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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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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

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Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

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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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In HelloNation, Electrical Expert Sean McGahy Breaks Down How a Whole Home Surge Protector Works

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The Article Explains How This Type of System Protects a Home’s Electronics From Power Surges Throughout the Day.

WAKE FOREST, N.C., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does a whole home surge protector do? A HelloNation article answers that question and explains how this type of device defends a home’s wiring and electronics from voltage spikes.

The article explains that many power surges happen quietly throughout the day, often without anyone noticing. Large appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators create small voltage spikes every time they cycle on and off.

According to the article, a whole home surge protector is installed directly at the electrical panel, where it can monitor voltage across the entire house. Unlike a power strip, which protects a single outlet, this device works at the source.

The article notes that modern homes rely on sensitive electronics, including smart thermostats, entertainment systems, and connected appliances. Repeated voltage fluctuations can damage this circuitry over time, even when a homeowner never notices it happening.

External surges from lightning strikes or utility grid fluctuations tend to be more severe than everyday cycling surges, the article explains. A whole home system is designed to respond quickly and redirect excess voltage away from a home’s circuits.

Installation is typically straightforward for a licensed electrician and does not usually require major changes to existing wiring, the article states. Many systems include indicators that let homeowners confirm the device is functioning properly.

The article points out that surge protectors are rated by how much energy they can absorb, often measured in joules. Homes with more electronics generally benefit from a protector with a higher rating.

A protector does not last forever, the article notes. Absorbing a large surge can wear down its internal components, even if the device still looks functional. Periodic testing by an electrician can confirm the system is still working as intended.

Electrical Expert Sean McGahy of Zar Electric is featured in the article. The article explains how periodic testing can confirm that a whole home surge protector is still providing the level of protection it was designed for.

The article adds that surge protection works best as one part of a broader approach to electrical safety. Homes should still have properly functioning breakers, updated wiring, and routine inspections alongside this added layer of defense.

Homes in areas prone to storms or frequent power fluctuations may see added value from this protection, the article notes. New construction offers a convenient time to add it, though retrofitting an existing home is described as achievable and usually quick.

The article notes that cost varies depending on the type of system installed and the complexity of a home’s existing electrical setup. Many homeowners view the expense as reasonable compared to the potential cost of replacing damaged electronics after a serious surge event.

Some insurance providers take note of these systems when evaluating a home’s overall risk profile, the article adds, though policies vary from carrier to carrier. This is described as one more reason homeowners weigh the value of this type of protection.

The article closes by noting that deciding whether this protection makes sense often comes down to a home’s electronics, its location, and a homeowner’s comfort level with risk. A licensed electrician can walk through these considerations before a final decision is made.

How Does Whole Home Surge Protection Safeguard Your Home? features insights from Sean McGahy, Electrical Expert of Wake Forest, North Carolina, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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In HelloNation, Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold Explains How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Minnesota Homes

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The Article Shows How Moisture, Temperature Swings, and Hail Shape Material Choices for Roofs, Windows, Walls, and Decks.

WACONIA, Minn., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How do freeze-thaw cycles damage a home in Minnesota? The answer appears in a HelloNation article that was newly published for homeowners choosing building materials for a cold climate. The article features insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold, a fourth-generation member of the family behind Mayer Lumber.

The HelloNation article explains that a Minnesota home faces a wider range of weather than houses in most of the country. Below-zero nights, humid summers, and hailstorms all test the products used to build and repair it.

According to the article, moisture often does more harm than cold by itself. Water seeps into small gaps, freezes overnight, and expands, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles slowly push joints and seams apart.

The article also notes that large temperature swings make many products expand in summer and shrink in deep cold. Materials installed without room to move can buckle, crack, or pull loose from their fasteners.

The roof takes more of this stress than any other part of the house, the article explains. Asphalt shingles remain the most common choice because they are affordable and familiar to most roofing crews. In areas that see hail, many homeowners look at impact-resistant shingles that earn a Class 4 rating.

The article points out that some insurance companies offer lower premiums for Class 4 roofs, though discount rules vary by insurer. Metal roofing is another option that sheds snow quickly, and snow guards are often added above doors and walkways.

Ice dams get special attention in the piece. The article explains that no shingle stops them alone, because the real cause is warm air leaking into the attic and melting snow on the upper roof. Air sealing, attic insulation, and steady ventilation deal with that heat directly.

Cold-climate building codes also call for an ice barrier membrane under the shingles along the eaves, according to the article. This layer helps keep backed-up water away from the roof deck and the ceilings below.

For windows, the article points readers to the National Fenestration Rating Council label and its U-factor, which measures how easily heat passes through the whole unit. A lower number means better insulation and a warmer glass surface on a January night.

The article compares double-pane windows with triple-pane units, which cut heat loss further but cost and weigh more. It also notes that vinyl and fiberglass frames insulate well, while aluminum frames need a thermal break to suit Minnesota winters.

Walls, decks, and lumber are covered as well. The article explains that house wrap and flashing protect wall framing from water, and that wood touching concrete or soil generally needs pressure treatment.

The insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold also address cost. The article encourages comparing the full life of a product rather than the purchase price alone, since a cheaper material that needs frequent repairs can cost more over 20 or 30 years.

Finally, the article advises checking with local building officials about code rules. It also stresses following manufacturer installation instructions, since many warranties depend on them.

How Do Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Building Materials in Minnesota? features insights from Andy Maetzold, Building Materials Expert of Waconia, Minnesota, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-building-materials-expert-andy-maetzold-explains-how-freeze-thaw-cycles-affect-minnesota-homes-302919645.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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