Latest news with #Ron
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Lesaka Technologies acquires Bank Zero for R1. 09 billion, boosting its fintech capabilities
Bank Zero CEO Yatin Narsai said their acquisition by Lesaka Technologies would allow the online digital bank to accelerate new revenue streams, improve capital efficiency and unlock synergies across their ecosystem. Image: AI Ron Lesaka Technologies' share price shot up 17.1% Friday morning after announcing it has entered into a R1.091 billion agreement to acquire 100% of South Africa's digital lender, Bank Zero Mutual Bank. The companies said Friday the acquisition will be settled through a combination of new shares—such that the shareholders of Bank Zero will own about 12% of Lesaka's shares at the time of completion of the proposed transaction—and up to R91 million in cash. "The acquisition of Bank Zero is a transformative event in Lesaka's journey, enabling us to better serve our consumers, merchants, and enterprise clients by embedding a trusted, well-engineered neobank capability into our fintech platform,' said Lesaka chairman Ali Mazanderani in a statement. "Our focus has always been on using technology to remove friction, lower costs, and challenge legacy banking norms. Joining forces with Lesaka allows us to accelerate that mission at scale—reaching more customers, faster. It represents a critical step for Lesaka and Bank Zero in realising new revenue streams, improving capital efficiency, and unlocking synergies across our ecosystem," said Bank Zero CEO Yatin Narsai. The 12% stake is valued at about R1bn based on the R88.26 share price. The share price was trading at R81.99 on Friday monring. The selling shareholders of Bank Zero—which include its chairman Michael Jordaan, CEO Yatin Narsai, and other key members of the bank—will collectively hold a 12% stake in Lesaka. The transaction is still subject to the regulatory approvals such as by the Prudential Authority and Competition Commission. Bank Zero, founded in 2018, is built on modern technology on an app-driven platform and a zero-fee banking model, offering retail and commercial banking services. As of the end of April 2025, Bank Zero had a deposit base in excess of R400m and more than 40 000 funded accounts across South Africa. Bank Zero's digital banking infrastructure and its operational banking licence, together with Lesaka's fintech and distribution platform, would transform the way Lesaka is able to conduct business in the future, said Mazanderani. These include better servicing of Lesaka's customers through full banking services, unlocking synergies and opportunities, accelerating innovation, and streamlining Lesaka's Consumer, Merchant, and Enterprise divisions—all enabling a shift in the financial profile of Lesaka and empowering the combined group to deliver greater value to consumers and businesses. 'Lesaka expects the transaction to support a more optimised balance sheet in the future, allowing the group to finance the existing and continued growth in lending books through customer deposits, driving stronger lending unit economics,' Lesaka said. In addition, the reduction in the use of bank debt in the group's Consumer and Merchant divisions would help to deleverage Lesaka's debt. After the deal, Lesaka could achieve a more than R1bn reduction in debt.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow's no Glastonbury - but Sparks flew at the Concert Hall
It was always something of a longshot, but, no, Cate Blanchett did not turn up in her mustard yellow suit to dance along to The Girl is Crying in Her Latte. It was always highly unlikely - Glasgow isn't Glastonbury after all - but I bring it up because that is as close as this evening got to a disappointment. Because this was something special, a proper, full-on snog of a gig. Tongues and everything. Passionate, unpredictable, thrilling. Now in their late seventies, and with 28 albums and more than 50 years of music-making as Sparks behind them, the Californian brothers Russell and Ron Mael (decked out respectively in a three-piece suit covered in birds and flowers and black Mao pyjamas) remain pop's most intriguing odd couple; Sensitive sports jock-cum-cheerleader Russell, the energetic, bouncing yin to Ron's deadpan minimalist, almost immobile, yang. Read More: Backed by an impressive four-piece band who brought a brawny, crunching ballast to the sound, Russell and Ron ranged across their extensive back catalogue, as far back as Whippings and Apologies, from their 1972 album A Woofer in Tweeter's Clothing, and right up to date with tracks from their latest album Mad! (a number one in Scotland, Russell was pleased to constantly remind us). There was nothing tokenistic about the latter. New tracks like Drowned in a Sea of Tears and Do Things My Own Way sounded fresh and vibrant here. If anything, the latter was pleasingly even gnarlier than it is on record. That extra musical junk in the trunk did mean that maybe some of the bittersweet smoothness of When Do I Get to Sing My Way was missing and The Number One Song in Heaven had more than a touch of devilment about it (though in the circumstances that was not a bad thing at all). But it also meant that their breakthrough hit This Town Ain't Big Enough For the Both of Us was a fierce delight; a reminder of glam rock's original potency. The set list did offer proof as to why the Maels were never quite able to parlay their chart success in the 1970s into proper stardom. They've always been too wayward, too eclectic. And so in amongst the recalibrations of Glam and disco there were hints of English music hall, Broadway musical, British New Wave and American AOR. Goofing Off, from 1977 album Introducing Sparks, sounded like it was being beamed in from some Weimar bierkeller. Sparks (Image: Peter Freeth) But that unpredictability is why the brothers remain such a delightful prospect five decades into their career. Russell may have lost some of the helium high notes of his falsetto, but not many, and certainly none of his energy (all that jumping up and down left me worrying about his knees). Ron, meanwhile, has retained his singular glaring strangeness. That said, on a number of occasions he did break into a smile; after taking centre stage to perform Suburban Homeboy, or break into his customary dance in the middle of The Number One Song in Heaven. The audience lapped all of this up. At times I did wonder if I was definitely in the Concert Hall. What can be - by Glasgow standards - a polite, even sedate venue - was raucous and unrestrained (it probably helped that they took seats out at the front of the stage). At the end of the evening Ron and Russell lingered to take a selfie and take in the prolonged applause. They deserved it. Tonight they made being in your late seventies look like the best fun.
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Ron Holifield Honored as Distinguished Member of the Texas City Management Association
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Civic Marketplace and the Alliance for Innovation proudly announce that Ron Holifield, founder and longtime public service leader, has been named a Distinguished Member of the Texas City Management Association (TCMA), a rare and prestigious honor recognizing extraordinary contributions to the council-manager form of government and the profession of city management. 'Ron Holifield has always embodied what public service should be—humble, visionary, and relentlessly focused on people,' said Troy Riggs, Executive Director of the Alliance for Innovation. Share The TCMA Board of Directors unanimously approved the honor. Holifield was formally recognized during the TCMA Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas on June 20, 2025. 'I'm deeply humbled to receive this honor,' Holifield said. 'For me, it's not just recognition of a career—it's a celebration of the incredible people I've had the privilege to serve alongside in strengthening local government leadership across Texas and the country.' A Legacy of Service and Innovation With a career dedicated to public service and innovation spanning over 40 years, Ron Holifield is widely recognized for championing servant leadership in local government. He spent nearly two decades in city management, serving as City Manager in cities including Garland, DeSoto, and Sundown, and ACM in Plano, Texas—experiences that continue to resonate deeply with today's city managers. Ron is the co-founder and President of Civic Marketplace and previously founded Strategic Government Resources (SGR) in 1999. Under his leadership, SGR became a nationally respected executive search and leadership development firm, supporting hundreds of local governments across the country. In 2021, Holifield co-founded Civic Marketplace, a tech company transforming public procurement by making government purchasing more transparent, supporting local economic growth and driving efficiencies and savings. 'Ron has always been ten steps ahead, building not just organizations, but a movement,' said Al Hleileh, CEO of Civic Marketplace. 'His contributions continue to ripple through every city that values ethical leadership, innovation, and local economic growth.' Among the Most Distinguished in TCMA History Ron Holifield joins a remarkably select group. Only ten professionals have been named Distinguished Members in TCMA's nearly 100-year history, making the award one of the most exclusive recognitions in local government. 'Ron is a legend in the profession, not just for what he's built, but for how he's lifted others,' said Darin Atteberry, Chairman of the Alliance for Innovation. 'This honor reflects the heart, integrity, and vision he's brought to every role.' 'Ron Holifield has always embodied what public service should be—humble, visionary, and relentlessly focused on people,' said Troy Riggs, Executive Director of the Alliance for Innovation. 'This recognition from TCMA is certainly well deserved. Ron's legacy is woven into the fabric of modern local government, and we're proud to stand beside him at this moment.' About the Alliance for Innovation AFI is a non-profit association of local governments dedicated to fostering innovation, foresight, and collaboration across the public sector. Originally founded in 1979 as the Innovation Groups, AFI has a 40-year history of helping local governments enhance their ability to anticipate, plan, and adapt. Through actionable insights and a steadfast commitment to preparation, AFI equips government leaders with the tools they need to confront challenges and seize opportunities on behalf of their communities. With a nationwide network, AFI's mission is to build more resilient, proactive, and efficient communities. AFI's collaborative culture - rooted in curiosity, generosity, and rigorous exploration - encourages members to delve into uncharted possibilities and shape the future of public service. Learn more about AFI at About Civic Marketplace Civic Marketplace is a venture-backed technology company transforming public sector procurement through cutting-edge innovation. Our platform streamlines and accelerates procurement processes, offering local governments a user-friendly, fully compliant solution. Designed for simplicity, Civic Marketplace makes procurement straightforward. We are committed to transparency, efficiency, and supporting diverse suppliers, including historically underutilized businesses, to foster local economic growth and drive innovation. By providing access to a network of reliable, pre-approved vendors, the platform ensures legal compliance and quality assurance for every contract. Discover how we are reshaping procurement at
Fashion Network
6 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Carriage Trade opens expanded boutique in Toronto
Toronto independent contemporary womenswear store Carriage Trade has opened the doors to a newly expanded and fully renovated boutique. Located at 2984 Bloor Street West, the updated boutique now spans 6,000 square feet across two levels, housing contemporary womenswear, denim, accessories, jewelry and footwear. The transformed space includes dedicated shop-in-shops for Canadian and international brands such as L'Agence and Patrick Assaraf, with Ron White Shoes set to join in Fall 2025. A newly introduced Canadian Showcase also highlights both emerging and established homegrown designers, with Cyntia Miglio and Amanda Maria currently featured. Other new in-store features include a coffee bar, a denim bar, a VIP suite for personal styling and content creation, and an experiential space for initiatives and events. The store continues to carry a number of other labels, including Ganni, Simkhai, Marie Saint Pierre, Varley, Smythe, Tanya Taylor, White + Warren, Marc Aurel, and Kerri Rosenthal. Accessory and jewelry offerings include pieces from Jenny Bird, Naghedi, and Dean Davidson. 'This expansion and renovation reflects the next chapter in Carriage Trade's 62 year history,' said Nori Mirza, Owner Carriage Trade. 'Now more than ever before, contemporary and luxury womenswear accessibility is boutique centric and this renovation is a testament to our dedication in offering an unparalleled experience in a modern, timeless space with unique experiential offerings.' Coinciding with the physical renovation, Carriage Trade has also launched a new ecommerce platform with daily nationwide shipping and virtual personal shopping appointments now available.
Fashion Network
6 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Carriage Trade opens expanded boutique in Toronto
Toronto independent contemporary womenswear store Carriage Trade has opened the doors to a newly expanded and fully renovated boutique. Located at 2984 Bloor Street West, the updated boutique now spans 6,000 square feet across two levels, housing contemporary womenswear, denim, accessories, jewelry and footwear. The transformed space includes dedicated shop-in-shops for Canadian and international brands such as L'Agence and Patrick Assaraf, with Ron White Shoes set to join in Fall 2025. A newly introduced Canadian Showcase also highlights both emerging and established homegrown designers, with Cyntia Miglio and Amanda Maria currently featured. Other new in-store features include a coffee bar, a denim bar, a VIP suite for personal styling and content creation, and an experiential space for initiatives and events. The store continues to carry a number of other labels, including Ganni, Simkhai, Marie Saint Pierre, Varley, Smythe, Tanya Taylor, White + Warren, Marc Aurel, and Kerri Rosenthal. Accessory and jewelry offerings include pieces from Jenny Bird, Naghedi, and Dean Davidson. 'This expansion and renovation reflects the next chapter in Carriage Trade's 62 year history,' said Nori Mirza, Owner Carriage Trade. 'Now more than ever before, contemporary and luxury womenswear accessibility is boutique centric and this renovation is a testament to our dedication in offering an unparalleled experience in a modern, timeless space with unique experiential offerings.' Coinciding with the physical renovation, Carriage Trade has also launched a new ecommerce platform with daily nationwide shipping and virtual personal shopping appointments now available.
