The Acquisition Accelerates Growth of Rocket Lab's Space Systems Business and Strengthens Position as Leading End-to-End Space Company
Long Beach, California. October 12, 2021 – Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Advanced Solutions, Inc. (ASI), a Colorado-based aerospace engineering firm delivering mission proven space software, mission simulation and test systems, and Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) solutions, for $40 million plus the potential for an additional $5.5 million performance earnout based on CY 2021 results.
ASI’s industry-leading advances in flight software, mission simulation, and GNC significantly strengthen Rocket Lab’s Space Systems portfolio, which encompasses the Photon spacecraft line and a growing suite of spacecraft hardware solutions, including those brought to the portfolio through the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary in April 2020.
“Both Rocket Lab and ASI have built leading space businesses with mission proven technology and have a shared vision of making it easier to get to space and do incredible things there, so we’re excited to welcome ASI aboard to further enhance our space systems portfolio and deliver enhanced end-to-end space solutions," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “The ASI team revolutionized flight software and have enabled some of the most significant space exploration missions. For more than 20 years they have been delivering industry-first, off-the-shelf spacecraft flight software products that enable cost-effective and highly capable constellation and interplanetary missions. By joining forces, we believe it will have a transformative effect on the way spacecraft are designed, built, tested, launched, and operated, further unlocking space’s potential.”
“We’ve found a great fit with Rocket Lab and we’re thrilled to be teaming up with them to continue making space faster, easier and more affordable,” said John Cuseo, ASI Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “The two companies complement each other very well. By coming together, we will continue to serve our customers and innovate in our areas of expertise, including space software and GNC, but now with more rocket fuel in the tank to play with. We look forward to also becoming an integral part of Rocket Lab’s Space Systems business, supporting Photon missions, satellite components, and space and ground software.”
ASI’s team of almost 60 people will continue to be led by John Cuseo in Colorado, enabling Rocket Lab to grow its presence within the nation’s second-largest aerospace economy and home to cutting-edge space programs, military commands and renowned research laboratories and universities. The ASI team will continue to serve its existing customer base, while leveraging the ability to scale by tapping into Rocket Lab’s resources, team, and technology.
Founded in 1995, ASI has developed an industry-leading suite of software and technology solutions for reliable space mission design and operation. It’s off-the-shelf spacecraft flight software, MAX, has been operating across more than 45 spacecraft for a cumulative 135 years in space. ASI’s customers include leading aerospace prime contractors, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. DOD organizations, NASA, and commercial spacecraft developers including several of the exciting new space start-ups.
The ASI team have supported some of the most ambitious Earth, interplanetary, and human spaceflight missions flown. These missions have explored distant planets, connected people on Earth, and pushed the boundaries of what is possible in space. Now, ASI’s engineers and space software products are enabling a wide variety of missions with speed, capability, and reliability.
About Rocket Lab
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 105 satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand, one of which is currently operational, and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational by the end of 2021. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com
Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg is a step closer to bringing his American burger chain to New Zealand after announcing a first Australian venue.
The famed Wahlburgers will open its first Australian store in Circular Quay, Sydney, before Christmas 2021, Wahlberg said yesterday.
His Australian business partner, Sam Mustaca, told the Herald that plans were still on track to open one restaurant in Auckland and potentially another in Mount Maunganui, although he was vague about the opening date, indicating "mid next year" for the Auckland one.
The initial plan was to open mid this year but the rollout had been delayed by Covid-19.
The Wahlburger chain is a casual dining restaurant and bar founded by Mark and his brothers Donnie and chef Paul Wahlberg.
They are planning on opening 19 restaurants in Australia over the next five years, plus at least one in New Zealand."Australia will open, subject to Covid-19 restrictions, by Christmas 2021, creating 65 jobs," Mustaca said.
"It will be open all day from breakfast to late at night and offer a full menu with a couple of Aussie classics, premier bar, full breakfast, coffee/espresso bar, merchandise and souvenirs."
"It's a big sports bar experience sort of that big American Hollywood flair.
Wahlburgers is known for its beef burgers, loaded tater tots, boozy shakes, and house beer. It also servers other American items like sloppy Joes and chilli mac and cheese.
The 20 restaurants to be opened over the next five years will create over 500 jobs and represents a $50 million investment, Mustaca said.
The Auckland restaurant, planned for the CBD would host about 250 diners, he said, adding that the Mount Manganui venue could be located inside the complex of the United Cinemas at Bayfair.
"One to two [stores] until we get to five and then we'll regroup and just see where the market lands for Wahlberg in NZ," Mustaca said.
The United Cinemas is owned and operated by the Mustaca family, across Australia since 1987.
Bayfair Shopping Centre in Mount Maunganui was a $115 million development project which was completed in December 2020 and was opened on Boxing day the same year.
October 01, 2021' WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today met with New Zealand Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor. Ambassador Tai and Minister O’Connor discussed the importance of the U.S.-New Zealand trade and investment relationship. Ambassador Tai reaffirmed the United States’ strong support for APEC and commitment to working collaboratively with New Zealand as it finalizes its APEC Host Year. Ambassador Tai and Minister O’Connor also discussed their shared commitment to work toward a successful 12th Ministerial Conference. They also discussed digital trade and the importance of ensuring that trade policies are resilient and inclusive, advancing the needs of workers, consumers, and businesses. Ambassador Tai reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and and importance of collaboration among those with open, free, democratic systems.
Source: https://ustr.gov/
Big Picture New Zealand today announced the acquisition of Spot-light Systems by parent company NEP Group, the leading technology partner for content creators around the globe. Headquartered in Auckland, Spot-light Systems is a lighting production and design company servicing live events, corporate communications, and broadcast sectors with an outstanding reputation for smart delivery.
The deal strengthens NEP’s Live Events business in New Zealand by adding lighting assets and capabilities to Big Picture’s strong offering in the region.
Big Picture continues its success as the leading video solutions provider in the region, with its array of cutting-edge technology in camera systems, media servers, projection and LED displays, serving the live events, broadcast, corporate and virtual production sectors.
“By combining Spot-light Systems with Big Picture we are able to provide a comprehensive video and lighting solution for our clients” commented Joe Bonanno, CEO of Big Picture “This is the natural next step for Big Picture New Zealand”.
“We have had a long-standing relationship with Spot-light Systems, dating back ten years and often working on the same projects” Paul Carppe, General Manager of Big Picture New Zealand, added.
“Big Picture shares a similar culture and commitment to that of Spot-light Systems. This partnership will ensure both companies will evolve into the future with a broader client reach. Our aim is to continue to provide exceptional service to our customers and be at the forefront of live event and broadcast technology innovation,” said Benjimen Cooper, Founder of Spot-light Systems.
Simon Garrett broadens his role at Big Picture as Head of Broadcast and special events Lighting, supported by Matt Tong. Spot-light Systems will continue to operate as usual. Ben Cooper and Alex Oldham along with their core contractors will remain at Woodson Place. “Big Picture’s technology, resources and expertise complement Spot-light Systems and position us to better meet the needs of an evolving event landscape.” Simon commented.
To learn more about Big Picture’s range of video and lighting solutions, visit www.bigpicture.com
SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 13, 2021 — Nyriad Inc. announced it has relocated its global headquarters from New Zealand to the U.S. as it prepares to launch the industry’s first storage solutions based on a new architecture that redefines how data is stored. The architecture combines the power of GPUs and CPUs to deliver an unprecedented combination of performance, resilience, and efficiency, enabling massive amounts of data and multiple data types to be managed in a single storage system that is simple to deploy, operate, scale, and maintain.
The new Nyriad global headquarters is in the San Francisco Bay Area. While development and engineering continue to reside in New Zealand, such capabilities will be expanded in other places wherever talents reside, including Silicon Valley.
“The fundamental nature of storage hasn’t changed much in 15 years, even as the world’s data and our reliance on it has grown exponentially with no end in sight,” said Herb Hunt, Nyriad Chief Executive Officer. “The performance and resilience of data systems has never been more important to business success, but the approaches being used today are not fast enough, not resilient enough, inefficient and not up to the task.
“Data and data management have the potential to be huge competitive advantages, but existing storage products focus on compensating for technical inadequacies,” added Hunt. “Nyriad is building a new storage architecture from the ground up that empowers businesses to grow, adapt, and stay competitive in a data-driven world. We are excited to have closed a funding round and be bringing our headquarters closer to our customers as we bring our revolutionary architecture to market.”
The headquarters move follows a refocusing of Nyriad in late 2020, led by serial entrepreneur and Nyriad Chairman of the Board, Guy Haddleton. At the time, the company completed a funding round from existing shareholders and began to expand its executive leadership team. The expanded executive team includes:
● Herb Hunt, Chief Executive Officer and Director. 30+ years’ experience in senior leadership and strategic operational roles in global tech companies, including IBM, Siebel, and several startups. ● John Scaramuzzo, Chief Operating Officer. 30+ years’ storage industry experience as an entrepreneur who led several successful exits, including Smart Storage, and executive positions with Western Digital, SanDisk, Seagate, and Maxtor. ● Steve Lance, Chief Financial Officer. 30+ years’ financial experience with tech companies, including SugarCRM, SumTotal Systems, KLA and Taulia, with multiple exits including an IPO and M&As. ● Dr. Stuart Inglis, Chief Technology Officer. 25+ years’ experience in IT architecture and software development and lead investor in numerous New Zealand tech companies.
● Kevan Pennington, Chief of Engineering Operations. 30+ years’ experience in software and systems development, with emphasis on quality in agile paradigm, with companies such as Cubic Defense, BAE Systems, Airbus, General Dynamics, and Westinghouse Rail. The company’s Board of Directors and Board Advisor are:
● Guy Haddleton, Chairman. 20+ years’ experience in investing and high-growth startups, including co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Anaplan, which completed a $3 billion IPO and is listed on the NYSE.
● Joanna Perry, Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. 15 years’ experience in corporate governance on numerous boards, former partner of KPMG New Zealand, and former Chairman of the New Zealand Financial Reporting Standards Board.
● Tim Miles, Director. 20+ years’ experience in senior leadership roles including Chief Executive Officer of Spark Digital, Vodafone New Zealand, and Vodafone UK, and group Chief Technical Officer of Vodafone plc.
● Derek Dicker, Director. 20+ years’ technology experience including senior executive roles with Intel, Integrated Device Technology, PMC-Sierra, Micro-Semi, and Micron Technology.
● Herb Hunt, Chief Executive Officer and Director.
● Dr. Chong Sup Park, Board Advisor. 30+ years’ technology experience in leadership roles including CEO of Hyundai Electronics, Chairman and CEO of Hynix Semiconductor (renamed SK Hynix), Chairman and CEO of Maxtor, and on Boards including Seagate, Cloudian, and others.
About Nyriad
Nyriad Inc. is developing the industry’s first storage solutions based on a new architecture that redefines how data is stored. The architecture combines the power of GPUs and CPUs to deliver an unprecedented combination of performance, resilience, and efficiency, enabling massive amounts of data and multiple data types to be managed in a single storage system that is simple to deploy, operate, scale, and maintain. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with development and engineering teams in New Zealand, Nyriad is building a new storage architecture from the ground up that empowers businesses to grow, adapt, and stay competitive in a data-driven world. For more information, visit us on the web at www.nyriad.io
Apple+ has recently debuted Mr.Corman with studio A24 after spending many months filming the TV show right here in the Wellington region. With more than 200 jobs created and 200 vendors used during the project, it was a welcome Covid-19 relief for our screen sector.
Having decided to film in the suburban LA sprawl of the San Fernando Valley, Covid-19 shut down production shortly after filming began. The production relocated to New Zealand, based at Avalon Studios, with Wellington standing in for suburban Los Angeles and a predominantly New Zealand crew on board,headed by producer Pamela Harvey-White.
Episode nine is entirely shot in Petone, mainly on Victoria Street. https://www.nzfilm.co.nz/international/showcase/mr-corman
Global convenience and fuel giant Circle K has plans underway to launch a multi-million dollar franchising drive in New Zealand.
The American-based retailer is one of the world's largest convenience store brands with more than 14,000 locations.
Circle K, under its local licence Pamma Retail Group (PRG), is planning to open more than 100 New Zealand outlets, and hopes to see 2 per cent of the country's 5000 convenience stores converted to the Circle K brand and retail fit-out.
Circle K is also plans to open some of the first purpose-built electric vehicle (EV) charging and petrol stations at sites around the country in an attempt to transform the local fuel market.
Iqubal Basra, Circle K NZ's site development director, said achieving their rapid outlet growth target will mean the brand will become one of New Zealand's largest grocery convenience and food service retail chains.
"What New Zealanders can expect to find in one of our stores is a significantly different retail experience from the traditional corner dairy and service station. The larger stores are a hybrid of a convenience store and prepared food outlet."
Basra said they are looking for 200m2 sites that can open 24 hours a day but can also work with sites with smaller footprints or operate on reduced hours in rural or lower traffic areas.
"They [the stores] will carry over 2000 different SKUs - a mix of our Circle K private label brand, self-serve frozen and chilled beverages, world famous hot dogs and food to go, with menu items such as fish and chips as well as a wide array of well known international foods," Basra said.
"In addition, customers will also be able to purchase self-serve coffee for $1 - a move that is set to have an impact on this part of the industry as well."
Basra said Circle K NZ is now actively searching for service station sites and operators throughout New Zealand.
"The growth in EVs is set to impact the way fuel outlets are designed, and to address that change, Circle K NZ is planning to transform the New Zealand retail fuel market - opening some of the first purpose-built EV charging and petrol stations at sites around the country as the industry closely watches how the EV trend will reinvent the traditional petrol station," he said.
"... [the sites] will be designed specifically to accommodate the local growth in the country's EV fleet." Circle K first entered the New Zealand market in 2018, and currently has four convenience stores, all in Auckland. Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Vector Group today announced a strategic collaboration with X, the moonshot factory (formerly Google [x]), which will include virtualising New Zealand’s largest electricity network, run by Vector in Auckland. Vector and X are working together on network virtualisation and simulation technology as part of their shared vision to reimagine the design, management, and operation of electricity networks; get ahead of increasing demands for clean energy; and transform the network in order to support decarbonisation. As customers increasingly adopt electric vehicles and solar panels, these tools mean transmission and distribution operators can simulate the likely impact and proactively invest and manage their networks to maintain a reliable and affordable energy supply. As Vector Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Mackenzie explains: “Electricity networks globally are critical infrastructure that can enable the urgent decarbonisation of transport and industry. We must ensure an affordable transition through accelerating the deployment of new technologies, including digital platforms. “The old models for designing and managing energy networks simply aren’t viable anymore to manage the complexities of future energy requirements, climate change and costs. We first presented our strategy to X in 2019, found significant alignment, and now we have a team of experts from both companies working together.” It has become an increasingly challenging problem for electricity networks to integrate renewable generation, storage, electric vehicles, and other technologies, while also balancing affordability and reliability needs. As Audrey Zibelman, Vice President and General Manager for X’s moonshot for the electric grid explains: “As consumers around the world adopt more renewables and shift to electric vehicles, the pressure is on for networks to rapidly evolve. Our collaboration with Vector is rooted in our shared understanding that the whole industry has to transform. We are excited to partner with an industry leader like Vector as we collaborate on the development of solutions by combining our respective areas of expertise.” X’s electric grid moonshot, which Zibelman announced at the White House Leaders Summit on Climate in April 2021, is developing grid virtualisation tools to support an efficient and rapid path to the global decarbonisation of the power system. Vector will deploy the solutions initially in the Auckland region, but also plans to make them available more broadly, given the urgent global need to decarbonise electricity networks. Says Vector's Chief Digital Officer Shailesh Manga: “As an industry innovator, we're proud to be part of a diverse set of experts to solve a meaningful global challenge. We want to ensure that Vector, and other transmission and distribution companies, have the tools to dynamically manage their systems, ensuring we’re never in the way of customers wanting to adopt renewable energy solutions and electric vehicles.”
Not many people thought small-town Ōpōtiki could pull off New Zealand's first open ocean mussel farm and find global buyers for its product.
But Open Ocean Whakatōhea Mussel Ōpōtiki has done it in just seven years and secured a possible $400 million per-year overseas opportunity.
The company will start exporting its popular greenshell mussels (Whakatōhea kutai), already sold in Pakn'Save and New World shops throughout the country, to the USA, from its new $35 million state-of-the-art mussel processing factory in Ōpōtiki.
It will produce 45 to 50 tonnes a day of kūtai (mussels) for national and international distribution.
When Te Ao Mārama asked Whakatōhea Māori Trust board member Te Kahautu Maxwell for his thoughts on the new exporting venture he said, "I am happy we have made our forefathers 'dream a reality to farm the oceans.
"I am happy that we are now exporting to America".
Open Ocean - Whakatōhea Mussels Ōpōtiki chief executive Peter Vitasovich puts the overseas partnership down to Aotearoa having the best farming practices in the world.
He says the New Zealand native species just tastes good.
The company is now about to send 12.2m containers stuffed with about sixteen tonnes of frozen half-shell mussel in them that will go from the Whakatōhea moana to American plates.
So far, there are close to 90 staff at the mussel company and by 2025 there will be almost 280 jobs available, ranging range from production to managerial positions, with the help of a training scheme the company has to upskill and train whānau into different jobs throughout the company.
Wharengaro Tapara-Kurei of Whakatōhea and Amelia Austin of Ngāti Tuwharetoa both work at the factory and are happy to be employed and be able to take care of the whānau.
"We have had people move back home because of the employment opportunities," Austin said.
And Tapara-Kurei wanted to use this media opportunity to expose the great job opportunities for her whānau.
"The most important thing is we can support our families. We can come out of our homes and start looking for employment. That is us, whānau, let's do this."
Open Ocean Whakatōhea Mussel Ōpōtiki will send its first container on October 14.
Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Rocket Lab has secured US$24.35 million ($34m) from the US Air Force's new Space Force division to develop the upper stage of its Neutron rocket, according to multiple US news reports.
The Kiwi-American company could not be immediately reached for comment, and at press time had not released any statement.
The crew-capable Neutron, which will be able to lift an 8-tonne payload into orbit, is due to launch in 2024.
The $24.35m funding revealed overnight is part of a wider US$87.5m round to support new technology development programmes by private space-launch operators.
Space Force also awarded US$24.35m to the Jeff Bezos-owned Blue Origin toward development of its planned New Glenn heavy-lifting rocket.
The same amount went to Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture United Launch Alliance toward its pending Vulcan Centaur heavy-lifting rocket.
And the Elon Musk-owned SpaceX received US$14.47m toward the development of its planned "super-heavy" lifting Starship rocket.
According to Space News, the grants were awarded following a request-for-proposal process initiated by Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center, which has since been renamed Space Systems Command in May.
The tender was managed by the US Air Force's Space Enterprise Consortium, which Space News says "was created by the Air Force in 2017 to attract startups and commercial companies from the space industry to bid on military projects".
The US$87.5m funding round was designed to help build capabilities that will allow the recipients to bid for national security launch service contracts.
The funds will be allocated in 2022, subject to Congressional approval for Rocket Lab, Blue Origin and UAL (SpaceX gained approval through an earlier process).
Rocket Lab, which won a key R&D contract with US Department of Defense agency Darpa (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) at a key time in its young life, has long had close ties to the US military which, along with Nasa, has been one of its two biggest customers.
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