Legal firm Knights advised Cardo on its latest acquisition
16:18, 01 Jun 2026Updated 16:27, 01 Jun 2026
Cardiff-based building and maintenance contractor Cardo Group has further expanded with the acquisition of Merthyr electrical and engineering firm EFS Systems.
Legal firm Knights, through its Cardiff office, acted for Cardo on the deal, the value of which has not been disclosed.
EFS is an established contractor delivering commercial, industrial and renewable energy projects. Its capabilities include electrical design, installation, inspection, testing and maintenance, together with fire and security systems, data and networking, solar panels and electric vehicle charging solutions.
Advertisement
The acquisition is strategically aligned with Cardo Group’s existing maintenance, compliance, retrofit and decarbonisation offering, while adding further capability in electrical services and energy-efficient technologies.
Liam Bevan CEO of Cardo Group.
Liam Bevan, chief executive of Cardo Group, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome the EFS Systems team into Cardo Group. Their track record of high-quality, people-focused services aligns closely with how we approach our work.
“Rob and the EFS Systems team have been trusted partners of mine for over 10 years, and we’ve worked closely with them on projects for a wide range of clients during that time.
“This acquisition strengthens our ability to deliver integrated services for our clients, while continuing to grow our presence in key regions. Just as importantly, it brings in a team with the right values and expertise to support our long-term ambitions.”
Advertisement
A specialist team of legal advisors at regional legal and professional services business, Knights, advised Cardo Group on the acquisition. The multi-disciplinary team was led by corporate partner Emma Borrington, supported by Elizabeth Hill and Edmund Anya in corporate, Sarah Luxmoore in employment, Krystal Gibbins in real estate, Steve Webb in construction and Sarah Cardew in corporate tax.
Corporate partner with Knights, Emma Borrington, said:“We were delighted to support Cardo Group on this acquisition. EFS Systems is a well-regarded business with strong technical capability, and the transaction is closely aligned with Cardo’s strategic objectives.
“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Liam, Alex Crewe and the wider Cardo team on another important transaction, and to support the business as it continues to invest in complementary specialist capabilities.
“We wish everyone at Cardo Group and EFS Systems every success as they take this next step together.”
SAN FRANCISCO — SULLYOON of the K-pop group NMIXX delivered a standout ceremonial first pitch at Oracle Park on Sunday, captivating baseball fans and sparking widespread social media attention as the clip quickly went viral among both K-pop enthusiasts and sports audiences.
SULLYOON of NMIXX
The 20-year-old South Korean singer, whose full name is Seol Yoon-ah, took the mound before the Giants’ game and executed a strong, accurate throw that drew cheers from the crowd and immediate praise online. The moment, captured in high-definition video, showcased her poised demeanor and athleticism, quickly amassing hundreds of thousands of views across platforms within hours of the game.
NMIXX, a rising JYP Entertainment girl group known for their powerful vocals and dynamic performances, has been gaining international recognition. SULLYOON’s appearance at Oracle Park highlighted the growing crossover appeal of K-pop artists in American sports and entertainment events. The Giants organization frequently invites celebrities and musicians for ceremonial first pitches to enhance fan engagement and create memorable pre-game moments.
Video of the pitch showed SULLYOON in a casual yet stylish outfit, walking confidently to the mound before delivering a solid throw that reached the catcher without bouncing. Fans in the stands and online reacted enthusiastically, with many commenting on her composure and natural athletic ability. Clips shared on social media platforms featured slow-motion replays and fan edits, further amplifying the moment’s reach.
Advertisement
Growing K-Pop Influence in U.S. Sports
K-pop artists have increasingly participated in major U.S. sporting events, blending their global fanbases with American sports culture. Previous first pitches by K-pop idols have generated significant buzz, often leading to heightened interest in both the artist and the team. SULLYOON’s appearance continues this trend, demonstrating how cross-cultural collaborations can benefit both entertainment and sports industries.
The Giants, known for their innovative fan experiences, have hosted numerous high-profile performers for ceremonial pitches. These moments serve dual purposes: entertaining the crowd before games and expanding the team’s reach to younger, diverse audiences through social media virality.
SULLYOON’s pitch came during a period of rising popularity for NMIXX in the United States. The group has toured internationally and collaborated with Western artists, building a dedicated following. Her appearance at Oracle Park provided a high-visibility platform that aligned with the group’s expanding global presence.
Fan and Social Media Reaction
Social media erupted with positive reactions shortly after the pitch. Fans praised SULLYOON’s confidence and form, with many creating memes and highlight reels. Hashtags related to both NMIXX and the Giants trended as K-pop fans discovered baseball and sports fans explored the group’s music.
Advertisement
Comments ranged from admiration for her athleticism to excitement about potential future collaborations between K-pop and Major League Baseball. Several users noted the seamless blend of cultures, with one popular post stating the moment represented “perfect harmony between two worlds.”
The viral nature of the clip highlighted the power of short-form video content in bridging entertainment genres. Platforms like TikTok and X amplified the reach, with users sharing slowed-down versions, reaction videos and comparisons to other notable first pitches.
Broader Impact on K-Pop and Sports Partnerships
K-pop’s expansion into American sports venues reflects the genre’s growing mainstream appeal. Groups like NMIXX have cultivated fanbases that transcend traditional music demographics, creating opportunities for unique promotional partnerships. MLB teams have recognized this potential, using celebrity appearances to attract younger viewers and international audiences.
For NMIXX, the Oracle Park appearance provided valuable exposure during a busy promotional period. The group’s energetic performances and strong vocal abilities have earned them recognition beyond their home market, with U.S. tours and media appearances helping build their international profile.
Advertisement
Sports organizations benefit from such collaborations by tapping into passionate fan communities that drive social media engagement and ticket sales. The Giants’ decision to feature SULLYOON aligned with broader efforts to diversify their audience and create memorable experiences for attendees.
Technical Aspects of the Pitch
Video analysis showed SULLYOON’s pitch had good velocity and accuracy for a ceremonial throw. She maintained proper form, stepping toward the plate and following through, which contributed to the positive reception. Her relaxed demeanor before and after the throw added to the moment’s charm, showing comfort in the high-pressure environment of a Major League stadium.
Ceremonial first pitches vary widely in quality, but SULLYOON’s effort stood out for its competence and poise. Fans and commentators noted that her athletic background and stage presence likely contributed to the successful delivery.
Future Opportunities and Cultural Exchange
The event opens possibilities for further collaborations between K-pop artists and American sports teams. As K-pop continues its global expansion, more artists may appear at MLB games, NBA matches and other major sporting events. These appearances help bridge cultural gaps and introduce new audiences to both the artists and the sports.
Advertisement
For SULLYOON and NMIXX, the Oracle Park moment adds to their growing list of U.S. achievements. The group has performed at major festivals and award shows, steadily building recognition among American music fans. Their participation in sports-related events expands their visibility beyond traditional music channels.
MLB teams have increasingly embraced international entertainment to enhance game-day experiences. From K-pop performances to international food festivals, franchises seek to create inclusive atmospheres that appeal to diverse fanbases. SULLYOON’s first pitch exemplifies this strategy’s effectiveness in generating positive media coverage and social engagement.
Lasting Impressions and Fan Engagement
The viral success of SULLYOON’s pitch demonstrates the power of authentic moments in today’s digital landscape. Fans appreciated her genuine enthusiasm and natural delivery, qualities that translated well across cultural boundaries. The interaction between K-pop fandom and baseball enthusiasts created positive cross-pollination, with many discovering new interests through the shared experience.
As video clips continue circulating, the moment serves as a reminder of sports’ ability to unite diverse audiences. Whether through music, athletics or shared entertainment, such events foster connections that transcend traditional boundaries.
Advertisement
For the San Francisco Giants, featuring SULLYOON added a memorable highlight to their season. The organization’s willingness to embrace global pop culture has enhanced its reputation for innovative fan experiences. Future events may build upon this success, creating more opportunities for cultural exchange through sports.
The first pitch by SULLYOON of NMIXX at Oracle Park will likely be remembered as one of the standout celebrity moments of the 2026 MLB season. Its viral spread and positive reception underscore the growing influence of K-pop in American entertainment and the potential for meaningful collaborations between different cultural spheres.
As both the music and sports industries continue evolving, moments like this highlight the creative possibilities that emerge when diverse talents share the same stage. For fans of NMIXX, the Giants and the broader intersection of global pop culture and American sports, SULLYOON’s appearance provided a perfect blend of athletic tradition and contemporary entertainment.
The Pioneer Of Seeking Alpha’s BAD BEAT Investing, Quad 7 Capital is a team of 7 analysts with a wide range of experience sharing investment opportunities for nearly 12 years. They are best known for their February 2020 call to sell everything & go short, & have been on average 95% long 5% short since May 2020. The broader company has expertise in business, policy, economics, mathematics, game theory, & the sciences. They share both long & short trades & invest personally in equities they discuss within their investing group BAD BEAT Investing, focused on short- & medium-term investments, income generation, special-situations, & momentum trades. Rather than just give you trades, they focus on teaching investors to become proficient traders through their playbook. Their goal is to save you time by providing in depth, high-quality research, with crystal clear entry and exit targets. They have a proven track record of success.Benefits of BAD BEAT Investing include: Learning how to understand the pinball nature of markets, executing well-researched written trade ideas each week, use of 4 chat rooms, receive daily complimentary key analyst upgrade/downgrade summaries, learning basic options trading, & extensive trading tools. If you would like to learn more, click the link above!
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of PDI, JEPI, PDO, MLPI either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
BAD BEAT Investing and Quad 7 Capital offers research and writes opinion columns. By using our service you understand and acknowledge that there is a very high degree of risk involved in trading securities and, in particular, in trading options, including the entire loss of principal. Use of the service, our research columns, the chat service, and any other tools and the information contained herein is not intended to be a source of advice with respect to the material presented, and the information and/or documents contained in this website do not constitute investment advice. All users of the site are encouraged to consult with a personal financial advisor. No personal investment advice is being made, nor will be given. This content does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation, or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You must make an independent decision regarding investments or strategies mentioned in this content. Before acting on information in this content, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and strongly consider seeking advice from your own financial or investment advisor. It does not take account of your objectives or your financial situation. You alone are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, security or strategy, or any other product or service, is appropriate or suitable for you based on your investment objectives and personal and financial situation and for evaluating the merits and risks.
Advertisement
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Apart from my academic training in Biology and Chemistry, I hold a Ph.D. in Environmental Science with a specialization in Bio-Medical Waste Management. My areas of research and analysis include clean technologies, renewable energy, pollution control systems, and environmental compliance solutions. I follow companies operating in these sectors using a research-driven approach that integrates regulatory trends, sustainability metrics, and scientific evaluation to assess long-term growth opportunities, risks, and value potential. By actively tracking and analyzing companies engaged in environmental management, renewable energy, and green technologies, my work aims to blend scientific depth with market analysis to provide practical insights that help investors understand financial outcomes and emerging opportunities. At a personal level, I also provide free stock market consultation to a select group of friends, relatives, and former colleagues. I am associated with Seeking Alpha analyst Eudaemon Research.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Seeking Alpha’s transcripts team is responsible for the development of all of our transcript-related projects. We currently publish thousands of quarterly earnings calls per quarter on our site and are continuing to grow and expand our coverage. The purpose of this profile is to allow us to share with our readers new transcript-related developments. Thanks, SA Transcripts Team
UBS managing director and senior portfolio manager Jason Katz discusses whether the biggest gains from the AI boom are already behind investors and opportunities in consumer stocks on ‘Varney & Co.’
A finance expert is urging investors to look beyond the artificial intelligence trade after a massive rally in technology stocks, arguing that future market gains may come from other areas of the economy.
UBS Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager Jason Katz joined FOX Business’ “Varney & Co.” host Stuart Varney to discuss market leadership, the outlook for consumers and where investors may find opportunities if enthusiasm around AI begins to cool.
Advertisement
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, New York. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg / Getty Images)
Artificial intelligence has driven much of the stock market’s gains over the past several years as companies race to build data centers, expand computing capacity and develop new AI-powered products. The surge has helped lift major technology stocks and fuel broader optimism on Wall Street.
FOX Business host Charles Payne discusses the market shift driven by artificial intelligence on ‘Making Money.’
“AI has taken all the air out of the room, and with good reason,” Katz said. “But this rally is astounding. There isn’t a single cautionary tone or voice out there.”
While Katz said he is not predicting a major downturn, he noted that investors may be waiting for the next catalyst as markets assess factors, including energy prices and corporate earnings.
Hennion & Walsh Asset Management President and CIO Kevin Mahn joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to weigh the strength of the AI-driven market rally as experts debate whether oil prices are headed lower or could spike amid Middle East tensions.
The discussion comes as Americans continue to closely monitor fuel costs and other household expenses. Katz argued that lower oil prices could provide meaningful relief for consumers.
“For every dollar that that consumer is not spending at the pump, she’s spending at shopping… Hopefully, we see the consumer step up to the plate, and we believe that will be the case.” Katz said.
People walk by a McDonald’s restaurant on March 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kevin Carter | Getty Images
McDonald’s on Monday unveiled its latest global growth strategy to help the fast-food giant become customers’ first choice as it faces new rivals and consumer spending stretched by high gas prices.
Advertisement
A new restaurant design, better tasting food and drinks, consumer-led innovation and improved customer service are the four cornerstones of the new plan, which the company calls “McDonald’s > NEXT.”
Executives made the announcement at McDonald’s biennial Worldwide Convention for franchisees, held this year in Las Vegas. The chain released its last global strategy, known as “Accelerating the Arches,” in November 2020 as its sales bounced back from the pandemic.
The growth plan comes as restaurants compete for a smaller pool of customers, and a new crop of chains, like Raising Cane’s and 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee, threaten McDonald’s sales. So far, McDonald’s, the largest U.S. restaurant chain by revenue, has managed to hold onto its dominant spot, with four straight quarters of same-store sales growth.
“Traditional competitors are upgrading their menus, and a new wave of specialists are emerging and redefining taste and quality across chicken, beef, and beverages,” McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski wrote in a memo to the chain’s global system.
Advertisement
“In a world where every restaurant is a swipe away, there is no such thing as second place,” he added.
To become diners’ first option, McDonald’s plans to focus on menu innovation that elevates taste and quality, like improvements to its McCrispy chicken line. For years, the chain has sought to improve and expand its chicken offerings as rivals like Chick-fil-A stole its customers. Plus, Americans have been eating more chicken than beef for the last 16 years, due to health concerns tied to red meat consumption and higher beef prices, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.
“We’re raising the bar for our menu by improving quality and consistency at scale and innovating in spaces where we see growth potential and know matter to our customers, like chicken, beef and beverages,” said Jill McDonald, the chain’s global chief restaurant experience officer.
The chain also wants to “co-create” with customers, by listening more closely to what consumers want and how they interact with brands. Recent examples include the popularity of its viral Grimace milkshake and its collaboration with “A Minecraft Movie.”
Advertisement
The new restaurant design will give McDonald’s a recognizable look, but it should also ease employee headaches and improve kitchen operations. The company said back-end systems will be more intuitive and connected, for example.
McDonald’s is also testing automated order taking at five U.S. restaurants using a system it named ARCHY to let employees focus on other tasks. More broadly, the chain also said it wantsto “redefine hospitality” by improving customer service and training employees to interact more with diners.
In September, the company will hold an investor day that will include more details about the strategy and relevant financial targets.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login