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Litigation Finance Pioneer Bentham IMF Breaks the Mold of Law and Finance, Completing Hires that Establish Gender Equality and Build on Specialized Expertise of Investment Management Team

NEW YORK (January 29, 2019) – Leading commercial litigation funder Bentham IMF has hired Sidley Austin LLP partner, Dana MacGrath, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP partner, Sarah Tsou, as investment managers and legal counsel responsible for sourcing and evaluating arbitration and commercial litigation matters that meet Bentham’s investment criteria. The company has also hired Chief of Staff, Tina Young, from Deloitte Consulting LLP. This marks the second round of hiring at the company since it launched its most recent fund in November 2018.

Bentham and its parent company, IMF Bentham Limited (ASX:IMF), already stand out in the male-dominated industries of law and finance for having women throughout the ranks—including at the board of directors, senior management and investment management levels. These new hires, along with hires the company announced in December 2018, establish gender equality at a level where law firms and financial institutions have struggled to achieve it. The company’s ten-person senior investment management team in the U.S., which is comprised solely of lawyers in business-generating roles comparable to equity partner roles at law firms, now has an equal number of men and women. This achievement furthers the company’s tradition of setting high standards for diversity in the burgeoning industry it helped to form.

The arrival of Dana and Sarah also strengthens the company’s ability to evaluate cases in areas of practice where demand for funding is high. Dana will be responsible for leading the company’s investments in international arbitration matters. She has long been a leading practitioner in international arbitration, having conducted arbitrations before the preeminent international arbitration institutions, as well as before ad hoc arbitration panels, and serving as an arbitrator herself. She has also represented U.S. and foreign parties in disputes regarding the enforceability of arbitration agreements and arbitral awards, forum selection and choice of law clauses, sovereign immunity and discovery in the international context.

Sarah will enhance Bentham’s ability to evaluate intellectual property matters for investment, in particular patent litigation. She brings the perspective of a big firm lawyer who has spent over a dozen years representing clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies in all aspects of complex litigation from inception to trial. In addition to litigating patent disputes spanning a broad range of technologies and industries, Sarah has also handled trade secret and trademark litigation and counseled clients in corporate acquisitions, licensing matters, and other transactions.

Tina Young will play a management role for Bentham, drawing on more than 25 years’ experience working in the financial services and TMT industries for companies including JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Morgan Stanley and Reuters America. Throughout her career, Tina has held senior leadership roles on global teams devoted to data management, leveraging industry and client insights, providing strategic sourcing solutions for risk and compliance, expense management and procurement.

“Dana and Sarah will give us the unique competitive advantage of having the in-house expertise to rapidly evaluate arbitration matters and intellectual property litigation claims and invest in those most likely to help us sustain our 90% success rate,” said Allison Chock, Bentham’s US Chief Investment Officer. “We’re thrilled that recruiting the very best candidates for these roles also brought about the unintended but excellent circumstance of establishing a 50/50 gender balance on our senior investment team.”

“The law firms and claimants that partner with Bentham choose to do so for the factors that set us apart from other funders: our unparalleled experience, our impressive track record, the simple and fair investment terms we offer, and access to a team comprised of litigators from top-tier law firms and litigation boutiques,” said Charlie Gollow, Bentham’s US Chief Executive. “Steadily building on our team’s specialized expertise, first with the 2017 hire of our bankruptcy funding specialistKen Epstein, and now with the hire of Dana and Sarah, furthers our ability to make Bentham the obvious financier to choose—for general commercial litigation, as well as bankruptcy, international arbitration, intellectual property and other types of matters.”

The team’s newest hires are highly qualified in their respective fields. Dana has been recognized as a leading practitioner of international arbitration in various directories, including Chambers USA, Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration, Latinvex in “Latin America’s Top 100 Female Lawyers” and Expert Guides’ Guide to the World’s Leading Experts in Commercial Arbitration. She is the current President of the Board of Directors of ArbitralWomen, an international nonprofit organization that promotes women and diversity in international dispute resolution. She is also a member of several other professional associations. She is an adjunct professor of law at Brooklyn Law School, where she teaches a seminar on international commercial arbitration and coaches the Brooklyn Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot team. Dana earned her J.D. from New York University School of Law and her B.A. cum laude, from Middlebury College.

Sarah has tried numerous cases before federal district juries and judges, arbitration panels, and the U.S. Patent Office, and she joins Bentham just weeks after her latest jury trial win. Working with the world’s premier intellectual property trial lawyers, she has secured significant verdicts and judgments for both plaintiffs and defendants, including some over $100 million. Sarah and her cases have been recognized in The American LawyerLaw360 and other publications. Most recently, one of her successes was profiled by Law360 in its announcement naming her former firm a 2018 IP Group of the Year. In addition to taking various committee leadership roles at her former firm, Sarah was a recipient of the Kirkland & Ellis LLP Pro Bono Service Award. She earned her JD from New York University School of Law and her BA from Washington University in St. Louis, graduating summa cum laude, with Highest Honors.

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 17 years, funding to completion 179 cases and generating $2.3 billion AUD in recoveries. We have achieved a 90% success rate, with clients utilizing our funding retaining an average of 62% 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.