MissionIR's  Instablog

Phoenix-based specialty retailer and loyalty marketplace preferred partner SkyMall has merged into a subsidiary of leading digital marketing and advertising solutions provider Xhibit. Together, the companies will concentrate on the next-generation interactive platform to provide a comprehensive and enhanced client experience to SkyMall's 650 million viewers and to more than 135 million loyalty division members.

"We are excited to bring these two companies together," said Xhibit Founder Chris Richarde , who will now serve as president of Xhibit Corp. "At Xhibit's core, we have focused on building communities that link consumers with product and service providers while enhancing the purchasing process. We believe that our platform will enhance the shopping experience for SkyMall's suppliers, customers and members."

Xhibit's large digital media distribution network will combine with SkyMall's increasing merchants and customer reach to create a world-class consumer merchandising and relationship platform. SkyMall's catalog is currently accessible to 80 percent of domestic travelers in the United States, and SkyMall is additionally the preferred loyalty partner provider to iconic enterprises in finance, gaming, and hospitality verticals.

Najafi Companies - the owners of SkyMall prior to the merger - will continue as a major shareholder of Xhibit Corp. Xhibit has acquired all outstanding capital stock of the SkyMall parent for newly issued shares of Xhibit common stock, which represents around 40 % of the total outstanding shares of Xhibit capital stock. Structured as a merger of a newly formed Xhibit subsidiary into the SkyMall parent, the transaction was unanimously approved by the Xhibit and SkyMall parent boards of directors and by the shareholders of the SkyMall parent.

For more information, visit www.xhibitcorp.com

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Chanticleer Holdings, a joint owner of privately held Hooters of America (HOA) and an independent developer of international Hooters restaurants, is the focus of a recent Wall Street Journal article by Georgia Wells (http://dtg.fm/Fr8t) that covers the company's move into Brazil. Chanticleer has already opened Hooters restaurants in Hungary, South Africa, and Australia, but sees Brazil as the single biggest opportunity for both Hooters and Chanticleer. In the article, Chanticleer CEO, Michael Pruitt, is mentioned as hoping to launch as many as 40 Hooters locations, making the country the largest Hooters footprint outside the U.S.

Brazil holds special interest now, with the upcoming 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, but, as the article points out, the opportunity goes beyond that, since there is a real need for middle-tier restaurants that is not being met. The article quotes Andres Calderon, VP of Research at Hansberger Global Investors, as emphasizing the opportunity for mid-priced U.S. restaurants between the lower-end street vendors or fast food chains and the more formal local restaurants: ". . . you really have a dearth of options in the middle." He points to Outback Steakhouse, now with over 21 locations in Brazil, as an example of one of the few American restaurants to go after the Brazilian customers. "It's been a wild success. Literally people will wait an hour in line to eat at Outback," Mr. Calderon said.

Chanticleer hopes to be the next big success in Brazil, building on success it has had in South Africa, Australia, and Hungary. In addition, the company is also a part owner of Hooters of America (HOA), a privately held company that now controls over 430 Hooters restaurants around the world. Chanticleer President and CEO Michael Pruitt sits on the HOA Board of Directors.

For additional information on Chanticleer Holdings, visit www.ChanticleerHoldings.com

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A global provider of advanced communications and mobile broadband services, iTalk has announced the appointment of Clive Raines as Director of Australasia and Europe Operations. With high voice quality and the lowest prices, iTalk Mobile is currently pushing the market for an industry alternative to traditional cellular coverage. Raines, whose resume includes extensive experience in better business practices in Australasia and Europe, will be welcomed to the team for his strong background in sales, marketing, strategic product development, and distribution.

David F. Levy, Chief Executive Officer of iTalk, commented, "The Australasia and Europe region is poised for the same explosive growth in new communication devices and services that iTalk is currently offering to the US marketplace." Continuing on Levy stated, "Clive is an excellent addition to our growing team and his 25 years of international communications, product development and distribution experience in Australasia and European countries, will allow iTalk to utilize his unique skills and knowledge to expand our global footprint and make our products the most competitive in the region."

With extensive international experience establishing and developing next generation telecom companies for IP based services, Raines brings a strong background of management. The man's resume includes senior management roles, management consulting, marketing, international project management, technical project management, CRM, as well as business development.
Raines previously sat as President of International Operations for TheGlobe.com, a VoIP provider and currently one of the most successful dot-com IPOs in NASDAQ's long history. With an impressive resume in telecommunications, Raines has received extensive technical management, certifications, and product training with numerous international technology and telecommunications companies.

A mobile communications company, iTalk uses innovative technologies to offer consumers a high quality cellular alternative while severely undercutting all major national carriers. Through iTalks' extensive network, consumers will have access to offers that include nationwide voice and data coverage to about 280 million people in over 12,900 cities.

To learn more, visit www.italkmobility.com

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