Latest news with #AndrewThompson
New York Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
SailGP attracts ‘about 15' bidders for two new teams ahead of 2026 season
SailGP has attracted more than a dozen bidders as they seek to sell two new teams for the 2026 season. In April, Russell Coutts, the CEO and co-founder of SailGP, announced the global sailing championship's plans to grow from 12 teams to 14. The tender process, which is being structured by Deloitte, got underway earlier this month. Advertisement And ahead of this weekend's Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, Andrew Thompson, SailGP's managing director, revealed that it has been extremely competitive. 'I think we're at about 15 (bidders) at the moment,' Thompson told The Athletic. 'The bids close on August 15, and then we will make a decision. 'We've been talking to various parties for the last couple of years and we have kind of funnelled them all into the same place, so I'd be amazed if all of a sudden somebody else just came in now, but you never know. 'I think we've got some really strong groups that are forming.' There has been a recent celebrity investment boom in SailGP, with Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman taking over the Australian team in June, while Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway is part of a consortium that bought the Italian team in May. This followed Kylian Mbappe, the Real Madrid and France striker, purchasing a stake in the French SailGP team via his Coalition Capital investment firm in March. SailGP still owns the New Zealand and Spain teams and are looking at how they can bring new investment into them. Asked if it is a case of the highest bid wins, Thompson explained how multiple factors are taken into consideration. 'A high bid is attractive, but there's also the market factor, so we look at our high-growth markets in the future; Mexico, China, Asian markets, and there are still some European markets that we want to look at as well,' he added. 'The Middle East is very attractive. 'It's a price market, but also the profile of the group as well. 'We want people to have the same vision as us to grow this sport. We are not looking for people to come in and buy a team, and then flip it in one or two seasons.' Argentina, Mexico and Sweden have been touted as two potential newcomers for the 13th and 14th teams, while China and Saudi Arabia are also yet to have a team. Advertisement The two F50 foiling catamarans are already being built at SailGP's new $10million technologies site in Southampton ahead of the first event of the 2026 season taking place in Perth, Australia. Once the 13th and 14th teams have been added, SailGP plans to expand further to 16 teams, with a cap set at 20 teams. From next season, the starting field is expected to be split into two. 'I think it's really important that we retain a quality racing product,' Thompson added. 'We've developed 12 teams and it's a super-crowded racetrack right now. 'When we go to 14 teams, we will likely split. My view, and I think Russell's view, is that we need to get to 16 teams pretty quickly to have two groups of eight and then see how it develops from there.'
News24
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Inside SA's fog of lies, 5 fascinating reads, wines from Wellington, and weighted vests
This week, Andrew Thompson reflects on what five months running News24's disinformation desk reveals about truth, trust, and how easily they can unravel; Anneliese Burgess talks to climate activist Ayakha Melithafa about her mom's wisdom and meeting Greta Thunberg; Noluthando Ngcakanifound 13 recipes for eat-out classics to recreate in your kitchen this weekend; Daléne Fourie gets lost in the wines of the eclectic Wellington Valley; Shaun de Waal curates five fascinating reads; Marilynn Manuel talks to Sheldon Tatchell, founder of Legends Barber, about how he spends his Saturdays; and she looks at the use of weighted vests for workouts.
CBC
10-07-2025
- CBC
Loved ones share memories of 'gentle giant' killed in Napanee arson
Walter Lasher was a friendly fixture in downtown Napanee, Ont., who would greet anyone, even strangers, with a wave, a big smile and sometimes even a little dance. Known as a gentle giant, his death left a gaping hole in the community, loved ones told court Thursday as they read victim impact statements through tears. The 67-year-old died after being pulled from a burning transitional housing building on John Street on Aug. 3, 2024. Andrew Thompson, a 32-year-old from the area, was initially charged with first-degree murder in Lasher's death, but pleaded guilty in May to one count each of manslaughter and arson. Thompson sat in the courtroom wearing a grey hoodie, looking down as the victim impact statements were read, his long dark hair covering his forehead. Family members described Lasher as childlike in many ways, with a disability that kept him from writing or reading anything other than his name, and a dislike of cars that meant he'd walk everywhere, sometimes pulling a cart behind him. He was the kind of person who carried candy with him to hand out to kids after getting permission from their parents, his sister Freda Hart said. Lasher sat on every park bench in Napanee and was "as much a part of downtown as the landscape," she said, describing how strangers still approach her to say how much they miss him. "He didn't deserve to die in that cruel way," she said. "How would you feel if your brother were killed in the fire that was intentionally set?" Defence lawyer Peter Zaduk said his client should receive a sentence of between five and eight years. He argued Thompson should also be credited with two years of time served because of how long he'd been left in lockdown and in a triple-bunked jail cell. "Everyone agrees that he was in ... basically a haze from drug abuse during this episode," the lawyer added. Crown says setting fire took 'focus' Crown Attorney Monica Heine disagreed with that assessment, pointing to surveillance video that she said showed Thompson making "repeated" attempts to set fires in the building over a long period of time. The Crown also said Thompson took steps to "render assistance useless," including hiding a fire extinguisher from the kitchen and removing another from the front hall, which he deployed so it couldn't be used to put out the flames. "These actions took place over a significant period of time, were persistent, required thought, diligence and focus," Heine said, calling for a sentence of 10 years. Lasher's family members also mentioned the video and the different attempts Thompson had made to spark the flames. "Three attempts to start that fire means three different chances to change his mind and the horrific outcome," according to a statement read on behalf of Mary Lasher, the victim's niece. His loved ones said Lasher had survived two other fires, a heart attack and a stroke, but he couldn't shake the fear he would die in the building. Hart, his sister, said he got up early to pick up discarded needles and wash away blood before he could shower each morning, but he couldn't afford to live anywhere else. A statement read on behalf of residents of the building said the fire had displaced people already in crisis, removing a stepping stone on the path to recovery and retraumatizing people who were trying to overcome immense obstacles. Thompson calls victim a 'great man' At one point, a man who identified himself as the accused's uncle spoke on Thompson's behalf, referring to him by his initials. "I don't want people to see AJ … as a monster," he said. "He's not a monster. He's obviously done something horrible." Asked if he had anything he wanted to say, Thompson stood and apologized to Lasher's family and friends, describing him as a "great man" who was always kind to him. "I am truly sorry," he said. Justice Geoffrey Griffin responded by asking Thompson if he believed he could quit drugs for good. "I'm very hopeful of it," Thompson replied. Lasher's family said regardless of the sentence, Walter's loss has left them with a life sentence of sorts — one without any more of his smiles, jokes or hugs. "I want to say that memories are like scars," Amanda, another of his nieces, told court. "They leave a lasting impression. They are precious, especially when you can't make them anymore."
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Seaside Equity Partners Secures Over $720 Million for Two New Funds, Expanding Support for Lower Middle Market Businesses
SAN DIEGO, July 08, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seaside Equity Partners ("Seaside" or the "Firm"), a private equity firm focused on the lower middle market, today announced the successful closings of two new funds, Seaside Equity Partners III, L.P. ("Fund III") and Seaside Navigator I, L.P. ("Navigator I"), with total commitments of over $720 million. This significant capital raise enables Seaside to further its mission of partnering with exceptional companies to drive growth and value creation in the lower middle market. Seaside secured meaningful support from a diverse group of limited partners, including endowments, foundations, corporate and public pensions, insurance companies, consultants, and family offices. Both Fund III, with $568 million of limited partner commitments, and Navigator I, with $155 million of limited partner commitments, were oversubscribed and substantially completed in a single closing. "We are fortunate with the outcome and most grateful to our investors, companies, and colleagues for their support and trust," said Managing Partner Andrew Thompson. "Fund III and Navigator I represent a significant step forward for our firm, allowing us to expand upon our existing strategy while continuing our pursuit of a great outcome for all." Building on Seaside's investment strategy, both funds will target mission-critical service providers headquartered in the Western United States. Fund III will continue the Firm's focus on companies generating $3 million to $15 million in EBITDA. Navigator I represents a strategic expansion with a focus on companies generating less than $3 million of EBITDA, a market segment in which Seaside sees significant potential for value creation. With these new funds, Seaside Equity Partners now manages assets of approximately $1.4 billion and has invested in over 55 companies. The Firm's expanded capital base enhances its opportunity to pursue partnerships with lower middle market businesses seeking growth capital, liquidity, and strategic resources in pursuit of reaching their full potential. Shannon Advisors served as placement agent, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal counsel for the fundraise. For additional information on Seaside Equity Partners, see View source version on Contacts deals@ (858) 947-1350
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Seaside Equity Partners Secures Over $720 Million for Two New Funds, Expanding Support for Lower Middle Market Businesses
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seaside Equity Partners ('Seaside' or the 'Firm'), a private equity firm focused on the lower middle market, today announced the successful closings of two new funds, Seaside Equity Partners III, L.P. ('Fund III') and Seaside Navigator I, L.P. ('Navigator I'), with total commitments of over $720 million. This significant capital raise enables Seaside to further its mission of partnering with exceptional companies to drive growth and value creation in the lower middle market. Seaside secured meaningful support from a diverse group of limited partners, including endowments, foundations, corporate and public pensions, insurance companies, consultants, and family offices. Both Fund III, with $568 million of limited partner commitments, and Navigator I, with $155 million of limited partner commitments, were oversubscribed and substantially completed in a single closing. 'We are fortunate with the outcome and most grateful to our investors, companies, and colleagues for their support and trust,' said Managing Partner Andrew Thompson. 'Fund III and Navigator I represent a significant step forward for our firm, allowing us to expand upon our existing strategy while continuing our pursuit of a great outcome for all.' Building on Seaside's investment strategy, both funds will target mission-critical service providers headquartered in the Western United States. Fund III will continue the Firm's focus on companies generating $3 million to $15 million in EBITDA. Navigator I represents a strategic expansion with a focus on companies generating less than $3 million of EBITDA, a market segment in which Seaside sees significant potential for value creation. With these new funds, Seaside Equity Partners now manages assets of approximately $1.4 billion and has invested in over 55 companies. The Firm's expanded capital base enhances its opportunity to pursue partnerships with lower middle market businesses seeking growth capital, liquidity, and strategic resources in pursuit of reaching their full potential. Shannon Advisors served as placement agent, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal counsel for the fundraise. For additional information on Seaside Equity Partners, see
