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Bentham IMF Completes Third Round of US Hiring Since Launch of $500M Fund Devoted to US Investments, Bringing on Talent to Address Funding Demand for Trade Secrets and International Arbitration Disputes

NEW YORK (September 11, 2019) – Leading commercial litigation funder Bentham IMF has completed its third round of hiring since the November 2018 launch of its second fund devoted to US investments.

Stephanie Southwick, Managing Partner of Greenfield Southwick LLP, a boutique business and intellectual property litigation firm, has joined the company as an Investment Manager and Legal Counsel, adding strength to the team of former Latham & Watkins attorneys in its San Francisco office. Nilufar Hossain, Acting General Counsel at Prakti who previously practiced international arbitration and commercial litigation at King & Spalding LLP and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, has joined Bentham as Legal Counsel in its New York City office.

The hires reinforce the company’s established expertise in evaluating cases in areas of practice where demand for funding is high. Intellectual property claimants have long sought support from Bentham due to the high cost of pursuing such cases and the protracted time they can take to resolve. The rapid rise in trade secrets litigation brought about by the passage of the Defend Trade Secrets Act, combined with a strong job market spurring trade secret theft, has prompted increased demand specific to trade secrets funding. Ms. Southwick meets the needs of parties bringing those disputes in several ways. In her sixteen plus years as a litigator, she has won numerous verdicts and dispositive motions and secured favorable settlement outcomes for her clients. And she has worked with the types of companies most commonly bringing trade secret claims—start-ups, tech companies and manufacturers. She also has represented VCs, real estate developers, family offices, directors and officers and professional partnerships. Her experience also extends to litigating business torts, contract disputes, founder disputes, and employment matters.

“Adding a well-respected expert in trade secrets such as Stephanie Southwick sets Bentham apart,” said Allison Chock, Bentham’s US Chief Investment Officer. “We enhanced our IP funding strengths earlier this year when we hired Kirkland & Ellis LLP partner Sarah Tsou to oversee our US patent funding. Ms. Southwick’s arrival broadens our capabilities such that we can now serve as a one-stop shop for all types of IP funding.” 

Arbitration disputes give rise to similar issues that prompt the need for funding. With 14 offices around the world and leading international arbitration practitioners including Dana MacGrath (former Sidley Austin LLP partner and current ArbitralWomen President) on its team, Bentham has the capacity—and the capital strength—to provide solutions for international arbitrations arising across the globe. Nilufar’s experience representing US and foreign clients in cross-border litigations, investigations and arbitrations concerning energy, oil & gas, mining and natural resources, pharmaceuticals, technology, and construction disputes adds to the expertise Bentham brings to bear in vetting such disputes.

The hires also help Bentham mirror the legal department and executive teams of the companies it funds. “Gender and ethnic diversity haven’t driven our hiring strategy, but they are factors we consider as we strive to be the trusted resource that companies around the world can look to for strategic financing solutions,” said Allison Chock. The company’s eleven-person senior investment management team in the US, which is comprised solely of lawyers in business-generating roles comparable to equity partner roles at law firms, now has more women than men—a rarity in the fields of law and finance.

The team’s newest hires are highly qualified in their respective fields and have demonstrated a commitment to service throughout their careers. Stephanie served as Arts Commissioner for the City of San Jose and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Silicon Valley Ballet (Ballet San Jose), where she has previously served as pro bono legal counsel. She earned her JD, with honors, from The George Washington University Law School where she was a member of the George Washington International Law Review. She studied International Human Rights Law at The University of Oxford and The George Washington University, and she earned her BA in International Political Economy from the University of Washington.

Nilufar previously served on the board of directors for The Synergos Institute, a non-profit engaged in international public-private partnership projects. She received her JD from New York University School of Law, her MA from Middlebury College and her BA from Harvard University, where she graduated magna cum laude.

ABOUT BENTHAM IMF

Bentham IMF is the US arm of publicly listed IMF Bentham Limited (ASX: IMF), one of the most successful litigation funding companies in the world, and one of only two Chambers and Partners “Band One” litigation funding companies in the US, with a portfolio that has a total claim’s estimated recoverable amount of $5.6 billion AUD. Together, our companies have 14 offices throughout the US, UK, Australia, Canada and Asia and provide funding to clients in jurisdictions including the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore. We have reviewed thousands of commercial cases in the past 18 years, funding to completion 192 cases and generating $2.4 billion AUD in recoveries. We have achieved an 89% success rate, with clients utilizing our funding retaining an average of 63% of all case proceeds.

For further information regarding Bentham IMF and its activities, please visit www.benthamimf.com.

DISCLAIMER

Nothing herein should be construed as an offer to buy or sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any security or other financial instrument, or to invest assets in any account managed or advised by Bentham IMF or its affiliates.

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Manolete Partners Announces New Revolving Credit Facility with HSBC Bank

By Harry Moran and 4 others |

Manolete Partners Plc (AIM:MANO), the leading UK-listed insolvency litigation financing company, is pleased to announce it has signed a new Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") with its existing provider, HSBC UK Bank Plc ( "HSBC"). 

The new RCF provides Manolete with the same level of facility as the previous arrangement, at £17.5m. However, the margin charged to Manolete by HSBC on the new RCF is at a reduced rate of 4.0% (previously 4.7%) over the Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA) and has a reduced non-utilisation fee, from 1.88% to 1.40%. 

The new RCF is a 3.25-year facility with an initial maturity of 27 June 2028. Manolete has the option to further extend the facility on its current terms by an additional year. 

The covenants remain unchanged except for the Asset Cover covenant which has been relaxed for the next six months. 

Steven Cooklin, CEO commented: "We are delighted to have secured a new long-term commitment to the business from HSBC, which is testament to the strong partnership we have established since 2018. The improved terms of the facility demonstrate confidence in the Manolete business." 

This announcement contains inside information as defined in Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation No. 596/2014 ("MAR"). 

Angeion Group Expands Mass Tort Litigation Management Capabilities Through Merger with Case Works

By Harry Moran and 4 others |

Angeion Group (“Angeion”), the industry leader in end-to-end group litigation support, announced today its merger with Case Works, a premier provider of case data management solutions, including client engagement, medical record retrieval, medical review, and inventory analysis. Neutral, but never passive, this strategic integration of Case Works reinforces Angeion’s forward thinking approach to providing seamless tech-enabled support for complex litigation firms and leading law departments, with efficiency and precision.

The merger of Angeion and Case Works follows majority investments into both companies by private equity firm Renovus Capital Partners (“Renovus”) in 2024. Angeion also acquired bankruptcy administration solutions provider Donlin Recano in late 2024. Renovus worked alongside the companies’ founders and management teams to unify the businesses and deliver a seamless experience for clients and employees throughout the integration.

Case Works has earned a reputation of excellence by ensuring accuracy, completeness, and applicability of case data to support legal requirements. By combining their core capabilities with Angeion’s advanced technology and data-driven approach, this merger further solidifies Angeion’s position as the most trusted partner for navigating complex, high-stakes litigation and settlements.

Effective large-scale litigation and settlements rely on comprehensive, well-organized data and the ability to apply that data effectively within the context of a particular project. Combining Case Works’ proven excellence in capturing and managing critical case information with Angeion Group’s expertise in technology, process efficiency and claims management, provides a more structured, more transparent, and more effective approach to large-scale litigation and settlement management.

“Case Works brings deep expertise and a proven track record of supporting firms with large data and medical record retrieval needs. They are known for their dedication to precision, care and bedside manner,” said Steven Weisbrot, CEO of Angeion Group. “Together, we are raising the bar for what clients can expect—faster, more accurate processes and a commitment to white glove service.”

Angeion Group and Case Works share a common vision: to set the new standard for how large-scale litigation and group settlement support can combine technological efficiency with thoughtful human interaction. Both organizations are driven by a commitment to innovation, precision, and efficiency and are mindful that litigants should expect and receive compassion and respect throughout the group litigation process. This merger will elevate industry standards and ensure that all parties, their council, and the courts benefit from a more streamlined, thoughtful and effective process.

“We’re excited to join forces with Angeion Group,” said Susan Barfield, Founder of Case Works. “Their commitment to innovation and client service aligns perfectly with our own, and we look forward to delivering even greater value to the firms and clients we support.”

“We’re honored to have partnered with these leading companies, building upon our strong track record in tech-enabled legal services,” added Lee Minkoff, Managing Director at Renovus. “We’d also like to thank founders Steve Weisbrot and Susan Barfield for their leadership throughout this game changing merger for the group litigation support industry.”

Angeion remains steadfast in its mission to completely modernize and optimize complex litigation management to the benefit of all stakeholders.

About Case Works

Case Works is the leading provider of tech-enabled litigation support solutions to the country’s premier plaintiff law firms. Based in Austin, Texas, the Company was created with a single mission: To Help Lawyers Help People. Case Works provides a full suite of case management services including claims qualification, intake, medical records retrieval & review, case development, and ongoing plaintiff engagement.

About Angeion Group

Angeion Group is a leading provider of legal notice and settlement administration services, leveraging advanced technology, proven best practices, and expert consulting to manage class actions, mass torts, and collective redress administration. Recognized for its innovation, efficiency, and unwavering client commitment, Angeion Group continues to redefine industry standards.

Moneypenny Unites Under One Brand as It Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence

By Harry Moran and 4 others |

Moneypenny, the world’s customer conversation expert, proudly marks 25 years of delivering exceptional service and innovation. As part of this milestone, Moneypenny is unifying all of its brands across the US, including VoiceNation, Alphapage, Sunshine Communication Services, and Choice Voice, under one internationally recognized name. 

This transition reinforces Moneypenny’s dedication to a clear and dynamic future for its clients and people while reflecting the values and passion that have driven its success. Started in 2000 after a pivotal missed phone call resulted in a missed business opportunity, Moneypenny has since delivered world-class customer conversations to thousands of global businesses. Over the past 10 years, Moneypenny has expanded its presence across the US, growing under the Moneypenny, VoiceNation, Alphapage, Sunshine Communication Services, andChoice Voicebrands. Now, all will operate under the beloved Moneypenny brand in its Atlanta and Miami offices, as well as virtually in hubs across the country. This unification enhances the ability to offer seamless customer communication solutions and strengthens Moneypenny’s position as the world’s customer conversation experts. 

“As we celebrate 25 years of service, we are excited to express more clearly and concisely our passion to those we serve. By bringing the best of all of our businesses together under one brand, we make it easier for businesses to see the full range of solutions we offer, while also enhancing opportunities for our people. This transition underscores Moneypenny’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and a unified global strategy.” said Richard Culberson, CEO of Moneypenny North America. 

"As a company proudly headquartered in Wrexham UK, a city with a rich history and a growing international profile, Moneypenny is proud to represent that same spirit of fellowship, excellence, and focus on what matters most, people,” said Jesper With-Fogstrup, Group CEO of Moneypenny. “Just as Wrexham soccer has captured hearts across the US, Wrexham’s own Moneypenny has captured hearts by connecting businesses, technology, and people on both sides of the pond. We couldn’t be more excited to have all our teams driven by this shared spirit."

To mark its silver anniversary, Moneypenny will celebrate with a throwback “year 2000” prom for its US teams – a tribute not only to Moneypenny’s remarkable quarter-century history, but also to a time before smartphones, live chat, and a global pandemic put companies on call 24-7By embracing a unified brand, celebrating its legacy, and continuing to invest in its people and AI-driven solutions, Moneypenny is setting the stage for an even stronger future.

About Moneypenny

As the world’s customer conversation experts, Moneypenny’s unique blend of brilliant people and AI technology integrates seamlessly to deliver customer conversations that unlock valuable opportunities for businesses, 24/7. Available across all voice and text channels, Moneypenny responds to and fulfils requirements for thousands of UK and US clients who value their reputation and recognize that the key to sustainable growth is working with a partner who allows them to scale in an agile way. This year, Moneypenny proudly celebrates 25 years of service, having been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” seven times and earning recognition as a Great Place To Work (GPTW). Moneypenny was also named as ‘Best Global Support’ in The Forbes Advisor - The Best Answering Services of 2024.