BONIN ARCHITECTS, KT2 DESIGN GROUP JOIN FORCES

Bonin Architects & Associates (BAA) and KT2 Design Group have announced their strategic alliance, combining their expertise in custom residential, commercial and landscape architecture to serve clients across New England. The two award-winning firms will continue to operate with their skilled staff, creating exceptional design projects while expanding their reach. Kevin ten Brinke, partner and lead architect at KT2, will lead the alliance as principal and lead architect at BAA, guiding the firms into their next chapter.

Founded by Kim and Jeremy Bonin nearly 20 years ago, BAA is based in New London and Meredith, NH, and specializes in legacy design projects. KT2, founded in 2015 by Kevin and Kalah Talancy, has earned a reputation for collaborative design solutions, offering clients the option to work with either or both founders. Kevin’s leadership will enhance BAA’s client service, bringing new vitality and an integrated design approach.

Kim and Jeremy will continue to play key roles during the transition, ensuring continuity and expertise throughout the process. Both firms share a commitment to delivering innovative, client-centered designs, whether for lakefront homes in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, or coastal properties in the Cape and Islands. The new alliance will provide clients with greater access to industry-leading knowledge and design expertise, solidifying their vision of making every project a reality.

STANDEX ANNOUNCES NEW ACQUISITIONS

Standex International Corporation (NYSE: SXI) — a global manufacturer for electronics, engraving, scientific, engineering technologies and specialty solutions in Salem — has acquired privately held, U.S.- based Amran Instrument Transformers and India-based Narayan Powertech Pvt. Ltd. (going forward referred to as “Amran/Narayan Group”) in cash and stock transactions. Amran/Narayan Group manufactures low voltage and medium voltage instrument transformers.

These transactions represent a combined value of approximately $462 million — 85% in cash and 15% in Standex common stock for Amran Instrument Transformers, and 90% cash and 10% in Standex common stock for Narayan Powertech Pvt. Ltd. The cash consideration of the transactions was financed using cash-on-hand, existing credit facilities and a $250 million, 364-day term loan with existing lenders.

In addition, Standex has acquired Michigan-based Custom Biogenic Systems (CBS) for approximately $6.2 million in cash. The transaction is being financed from Standex’s existing cash balance.

Founded in 1987, Custom Biogenic Systems specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced cryogenic equipment, including unique Isothermal freezers with dry liquid nitrogen technology, to the pharmaceutical and biobank end markets within life sciences. In calendar year 2024, CBS estimates revenues of approximately $15 million.

CONNECTION NAMED MOST TRUSTWORTHY COMPANY

Connection (NASDAQ: CNXN), an IT solutions provider to business, government, health care and education markets, has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2024 list of World’s Most Trustworthy Companies.

The World’s Most Trustworthy Companies award, presented by Newsweek in partnership with Statista Inc., recognizes companies that have earned the confidence of consumers, investors and employees by producing quality products, paying employees fair wages and appointing effective leaders. The ranking is based on an independent survey of more than 70,000 participants and 230,000 evaluations from customers, investors and employees, and an analysis of company mentions across social platforms.

Tim McGrath, president and CEO of Connection said, “Trust is an integral part of our culture at Connection. There’s nothing more important than earning and keeping the trust of our customers, partners, investors, employees and communities. To be recognized among the top companies in the world for our efforts is an incredible honor. Thank you to Newsweek and Statista for this award, and thank you to all who have put their trust in Connection. We will continue to earn it and deliver the exceptional service, support, and integrity you’ve come to expect from our team.”