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SEABOURN ANNOUNCES STELLAR LINEUP OF ENTERTAINMENT AND CONVERSATIONS SPEAKERS FOR 2024 GRAND AFRICA VOYAGE

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The 90-day Grand Africa Voyage will feature a brand-new collection of cast shows, performances from 28 acclaimed guest entertainers and conversations with renowned experts, explorers and dignitaries

SEATTLE, Aug. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, announced a powerhouse lineup of entertainment and Seabourn Conversations speakers during the 2024 90-day Grand Africa Voyage on Seabourn Sojourn. The bespoke, curated program will feature a brand-new collection of cast shows, 28 guest entertainers, and 12 renowned speakers, including West End Star Ricardo Afonso, soul singer and American Idol star Michael Lynche, explorer and TV host Dr. Mireya Mayor, and Iceland’s First Lady, Eliza Reid.

Guests on the Grand Africa Voyage will experience a dynamic and enriching lineup of live musical performances, engaging lectures and presentations, comedy skits, variety shows and more as the voyage explores Africa’s diverse coastlines and cultural landscapes. Additionally, guests will be among the first to experience Seabourn’s all-new entertainment concept: “The Seabourn Six” produced exclusively for Seabourn by Belinda King Creative Productions.

“Our entertainment team has worked tirelessly to curate a bespoke and unforgettable program, featuring distinguished speakers and a star-studded line-up of performers to create truly enriching ‘Seabourn Moments’ for our guests as they experience Africa’s most beautiful destinations,” said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn.

Brand-New Entertainment Experiences and Guest Performers

Seabourn Sojourn will host 28 guest entertainers, from world-renowned theater performers to variety show comedians and classical musicians. Featured entertainers include the following:

West End Star – Ricardo Afonso
December 1-7, 2024
Ricardo is an exceptional vocalist and has performed in an extraordinary number of West End theatre production shows and workshops. Guests will join the West End star for an evening filled with highlights from his professional career, heartwarming stories, and iconic songs.

Soul Singer and American Idol Star – Michael Lynche
December 9-15, 2024
Michael Lynche, known as “Big Mike” from American Idol, has released two studio albums and toured internationally, headlining a Mediterranean tour. A frequent guest vocalist with Maestro Jeff Tyzik’s “Let’s Dance!” show, he recently collaborated with Tyzik on the soul revue “R&B Legends,” performing with orchestras across the U.S. and Canada.

Comedian – Tony Daro
December 17-26, 2024
Tony Daro is an established star of the New York comedy scene and has written for several high-profile comedians, including Jay Leno, Bill Maher, David Letterman, Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey. He has won three Writer’s Guild awards for comedy writing and has been nominated for an Emmy for his work on “Saturday Night Live.” Tony has appeared in dozens of television performances but always cherishes his live performances.

Musical Ensemble – The Charl du Plessis Trio
January 23-27, 2025
The Charl du Plessis Trio, one of South Africa’s most recognizable musical ensembles, has won numerous awards, including a Fiësta, four SAMA awards, and a Ghoema for Best Instrumental Album. Formed in 2006, the trio performs a diverse range of music from classical to jazz and frequently tours Europe, Asia, and major South African festivals, featuring pianist Charl du Plessis, bassist Werner Spies, and drummer Peter Auret.

Vocalist and Performer – Jonathan Roxmouth
February 3-15, 2025
A South African performer, Jonathan rose to prominence in the Barnyard Theatre’s 2006 production of “Grease” and later starred as the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera”. He has won multiple awards, including Naledi and Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards, and recently returned to South Africa with his hit show, “Key Change – My Favourite Pianists”, breaking box office records.

Additionally, Seabourn’s brand-new entertainment concept, “The Seabourn Six” collection will feature bespoke productions with a new line-up of six multi-talented artists from around the world. Performances include “Better Together!”, a production that celebrates great bands like the Beatles, Aerosmith and U2; “Skyline”, which takes guests on a captivating journey to some of the world’s most iconic city skylines; “Earthsong” where immersive visuals bring the elements and nature to life in a unique and emotive production; and “Silverscreen!” Where “The Seabourn Six” performs iconic music from recent musicals including Dear Evan Hansen and Moulin Rouge.

Dynamic and Engaging Seabourn Conversations

Seabourn has assembled a dynamic lineup of luminaries and experts for Seabourn Conversations. Designed to enlighten, inform and entertain guests, the complimentary program offers guests the chance to interact with the finest minds in science, history, culture and exploration. Each speaker will offer fascinating insights, expert opinions and enlightening conversations while presenting lectures, sharing meals, adventuring ashore, and socializing with guests throughout the voyage. Featured Seabourn Conversationalists include the following:

Explorer, Adventurer & Author – Riaan Manser
January 4-12, 2025
Riaan Manser, a South African explorer, gained prominence as the first person to cycle around the perimeter of Africa, covering 37,000 km through 34 countries in over 24 months. His achievement earned him the title “Out There Adventurer of the Year 2006,” and his book, “Around Africa on my Bicycle,” became a bestseller.

Former Private Secretary to Nelson Mandela – Zelda La Grange
January 14-27, 2025
Zelda la Grange is an international motivational speaker. After serving Nelson Mandela for almost 20 years in many roles and as his closest aide, she now shares her life-changing experiences inspired by one of the most influential statesmen and humanitarians.

Wildlife Photographer and Documentary Host – Chris Fallows
January 14-27, 2025
Chris Fallows is a fine art wildlife photographer, documentary host, naturalist, and conservationist. Known for discovering the breaching great white shark behavior at Seal Island in Cape Town, he has co-authored 18 scientific papers and hosted the popular “Air Jaws” series on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week since 2001. Through his art sales, he supports various non-governmental organizations and aims to preserve habitats and participate in re-wilding projects in Southern Africa.

Primatologist, Explorer and TV Host – Dr. Mireya Mayor
January 23-31, 2025
Dr. Mireya Mayor, is a renowned primatologist, National Science Foundation Fellow, Fulbright Scholar, and Emmy Award-nominated wildlife correspondent for National Geographic Channel. She is the Director of the Science Communications Initiative at Florida International University and a mother of six, she balances her diverse roles while earning the nickname “the female Indiana Jones.”

First Lady of Iceland – Eliza Reid
February 20-27, 2025
Eliza Reid, the First Lady of Iceland, is an author, entrepreneur, travel writer, and co-founder of the annual Iceland Writers Retreat. Her book, “Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World”, is a memoir exploring her life as a Canadian immigrant before and after her husband became President of Iceland.

Departing on November 30, 2024, Seabourn Sojourn will sail roundtrip from Barcelona on a 90-day voyage that includes visits to 42 marquee and off-the-beaten-path destinations and cities in 20 countries, with seven overnight stays. For guests who cannot sail the entire voyage, shorter segments are available, giving guests more flexibility and opportunities to add pre- or post-journeys to extend their experiences. Shorter segments include the following:

27-Day Jewels of Northwest AfricaNovember 30-December 27, 2024, from Barcelona to Cape Town17-Day Mozambique Channel Discovery & Zanzibar NightsDecember 27, 2024-January 13, 2025, from Cape Town to the Seychelles59-Day Northwest Africa to The Mozambique ChannelNovember 30, 2024January 28, 2025, from Barcelona to Cape Town22-Day West African Discovery: Cape Town To The Canaries January 28February 19, 2025, from Cape Town to Las Palmas

For reservations or more details about Seabourn’s Grand Africa voyage, please call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.seabourn.com, or contact a professional travel advisor.

About Seabourn:
Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of seven modern ships. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn Pursuit in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK).

Find Seabourn on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest

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XLCS Partners advises Concurrent Utility Services on sale to UniTek Global Services

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NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent Utility Services LLC on its acquisition by UniTek Global Services, Inc., a portfolio company of New Mountain Finance Corporation (Nasdaq: NMFC) and its affiliates, and BTG Pactual Strategic Capital.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Concurrent is a licensed general and electrical contractor providing infrastructure development and maintenance services to electric utilities, telecom providers, and land developers throughout the Southeast United States. The company’s capabilities span overhead and underground utility construction, professional telecom services, emergency service restoration, in-building networks, environmental services, and data center development. Backed by a safety-first culture and an experienced workforce, Concurrent has built a strong regional platform and a reputation for quality across the markets it serves.

UniTek is a leading digital infrastructure services provider supporting the expansion of fiber and data center connectivity across the U.S. and Canada. With over 600 employees and 60 locations, UniTek delivers a full suite of infrastructure services. The acquisition of Concurrent accelerates UniTek’s Power Services Division, which launched in July 2025 to broaden the company’s maintenance, repair, upgrade, and new infrastructure development services for the power sector. Concurrent’s established Southeast footprint and power capabilities directly complement UniTek’s existing broadband and data center infrastructure platform, positioning the combined company to capitalize on growing demand for resilient, modernized power infrastructure. Concurrent will continue to operate under its established brand, maintaining uninterrupted service for its customers.

“Selling Concurrent was one of the biggest decisions of my career, and Anthony, Jay, and the XLCS team guided us through every step with professionalism and genuine care for our people,” said Steve Sarno, CEO of Concurrent. “They stayed fully engaged throughout, gave us honest and thoughtful advice, kept our best interests front and center, and delivered an outcome that exceeded our expectations. I would recommend them without hesitation to any owner considering a transaction.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent, and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo, Partner, and Jay Cremer, Vice President. The transaction was completed on July 1, 2026.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.

XLCS Partners is a leading global investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services. Visit www.xlcspartners.com for more information.

Media Contact: 
Kendra Span 
kspan@xlcspartners.com
615-379-7783

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SOURCE XLCS Partners, Inc.

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XLCS Partners advises Concurrent Utility Services on sale to UniTek Global Services

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NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent Utility Services LLC on its acquisition by UniTek Global Services, Inc., a portfolio company of New Mountain Finance Corporation (Nasdaq: NMFC) and its affiliates, and BTG Pactual Strategic Capital.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Concurrent is a licensed general and electrical contractor providing infrastructure development and maintenance services to electric utilities, telecom providers, and land developers throughout the Southeast United States. The company’s capabilities span overhead and underground utility construction, professional telecom services, emergency service restoration, in-building networks, environmental services, and data center development. Backed by a safety-first culture and an experienced workforce, Concurrent has built a strong regional platform and a reputation for quality across the markets it serves.

UniTek is a leading digital infrastructure services provider supporting the expansion of fiber and data center connectivity across the U.S. and Canada. With over 600 employees and 60 locations, UniTek delivers a full suite of infrastructure services. The acquisition of Concurrent accelerates UniTek’s Power Services Division, which launched in July 2025 to broaden the company’s maintenance, repair, upgrade, and new infrastructure development services for the power sector. Concurrent’s established Southeast footprint and power capabilities directly complement UniTek’s existing broadband and data center infrastructure platform, positioning the combined company to capitalize on growing demand for resilient, modernized power infrastructure. Concurrent will continue to operate under its established brand, maintaining uninterrupted service for its customers.

“Selling Concurrent was one of the biggest decisions of my career, and Anthony, Jay, and the XLCS team guided us through every step with professionalism and genuine care for our people,” said Steve Sarno, CEO of Concurrent. “They stayed fully engaged throughout, gave us honest and thoughtful advice, kept our best interests front and center, and delivered an outcome that exceeded our expectations. I would recommend them without hesitation to any owner considering a transaction.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent, and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo, Partner, and Jay Cremer, Vice President. The transaction was completed on July 1, 2026.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.

XLCS Partners is a leading global investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services. Visit www.xlcspartners.com for more information.

Media Contact: 
Kendra Span 
kspan@xlcspartners.com
615-379-7783

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xlcs-partners-advises-concurrent-utility-services-on-sale-to-unitek-global-services-302833542.html

SOURCE XLCS Partners, Inc.

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Fathom Applauds Introduction of the FRONTIER Act, the First Federal Blueprint for Independent AI Verification

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Reps. Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) introduce a bill to build a competitive marketplace of independent verifiers for frontier AI models.

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fathom welcomes the introduction of the FRONTIER Act, the most complete federal framework yet for independent, third-party verification of frontier AI. The legislation is built to earn public trust as AI technology continues to accelerate. As frontier systems begin to take autonomous action in the world, the gap between what these models can do and our ability to keep them in check is widening. FRONTIER is the starting point to close that gap.

“AI governance keeps running into the same wall. The technology is hard to measure and it moves faster than any law can keep up with,” said Andrew Freedman, Co-Founder and CEO of Fathom. “Trying to write the perfect rules and freezing them in place won’t work. What will work is a competitive market of independent verifiers who are accountable for real-world outcomes and who the government can actually count on. The FRONTIER Act shows we can move fast and still get this right.”

The bill gets the fundamentals correct. It sets one public standard – the adequate mitigation of catastrophic risk – and holds both the AI companies and their independent verifiers accountable to it. FRONTIER does not freeze a single testing method into statute. Instead, it licenses competing verification organizations, allows them to sharpen their methods, and gives the government the power to revoke a license when a verifier’s work does not hold up in the field. That is how you build a system that keeps pace with the science instead of falling behind it.

Fathom thanks Reps. Trahan and Obernolte for their leadership, and for their courage in releasing a discussion draft, inviting scrutiny, and incorporating substantive improvements from across the field. One priority improvement as the bill advances: giving the government a fuller range of tools to act upstream – for pushing companies to close identified gaps in risk mitigation early, rather than only once a catastrophe is imminent. We are committed to working with these sponsors, committees of jurisdiction, and Congressional leadership to continue refining the bill in the weeks and months ahead.

About Fathom
Fathom is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to build a governance architecture that helps society navigate the transition to a world with AI by fostering trust, safety, and innovation. Fathom has developed and championed the independent verification model for AI and works with policymakers across the country to put it into practice. Learn more at http://fathom.org.

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SOURCE Fathom AI Inc.

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