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ACON Investments and DeA Capital Alternative Funds Acquire Controlling Interest in Romar Global Care from GPF Partners

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MADRID and MILAN and WASHINGTON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ACON Investments, L.L.C. and its affiliates (“ACON”), in partnership with an affiliate of DeA Capital Alternative Funds SGR SpA (“DeA”), today announced that they have acquired a controlling interest in Romar Care Group (“RGC” or the “Company”). RGC is a Spain-based manufacturer and distributor of consumer products related to personal care, home care and cosmetics.

RGC, based in Valencia, Spain, was formed in 2019 through the merger of Quimi Romar and Envasados Xiomara by GPF Partners (“GPF”). Since then, RGC has more than doubled its production capacity, expanded its sales channels, diversified its geographic footprint and driven growth in its portfolio of brands. RGC’s portfolio includes Agrado, Mayordomo, Amalfi, Sairo, Air Freshener, Destello and Garley, among others. The Company currently sells its extensive portfolio of products in over 100 countries. It has a presence throughout Europe as well as the Middle East, North Africa and Latin América, with 60% of its revenue coming from outside of Spain. Additionally, it operates subsidiaries in Morocco, Colombia and the U.K. Customers include El Corte Inglés, Carrefour, Lidl, Auchan, IFA, Euromadi, Primor and Druni, among others.

In 2023 RGC achieved €120 million of sales and launched a new state-of-the-art production facility in Sagunto, Valencia. The new plant is over 50,000 square meters and will enable the Company to continue its ambitious international expansion campaign.

RGC´s management team will maintain a material equity interest in the Company. They are fully committed to executing the Company’s expansion with an emphasis on ESG, digital transformation and sustainability. The new Sagunto plant has been designed to optimize efficiency, specifically energy savings, and has implemented the highest quality standards and certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 22716 and IFS-HPC).

Pablo Rodriguez-Gimeno, CEO of RGC stated, “We are extremely pleased to have launched our new plant and excited about our Company’s future. We welcome ACON and DeA as our new equity partners and look forward to working closely with them as we embark on RGC’s next stage of growth.”

Marcos Lladó, Managing Partner of ACON added, “ACON is pleased to be completing our seventh acquisition in Spain since 2017. Along with DeA, we look forward to supporting RGC’s management team as they pursue their objectives and capture growth opportunities in various regions around the world. We are excited to build on their accomplishments of the last five years, during which time they grew top line well ahead of the overall market.”

Giuliano Palazzo, Managing Director of DeA concluded, “We are delighted to have co-invested with ACON in an impressive business led by an outstanding management team and are ready to support its continued growth. By leveraging its new production facility, we hope that RGC will strengthen its position as a leader in the industry with respect to quality, efficiency and productivity as it seeks to serve the global market. We firmly believe that our partnership with ACON will positively contribute to the next phase of the Company’s development.”

RSM, Hogan Lovells and Ashurst advised the buyers while GPF was advised by Houlihan Lokey and Uria Menéndez.

About GPF Partners

Founded in 2015 by Martín Rodríguez-Fraile, Ignacio Olascoaga, Lorenzo Martínez de Albornoz and Guillermo Castellanos, GPF Partners (www.gpf-partners.com) is a private equity fund manager with over €1.2 billion under management across GPF Capital I, GPF Capital II, GPF Capital IV and GPF Real Estate. All of its funds have equity commitments from private and institutional investors in Spain, the US, Europe and over 15 countries in Latin America, which provides extensive access to those markets, where the firm is able to support the long-term development of its portfolio companies.

About ACON Investments

ACON Investments, L.L.C. is a Washington, D.C.-based international private equity investment firm that manages private equity funds and special purpose partnerships that make investments in the United States, Latin America and Europe. With professionals in Washington, D.C., Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Bogotá, Madrid, Mexico City and São Paulo, ACON has managed $7.0 billion in assets since inception and has a 28-year track record. For more information, visit www.aconinvestments.com.

About Sviluppo Sostenibile/DeA Capital

Sviluppo Sostenibile is a private equity fund managed by DeA Capital Alternative Funds SGR SpA focused on mid-market firms where it is able to implement best-in-class ESG policies. RGC is the fund’s first investment in Spain.

Founded in 2006, DeA Capital Alternative Funds SGR SpA., is a 100%-owned subsidiary of DeA Capital SpA., which forms part of the De Agostini Group. The firm is the leading independent manager of alternative assets in Italy with over €6.0 billion of assets under management and over 70 employees between its offices in Milan and Madrid. In 2024, DeA celebrates the fifth anniversary of its entry in Spain and the establishment of its Madrid-based office and team. For more information, please refer to www.deacapitalaf.com

Media Contacts:

ACON Investments
Marcos Lladó
Managing Partner
mllado@aconinvestments.com

Meena Thever
Partner, Head of Capital Formation and Investor Relations
mthever@aconinvestments.com

DeA Capital Alternative Funds
Giuliano Palazzo
Managing Director
Giuliano.palazzo@deacapital.com

Marco Scopigno
marco.scopigno@deacapital.com

Anna Majocchi
Anna.majocchi@deacapital.com 

Rocío Casado (Harmon)
+34 696 780 458
rcasado@harmon.es 

Romar Care Group
Susana Orts
Marketing Director
+34 687 95 44 00
sorts@quimiromar.com

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SOURCE ACON Investments, L.L.C.

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Sungrow Launches PowerMatrix, Redefining System-Level PV-Storage Integration

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HEFEI, China, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, the globally leading PV inverter and energy storage system (ESS) provider, unveiled its next-generation PowerMatrix system for renewable energy applications, alongside a newly released technical white paper, at the Global Renewable Energy Summit (GRES) 2026.

At the event, Sungrow also unveiled the Matrix Inverter, the core product enabling the PowerMatrix system. The PowerMatrix system further integrates the MPPT Booster and the PowerTitan 3.0 energy storage system.

PowerMatrix: Redefining Power Systems for the Renewable Era
Solar PV is rapidly becoming a major power source, with global installations projected by BloombergNEF to reach approximately 655 GW in 2025. As renewable penetration increases, power systems are facing growing challenges in balancing supply and demand while maintaining system stability under dynamic operating conditions. However, existing power systems were not originally designed to effectively address these evolving challenges.

To bridge this gap, PowerMatrix establishes a new system paradigm for renewable energy systems. Built on five core innovations—multi-port topology, native PV-storage integration, distributed control, reconfigurable energy paths, and source-level grid-forming—it integrates PV, storage, grid, and loads into a unified, multi-node energy network, where energy can be dynamically routed, balanced, and optimized in real time.

As a result, this system-level redesign enhances system stability, improves cost efficiency, and increases energy efficiency across the entire power chain.

Stability Redefinition: From Compensated Stability to Inherent Stability
PowerMatrix ensures a stable, continuous power supply through coordinated multi-node operation. It supports high PV DC/AC ratios, high ESS capacity, and around 3,000 full-load hours annually.

In operation, the system ensures continuous power delivery under dynamic conditions through multi-path redundancy and dynamic reconfiguration, with node-level fault isolation allowing unaffected units to remain in service.

At the sub-array level, each unit operates as an independent solar-plus-storage system with grid-forming capability, supporting both grid-connected and islanded operation.

The system delivers millisecond-level response, including 10 ms voltage stabilization and 5 ms inertia response, significantly improving system resilience and recovery performance.

Cost Redefinition: System-Level BOS Reduction
The PowerMatrix enables system-level cost optimization beyond conventional equipment-level cost reduction. By consolidating functions previously distributed across separate devices and system layers, it reduces system complexity and engineering requirements, while enabling more flexible system expansion and cost optimization throughout the project lifecycle.

In a reference system designed for 1 GW of rated grid connection capacity, 8 GWh of installed ESS capacity, and 3,000 annual full-load operating hours in China, the PowerMatrix reduces total CAPEX by approximately $120 million compared to a conventional AC-coupled architecture, with savings across substation & transmission cable, ESS equipment, PV equipment, and other system components.

From an investment perspective, phased deployment and scalable expansion allow capacity to be built in line with project needs rather than requiring full upfront build-out, thereby reducing upfront capital pressure and better aligning investment with project development and demand growth.

Efficiency Redefinition: Full-Link Energy Optimization
The PowerMatrix enhances energy efficiency across the full energy chain:

PV Side: A high-density MPPT architecture with up to 28 MPPTs per MW enables finer string-level optimization, reducing mismatch losses under shading, orientation differences, and module aging conditions, and improving overall energy yield.Storage Side: Cell-to-plant SOC balancing increases usable energy capacity by approximately 8%.Conversion and Delivery: Direct PV-to-storage charging reduces multi-stage power conversion, improving energy transfer efficiency by up to 5%.

In addition, source-level grid-forming capability further enhances grid adaptability, supporting higher renewable penetration and reducing curtailment.

Scalable Across Applications
The PowerMatrix is designed for utility-scale, commercial and industrial (C&I), mining microgrid, and AI data center applications, to deliver a unified, scalable energy system capable of adapting to diverse operational requirements. Its system-level optimization enhances energy reliability, efficiency, and controllability across different use cases, supporting both grid-connected and off-grid scenarios.

“As renewable energy continues to grow as a dominant power source, the energy system is placing higher demands on the coordination and stability of solar and storage technologies,” said Lee Zhang, Sungrow Vice President and President of the Utility PV Inverter Business Unit. “Through the PowerMatrix, we aim to help advance this shift from standalone equipment integration to deeply coordinated system design, enabling solar-plus-storage to serve as an intelligent hub for future energy systems and making renewable energy a stable and dependable source of power.”

About Sungrow
Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 29 years. As of Dec 2025, Sungrow has installed over 1000 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The company is recognized as the world’s most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experiences. At Sungrow, we’re committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com/en

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Zurich launches Global Capability Center in Hyderabad to power next-gen tech and AI

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HYDERABAD, India, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) today announced the launch of a new Global Capability Center in Hyderabad, reinforcing its focus on advancing technology and AI capabilities to transform insurance.

Zurich has appointed Amit Kalra as Head of Zurich Capability Centers, effective 1 July 2026. Based in India, he will shape the Group’s Capability Center strategy and oversee all locations globally. He will also lead the establishment and expansion of the Hyderabad center, supporting Zurich’s broader technology and AI ambitions. Mr. Kalra brings extensive experience in building and leading global capability centers as strategic enablers for complex, international organizations.

Cara Morton, CEO Zurich Global Businesses & Operations, said: “India is a key talent market for Zurich, and Hyderabad stands out for its depth of engineering expertise and innovation. This center reflects a shift in how we build for the future, strengthening our global technology and AI capabilities while giving highly skilled professionals the opportunity to work on solutions that make a real impact for our customers around the world.”

The Hyderabad center will act as a strategic extension of Zurich’s global operating model, with end–to–end ownership across engineering, data and core business operations. From day one, the center will embed AI–enabled ways of working into how solutions are designed, delivered and scaled across the Group. Designed as a purpose-built environment, the center allows Zurich to build modern, technology and AI–led capabilities without legacy constraints.

As the center grows, Zurich will recruit specialists across cloud and platform engineering, data and AI, application development, cybersecurity and quality engineering. Teams will be responsible for the full lifecycle of their solutions – from design, to build, to execution – and will contribute directly to global platforms and solutions.

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London’s Top Restaurants Named at Inaugural OpenTable Awards, Including New ‘Icons’

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OpenTable unveils its first-ever Restaurant Awards winners, including the new ‘Icons’* list spotlighting the restaurants defining London dining todayWinners include BRUTTO for the Icons list, Singburi for Opening of the Year and The Plimsoll for Gastropub of the Year

LONDON, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — London’s dining powerhouses have been revealed, as OpenTable names the favourite restaurants shaping the city’s food scene at its first-ever OpenTable Restaurant Awards. The winners span across three categories; OpenTable Icons*, Restaurateurs’ Choice,** and People’s Choice.** 

Hosted by Chef and social media personality, Poppy O’Toole, the awards took place on 27th April high in the London skyline at Landing Forty Two, welcoming key figures from the food, drink, and hospitality industry.

At the centre of the Awards is OpenTable’s new ‘Icons’*, 26 culinary landmarks shaping London’s dining culture. Spanning long-standing institutions, MICHELIN-starred restaurants and modern favourites, the list was hand-selected by an OpenTable-appointed panel of critics and industry experts who live and breathe the city’s food scene.

The 2026 OpenTable London Icons:

64 Goodge Street | Andrew Edmunds | Blacklock Soho | Bouchon Racine | Brawn | BRUTTO | Chez Bruce | CORE by Clare Smyth | Da Terra | Darjeeling Express | Donia | Hawksmoor St Pancras | Humble Chicken | JUNO Omakase | MAMBOW | Moro | Portland | Restaurant Gordon Ramsay | Rita’s | Scott’s Mayfair | St. JOHN Smithfield | The Clove Club | The Ledbury | The Plimsoll | The Quality Chop House | Trinity

OpenTable Icons has a designation within the website and app, making it easier for diners to discover and book the ‘of the moment’ restaurants. 

Beyond the Icons list, the awards honoured standout performers across categories voted for by diners and hospitality professionals.

The People’s Choice (Voted by Diners):

Bucket List: The LedburyGastropub of the Year: The PlimsollOpening of the Year: SingburiNeighbourhood Gem: St. JOHN SmithfieldStandout Service: Rita’s

The Restaurateurs’ Choice (Voted by the Industry):

Everyday Hero: David Moore, Pied à TerreUp & Coming: Dara Klein, Tiella Trattoria & BarInnovation Award: Three SheetsImpact Award: BubalaRestaurant Design: Berners Tavern

Awards host Poppy O’Toole said, “It was a privilege to celebrate the chefs, front-of-house teams and restaurateurs whose passion keeps London’s dining culture so vibrant. From neighbourhood gems to destination dining rooms, the OpenTable Restaurant Awards winners show the breadth, creativity and resilience of the city’s restaurant scene today.” 

“Our first-ever OpenTable Restaurant Awards winners are the places defining London’s culture right now, setting global standards and creating experiences that stay with diners long after they leave,” said Laure Bornet, Senior Vice President of International Growth at OpenTable. “At a time of real pressure for the industry, celebrating and backing the people and places raising the bar matters more than ever, and we’re proud to champion these standout spots to diners.”

The Icons were selected by a panel of judges including: Adam Hyman, Owner of CODE Hospitality and The Good Food Guide, Ben Benton and Freddy Clode, Hosts of The Go-To Food Podcast; Ben Lippett, Cook and Food Writer; Jenny Lau, Writer and Community Chef; Jimi Famurewa, Food Writer, Restaurant Critic and Broadcaster; Lorraine Copes, Founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality and Seema Pankhania, Food Content Creator and Author. 

You can find the full list of Icons here and award winners linked here. A selection of high-res imagery is available here

NOTES TO EDITORS

*OpenTable Icon Methodology: The ‘Icon’ designation and associated restaurant nominations are determined by an OpenTable-appointed industry panel via a qualitative assessment of a pre-determined shortlist. This shortlist is generated through a combination of data-informed insights (diner reviews, ratings, and platform signals) and expert input from local specialists. This process represents a subjective assessment rather than an objective ranking or exhaustive list. Eligibility is merit-based and requires no purchase or commercial participation, and payment to OpenTable does not influence the likelihood of nomination or selection. All selections are discretionary, final, and binding. 

**OpenTable Restaurant Awards Terms & Conditions: https://www.opentable.co.uk/c/awards-london/terms/ 

About OpenTable:

OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), helps more than 65,000 restaurants worldwide fill 1.9 billion seats a year. OpenTable’s world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most – their team, their guests, and their bottom line – while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion. 

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