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Ageras eyes potential cross-border expansion of Shine following French regulator approval of acquisition of the business banking platform

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2 years ago

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With the French banking regulator ACPR’s approval, Ageras not only completes its takeover of Shine from Société Générale, but obtains a crucial payment institution license that could see expansion of the French business banking platform to Ageras’ home markets and beyond as part of the Danish fintech’s pan-European expansion plans, says CEO.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ageras, a leading fintech platform for accounting software, business banking and admin tools in Europe, has received final approval by the French banking regulator ACPR to complete its acquisition of Shine, the French business banking platform, in a divestment transaction by banking institution Société Générale announced in June, 2024 that is already spelling a momentous leap ahead for Ageras in France. Yet, the important approval and opportunity to provide bank accounts and payment services under its own license also spells a unique opportunity that could see the expansion of Shine’s services to Ageras’ home markets and beyond as part of the Danish fintech platform’s pan-European expansion plans in 2025 and onwards, says CEO:

“We built Ageras to enable success for small businesses everywhere, and this includes constantly developing and expanding our platform’s service offering across all markets. From different countries, we have shared that same mission and it’s time to join forces: Combining Shine’s banking expertise and presence in France with the strength of Ageras’ platform makes us bigger, broader and more competitive than ever. We also hope to bring Shine to familiar shores and new markets in the coming years as well”, says Rico Andersen, CEO and Co-Founder of Ageras.

“Entrepreneurs need more simplicity in a heavily regulated environment. They want to save time and are looking for interconnected products. Joining Ageras is a no-brainer. Together we will be able to offer a state-of-the-art, comprehensive solution that simplifies the daily life of entrepreneurs, not only in France, but throughout Europe. We are excited to begin this international chapter”, adds Jean-Baptiste Sciandra, CEO of Shine.

A pan-European champion to support SME ambitions everywhere

Founded in 2012 by Rico Andersen and Martin Hegelund, Ageras has already raised over €200 million and is backed in its acquisition strategy by major global investors, including Investcorp, Luxor Capital, Rabobank and Lazard. Praised for its accounting automation, financial forecasting, administrative and tax reporting features or even connecting businesses with accountants, Ageras acquires a new banking expertise with Shine. Together, they will serve more than 300,000 customers.

“This is our largest and most transformative acquisition so far. Shine is an expert at managing the daily banking needs of entrepreneurs while we have a sharp understanding of their administrative, accounting, and financial challenges. Together, we’ll enable SME owners to run their business to success, ideally spending zero minutes on administration”, explains Rico Andersen.

Shining over the French market

Ageras takes over all the activities operated by Shine, including all employees of the entity which allows the Danish-founded fintech to expand its foothold in France, a core market that keeps growing. The country has approximately 4.2 million SMEs. Their numbers increased by 7.7% between 2020 and 2022 and approximately doubled from 2012 to 2022 (source: OECD).

“Shine is a reference for online business accounts, renowned for its stellar customer support. We are looking forward to delivering a complete offering of key financial solutions in France, mirroring our success in other core markets”, says Rico Andersen, CEO of Ageras.

“Shine’s entire team continues its mission. Only on a different scale – that of Europe. We are thrilled knowing our customers will soon benefit from Ageras’ software” says Jean-Baptiste Sciandra, CEO of Shine.

About Ageras 

Ageras was founded in 2012 by serial entrepreneurs Rico Andersen and Martin Hegelund, who together have over 30 years of experience building internet businesses. Ageras’ vision is to create success for small businesses by simplifying their administration. By integrating its solutions into a single platform for invoicing, accounting, payroll, banking and financing, it enables business owners to focus on running their business. The company’s investors include Investcorp, Rabo Frontier Ventures (Rabobank) and Lugard Road Capital (Luxor Capital), Folketrygdfondet and Lazard.

For more information, please visit www.ageras.com

About Shine 

Launched in 2018, Shine offers a 100% online business account for companies and freelancers. More than just a business banking platform, Shine is a true partner that supports entrepreneurs on a daily basis. It is renowned for its stellar customer support, awarded “Best customer service in the business banking category” by ESCDA in 2024 and 2025. Shine also received the B Corp certification in 2020, recognizing companies that meet high social and environmental standards.

For more information, visit www.shine.fr

Press contact:

Marine Bryszkowski
press@ageras.com
+33 06 66 29 16 98

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/ageras/r/ageras-eyes-potential-cross-border-expansion-of-shine-following-french-regulator-approval-of-acquisi,c4080548

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America’s Largest Political Group Is Getting Its Own Election Night

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23 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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A record 45% of Americans identify with neither party. On November 3, they get the first nationally televised Election Night built around the independent voter bloc, presented by United Independents, the organization behind the Independent National Convention, in partnership with DeFiance Media.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Can the country’s largest bloc of voters turn identity into representation? Independents now make up 45% of U.S. adults, a record high in Gallup’s 2025 data, yet partisan coverage continues to dominate mainstream mediums. On November 3, one broadcast will cover the election from the Independent point of view.

Broadcast live from the National Press Club’s television studio in Washington, D.C. Election Night 2026: Independent Edition is an eight-hour program hosted by Christopher Life, founder and CEO of United Independents, and Macy Gunnell, NewsForce’s White House correspondent. DeFiance Media will be producing and streaming the broadcast.

Built on live election data from The Associated Press (AP), the program will call the national races as the returns come in. Then it goes where other broadcasts don’t: race-by-race coverage of independent candidates in consequential congressional contests, and guest conversations with the strategists and organizers behind them.

Built for the Voters Both Parties Are Chasing

Two generations of Americans have come of age as independent voters, and in 74 years of nationally televised Election Night broadcasts, not one has been built around them. This one is: national results and the balance of power, dedicated coverage of the independent candidates who could tip the next Congress, and a live chat with selected viewer questions put to the hosts and guests on air.

Open to Every Newsroom

Television pool feed. U.S. television outlets, including local stations, can carry the program live, in full or in part, separate from DeFiance Media’s full-program streaming.Social streaming. The broadcast streams through participating social media partners. Channels that want to carry it can sign up at Election2026.live.Live clips and excerpts. Newsrooms, commentators, and creators can pull portions of the program for reporting and social distribution while the broadcast is underway.

Request access through the Media & Distribution Access Form at Election2026.live.

Free and Accessible Nationwide

Going live Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, from 6 PM- 2 AM ET. Updates, guest announcements, and viewing instructions: Election2026.live.

Media Contact

Shaun Saunders
shaun@graffiticreativegroup.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americas-largest-political-group-is-getting-its-own-election-night-302919753.html

SOURCE DeFiance Media

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Pianist Michael Weinstein Wins Best Social Media Music Collaborations at the 2026 Vega Awards

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23 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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With more than a million followers across social media, Weinstein’s piano collaborations bring together vocalists from around the world to create unique musical performances and reach new audiences.

SOUTH SALEM, N.Y., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Pianist, entrepreneur and social media creator Michael Weinstein has been recognized at the 2026 Vega Digital Awards in the Social Media Collaboration category for his music collaboration series, Piano Sessions: Bringing Voices Together Through Music.

“I love collaborating with talented singers including building friendships that have become just as meaningful as the music itself.”

Weinstein has built a social media audience of more than a million followers across TikTok, Instagram and other platforms by sharing piano performances and collaborations with singers from around the world. His videos feature vocalists performing alongside his piano accompaniment, creating intimate musical performances that showcase each artist’s individual talent and style.

While Weinstein has spent much of his professional career building businesses and marketing consumer brands, music has always remained one of his greatest passions.

“Music has always been a huge part of my life and one of the things I enjoy most is collaborating with other musicians,” said Weinstein. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many incredibly talented singers and I love being able to play alongside them and create something special together. It’s also rewarding to introduce these artists to new audiences while building relationships and friendships that have become just as meaningful as the music itself.”

An accomplished pianist and keyboardist, Weinstein has collaborated with an impressive range of vocalists, including artists who have performed and recorded with Maroon 5, Sting, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Usher, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott. He has also collaborated with standout performers from American Idol, America’s Got Talent and The Voice.

Weinstein is also planning a live concert in New York City in 2027, bringing together several of the talented vocalists featured on his social media channels for a special collaborative performance. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.

Outside of music, Weinstein is the Founder and CEO of JAM Direct, a marketing and advertising agency, and former Chief Marketing Officer of Allstar Products Group, where he was responsible for marketing some of the most successful products in “As Seen On TV” history, including the Snuggie, ShamWow and Shake Weight.

Watch Michael Weinstein’s performances here:

https://linktr.ee/mweinsteinmusic

About the Vega Digital Awards

The Vega Digital Awards is an international competition recognizing excellence in social media, digital marketing and brand strategy. Judged by the International Awards Associate (IAA), the competition honors work that demonstrates innovation, effectiveness and measurable impact across the global marketing landscape.

Media Contact

Michael Weinstein, JAM Direct, 1 9146610053, mw@jamdirect.com, https://michaelweinstein.me/

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SOURCE JAM Direct

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Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

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1 hour ago

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October 26, 2026

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CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

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