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Chambers and Partners Research Yields Multiple Global Honors for J.S. Held and Experts

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JERICHO, N.Y., June 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Global consulting firm J.S. Held, proudly celebrating 50 transformative years, announces the recognition of multiple experts and firmwide expertise in Chambers and Partners’ Annual Guides: Crisis & Risk Management and Litigation Support firms.

The J.S. Held Global Investigations team is once again recognized for expertise in Political Risk, Investigative Due Diligence, and Asset Tracing & Recovery. New for 2024, the Global Investigations team, in concert with the Environmental Health & Safety team, is recognized among the leading global Environmental, Social & Governance Risk experts. Further, the Global Investigations experts in the United Kingdom and the Asia Pacific are recognized in Business Intelligence & Investigations.

J.S. Held is proud to share the recognition of the team expertise and individual experts who received top Chambers and Partners rankings in the areas of:

Asset Tracing & Recovery – Global | Band 1

Peter Pender-Cudlip, Global Investigations & Intelligence Expert and Senior Managing Director within the J.S. Held Global Investigations practice. Peter advises clients on commercial and sovereign asset tracing, complex fraud investigations, and a wide range of cross-border litigation and arbitration matters.

“[Peter]… understands what is important for blue-chip clients and is able to get useful and usable information with his team. Peter is great to deal with, and he gets results.”

Ashley Messick, Global Asset Tracing & Recovery Expert and Senior Managing Director within the J.S. Held Global Investigations practice. Ashley leads J.S. Held’s Sovereign Debt Advisory and has extensive experience advising on sovereign and commercial disputes, asset recovery, and enforcement. She has led high-profile investigations involving debtors originating from Africa, Latin America, and Russia/Central Asia. She has tracked down assets and gathered intelligence in some of the world’s most difficult frontier markets, including West and Central Africa, the Middle East, and Russia.

“Ashley Messick has an amazing set of contacts, she’s results-oriented … extremely creative and subtle about looking for assets. She’s … thoughtful about developing strategies that fit with enforcement and … able to co-ordinate teams from across the globe.”

Political Risk – Global | Band 1

Livia Paggi, Political Risk, ESG, and Business Intelligence Expert and Managing Director within the J.S. Held Global Investigations practice. She advises multinational clients on doing business successfully in some of the world’s most challenging markets. Over the past decade, Livia has developed expertise in Russia and the wider Eurasia region.

“I worked with Livia and she is brilliant. She is dynamic and responsive.”

Philip Worman, Global Political Risk, Business Intelligence, and Investigations Expert and Senior Managing Director within the J.S. Held Global Investigations practice. Philip advises clients on doing business in emerging and frontier markets and has particular expertise in sanctions policy and risk mitigation.

“Philip Worman is outstanding in all respects; [he] has on-the-ground experience and has a real international coverage.”

Investigative Due Diligence – Global | Band 3

Chambers and Partners recognizes J.S. Held’s expertise in this category and observes, “J.S. Held provides clients with investigative due diligence alongside its extensive litigation support, asset tracing and recovery, and political risk practices. Its clients consist of sovereign entities, corporations, financial institutions, pension funds, private equity and hedge funds, legal firms, and high net worth individuals.”

Environmental, Social & Governance – Global | Band 3

Chambers, in recognizing J.S. Held’s expertise in this category, shares, “J.S. Held advises multinational companies on ESG issues around the world, using both its political risk expertise and its investigations and due diligence practice to assist with providing advice on ESG-related risks and disclosure obligations. J.S. Held recently acquired boutique consultancy Africa Matters, further strengthening its capabilities on ESG work in Africa.”

Business Intelligence & Investigations – Asia Pacific | Band 2

Bruno Vickers, Global Investigations & Business Intelligence Expert and Managing Director within the J.S. Held Global Investigations practice. Bruno has expertise in locating and recovering assets on cross-border disputes. He has acted for clients in many significant legal proceedings over the last decade, including those heard in local courts as well as in international arbitration centers such as London, Geneva, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

“Bruno is very impressive … he runs a good outfit and clients really like him.”

Business Intelligence & Investigations – United Kingdom | Band 3

Sebastian Neave, Global Investigations & Business Intelligence Expert and Managing Director within the J.S. Held Global Investigations practice. Sebastian advises clients on complex disputes, cross-border litigation, and arbitration claims. Sebastian has developed specific expertise in disputes related to Russia and the CIS, working on high-profile matters emanating from the region. He has extensive experience gathering evidence to support recovery strategies against a diverse collection of states and state-owned commercial parties.

“Sebastian is outstanding… borders do not seem to exist for him.”

Equally important to the overall and individual expert rankings is the specific feedback from clients and peers acknowledging the work of J.S. Held:

“J.S. Held has an incredible ability to adapt their research and work product to the specifics of their respective clients across numerous industries.”

“These guys are top notch, without a doubt.”

“They have a very experienced team across various fields of expertise and jurisdictions.”

“The team is incredibly competent and responsive.”

“J.S. Held’s research, entrepreneurship, and responsiveness make them stand out.”

“Among other asset tracers, their work was by far the most comprehensive and specific.”

“…intelligence work is what they do, clients love them, and in the end, they find the gold.”

“They understand complex and sensitive matters and have the expertise to handle it efficiently.”

“J.S. Held [experts] are professional, responsive, and have an ability to get information which is unrivalled. They provide us with sometimes 24-hour support.”

“I would highly commend their capacity to tackle complex matters with finesse and expertise.”

Commenting on J.S. Held expert recognitions by Chambers and Partners, Greg Esslinger, Executive Vice President and Global Investigations Practice Lead, shares, “Global Investigations at J.S. Held is home to strategic innovators, integrated collaborators, and recognized thought leaders who have created the next-generation investigations practice together—a multidisciplinary team with global reach and strong cultural competence.” Esslinger adds, “The real added value of J.S. Held investigation work is the ability to use human sources to fill information gaps, corroborate data, and generate new leads. As a firm, we have a wealth of experience identifying and approaching specific sources with direct knowledge of a sovereign, company, or individual’s assets to develop actionable intelligence. “

The global forensics team utilizes best-of-breed technology to support complex data challenges. Experts leverage multiple technology partners with a clear view to appropriate integration of GenAI and related tools. Application includes data collection, managing disparate data sources, translation of foreign language documents, and processing information from emerging off-channel communications and collaboration tools. The result: J.S. Held’s clients can focus on strategy and know that technology is on their side.

Learn more about the dedicated and entrepreneurial experts who help transform J.S. Held, explore our story, and celebrate this momentous milestone, our 50 & Forward celebration, with us at jsheld.com.

About J.S. Held

J.S. Held  is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.

More than 1,500 professionals serve organizations across six continents, including 81% of the Global 200 Law Firms, 70% of the Forbes Top 20 Insurance Companies (85% of the NAIC Top 50 Property & Casualty Insurers), and 65% of the Fortune 100 Companies.

J.S. Held, its affiliates and subsidiaries are not certified public accounting firm(s) and do not provide audit, attest, or any other public accounting services. J.S. Held, its affiliates and subsidiaries are not law firms and do not provide legal advice. Securities offered through PM Securities, LLC, d/b/a Phoenix IB, a part of J.S. Held, member FINRA/ SIPC or Ocean Tomo Investment Group, LLC, a part of J.S. Held, member FINRA/ SIPC. All rights reserved.

Media Contact: 

Kristi L. Stathis | Global Public Relations | +1 786 833 4864 | Kristi.Stathis@jsheld.com

 

SOURCE J.S. Held

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Visier Debuts Talent Agents, Closing the Gap Between HR Programs and Business Impact

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New AI agents turn Visier insights and plans into guided action for every manager, fixing the #1 reason HR programs fail: manager follow-through

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Visier today announced Talent Agents at HR Tech 2026. Built on the Visier Workforce Intelligence Platform, these new AI agents guides every manager to the next right action in their organization’s HR programs in real time, and give talent leaders evidence of what each program actually changed for the business.

Talent management devotes a great deal of money and effort into HR programs every year, and many still can’t show the ROI or outcomes. New Visier research* found:

62% of HR leaders name manager follow-through as the single biggest reason programs fail77% of enterprises run HR programs on spreadsheets or a patchwork of tools, and are three times less likely to measure results while a program is underway.

Visier Talent Agents are built to close these gaps, helping talent management tackle its most critical challenges as organizations plan, grow and retain their talent. They leverage the latest in AI developments to pair best-in-class program frameworks with personalized, in-workflow guidance delivered to whoever needs to act next, and a closed-loop system for continuous learning and improvement based on every program’s goals.

“Good program design has never been enough. What HR has lacked is a GPS for every manager, so the moment someone drifts off track, they’re guided back before the program goes sideways,” said Dave Weisbeck, Chief Strategy Officer at Visier. “That’s what Talent Agents deliver, along with proof of what the program actually changed for the business.” 

“The space between HR program design and the actual business result is exactly where most HR investment gets lost,” said Madeline Laurano, founder of Aptitude Research. “Guidance that activates the manager at the moment they need to act, with proof of what changed afterward, is the piece of talent management that’s been missing and what Visier is solving for.”

Unlike HCM suites that teams would spend a year customizing, or point solutions that only see one piece of the picture, or even an internal-built tool that puts employee data at risk, Visier’s Talent Agents are built to run programs end-to-end and prove impact, not just track activity.

The agents reach every stakeholder in a program at the moment they need to act, not just when someone remembers to ask. They’re built to match how an organization actually operates, and the outcome of every action it recommends feeds back into the AI learning engine, so guidance gets sharper with each cycle. Because guidance runs on Visier’s proprietary Workforce AI rather than routing every follow-up through a person, organizations can scale their programs without being constrained by HRBP headcount.

The agents are built on Visier’s Workforce Intelligence Platform, so every program comes with the context, governance, and security an enterprise expects, backed by over 16 years of experience solving HR’s toughest problems.

Talent Agents are Visier’s answer to what the company calls the “activate” layer of Workforce AI, building on the platform’s existing strength in helping organizations understand their workforce data and plan around it. The offering pairs Visier’s technology with a dedicated implementation team that customizes each program to a customer’s specific processes and goals.

Attending HRTech 2026 in Las Vegas this week? Head over to Visier Booth #5209 to explore Talent Agents, or visit visier.com to learn more. The Visier team will also be at UNLEASH World in Paris (booth #106) and Total Talent Asia (booth #3).

About Visier
Visier Workforce AI is the context foundation for talent management. The Visier Workforce Intelligence Platform turns scattered, sensitive people data into one governed understanding of the entire workforce, so organizations can understand, plan, and activate all of their talent priorities in one place. More than 85,000 of the world’s most complex organizations, including Ford Motor Company, eBay, Experian, and Domino’s Pizza, rely on Visier’s over 16 years of workforce domain expertise, ranked #1 in vendor satisfaction and user experience for three consecutive years by the Sapient Insights HR Systems Survey. Learn more at Visier.com.

*Research from fall 2026, conducted by the Visier, Inc. Research Team surveyed verified senior HR and Talent leaders from 80 organizations with more than 10,000 employees across North America.  

visierpr@walkersands.com

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SOURCE Visier

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HSG Laser Unveils New Flagship Machine at EuroBLECH 2026, Powering Productivity for European Manufacturers

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HANNOVER, Germany, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HSG Laser is showcasing its latest laser cutting and intelligent manufacturing solutions at EuroBLECH 2026, held from October 20–23 at the Hannover Exhibition Centre. Under the theme “Powering Productivity with HSG,” HSG is presenting its latest innovations at Booth 15-F42, including the European debut of its new flagship GV, alongside the launch of GFA PRO and AI CutPilot, as well as the European debut of its high-speed laser solutions G3015T and R2 PRO.

Expanding High-Performance Laser Solutions

The new GFA PRO is engineered for large-format metal processing, addressing challenges such as large footprints, low speed, unstable thick-plate performance, and high operating costs. Making their European debut, the G3015T and R2 PRO expand HSG’s high-speed laser lineup for sheet and tube processing, helping manufacturers improve throughput, flexibility, and production efficiency.

“HSG Laser’s European footprint has grown steadily, with more than 2,000 units delivered and a new showroom opening soon this year,” said Shawn Wang, Vice President of HSG Laser. “Our latest launches at EuroBLECH mark another step forward, combining high-performance equipment with intelligent technologies and localized support to deliver greater productivity for European customers.”

Recognized by MM MaschinenMarkt Germany

Built for the European market, HSG Laser earned the “International Spotlight” award from MM MaschinenMarkt Germany’s Chief Editor for its GV and AI CutPilot. The GV combines cutting, beveling, countersinking, and chamfering in one machine to streamline pre-welding workflows and boost efficiency. AI CutPilot is HSG’s industry-first, self-developed AI system that turns laser-cutting expertise into a reusable, scalable machine capability, helping reduce trial work and improve first-pass yield. The award further highlights HSG Laser’s technological strength and growing presence in the European market.

Strengthening Local Operations in Europe

As part of its continued commitment to supporting manufacturers worldwide, HSG Laser is further strengthening its localized operations in Europe. On 10th November, HSG will open its new showroom in Düsseldorf, Germany under the theme “Go Global, Link Local.” The new showroom will bring HSG’s latest machines, technologies, and expertise closer to European customers, creating more opportunities for direct engagement and local support. This expansion further strengthens HSG’s presence in Europe and its ability to provide responsive, customer-focused solutions tailored to local manufacturing needs.

About HSG Laser

Founded in 2006, HSG Laser is a leading global manufacturer of intelligent metal processing equipment, specializing in laser cutting, tube processing, bending, and welding automation systems. With a presence in over 100 countries and regional centers across Europe, North America, Japan, India, and Asia-Pacific, HSG Laser is committed to driving the transformation of manufacturing through innovation, reliability, and artificial intelligence.

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Mérieux NutriSciences Completes Acquisition of Certified Group, Becoming North America’s Leading Food Testing Provider

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CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mérieux NutriSciences, a global leader in food safety, quality, and sustainability, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Certified Group.

First announced in August 2026, this strategic transaction unites two complementary leaders in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector. With approximately $300 million in revenue, Certified Group brings 31 laboratories and over 1,600 talented employees into Mérieux NutriSciences’ global network. The integration also adds a robust roster of more than 170 independent regulatory consultants across the United States and Canada.

With this expanded coast-to-coast footprint, Mérieux NutriSciences is positioned to provide customers with broader service offerings and enhanced regulatory support. The integration deepens the company’s capabilities in key Food & Beverage segments, most notably in animal protein through its Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) network, where Certified Group has built a strong reputation as a bellwether for safety and quality, alongside leading positions in dairy, packaged foods, nuts, and spices.

Customers will also benefit from high-value expertise in cosmetics, OTC products, and dietary supplements through the Certified Laboratories vertical, and reduced-harm nicotine product testing via Labstat International. These core verticals are further bolstered by specialized expert services, including contract research (Lab Plus), regulatory consulting (EAS Consulting Group), and comprehensive certification and audit programs (FSNS Certification and Audit).

“We are thrilled to officially welcome the talented teams from Certified Group to the Mérieux NutriSciences global network,” said Nicolas Cartier, CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences. “By combining our respective strengths, we are vastly expanding the depth and breadth of our capabilities. This milestone allows us to be closer to our customers, meeting their localized, time-sensitive needs with unmatched speed and reliability, while furthering our shared purpose: Better Food. Better Health. Better World.”

“Our priority is to ensure a seamless transition for all customers while delivering immediate, enhanced value,” added Sébastien Moulard, President North America at Mérieux NutriSciences. “Through this nationwide analytical network, customers now have access to a truly comprehensive portfolio of routine testing, specialized analysis, expert regulatory support, and more. We are excited to leverage the best of both worlds to drive innovation and provide practical solutions right where production happens.”

“Certified Group has built a differentiated platform with a strong reputation for quality, scientific excellence and exceptional customer service,” said Deborah Kerr, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus & Executive Chair, Certified Group. “We are proud to have supported Certified Group’s evolution and look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive as part of Mérieux NutriSciences.”

The financing of the acquisition brings new minority shareholders Peugeot Invest and Continental Grain Company (Conti) alongside Mérieux NutriSciences’ long standing shareholders: Institut Mérieux, Sofina, and Dassault Group. This collective support underscores strong market confidence in the company’s strategic vision. Ultimately, the successful integration of Certified Group solidifies Mérieux NutriSciences as the leading provider in North America and a top player in the global food TIC market, further cementing its role as the trusted partner for customers navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.

About Mérieux NutriSciences:

At Mérieux NutriSciences, we leverage 60 years of scientific and entrepreneurial expertise to answer food industry needs. Today’s global challenges transform the way food is produced, marketed and consumed, which is why we know our clients need more than reliable analytical results; they need practical and innovative solutions that will contribute to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable. Present worldwide, we are more than 160 accredited laboratories and a team of over 11,600 committed employees. We strongly believe that together, we can create solutions to offer our planet: BETTER FOOD. BETTER HEALTH. BETTER WORLD. na.mxns.com

MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES
Stephen Nichols (North America)
stephen.nichols@mxns.com 

Marion Bertrand (Global)
media@mxns.com 

Ashton van den Bergh (Global)
media@mxns.com

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SOURCE Mérieux NutriSciences

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