Q4 2019

EU BUSINESS NEWS / Q4 2019 5 NEWS , GDS has locations in the UK, France, Spain, Germany, N e t h e r l a n d s , Poland and Italy and employs approximately 1,500 people. GDS’ net sales were approximately $270 million in 2018. Patrick Crean, Paragon Group’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, “We are delighted to acquire RRD’s GDS European businesses and are pleased to announce that we have also entered into a strategic alliance with RRD, which will expand the offerings both companies provide to clients.” Mr. Crean continued, “We welcome the GDS team to Paragon and look forward to the value and expertise they will add to our full-service range of leading marketing, communications and technology solutions for our customers.” Dan Knotts, RRD’s President and Chief Executive Officer stated, “The sale of GDS represents another key step in our strategic transformation. Through this transaction, we are further optimizing our business portfolio while remaining strongly positioned to provide end-to- end marketing and business communications solutions to our global clients. The strategic alliance we have established with Paragon, the European leader in communications solutions, enables us to offer an enhanced set of capabilities in the region.” Mr. Knotts continued, “I want to thank the GDS team for their tremendous support of RRD and wish them future success as they join the Paragon team.” The purchase of GDS enriches the operational capabilities of Paragon in the sphere of customer communications and complements existing solutions enabling them to deliver unparalleled services for Paragon’s large multinational global customers with local support in Europe. Vonmählen, the Northern Germany-based manufactur- er of tech lifestyle accesso- ries, is using Kickstarter for the second time with its latest product, allroundo® power. The new campaign for the all-in-one charging and data cable with an integrated power bank started on November 1, 2019. allroundo® power is the newest development of allroundo®. The original multifunctional charging and data cable is Vonmählen's best-selling product to date. allroundo® power includes a USB-C to USB-C cable which supports fast charging. allroundo® power also in- cludes connectors for Micro-USB, Light- ning, and USB-A, which can be placed on either end of the USB-C cable. With up to six different combination options, it is compatible with all common porta- ble devices. allroundo® power weighs just 225 grams, has a compact size of 90 x 90 x 45 mm and is capable of a wide range of functions. This tech accessory is the perfect every day and travel companion. High-quality aluminium connectors, a spiral cable that extends up to 120 cm and the water-resistant travel case made of Gucci Nylon complement the product. Vonmählen expects a similar success for allroundo® power as the previous Kickstarter campaign at the beginning of the year. Almost 5,550 supporters con- tributed to the launch of the world's first 5-in-1 charging cable for the key ring, High Five®, and exceeded the campaign target by a solid 700 percent. People who support allroundo® power on Kickstarter from November 1, 2019 onwards will receive Early Bird prices and can also purchase a complete collection from the Vonmählen collection through Kickstarter. In addition to all- roundo® power, "The Power Collection" includes the new wireless charging pad Aura and Evergreen, a power bank that can charge up to three devices at the same time. "We decided to launch on Kickstarter because it gives us direct contact to customer feedback before distributing the product worldwide," says Julian Thormählen, founder and CEO of Vonmählen, explaining the decision for a crowdfunding campaign. "It is important to us that our innovative products always meet the needs of the market and the wishes of the users." Paragon Group Acquires RRD’S UK-Based Global Document Solutions Business Paragon Group (Paragon) has recently announced that Paragon has acquired RRD’s European Global Document Solutions (GDS) business, headquartered in the UK, for an undisclosed amount. GDS provides document management services and solutions. The transaction closed on October 25, 2019.