Today’s news in brief – 23/5/2024

Gerald Edelman’s Corporate Finance team has advised CloudRock Group Holdings on an investment from Growth Capital Partners (GCP). Founded in 2017, CloudRock is a global leader in ERP advisory, implementation, and managed services, with offices in multiple major cities worldwide. The partnership with GCP aims to support CloudRock's growth in the UK and internationally, focusing on expanding its talent and enhancing its technology partnerships. Minos Ataliotis, CEO of CloudRock, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with GCP and praised Gerald Edelman for their crucial role in securing the deal, which aims to elevate CloudRock’s global transformation services. Price Bailey has opened a new office in Oxford, marking its 12th location, including international offices. This expansion aligns with the firm’s strategic growth plan and strengthens its presence in the UK's "golden triangle" of Cambridge, London, and Oxford. The Oxford office is the second new location within nine months, following an acquisition in Peterborough. Simon Blake, a partner at Price Bailey, emphasised the strategic importance of Oxford for recruitment and growth, highlighting the firm's connections with Oxford and Cambridge colleges. The new office aims to enhance Price Bailey’s service offerings to local academic institutions and businesses. Barry Melancon, CEO of AICPA and CIMA, has announced his retirement effective December 31, 2024. Melancon, who became CEO of AICPA in 1995 at age 37, led the merger of AICPA and CIMA in 2017, forming the largest global accounting association. He is the longest-serving CEO in AICPA's history. Melancon’s career began as a CPA in Louisiana, and he has been pivotal in transforming the profession to meet global standards. He expressed pride in his contributions to the profession’s growth and innovation, highlighting the association’s role in addressing major global challenges. PrimeGlobal has partnered with Sumthing to invest in nature-positive initiatives, announced at the PrimeGlobal Business Leadership Forum in Brighton. The partnership focuses on environmental projects like plastic collection in Cambodia and mangrove tree planting in Kenya. The forum, emphasising sustainability, featured over 180 attendees and included the launch of the "PrimeGlobal Sustainability Charter" to guide member actions. Highlights included a presentation on sustainability trends and standards. Steve Heathcote, CEO of PrimeGlobal, underscored the importance of sustainability in event planning and praised Brighton as an ideal location for promoting environmental responsibility and collaboration among members.