SAE Cites Carol Sturman As Leader Award Winner

Carol Sturman, founder and president of Sturman Industries, Woodland Park, Colo., is the recipient of SAE International’s J. Cordell Breed Award for Women Leaders.

She was honored during the SAE 2008 World Congress Award Ceremony held April 15 in Detroit.

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NOVA Information Systems Becomes Elavon

NOVA Information Systems (NOVA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, has unveiled a new global company name: Elavon.

Elavon becomes the identity for NOVA and its affiliate merchant acquiring brands including First Horizon Merchant Services (FHMS) and euroConex. Elavon effectively unites the company’s acquiring solutions organization to address the expanding payment processing needs of its partners and clients.

Backed by U.S. Bancorp’s strategic investments and operational efficiency, Elavon is positioned to capitalize on emerging market opportunities and build on the strength of its international processing platform and proven business model.

As an ASA-sponsored benefit provider, Elavon will continue to provide ASA members a special discounted rate on credit card and electronic check processing. For more information, visit www.elavon.com or call the ASA membership department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295.

Panasonic Paper Looks at Toughbook’s Role

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of mobile computers, has released a white paper titled “The Role of Rugged Mobile Computing in Overhaul, Service & Maintenance Operations.” It explores the strategic, operational and technological issues that are addressed by rugged mobile solutions for maintenance and service managers.

The full report can be downloaded by going to the Panasonic Toughbook Web site, www.toughbook.com, then selecting the drop-down menu under “Solutions by Industry.” Next, select "Transportation," and then "Service and Maintenance Whitepaper" pdf.

MACS Announces New Web Site

The Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide has a new Web site, www.macsw.org.

According to MACS, the new Web site will be user-friendly and more efficient. Visitors can find a wealth of information regarding mobile air conditioning technical and regulatory information, training and convention events and resources for industry professionals, student technicians and consumers.

CCC Information Services, Mitchell International to Merge

CCC Information Services Inc. of Chicago and Mitchell International Inc. of San Diego have signed a definitive agreement under which they will combine in a merger-of-equals transaction valued at $1.4 billion.

CCC and Mitchell, ASA benefit providers, are each privately held. The combined enterprise, which will be known as CCC-Mitchell Inc., will be a provider of information, workflow  management systems and integrated software to insurance companies and collision repair facilities. The company’s data, software and services will support the estimating and processing of claims for auto physical damage and bodily injury. At inception, CCC-Mitchell will have annual sales of approximately $460 million and approximately 2,000 employees.

Among the customer benefits of the transaction, the combined company will have:

• An expanded communication network to deliver greater connectivity between insurers, repair facilities and other industry service providers and suppliers;
• Expanded research and development resources and a greater ability to enhance current products and services, deliver new technology-based claims solutions, and provide faster time-to-market product delivery;
• An expanded sales and service organization, providing broader and better customer service across North America.

Under the agreement, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Mitchell and CCC will merge in a stock-for-stock exchange. Ownership and board seats will be held equally by Aurora Capital Group, the private equity sponsor of Mitchell, and Investcorp, the private equity sponsor of CCC. In addition, CCC-Mitchell management will have a significant stake in the combined enterprise.

Githesh Ramamurthy, currently chairman and CEO of CCC, will become the CEO of the combined company. Alex Sun, currently president and CEO of Mitchell, will serve as president of CCCMitchell.

Given the geographic distribution of the companies’ respective work forces and customers, as well as the companies’ ability to connect through their existing systems, it is anticipated that CCC-Mitchell will operate from multiple locations while maintaining a significant presence in both San Diego and Chicago.

Completion of the transaction is expected to occur immediately following completion of regulatory review and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.