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Electronic Merchant Systems Announces Strategic Majority Investment from BharCap Partners

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Investment Empowers Next Stage of Growth and Innovation for Leading Merchant Services Provider

CLEVELAND, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Financial Technology company Electronic Merchant Systems (EMS), an industry-leading merchant solutions and payments provider, is pleased to announce a strategic majority investment by BharCap Partners, LLC (“BharCap”), a Greenwich, CT based private investment firm focused on the financial services sector. The investment marks a significant milestone in EMS’ growth journey and enables the company to accelerate growth and enhance its client service offerings. 

EMS offers payment processing solutions for retail and eCommerce merchants through three distinct go-to-market sales channels, with a focus on eCommerce and small-to-medium sized merchants. EMS processes approximately $6 Billion in transaction volume for 25,000 merchants nationwide. With a seasoned leadership team, a scalable platform, and unique distribution channels, EMS is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities and expand its merchant network.

Afshin Yazdian, who joined EMS as CEO and Executive Chairman in 2023, commented, “This is a big moment for EMS and our incredible team, and we look forward to working with a great partner in BharCap. We are now well positioned to continue the transformation of EMS into a leading FinTech Platform. I am grateful for BharCap’s belief in our vision and strategy.  I am excited to work with the team and BharCap to continue to build our amazing organization.”

EMS was previously majority-owned by Jim Weiland, who founded the company in 1988. The company began as a local three-person sales office and has expanded to operate nationwide. Jim will retain a minority ownership stake in EMS and will remain on the EMS Board of Directors post-transaction.

Jim noted, “I could not be happier about the outcome for EMS. Afshin has a proven track record of building great companies and established himself as a highly effective leader who can now take EMS to another level of size and scale. I am also grateful to FT Partners for their support throughout this transaction. I look forward to working with Bharath and the team at BharCap as I believe they are the perfect partner for me and the EMS management team. I admire BharCap’s approach and style when working with founders; it is clear they have walked in our shoes. The BharCap team’s operational and strategic orientation, coupled with their sector expertise, will help drive our next phase of growth. I also would like to thank our dedicated and hardworking employees, who play an integral part in the growth and achievements of EMS. Our company’s success is a reflection of their efforts. I am excited for the growth opportunities that will be available to them as EMS enters this new chapter.”

Bharath Srikrishnan, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of BharCap, noted, “The payment processing industry was the first financial services sub-sector I worked in 24 years ago, and I have always considered it to be one of the most attractive sub-sectors in which to invest. We first met EMS almost a decade ago, and we have deep respect for EMS’ ability to deliver unparalleled service to their partners in the digital economy. As entrepreneurs ourselves, we have tremendous empathy for founders, and are therefore often chosen to be a company’s first capital partner – and we do not take this responsibility lightly. We hope to build on EMS’ great legacy while also leveraging our proven toolkit to help management execute its next phase of innovation and expansion.”

In the past 15 months, BharCap has invested approximately $700 Million of equity, comprising $1.7 Billion in enterprise value, in five companies in the payment processing, insurance services, insurance distribution, wealth management and specialty finance sub-sectors of financial services, in each case backing proven management teams to capitalize on demonstrated secular growth trends.

With BharCap’s investment and partnership, EMS expects to become an active player in the M&A market. In January 2024, EMS further bolstered its distribution channels and significantly expanded its technology stack through the acquisition of Los Angeles, California-based PaymentCloud. 

Ethan Wang, BharCap Co-Founder and Partner, added, “Afshin brings considerable M&A expertise to EMS, which coupled with BharCap’s resources, will enable the company to become a credible acquiror of payment processing businesses and merchant portfolios. We look forward to helping EMS develop into a reliable and repeatable strategic acquiror.” 

In conjunction with BharCap’s investment, BharCap Operating Partners and strategic advisors Raj Date and Karl Mehta will join the EMS Board of Directors alongside Bharath Srikrishnan, Ethan Wang, Jim Weiland and Afshin Yazdian. Both Raj and Karl are financial technology veterans who bring decades of experience to the EMS Board.

Financial Technology Partners (FT Partners) served as exclusive financial advisor and Sullivan & Cromwell along with UB Greensfelder served as legal counsel to EMS. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP served as legal counsel to BharCap. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Electronic Merchant Systems:  

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Electronic Merchant Systems is an industry-leading merchant services provider that businesses depend on for their processing needs. Over 25,000 retail, internet, and omnichannel customers nationwide rely on the firm’s diverse suite of modern payment solutions.

From credit card processing and risk management to gateways and virtual terminals, sales software, and web management, EMS offers comprehensive tools that empower businesses to thrive. EMS enables frictionless onboarding, swift underwriting, and exemplary post-approval merchant support. Our operations encompass research and development, underwriting, sales, marketing, and end-to-end innovation. EMS further leverages the robust services of its subsidiaries, MaxxPay, Total Touch, Paysley and PaymentCloud, to drive success for clients. Discover more at https://www.emscorporate.com.

About BharCap Partners: 

BharCap Partners, LLC is a private investment firm investing in businesses across the financial services industry including financial technology and tech-enabled services; insurance distribution and insurance services; and asset and wealth management. BharCap manages over $2 billion of capital across 12 investments. For more information, please visit https://bharcap.com.

Media Contacts:
Delia Cannan / Pamela Greene
Reevemark
212-433-4600
BharCapPartnersTeam@reevemark.com 

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SOURCE Electronic Merchant Systems

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THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE ENHANCES NATIONAL RESILIENCE THROUGH SMART DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 20, The Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, officiated the Defence Services Asia (DSA) & National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2026 Opening Ceremony at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

Themed “Enhancing Capabilities and Resilience Through Technology”, the 19th Edition of the DSA 2026 Exhibition will run for four days from 20 to 23 April 2026. This exhibition aims to enhance defence capabilities and drive future technology to ensure national resilience through innovation, international cooperation and the development of the local defence industry ecosystem.

The main focus of this event is on the evolution of defence technology that has shifted from conventional assets to smart systems. Emphasis is placed on mastering technology that is capable of facing the security threats of the new millennium which are asymmetric and hybrid in nature.

Among the core advanced technologies featured :

a) Autonomous & Robotic Systems: Exhibition of various variations of unmanned systems (UAV, UGV, and UUV) equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) for long-distance monitoring and detection operations.

b) Digital & Cyber Defence: Application of new generation encryption technology and cybersecurity platforms to protect the country’s data sovereignty and critical infrastructure.

c) Sensor & Electronic Technology: High-precision radar and sensor systems that enable ATM readiness to be at an optimal level in monitoring space, maritime, and land in real-time.

In line with this global technology exposure, the government continues to strengthen the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) as the main mechanism for technology transfer. Through the ICP, the involvement of international industry players is required to contribute to the development of local talent and research and development (R&D) in the high-tech sector.

Among the key segments highlighted are the CBRNe Arena, focusing on technologies related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats; the Firearms and Tactical Equipment Segment, showcasing the latest operational capabilities and equipment; and the Coalition of Defence Industry Malaysia (CDIM) Pavilion, which highlights the capabilities of the country’s defence industry. The DSA & NATSEC Asia Lab also showcases innovation initiatives by providing a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to introduce their innovations on the international stage.

This edition recorded the participation of 1,456 companies from 63 countries, including 37 international pavilions, as well as approximately 600 official delegations and 50,000 trade visitors from more than 114 countries within the 48,000-square-metre exhibition space. This scale of participation reflects the strategic importance of the exhibition at the global level and further demonstrates Malaysia’s position as a strategic meeting point for defence and security cooperation.

Also present were the Minister of Defence, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin; Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar; Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Johari bin Abdul; Chairman of DSA Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin; Chief of Defence Force, General Datuk Haji Malek Razak bin Sulaiman; Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defence, Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali; Deputy Minister of Defence, YB Adly Zahari; as well as top management and senior officers of the Ministry and the Malaysian Armed Forces.

– END –

“‘MALAYSIA MADANI” “BERKHIDMAT UNTUK NEGARA”
”PERTAHANAN NEGARA, TANGGUNGJAWAB BERSAMA”

Ministry of Defence Malaysia
20 April 2026

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SOURCE DSA & NATSEC ASIA

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Grantd Launches Platform to Help Employees Understand Their Equity, Build Confidence in Their Financial Plan, and Connect to Advice When They Need It

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New Platform Gives Every Equity Recipient a Personalized View of Their Awards — and a Clear Path to Understand, Act, and Get Advice on Them

DENVER, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Grantd, an AI-powered equity compensation platform whose advisor platform helps advisors manage over $14 billion in assets under administration for more than 400 registered investment advisory firms and 14,000 clients, today announced the launch of its issuer platform, Grantd for Work. The platform is built to give employees a clear, personalized understanding of their equity compensation — what they have, what it’s worth, how it fits into their broader financial picture, and what they should consider doing about it. Equity compensation is complex, and for most employees, it has been difficult to navigate without dedicated resources and support. Grantd for Work changes that — providing the tools, education, and guidance employees need to understand their awards with confidence, and connecting them to a financial advisor when they’re ready to take the next step.

“It gives every employee a real, personalized view of their equity — what it means for their financial goals, what actions they should consider, and a direct line to advice when they need it.”

The launch marks a significant expansion of Grantd’s reach — from individual equity recipients and their financial advisors to the employers and employees inside the companies that grant those awards. It also helps HR and compensation administrators gain better visibility into their programs, reduce the volume of manual employee questions, and identify where engagement and retention may be at risk.

“Equity is one of the most powerful forms of compensation companies offer — but for most employees, it’s also one of the least understood,” said Brian McDonald, Founder & CEO of Grantd. “An employee might receive an RSU grant, watch it vest, and still have no idea what the tax implications are, whether they should sell or hold, or how it changes their financial picture. Grantd for Work changes that. It gives every employee a real, personalized view of their equity — what it means for their financial goals, what actions they should consider, and a direct line to advice when they need it.”

Grantd for Work is built around the employee experience. Key capabilities include:

A personalized equity dashboard showing each employee’s total portfolio value, vested and unvested equity broken down by grant, external holdings, and concentration risk — giving them a complete, real-time picture of what they own, what it’s worth, and how it fits into their overall financial picture.AI-powered document reading that automatically extracts holdings from any brokerage statement or equity award summary — from any provider — so the platform is accurate and fully populated from day one, with no manual entry required.Financial goal tracking that maps each employee’s equity directly to their personal financial goals — financial independence, early retirement, a home purchase — showing whether they’re on track, what’s at risk, and how upcoming vests and exercises could change the outcome.A full equity planning toolkit, including concentration analysis, price target modeling, growth scenario projections, exercise planning, withholding analysis, and trading window tracking — alongside pre-built strategy templates like sell-to-cover, diversification sell-down, and automated trading plans.Ask Grant, an AI equity guide built directly into the platform that answers employees’ most pressing questions — from how RSU income is taxed at vest to what the ESPP 15% discount means for their tax situation — in plain language, on demand.AI agents that work for every employee — Grantd’s AI agents don’t wait to be asked. They continuously analyze each employee’s equity portfolio and surface timely, personalized insights. Every insight is specific to that employee — not generic equity education, but guidance grounded in what they actually hold.A learning center with articles and guides covering equity basics, tax and finance, investing strategy, and company-specific plan guides — so employees can build real confidence in their equity, not just access to it.A direct connection to financial advice when employees are ready to go beyond self-service — with their complete equity profile already structured and ready to share with an advisor.

For HR and compensation administrators, the platform also provides visibility into how equity programs are performing across the organization — including a live dashboard of total equity wealth created by employee, department, and level; proactive retention signals for employees with expiring grants or low engagement; and competitive equity modeling tools to help design compelling offers for prospective hires.

The new platform arrives at a time when industry leaders are rethinking equity program design and employee share plan strategy. Grantd will further that conversation at the Global Equity Organization’s (GEO) 27th Annual Conference in Austin, taking place April 21–23, 2026. On Wednesday, April 22, Brian McDonald will join the expert panel, “Strategic Shifts in Employee Share Plans: How Companies Are Redesigning Equity for 2026 and Beyond,” alongside fellow Grantd Advisory Board members Billy Vitense of Starbucks, Christine Zwerling of Asana, and Melissa Howell of Nike.

To learn more about Grantd for Work or schedule a demonstration, visit Grantd online at https://www.grantdequity.com/.

About Grantd:

Founded by Brian McDonald, Grantd is an AI-powered equity compensation platform built to simplify how equity is understood, managed, and acted on. Its advisor platform manages over $14 billion in assets under administration for more than 400 registered investment advisory firms, 2,600 advisors, and 14,000 clients. With the launch of Grantd for Work, the company now serves the full equity ecosystem — from individual equity recipients and their advisors to the employees who hold those awards and the HR and compensation teams who design and run the programs. Grantd is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

Media Contact

Jane Kim, Grantd Equity, 1 (303) 515-3158, jane.kim@grantdequity.com, grantdequity.com

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SOURCE Grantd Equity

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FERMI PROVIDES BUSINESS UPDATE

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DALLAS, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fermi Inc. (d/b/a Fermi America) (NASDAQ: FRMI) (LSE: FRMI), operating as Fermi America™ (“Fermi” or the “Company”), subsequent to the Company’s announcement of Fermi 2.0 on April 20, 2026, has received significant and positive feedback from multiple potential tenants, the Company’s landlord, the Texas Tech University System, as well as suppliers, vendors, contractors, financing sources, and other partners. The Company is gratified by that feedback and is pursuing Fermi 2.0’s business and leadership objectives with all deliberate speed.

The Company also acknowledges receipt of a letter from Mr. Toby Neugebauer, and has reviewed a press release issued by him, calling for the initiation of a process for the immediate sale of the Company. As Mr. Neugebauer indicated in his press release, he was removed from his position on April, 17, 2026,  after careful consideration by the Company’s Board of Directors in accordance with its fiduciary duties. Given recent changes in leadership, which position the Company for its next chapter of growth and evolution from a startup to a scaled enterprise, the Company firmly believes a sale is not in the best interest of its continued momentum on Project Matador, ability to serve potential tenants and long-term value creation for shareholders. The Board, consistent with its fiduciary duties, will carefully review all avenues to maximize shareholder value, which include continued execution of its business plan, strategic investments from third parties, joint ventures or other transactions.

About Fermi America™

Fermi America™ (NASDAQ & LSE: FRMI) (fermiamerica.com) is pioneering the development of next-generation private electric grids that deliver highly redundant power at gigawatt scale, required to create next-generation artificial intelligence. Co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Co-Founder and former Co-Managing Partner of Quantum Energy Toby Neugebauer, Fermi America™ combines cutting-edge technology with a deep bench of proven world-class multi-disciplinary leaders to create the world’s largest, 17 GW next-generation private HyperGrid campus. Project Matador is expected to integrate the nation’s biggest combined-cycle natural gas project, one of the largest clean, new nuclear power complexes in America, utility grid power, solar power, and battery energy storage, to deliver hyperscaler artificial intelligence.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

If the Company determines to hold a special meeting of shareholders, the Company will file a proxy statement on Schedule 14A, an accompanying white proxy card and other relevant documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s shareholders for such meeting. SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE COMPANY’S DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO), IF ANY, AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY, IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders may obtain a copy of any definitive proxy statement of the Company, an accompanying white proxy card, any amendments or supplements thereto and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC if and when they become available at no charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies will also be available at no charge in the “SEC Filings” subsection of the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://fermiamerica.com/ or by contacting the Company’s Investor Relations Department at IR@fermiamerica.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

Participants in the Solicitation

If the Company determines to hold a special meeting of shareholders, the Company, its directors and certain of its executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s shareholders in connection with matters to be considered at such special meeting of shareholders. Information regarding the direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, of the Company’s directors and executive officers is included in the Company’s final prospectus, filed with the SEC on October 1, 2025, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2026, and in the Company’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC from time to time. Changes to the direct or indirect interests of the Company’s directors and executive officers are set forth in SEC filings on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 3 or Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4. These documents are available free of charge as described above. Updated information regarding the identities of potential participants and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, in the Company will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement for the Company’s special meeting of shareholders and other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC, if and when they become available.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release which are not historical facts, such as those relating to future events, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Fermi undertakes no duty to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Investors should consult further disclosures and risk factors included in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, the Registration Statement on Form S-8 and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC by Fermi.

 

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SOURCE Fermi Inc.

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