McGowan | Jotup

Quality Collision Group Acquires Relentless Collision

Retrieved on:

Monday, November 6, 2023

Quality Collision Group, a prominent consortium of OEM-certified collision repair centers backed by private equity, announces a strategic expansion by successfully acquiring three Relentless Collision locations in North Carolina.

Key Points:

Quality Collision Group, a prominent consortium of OEM-certified collision repair centers backed by private equity, announces a strategic expansion by successfully acquiring three Relentless Collision locations in North Carolina.
View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231106172199/en/
Quality Collision Group is thrilled with the acquisition of three North Carolina Relentless Collision locations.
(Photo: Business Wire)
Quality Collision Group (QCG) strategic focus is centered on building the nation’s largest, most trusted OEM-certified collision repair organization through an acquisition strategy that maintains the high standards and quality of service at the collision repair facilities it acquires.
“Our strategic acquisition of three Relentless Collision locations in North Carolina aligns perfectly with our commitment to maintaining the quality of service our customers expect,” says Matt Robbins, COO of Quality Collision Group.

Grattan on Friday: In the second half of this term Albanese will need to concentrate on delivery

Retrieved on:

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Daniel Andrews’ abrupt exit from the Victorian premiership this week is the latest development in a wider picture.

Key Points:

Daniel Andrews’ abrupt exit from the Victorian premiership this week is the latest development in a wider picture.
Looking a year ahead, Labor will be struggling against the electoral tide in Queensland, where (on present polling) the Palaszczuk government could lose office.
Palaszczuk has said she is determined to stay at the helm for the election, but her leadership has been under pressure from her colleagues.
Of the COVID premiers, only Palaszczuk remains (ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr is also still there).
More generally, the (nearly completed) first half of the government’s first term has seen many policy announcements – the second half will need to emphasise delivery.
Later in the month, Albanese will be in Washington on a state visit, feted at the White House.
The Australian prime minister might privately muse that whatever problems he faces, they are way, way easier than those confronting his host.

Renowned International Restaurant Brand Fogo de Chão to be Acquired by Bain Capital Private Equity from Rhône Capital

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Partnership, Bain Capital, PwC, McGowan, Morgan Stanley, History, Deutsche Bank, Kirkland & Ellis, Oliver Cromwell, Churrasco, Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell, Capital, Fogo, Growth, Tourism, Management

DALLAS, Aug. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fogo de Chão (“Fogo”), the internationally renowned restaurant brand from Brazil, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Bain Capital Private Equity (“Bain Capital”) to accelerate its growth and expansion. Fogo will continue to operate under its current management team, led by Chief Executive Officer Barry McGowan. Funds affiliated with Rhône Capital (together with certain of their affiliates, “Rhône”) have owned Fogo since taking the company private in 2018. Financial terms of the private purchase were not disclosed.

Key Points:

DALLAS, Aug. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fogo de Chão (“Fogo”), the internationally renowned restaurant brand from Brazil, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Bain Capital Private Equity (“Bain Capital”) to accelerate its growth and expansion.
Funds affiliated with Rhône Capital (together with certain of their affiliates, “Rhône”) have owned Fogo since taking the company private in 2018.
Under Rhône’s ownership, Fogo experienced rapid growth across markets and is in its third year of 15% annual growth.
“Bain Capital shares our vision, and we are excited to leverage their extensive experience investing in and supporting the global growth of restaurant businesses.

Renowned International Restaurant Brand Fogo de Chão to be Acquired by Bain Capital Private Equity from Rhône Capital

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Fogo de Chão (“Fogo”), the internationally renowned restaurant brand from Brazil, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Bain Capital Private Equity (“Bain Capital”) to accelerate its growth and expansion.

Key Points:

Fogo de Chão (“Fogo”), the internationally renowned restaurant brand from Brazil, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Bain Capital Private Equity (“Bain Capital”) to accelerate its growth and expansion.
Funds affiliated with Rhône Capital (together with certain of their affiliates, “Rhône”) have owned Fogo since taking the company private in 2018.
Under Rhône’s ownership, Fogo experienced rapid growth across markets and is in its third year of 15% annual growth.
“Bain Capital shares our vision, and we are excited to leverage their extensive experience investing in and supporting the global growth of restaurant businesses.

'No' to the Voice takes lead in Essential poll; huge swing to Libs at WA state byelection

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

While Newspoll and Resolve polls had given “no” a lead in June, this is the first time “no” has led in Essential.

Key Points:

While Newspoll and Resolve polls had given “no” a lead in June, this is the first time “no” has led in Essential.
Here is an updated graph that I first published in July of Voice polls from Essential, Newspoll, Resolve and Morgan (which hasn’t conducted a Voice poll since May).

Labor’s voting intention lead increases in Essential

In Essential’s two party measure that includes undecided, Labor led by 52–42, an increased margin from a 50–45 lead last fortnight.
This term Essential polls have been better for the Greens than other polls.
This is the Greens’ equal lowest primary vote in Essential, tying 12% in March.

Morgan poll and seat entitlements

In this week’s Morgan weekly federal poll, conducted July 31 to August 6 from a sample of 1,391, Labor led by 53.5–46.5, a 0.5-point gain for Labor since the previous week.
After four successive moves to the Coalition had reduced Labor’s lead from 57–43 to 52–48, Labor has made two successive gains.
Read more:
Woeful Victorian poll for state Coalition; Victoria and NSW to lose federal seats as WA gains

Labor holds WA Rockingham byelection easily despite huge swing to Libs

At the July 29 byelection for former WA Labor premier Mark McGowan’s seat of Rockingham, Labor defeated the Liberals by 65.2–34.8, a huge 22.5% swing to the Liberals since the 2021 WA election.
On the distribution of preferences, Edwards overtook the Liberals as minor candidates were excluded, and the seat finished as a contest between Labor and Edwards, with Labor winning by 61.4–38.6.
While this was a huge swing, there are extenuating circumstances for Labor.
Analyst Kevin Bonham said Labor’s two party percentage in Rockingham at this byelection exceeded Rockingham results at three general elections that Labor won with an incumbent MP.
The byelection suggests that Labor is still well ahead statewide against the Liberals, in contrast to a recent WA poll that gave the Liberals a 54–46 lead.

Voice support slips again in national Resolve poll; massive swing in WA puts Libs ahead

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Here is an updated graph of the 2023 Voice polls by pollster that I first published two weeks ago.

Key Points:

Here is an updated graph of the 2023 Voice polls by pollster that I first published two weeks ago.
To be successful, a referendum requires at least four of the six states as well as a national majority in favour.
Based on June and July Resolve polls from a combined sample of 3,216, “no” is now ahead in four states.
On Australia’s level of support, 45% thought it should be maintained, 31% increased and 9% decreased or withdrawn.

National Essential poll: Albanese’s ratings slump

This is Labor’s equal lowest lead in Essential this term, tying with a 49–44 lead in March.
Anthony Albanese’s ratings were 48% approve (down six since May) and 41% disapprove (up six), for a net approval of +7, down 12 points.
This is his worst net approval in Essential since the 2022 election.

WA poll: massive swing to Liberals since May puts them ahead

The Liberals led by 54–46, a huge 15-point swing to the Liberals since the May Utting poll that was taken soon after Mark McGowan announced his retirement as WA premier and member for Rockingham.
Primary votes in this poll were 37% Liberals (up nine), 6% Nationals (up one), 32% Labor (down 20), 10% Greens (up two) and 15% for all Others (up eight).
At the March 2021 WA election, McGowan won Rockingham by an 87.7–12.3 margin, from a primary vote of 82.8%.
If this WA state poll is accurate, we would expect a huge swing to the Liberals at the byelection.

Tories lose 2 of 3 UK byelections; right fails to win majority in Spain

The Conservatives lost two with very large swings, to Labour and the Liberal Democrats, but held former PM Boris Johnson’s former seat of Uxbridge.
The right had been expected to win an outright majority.

HubSync Unveils Gateway: Redefining Client Experience for Audit and Tax Professionals

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Accounting, Electronic Design Automation, Professional Services, Technology, Software, Workforce, Communication, Software as a service, Analytics, McGowan, Acquisition, CPA, Automation, Sales, Mobile phone, Audit, Gateway

HubSync Co ., a SaaS software company with a next-generation tax and accounting automation platform, today announced the launch of Gateway.

Key Points:

HubSync Co ., a SaaS software company with a next-generation tax and accounting automation platform, today announced the launch of Gateway.
The centralized dashboard empowers CPA firms of all sizes, providing seamless navigation across the audit and tax landscape.
“HubSync’s team of industry professionals has a combined decades of experience in the tax and accounting landscape combined with a rich history of driving innovation and delivering exceptional solutions,” said John McGowan, CEO of HubSync.
For more information about Gateway and its ability to streamline tax and audit processes, please visit https://www.hubsync.com/gateway .

Logan Lake Minor Hockey Association Unveils New Look with Support from Digital Convergence

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

McGowan, Hockey, Empathy, CueCat, Tourism, Highland Valley Copper mine

LOGAN LAKE, BC, July 4, 2023 /CNW/ - The Logan Lake Minor Hockey Association (LLMHA), located in the Highland Valley region of British Columbia's interior, recently announced their new name—the Logan Lake Renegades.

Key Points:

LOGAN LAKE, BC, July 4, 2023 /CNW/ - The Logan Lake Minor Hockey Association (LLMHA), located in the Highland Valley region of British Columbia's interior, recently announced their new name—the Logan Lake Renegades.
Digital Convergence, the digital transformation consultancy headquartered in the same region, stepped forward to support the association in its rebranding efforts.
Along with a $30,000 donation toward purchasing new jerseys for the Logan Lake Renegades, Digital Convergence also provided in-kind services supporting new logo concept creation.
For hockey towns like Logan Lake, minor hockey provides youth with opportunities to participate and become part of something bigger than themselves.

Labor maintains large Newspoll lead, but support for Voice slumps

Retrieved on:

Monday, June 5, 2023

A federal Newspoll, conducted May 31 to June 3 from a sample of 1,549, gave Labor a 55-45 lead, unchanged from the last Newspoll, three weeks ago.

Key Points:

A federal Newspoll, conducted May 31 to June 3 from a sample of 1,549, gave Labor a 55-45 lead, unchanged from the last Newspoll, three weeks ago.
Primary votes were 38% Labor (steady), 34% Coalition (steady), 12% Greens (up one), 6% One Nation (down one) and 10% for all Others (steady).
Support for the Indigenous Voice to parliament slumped to a 46-43 lead for “yes” with 11% undecided, from a 53-39 lead in early April.

Essential poll: 52-43 to Labor including undecided

In last week’s Essential poll, conducted May 24-28 from a sample of 1,138, Labor led by 52-43 including undecided (53-42 the previous fortnight).
Primary votes were 34% Labor (down one), 31% Coalition (steady), 15% Greens (up one), 6% One Nation (up one), 2% UAP (up one), 7% for all Others (down one) and 5% undecided (steady).

Freshwater poll only gives Labor a 52-48 lead

The Poll Bludger reported on May 22 that a Freshwater poll for The Financial Review, conducted May 15-17 from a sample of 1,005, gave Labor a 52-48 lead, a two-point gain for the Coalition since December.
Primary votes were 37% Coalition (steady), 34% Labor (down three), 12% Greens (steady) and 17% for all Others (up three).
An April Freshwater poll had given “yes” an overall 56-44 lead.
A Painted Dog WA poll for The West Australian gave Albanese a net +23 approval while Dutton was at net -32.

Opposition to Voice drops in Morgan poll

A Morgan SMS poll, conducted May 26-29 from a sample of 1,833, had support for an Indigenous Voice to parliament at 46% (steady since mid-April), opposition at 36% (down three) and 18% undecided (up three).
Excluding undecided, “yes” led by 56-44, a two-point gain for “yes”.
Morgan’s weekly voting intentions poll gave Labor a 55.5-44.5 lead last week, unchanged on the previous week but a 1.5-point gain for the Coalition since three weeks ago.

WA Premier Mark McGowan resigns

Labor Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan announced his resignation as premier and member for Rockingham last Monday.
At the March 2021 WA state election, McGowan led Labor to the biggest landslide win in Australian state or federal political history.
They won 53 of the 59 lower house seats and 22 of the 36 upper house seats – the first WA Labor upper house majority.

US debt limit deal passes Congress

I covered the passage of the US debt limit deal between President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy through Congress last week for The Poll Bludger.
My tactical analysis of the deal was harsh on McCarthy, saying he was more like a pussycat than a tiger.

Morgan Victorian poll: 61.5-38.5 to Labor

A Victorian SMS Morgan state poll, conducted May 17-22 from a sample of 2,095, gave Labor a 61.5-38.5 lead over the Coalition (55.0-45.0 at the November 2022 election).
Primary votes were 42% Labor, 28.5% Coalition, 12.5% Greens and 17% for all Others.
By 52.5-47.5 voters approved of Labor Premier Daniel Andrews’ performance (57.5-42.5 in a November Morgan poll).
Respondents were asked why they approved or disapproved, with many who disapproved of Pesutto citing his handling of the Moira Deeming affair.

NSW Resolve poll: Labor honeymoon after election win

Two party estimates are not generally provided by Resolve, but Labor is far ahead.
Incumbent Chris Minns led new Liberal leader Mark Speakman as preferred premier by 42-12.

Tasmanian EMRS poll: Liberals slump but Labor doesn’t benefit

A Tasmanian state EMRS poll, conducted May 15-19 from a sample of 1,000, gave the Liberals 36% of the vote (down six since February), Labor 31% (up one), the Greens 15% (up two) and all Others 18% (up three).
Tasmania uses a proportional system for its lower house, so a two party estimate is not applicable.

Grattan on Friday: the PwC scandal should be ripe for the National Anti-Corruption Commission's attention

Retrieved on:

Friday, June 2, 2023

The PwC scandal, involving the use of confidential government information for financial gain, would seem an ideal probe for the NACC to cut its teeth on.

Key Points:

The PwC scandal, involving the use of confidential government information for financial gain, would seem an ideal probe for the NACC to cut its teeth on.
At its heart, the PwC affair is simple, a stark example of improper behaviour by a firm taken into the government’s confidence.
PwC was consulted by the Abbott government on its planned tax avoidance legislation and was privy to confidential information.
It then used the knowledge obtained in discussions with Treasury to tell clients how to avoid the crackdown.
In her open “mea culpa” letter this week, Kristin Stubbins, the acting chief executive of PwC Australia, listed three ways the company had “failed”.
Read more:
PwC scandal shows consultants, like church officials, are best kept out of state affairs
Notably, the Coalition has not shown great interest in pursuing the PwC affair.
Whether or not the NACC takes up the PwC case, what’s happened there reinforces the argument for the anti-corruption body.