science, we built and operate one of the world’s first federally licensed commercial psilocybin mushroom cultivation and production facilities. Our team brings international experience in both business and science and includes experts in mycology, neurology, and drug development. We work to develop advanced psilocybin products and other psychedelic breakthroughs for research institutes, clinics, therapeutic immersions, and destination experiences for clinical research. We are also developing a nutraceutical mental wellness collection that supports improved focus, calm, and sleep.

Our four key divisions (Psyence Production, Psyence Therapeutics, Psyence Function, and Psyence Experience) anchor an international footprint with operations in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Jamaica, Brazil, South Africa, and Australia. www.psyence.com

About Clerkenwell Health

Clerkenwell Health is an innovative, UK-based mental health start-up building a platform to accelerate patients’ access to a range of psychedelic-assisted therapies over the coming years. Clerkenwell is focused on generating the clinical data required to mainstream these exciting treatment methodologies with doctors and regulators alike. The team is led by CEO Tom McDonald, a former Accenture pharmaceutical specialist with a focus on patient-centric care and CSO Dr Henry Fisher, a chemist and drug policy expert. Patient therapy is led by Dr Sara Tai, a clinical psychologist, a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Manchester and an expert in psychotherapy in clinical trials of psychedelic medicine. www.clerkenwellhealth.com

For more information

Lisa-Marie Iannitelli

Investor Relations

ir@psyence.com

Media Inquiries: media@psyence.com

General Information: info@psyence.com

Certain statements in this news release related to Psyence Group Inc and its subsidiaries (collectively “the Company”) are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “should”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the future operations of the Company and future product development and commercialization which shall be dependent on the obtaining of all such licenses, registrations and consents as may be required from regulatory and governmental authorities regulating such products and activities referred to in this news release. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company’s plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

The Company makes no medical, treatment or health benefit claims about the Company’s proposed products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada or other similar regulatory authorities have not evaluated claims regarding psilocybin, psilocybin analogues, or other psychedelic compounds or nutraceutical products. The efficacy of such products has not been confirmed by approved research. There is no assurance that the use of psilocybin, psilocybin analogues, or other psychedelic compounds or nutraceuticals can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Vigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. The Company has not conducted clinical trials for the use of its proposed products. Any references to quality, consistency, efficacy, and safety of potential products do not imply that the Company verified such in clinical trials or that the Company will complete such trials. If the Company cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s performance and operations.

Source: Globe Newswire

Zimbabwe Reverts to 2020 Lockdown as COVID-19 Cases Rise

HARARE – Rights groups in Zimbabwe are expressing concern about vulnerable groups after authorities imposed a new, strict lockdown to curb a spike in coronavirus infections. The restrictions come as Zimbabwe’s number of confirmed infections has more than doubled in the past week.

Monica Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwe’s information minister, told reporters late Tuesday that a recent spike in COVID-19 cases has forced authorities to impose tighter restrictions.

Officials had already imposed a nighttime curfew last week.

“Exemption mechanisms which were used during the first lockdown in 2020 will be reactivated with immediate effect. This will reinforce the current efforts of containing the spread of COVID-19. Stiffer penalties will be imposed for violations of COVID-19 restrictions, including the withdrawal of business operating licences. As you might be aware, the entire country is now under Level 4 lockdown,” said Mutsvangwa.

Samuel Wadzai is head of the Zimbabwe Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation. He says his group opposes the reintroduction of exemption letters that only allow essential workers, such as police and government employees, to reach their jobs.

“We just hope that it is going to be instituted in a transparent manner. In the past we have seen these exemption letters being used to block the operations of informal traders. It is our hope that there will be clear communication of where the informal economy will get the letters, and there will be enough measures that one gets these letters in a manner that does not promote corruption,” he said.

Mutsvangwa said the government is also intensifying its vaccination program as part of an effort to contain the pandemic.

About 810,000 Zimbabweans out of a population of 14 million have received their first shot, and about 575,000 have received their second inoculation since the program started in February.

Dewa?Mavhinga is the head of Human Rights Watch in southern Africa. He said the government should concentrate on vaccinating the adult population and essential workers instead of tightening lockdown regulations.

“This is to get to the wrong end of the stick because this will not in a big way address the real challenges. The government is focused on a heavy-handed response that is not suited for the Zimbabwean context. Particularly when you look the vast majority of Zimbabweans who live in poverty, who depend on the informal sector for their livelihoods, who have nowhere to get the exemption letters to travel. We also know that the government of Zimbabwe is also not supporting these people in terms of intervention packages,” said Mavhinga.

Last year the government said it was giving about $10 to each family affected by lockdown regulations.

On Wednesday, most vendors did not take heed of the government’s call to stay at home unless they have exemption letters.

One of them is Lucia Mtetwa, who sells second hand clothes.

“I only see corruption increasing because of these letters because everyone wants to go somewhere – with an exemption letter or not. This only gives police an advantage. They will start demanding bribes as they were doing during the last time during the lockdown,” said Mtetwa.

Zimbabwe has 56,014 confirmed coronavirus infections and 1,939 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University, which tracks the global outbreak. The numbers have more than doubled in the last few weeks.

Source: Voice of America