Technology

5W Expands Tampa Headquarters as Firm Accelerates Growth Strategy in Florida

Published

4 hours ago

October 1, 2026

Independent PR firm doubles down on Tampa with expanded headquarters, growing local team, and plans to pursue strategic acquisitions.

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 5W, one of the largest independently owned PR and communications agencies in the U.S., is doubling down on Tampa and the Florida market.

Following the launch of its Miami and Tampa presence, 5W has expanded its Tampa footprint and secured additional space, creating a two-floor headquarters designed to support continued growth across clients, talent, and capabilities. The Tampa team has grown to more than 20 employees, with additional hiring underway as the office continues to expand.

The physical expansion is part of a broader strategy for 5W to build a significant presence in one of the country’s fastest-growing business markets to better serve clients across the nation and attract top talent, while also pursuing strategic acquisitions of independent communications and marketing firms.

“We didn’t come to Tampa to simply have an office here,” said Matthew Caiola, Chief Executive Officer of 5W. “We came here to build something that is representative of where 5W is going. The response from our team, clients, and the community has been tremendous, and taking additional space this quickly tells us we’re on the right track.”

That growth is happening alongside a broader evolution of the firm itself. As consumers increasingly discover brands and companies through AI search, 5W has been expanding its work in AI visibility and communications, helping brands understand how they appear across AI platforms and how earned media, content, and social media can influence visibility in an increasingly AI-driven information environment.

“We have always believed there is an opportunity to build a different kind of communications firm, one that is entrepreneurial, ambitious, and built for where communications is going,” said Leigh Ann Ambrosi, Managing Partner, EVP of Consumer Lifestyle. “The way people discover and evaluate brands is changing dramatically. We want to be ahead of that change and help our clients navigate it.”

The expanded Tampa headquarters will serve as a hub for 5W’s growing team and client work across consumer, corporate, technology, health and wellness, and beauty, while supporting the firms continued investment in integrated communications capabilities spanning AI visibility, media relations, digital marketing, and more.

“Tampa gives us an important foundation for this next phase of growth,” Caiola added. “We’re investing in people, infrastructure, and capabilities, and we’re open to bringing the right companies into the 5W family.”

The expansion follows a year of continued momentum for 5W, including the agency’s recent recognition among The PR Net Top 100 agencies, further reinforcing its position as one of the leading communications firms in the country.

With the growing Tampa team, expanded headquarters, evolving capabilities, and an active interest in strategic acquisitions, 5W is positioning its Florida presence as an important part of the firms next chapter and broader vision for the future of communications.

About 5W

5W is The Communications Firm Built for the AI Era, building brand authority across the platforms where decisions now happen – ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews, alongside earned media, digital, and influencer channels. 5W combines public relations, digital marketing, and proprietary AI visibility research to help clients measure and grow their presence in AI-driven discovery. Founded in 2003, 5W is recognized as a Top U.S. PR Agency by O’Dwyer’s, named Agency of the Year in the American Business Awards, honored as a 2026 Top Place to Work in Communications by Ragan, and named to Digiday’s WorkLife Employer of the Year list. 5W serves clients across B2C sectors — Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, and Nonprofit — and B2B specialties including Corporate Communications, Reputation Management, Public Affairs, Crisis Communications, and Digital Marketing across Social, Influencer, Paid Media, GEO, and SEO. Learn more at 5wpr.com.

Danielle Patterson
Senior Vice President, Marketing
DPatterson@5wpr.com

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SOURCE 5W Public Relations

Technology

Batteries Plus Fuels Franchise Growth with 19 New Q3 Signings

Published

12 minutes ago

October 1, 2026

Additional Franchise Agreements in Florida, Texas, and More Highlight Strong Momentum for Nation’s Leading Specialty Battery Franchise

HARTLAND, Wis., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Batteries Plus, the nation’s leading battery and power solutions service center, is fully charged heading into the end of 2026. The brand continued its strong, steady momentum in Q3, signing 19 new franchise agreements and opening 13 new locations across 6 markets, and is well positioned to carry that growth into Q4.

The continued growth we’re seeing reflects power and connectivity, and our brand is uniquely positioned to deliver both.

“The continued pace of growth we’re seeing clearly reflects power and connectivity, and Batteries Plus is uniquely positioned to deliver both,” said Victor Daher, Vice President of Global Franchise Development for Batteries Plus. “Entrepreneurs recognize that, and our pipeline of new franchisees and existing operators shows continued confidence in our brand, our innovation, and the strong returns our model can deliver.”

Batteries Plus continues its rapid growth with locations opening across six states, Florida, Utah, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Alabama, and Texas. This expansion reflects the high demand for Batteries Plus’ business model, and the excitement of franchise partners who are eager to bring the brand to their communities.

Inspirational Testimonials
From a Green Bay garage to a national franchise leader, Batteries Plus leadership shares the brand’s journey and their vision for what’s next. Watch the full video here.

Founded nearly 40 years ago in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Batteries Plus has grown from a garage, into what leadership calls a “walk-in clinic for batteries.” The company kept every door open during COVID, and recorded its best signing year in 2021, and now signs 60-70 new stores annually. “We didn’t just survive COVID, we grew through it,” said Joe Malmuth, Chief Development Officer for Batteries Plus. “That’s strategy, that’s execution, and that’s business franchisees truly believe in.”

AI Innovation
Building on that momentum, Batteries Plus has unveiled a new AI platform that’s designed to accelerate franchise growth and better the in-store experience. The new platform includes Savannah, an in-house AI agent that answers potential franchisees’ questions; Edison, a voice assistant that’s bilingual and ensures every call to every store gets answered; and Wattson, a search tool that helps customers find the right product. Rollout has begun across all locations and will be fully accessible by the end of September, as Batteries Plus continues its growth across the United States.

Powered by Recognition
That growth and innovation continue to earn industry recognition, with Batteries Plus moving into Q4 with a ranking of #118 on the Franchise Times Top 400 list. With 40 years of operational experience and more than 800 stores open and in development, Batteries plus leads in specialty retail, delivering value to everyone it serves.

This recognition extends to the brand’s franchisees, the International Franchise Association named Stephen Lutfi, owner of several Batteries Plus stores in Phoenix, Arizona, a 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Lutfi joined the Batteries Plus system three years ago and has continued to expand the system since. He’s recognized for listening to his employees at every level and creating a culture where his team feels valued. Lutfi was celebrated for these efforts on September 15, at the IFA Annual Convention in Washington, D.C.

Batteries Plus’ corporate team also earned accolades this quarter, with Franchise Assembly recognizing two marketing leaders, Sara Whiteleather, Sr. Director of Marketing at Batteries Plus and Chris Mcgee, VP of Marketing at Batteries Plus. Whiteleather was named to the Franchise Assembly 2026 Franchise Marketing Ones to Watch list, and McGee was named a 2026 Franchise Marketing Trailblazer, both placements are a testament to the talent driving Batteries Plus forward.

To learn more about Batteries Plus, including information on the franchise opportunity or tour a store virtually, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS: 
Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes®’ Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Makyla Spann, Fishman Public Relations, mspann@fishmanpr.com

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SOURCE Batteries Plus

Technology

DIVERSIS CAPITAL ACQUIRES MAJORITY OWNERSHIP OF TIDEWORKS TECHNOLOGY FROM CARRIX

Published

12 minutes ago

October 1, 2026

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Diversis Capital LLC (“Diversis”), a Los Angeles-based software and technology services-focused private equity firm, today announced that it has acquired majority ownership of Tideworks Technology® Inc. (“Tideworks”) from Carrix, Inc. which is majority owned by Blackstone Infrastructure Partners. Tideworks is a full-service provider of comprehensive terminal operating system (TOS) solutions for marine and intermodal rail terminal operations worldwide, serving more than 130 facilities across the globe. This transaction represents a significant milestone for Diversis as it continues to expand its portfolio of market-leading vertical software businesses.

Founded in 1999 as the technology division of Carrix, Inc., Tideworks has grown into a global software brand with deep expertise in cargo transportation operations. The company’s product suite – including its flagship Mainsail 10 TOS, Intermodal PRO, and a suite of planning and execution tools – powers terminal operators across North America, Europe, and Latin America. With over 300,000 logistics professionals relying on Tideworks’ solutions daily, the company occupies a mission-critical position in the global port and intermodal infrastructure ecosystem.

Diversis plans to invest in accelerating Tideworks’ product innovation, expanding its go-to-market capabilities, and deepening its relationships across its global terminal operator and intermodal rail customer bases. The firm intends to leverage its operational expertise and software-focused value creation playbook to support Tideworks’ next phase of growth as a standalone, independent business.

Uffe Ostergaard, Chief Executive Officer of Carrix, said, “Since its founding, Tideworks has been an integral part of Carrix, and we are proud of the exceptional product and team that has been built over the past 25 years. As Tideworks enters this next chapter, it was important to us to find a partner with deep software experience to work closely with the Tideworks leadership team to further enhance the platform and expand its product capabilities. We believe Diversis is the right partner with the experience and collaborative approach to help Tideworks continue delivering the quality, innovation, and service that its customers rely on.”

Subbu Bhat, President of Tideworks Technology, said, “This is an exciting new chapter for Tideworks and our customers. As an independent software company backed by Diversis, we are well-positioned to accelerate our product roadmap, expand our global footprint, and continue delivering the innovation and service that terminal operators around the world depend on. Our mission remains the same: partnering with our customers to optimize global logistics with integrity, efficiency, and flexibility. We are grateful for the support of Carrix throughout this journey and look forward to what lies ahead.”

Kevin Ma, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Diversis Capital, said, “We have been looking for the right vertical software business in the port and logistics technology space for some time, and Tideworks is exactly the type of company we love to partner with – a true market leader with a mission-critical product, a loyal and growing customer base, and a highly talented management team. Subbu and the entire Tideworks team have built something truly special, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to support their continued growth. We intend to invest meaningfully in the platform, the team, and the product to ensure Tideworks remains the gold standard for terminal operating systems globally.”

About Tideworks Technology

Tideworks Technology® Inc. is a full-service provider of comprehensive terminal operating system solutions for growing marine and intermodal rail terminal operations worldwide. Launched in 1999 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Tideworks helps more than 130 facilities run their operations more efficiently and profitably. From optimized equipment utilization to faster turn times, Tideworks works at every step of terminal operations to maximize productivity and customer service. For more information, please visit www.tideworks.com.

About Diversis Capital, L.P.

Founded in 2013, Diversis is a software and technology focused private equity fund that invests in lower middle-market companies, targeting situations where it can add unique value in helping a company reach the next level. With a collaborative approach to investing, its Operating Partners work alongside management teams to help build successful organizations positioned for long-term growth.

About Carrix, Inc.

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Carrix is one of the world’s leading independent marine and intermodal terminal operators, with operations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, and in Vietnam. Since its founding in 1949, Carrix has continued to grow, while always remaining focused on its customers’ interests.

Media Contact:
Chris Tofalli
Chris Tofalli Public Relations, LLC
chris@tofallipr.com
914-834-4334

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SOURCE Diversis Capital

Technology

Bold Penguin and bolttech Announce Global Strategic Partnership

Published

12 minutes ago

October 1, 2026

Partnership brings commercial and personal lines together in a unified offering for agents, insurers and embedded partners across the U.S., Europe and Asia

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bold Penguin, the Digital Broker for commercial insurance, announced a global strategic partnership with bolttech, the global insurtech operating in 39 countries across four continents. Together, the companies will build a joint commercial and personal lines offering for agents, insurers and embedded partners in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

The partnership combines complementary strengths. Bold Penguin brings its Digital Exchange for commercial lines, which intelligently matches risks to best-fit markets from submission ingestion through real-time quote and digital bind. It also brings the DeX ai intelligence layer and an integrated commercial carrier network. bolttech adds leadership in embedded distribution, AI-enabled workflows and global access to insurance and protection services across personal and commercial lines. Together, the partnership lets each company accelerate its roadmap while giving customers the connections and capabilities of both platforms.

For Bold Penguin’s U.S. customers, the partnership adds access to bolttech’s personal lines solutions through a single interface, alongside the commercial tools they already use.

“Our partners work with us because we’re committed to their success, and we build software to help them grow intelligently in commercial insurance,” said Peter Settel, President and CEO of Bold Penguin. “This partnership extends that commitment. Our U.S. customers will be able to offer bolttech’s personal lines solutions through the same single interface they use with Bold Penguin today. That gives them more ways to protect the businesses, and the dreamers, risk-takers and creators behind them, that power the economy. As we grow globally together, our partners gain new reach backed by the innovation and trusted execution they count on from us.”

“Bold Penguin is the leading commercial insurance distribution platform,” said Rob Schimek, Group Chief Executive Officer of bolttech. “Their submission automation, AI-powered underwriting workflows and commercial orchestration platform complement our technology capabilities, personal lines expertise, and insurance ecosystem globally. Together, we can deliver a more seamless, connected insurance experience for distribution partners and customers around the world.”

About Bold Penguin
Bold Penguin is the risk exchange for commercial insurance, the place where insureds and the markets who will cover them transact. DeX ai, Bold Penguin’s intelligence layer, sits in the middle, filling the gaps in submissions and routing them to the markets most likely to bind. Brokers and carriers build on top of this infrastructure. Submissions that took days clear in minutes.

About bolttech
bolttech is a global insurtech with a mission to build the world’s leading, technology-enabled ecosystem for protection and insurance. bolttech serves customers in 39 markets across Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa.

With a full suite of digital and data-driven capabilities, bolttech powers connections between insurers, distributors, and customers to make it easier and more efficient to buy and sell insurance and protection products.

For more information, please visit www.bolttech.io.

For more information about bolttech in North America (bolt), visit https://boltinc.com/

Media contact
Claire Fiorelli
Social Media & Agency Operations Manager, Bold Penguin
claire.fiorelli@boldpenguin.com

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SOURCE Bold Penguin