Latest news with #CCM
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NHL Head Coach Takes Equity Stake in Equipment Giant CCM
Martin St. Louis, head coach of the Montreal Canadiens and Hall of Fame player with the Tampa Bay Lightning, is taking a minority stake in hockey equipment company CCM. Seven7, an investment firm founded by St. Louis, is joining Norwegian private equity fund Altor as a co-investor in CCM. Last October, Altor took a majority stake in the company, priced at $450 million. CCM was previously owned by another private equity firm, Birch Hill Equity Partners. Advertisement More from Financial details of Seven7's holding were not disclosed. St. Louis started Seven7 in 2016, a year after his retirement as a player, along with former NHLer Jeff Hamilton and Keith McCullough, who founded independent Wall Street research firm Hedgeye Risk Management. The investment fund largely focuses on sports, media and entertainment. It was an early investor in LiveBarn, a youth sports streaming service that recently hired Raymond James to facilitate a sale. Founded as Canada Cycle & Motor Company Limited in 1899, CCM quickly pivoted from bike production to making skates and other hockey equipment. The company has a revolving door of owners in its history, including Reebok. Adidas, which bought Reebok in 2005, owned CCM until 2017 when it sold off most of its assets while retaining the apparel division that supplied the NHL. The company also supplies gear for the PWHL, the American Hockey League and several NCAA programs. Advertisement According to CCM CEO Marrouane Nabih, the company is a leader in seven of the eight categories of on-ice gear used by NHL players, including sticks, helmets and protective pads. CCM was second in skates among the 700+ players in the league. CCM has long been endorsed by some of the league's premier stars, including Edmonton's Connor McDavid, Toronto's Auston Matthews and Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby. Sarah Nurse, one of the newest members of the PWHL's expansion team in Vancouver, is also part of CCM's roster. Best of Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Calyptix Security Launches Cloud Management Platform to Streamline MSP Firewall Fleet Management
Calyptix Cloud Manager enables MSPs to centrally manage, configure, and monitor AccessEnforcer firewalls with ease. 'CCM was developed hand-in-hand with our MSP community to meet that need.'— Ben Yarbrough CHARLOTTE, NC, UNITED STATES, June 27, 2025 / / -- Calyptix Security Corporation, an all-in-one network security provider for small and medium-sized businesses, today is publicly announcing the release of Calyptix Cloud Manager (CCM), a centralized cloud platform for managing its AccessEnforcer® UTM firewalls. CCM is not a standalone product but an exclusive extension for AccessEnforcer deployments, giving managed service providers (MSPs) and IT professionals a 'single pane of glass' to oversee their entire fleet of firewalls. With this launch, Calyptix addresses a long-standing partner demand for easy, scalable fleet management, empowering partners to monitor, configure, and update all client firewalls from one interface. Calyptix Cloud Manager transforms the way partners maintain distributed networks. 'For years, our partners have asked for a more efficient way to manage multiple client firewalls,' said Ben Yarbrough, CEO of Calyptix Security. 'CCM was developed hand-in-hand with our MSP community to meet that need. By consolidating firewall oversight into one cloud platform, we're delivering a modern, scalable solution that helps our partners save time and operate more effectively. They can now implement updates, monitor bandwidth, and enforce policies across dozens of sites in seconds – this is a game-changer for anyone managing many SMB networks.' CCM delivers significant value to MSPs by providing: • Centralized Fleet Visibility: View the status and performance of all AccessEnforcer devices in one dashboard. Administrators can observe real-time traffic across the fleet – including live upload/download bandwidth usage per site – and instantly see device-specific metrics like current connection counts. • Unified Policy Management: Configure and sync security settings across multiple firewalls simultaneously. Key features such as web content filtering, intrusion detection/prevention (IDS/IPS), and Geo Fence country-based traffic control can be managed centrally through CCM, ensuring consistent protection policies across all locations. • Efficient Bulk Updates: CCM's platform allows one-click, multi-device updates and uses configuration syncing to apply changes uniformly, eliminating the need to touch each device individually. • Organizational Tagging & Grouping: A flexible tagging system lets partners label and group devices by client, site, or any custom category for fast organization. Tags simplify bulk operations – for example, updating all firewalls in a specific region – and streamline monitoring by filtering the fleet view to specific groups. • Deep Connection Insights: Drill down into active network connections on any AccessEnforcer in real time. Technicians can filter live connection lists by IP address, port number, or traffic direction to quickly pinpoint suspicious activity or troubleshooting issues, all from the central console. CCM is available now to all Calyptix partners. As a cloud service addon for AccessEnforcer, it requires no additional hardware. The platform's scalable cloud architecture ensures that MSPs can grow their deployments without outgrowing the management tool. With enterprise-grade visibility and control tailored to SMB needs, CCM reinforces Calyptix's commitment to helping small-business customers stay secure without adding complexity. To learn more about AccessEnforcer and Calyptix Cloud Manager, or to request a demo of the solution, please contact Calyptix Security at [email protected] or visit Calyptix representatives are available to help partners get started with CCM and answer any questions about deploying the platform for immediate impact. About Calyptix Security Corp. Calyptix Security Corporation delivers easy, affordable and scalable network security solutions custom-built for small businesses and managed service providers (MSPs). The company's flagship product, AccessEnforcer® UTM Firewall, is an all-in-one device available in multiple models to fit various network sizes, and it includes next-generation features like Geo Fence geolocation blocking and GateKeeper™ multi-factor authenticated remote access. Calyptix's solutions are developed in close partnership with MSPs and are shaped by real-world feedback, ensuring strong security without the complexity of enterprise-grade systems. Trusted by SMB leaders and IT partners across the nation, Calyptix helps organizations protect their networks, users, and data with confidence. Joseph Schmidt Calyptix Security Corp +1 800-650-8930 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Newsboys dropped from label after investigations into claims of sexual assault by Michael Tait
Newsboys, the legendary Christian rock supergroup, have been dropped from their record label following investigations by the Guardian and other media outlets into their former singer Michael Tait, who has been accused of sexually assaulting three men in the early 2000s, two of whom said they believed they had been drugged by the rock star. The 40-year-old band has struggled to retain its once-massive fanbase in the wake of the allegations and a flurry of public questioning about what individuals in Tait's circle might have known about Tait's own recent admission that he has led a 'double life'. The news that Capitol Christian Music Group dropped the Newsboys was announced by the band's lead singer, Adam Agee, at a reportedly sold out show on Sunday night in Scottsdale, Arizona. 'As a result of all this and the things that have come out that [Tait's] done and he's confessed to, we've been dropped from our record label,' he said. 'We've had radio stations pull our music. We've been cancelled by promoters and venues all over the world.' Agee reportedly also said the band was aware that Tait was having 'personal struggles', but was shocked by investigations published by The Roys Report (TRR) and the Guardian. 'It was so shocking to us, because that's not the guy we knew,' he said. 'The guy that we knew, that we've been on the road with, he was our family. He was our brother, and a friend to our families, to our kids… 'It just has been devastating to us, and our families have felt like our names (have) been dragged through the mud because of all this, and it's really, really hurt our kids.' While most Christian artists have remained silent on the matter, Hayley Williams of the band Paramore condemned the Christian music industry that 'enabled' Tait. Newsboys being dropped from their label came only weeks after the band released their new album World Wide Revival (Deluxe). This came on the heels of K-LOVE Radio, the largest Christian radio station on the air, pulling the Newsboys catalogue from its circulation, and a Canadian promoter cancelling dates from Newsboys' current world tour. Members of Newsboys did not respond to a request for comment. Capitol Christian Music Group did not respond to a request for comment. Throughout the 90s, Tait's first band, DC Talk, redefined the contemporary christian music (CCM) genre, selling eight million albums and winning four Grammys. In 2009, Tait became the new frontman for CCM legacy band, Newsboys, whose hit song God's Not Dead became a Maga anthem and spawned a series of popular Christian films of same name, which featured cameos by Tait. The majority of Tait's music infused Christian right talking points with rock sounds, culminating in Tait's influential support for Donald Trump's presidential campaigns. Last January, Tait was accused by a former colleague on TikTok of being secretly gay. The following day, Tait stepped down as Newsboys singer, offering little explanation. Six months later, the Christian media site Julie Roys reported allegations that Tait had sexually assaulted two young men while secretly abusing cocaine and alcohol. This was followed by Tait confessing in a post published on Instagram that he'd been living 'a double life,' and had, at times, 'touched men in an unwanted, sensual way'. In the Instagram statement, Tait also wrote: 'I am ashamed of my life choices and actions and make no excuses for them. I will simply call it what God calls it – sin.' He added: 'While I might dispute certain details in the accusations against me, I do not dispute the substance of them'. 'Even before this recent news became public, I had started on a path to health, healing, and wholeness … I accept the consequences of my sin and am committed to continuing the hard work of repentance and healing – work [which] I will do quietly and privately, away from the stage and the spotlight.' The Guardian published its own months-long investigation into Tait on 13 June, revealing the stories of three young men alleging Tait sexually assaulted them, including two who said they believed he had drugged them beforehand (and one of whom was a minor at the time). Four others claimed Tait was sexually inappropriate with them, one of whom was 13 when Tait allegedly exposed and fondled his penis before him in a restaurant bathroom. Tait did not respond to the Guardian's request for comment at the time, and has not responded to a second request for comment in connection to the Newsboys being dropped by their record label. Hayley Williams of the band Paramore posted an Instagram story of the Guardian's headline, overlaid with text that read in part 'I hope the CCM industry crumbles. And fuck all of you who knew and didn't do a damn thing.' While Paramore is not a CCM band, Williams – who has 4m followers on Instagram – grew up around the Christian music industry, and the band's former guitarist, Justin York, performed with Tait on his solo projects. Both he and his brother Taylor York, the band's current guitarist, are the sons of the former chairman and CEO of Capitol Christian Music Group. 'The amount of things I have to say and the amount of people I know who were likely changed forever by this man and by the industry that empowered/enabled him…' Williams wrote in her IG story. Michael Sweet, singer of the 80s Christian metal band, Stryper, made a vague reference to Tait in a Facebook post, where he stopped short of naming the singer, but mentioned 'what's going on in the Christian music world lately', adding: 'It's important to understand (and I'm not condoning any bad behavior or wrong doings), that Christians are sinners. Once you accept Christ, you still have to deal with a lifetime of temptations, frustrations and weaknesses.' Just after the Julie Roys story broke (but before Tait's confession) his former bandmates in Newsboys released a statement, saying in part: 'Last night our hearts were shattered when we read the news alleging drug abuse and inappropriate sexual actions by our former lead singer, Michael Tait … We are horrified, heartbroken, and angry at this report and in many ways, we feel as if we and our families have been deceived for the last fifteen years.' Questions about what the band may have known about Tait's alleged behavior – including allegations of sexual assault – quickly circulated online. Some pointed to a Facebook comment by Agee, Newsboys guitarist who replaced Tait as singer, posted before Newsboys' official statement. He wrote: 'We have obviously heard the rumors over the years … We asked Tait each time something would come up and he would deny it emphatically.' The post has since been deleted. Darren King, the drummer for the Christian rock band Mutemath, released a video on Instagram on Tuesday and described what he alleged was an uncomfortable encounter with Tait, who he claimed touched him inappropriately during a dinner about 20 years ago. In the post, King said he had contributed to reporting in both the Guardian and the Roys Report. 'Someone could only engage in this level of predation over this length of time – potentially over two decades – with the help of a team of helpers,' said King, who has worked in the Christian music industry for 20 years. 'I believe Tait has a team of people who spend their time and money clearing his reputation and suppressing criticism, suppressing the truth.' Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organizations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Seven7 Partners with Altor to Invest in Minority Stake in CCM, the Iconic Global Hockey Brand
STAMFORD, Conn., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven7 is pleased to announce its co-investment with leading Nordic private equity firm Altor in the previously announced acquisition of CCM, one of the most iconic and innovative brands in global hockey. Founded in 1899, CCM has been at the forefront of hockey innovation for over a century. From outfitting generations of NHL stars to supporting grassroots programs across North America and Europe, CCM has built an unmatched reputation for quality, performance, and authenticity. Today, the brand is a global leader in hockey equipment and apparel—trusted by elite athletes and weekend hockey players alike. The investment from Altor and Seven7 signals a bold new chapter for CCM—one focused on international expansion, digital transformation, product innovation, and deeper engagement with the next generation of players and fans. Daryl Jones, Chief Investment Officer of Seven7, said: "This is a landmark opportunity. At Seven7, we look for cultural relevance, passionate communities, and long-term brand value—and CCM checks every box. Hockey is growing around the world, and CCM is right at the center of that expansion. We're proud to support CCM's world-class team and to partner with Altor, who bring outstanding operational capabilities. Together, we're backing a brand that has been shaping the sport for 125 years—and still has its best hockey ahead of it." Mike Commodore, former NHL defenseman, Stanley Cup Champion, and investor in Seven7, added: "I've been rocking CCM gear since I was barely old enough to skate. From juniors to the NHL, their equipment was always in my bag. Now, to go from player to part-owner? Let's just say—this isn't just an investment, it's personal. CCM has history, swagger, and a runway. The goal now is to take that legacy global, and I'm fired up to be part of it. Let's go!" This investment marks the latest in a series of strategic hockey-sector investments for Seven7, which has also backed LiveBarn, EZ-Ice, Sauce Hockey, and a USHL franchise. About Seven7Seven7, LLC is a Stamford, Connecticut-based investment firm backing entrepreneurs, founders, and leadership teams in sports, media, and consumer markets. The firm focuses on long-term value creation through deep thematic research and active operational engagement. Seven7 is built on the belief that the next wave of exceptional returns will come from authentic brands with loyal followings and cultural momentum. Press Contact:Seven7 Communicationsdaryl@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Seven7
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Seven7 Partners with Altor to Invest in Minority Stake in CCM, the Iconic Global Hockey Brand
STAMFORD, Conn., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven7 is pleased to announce its co-investment with leading Nordic private equity firm Altor in the previously announced acquisition of CCM, one of the most iconic and innovative brands in global hockey. Founded in 1899, CCM has been at the forefront of hockey innovation for over a century. From outfitting generations of NHL stars to supporting grassroots programs across North America and Europe, CCM has built an unmatched reputation for quality, performance, and authenticity. Today, the brand is a global leader in hockey equipment and apparel—trusted by elite athletes and weekend hockey players alike. The investment from Altor and Seven7 signals a bold new chapter for CCM—one focused on international expansion, digital transformation, product innovation, and deeper engagement with the next generation of players and fans. Daryl Jones, Chief Investment Officer of Seven7, said: "This is a landmark opportunity. At Seven7, we look for cultural relevance, passionate communities, and long-term brand value—and CCM checks every box. Hockey is growing around the world, and CCM is right at the center of that expansion. We're proud to support CCM's world-class team and to partner with Altor, who bring outstanding operational capabilities. Together, we're backing a brand that has been shaping the sport for 125 years—and still has its best hockey ahead of it." Mike Commodore, former NHL defenseman, Stanley Cup Champion, and investor in Seven7, added: "I've been rocking CCM gear since I was barely old enough to skate. From juniors to the NHL, their equipment was always in my bag. Now, to go from player to part-owner? Let's just say—this isn't just an investment, it's personal. CCM has history, swagger, and a runway. The goal now is to take that legacy global, and I'm fired up to be part of it. Let's go!" This investment marks the latest in a series of strategic hockey-sector investments for Seven7, which has also backed LiveBarn, EZ-Ice, Sauce Hockey, and a USHL franchise. About Seven7Seven7, LLC is a Stamford, Connecticut-based investment firm backing entrepreneurs, founders, and leadership teams in sports, media, and consumer markets. The firm focuses on long-term value creation through deep thematic research and active operational engagement. Seven7 is built on the belief that the next wave of exceptional returns will come from authentic brands with loyal followings and cultural momentum. Press Contact:Seven7 Communicationsdaryl@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Seven7 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
