NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 17, 2024--
Swifto, a leader in technology-driven pet care services, announces its acquisition of Wagz 'n Whiskerz, a reputable dog walking company near Charlotte, North Carolina. This strategic move into its third state follows Swifto’s presence in New York City and Miami, supported by an initial $2.5M from Benchmark Capital.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240416527543/en/
The acquisition is crucial for Swifto’s growth, leveraging technology—including GPS tracking and real-time updates—to scale operations while ensuring personalized service. Integrating Wagz 'n Whiskerz’s local expertise, Swifto enhances its offerings for a seamless blend of technology and personal touch.
"We are thrilled to integrate Wagz 'n Whiskerz into the Swifto family, marking our expansion into North Carolina. This move aligns with our mission to merge cutting-edge technology with trusted local dog walking, setting new standards in pet care," said Penina First, CEO and Founder at Swifto.
Wagz 'n Whiskerz joins brands previously acquired by Swifto in NYC, such as Furkid Co and Barkbud. This acquisition provides Swifto a new footprint in Lake Norman, North Carolina, demonstrating its commitment to expanding.
"After many rewarding years, I am delighted to pass the reins to Swifto, a company that shares our values of care and community. Their technological support combined with our local insight ensures that our clients and their pets will continue receiving top care," stated Pat Blaney, Owner.
"We are thrilled with the seamless transition to the Swifto family. Nearly all our pet sitters are staying, ensuring pets and owners see the familiar faces they love. Client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we're excited to enhance services with Swifto's technology while maintaining the personal touch our community values," says Renee Bodary, manager at Wagz ‘n Whiskerz.
This expansion highlights Swifto’s unique position in the pet care industry, competing against larger firms like Wag! and Rover. Swifto’s approach preserves local brand identity and managerial staff, promoting a familiar and friendly experience enhanced by technology.
For more details, visit www.swifto.com.
Swifto client's dashboard showing the GPS route and text summary of a specific client's walk. (Graphic: Business Wire)
PARIS (AP) — French actor Gérard Depardieu will face a criminal trial in October over the alleged sexual assaults in 2021 of two women on the set of a film, prosecutors announced Monday.
The 75-year-old actor, who previously has denied any wrongdoing, was detained for questioning by police in Paris for several hours earlier Monday. His lawyer, Christian Saint-Palais, later declined to comment to reporters other than to say that the actor was no longer in custody.
The Paris public prosecutor’s office said in a statement that the actor has been “summoned to appear before the criminal court” after the questioning.
A trial will start in October “for sexual assaults likely to have been committed in September 2021” against “two victims, on the set of the film ‘The Green Shutters,’ ” the statement said. It did not name the alleged victims.
French newspaper Le Parisien has reported that a 53-year-old movie decorator has alleged that Depardieu grabbed her and kneaded her waist, stomach and breasts during filming for “Les Volets verts,” or “The Green Shutters,” according to the woman’s lawyer, Carine Durrieu Diebolt, when she filed the complaint to the Paris prosecutor’s office in February.
In an open letter last October, Depardieu said: “I have never, ever abused a woman.”
Depardieu has also been accused by more than a dozen other women of harassing, groping or sexually assaulting them. He was handed preliminary rape and sexual assault charges in 2020 following allegations from actor Charlotte Arnould.
In that case, the investigating judge completed his probe on April 17 and transferred the file to the Paris public prosecutor’s office “to review and determine next steps in the proceeding,” the prosecutor's office said Monday.
Depardieu was long seen as a national icon in France. He has been a global ambassador for French film and enjoyed international fame with several roles in Hollywood.
The latest episode involving Depardieu came as French cinema is roiled by a #metoo awakening following actor Judith Godrèche’s call for France’s film industry to “face the truth” on sexual violence and physical abuse. She made that appeal during a live broadcast in February of the Cesar Awards ceremony, France’s version of the Oscars.
Barbara Surk reported from Nice, France. AP writer John Leicester in Le Pecq, France, contributed.
French actor Gerard Depardieu's lawyer Christian Saint-Palais answers a call Monday, April 29, 2024 in Paris. French media are reporting that police have summoned actor Gérard Depardieu for questioning about allegations made by two women that he sexually assaulted them on movie sets. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Reporters wait outside the police station where French actor Gerard Depardieu is being questioned, Monday, April 29, 2024 in Paris. French media are reporting that police have summoned actor Gerard Depardieu for questioning about allegations made by two women that he sexually assaulted them on movie sets. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
French actor Gerard Depardieu's lawyer Christian Saint-Palais returns at the police stations Monday, April 29, 2024 in Paris. French media are reporting that police have summoned actor Gerard Depardieu for questioning about allegations made by two women that he sexually assaulted them on movie sets. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
French actor Gerard Depardieu's lawyer Christian Saint-Palais answers a call Monday, April 29, 2024 in Paris. French media are reporting that police have summoned actor Gérard Depardieu for questioning about allegations made by two women that he sexually assaulted them on movie sets. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Police officers stand outside the police station where French actor Gerard Depardieu is expected to be questioned, Monday, April 29, 2024 in Paris. French media are reporting that police have summoned actor Gérard Depardieu for questioning about allegations made by two women that he sexually assaulted them on movie sets. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
View of the police station where French actor Gerard Depardieu is expected to be questioned, Monday, April 29, 2024 in Paris. French media are reporting that police have summoned actor Gérard Depardieu for questioning about allegations made by two women that he sexually assaulted them on movie sets. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
FILE - Actor Gerard Depardieu addresses the media during the press conference for the film 'Saint Amour' at the 2016 Berlinale Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Feb. 19, 2016. French media are reporting that police have summoned actor Gérard Depardieu for questioning about allegations made by two women that he sexually assaulted them on movie sets. Broadcaster BFMTV and the daily Le Parisien both reported that the 75-year-old actor was called in for police questioning in Paris on Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Axel Schmidt, File)
