Friday, October 30, 2015
Charles D'Alberto Perla Group International Signs Exclusive Distribution Deal for the AK-1 Helicopter in the USA & Nth African regions!
Perla Group International Signs Exclusive Distribution Deal
for the AK-1 Helicopter in the USA & Nth African regions!
Perla Group International Ltd has signed an Exclusive Distribution Deal for the Ukrainian made Ak-1 Helicopter for
the USA and Nth African Regions!
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Oct 12th
, 2009 – Having followed the development and
progress of this helicopter for the past 3 years now, which included an extensive visit to the
manufacturing facilities of Ukrainian, DB Aerocopter Ltd, we were convinced that this
helicopter is ready to make its mark on the aviation world!
“I personally flew the AK-1 helicopter while touring the facilities in Poltava, Ukraine and was
amazed at this helicopters performance, agility and indeed manufacturing excellence. In its
class, it is my opinion and the opinion of many industry professionals that the AK-1 stands
alone!
…………CEO, Founder Perla Group International, Charles Sam D’Alberto
We are very excited about the market opportunities within the respective regions assigned to us. The versatile uses of this helicopter, from
business travel, crop spraying, border surveillance, police and security uses, aerial photography, cattle rustling and many others….. Coupled
with the low cost to purchase and low maintenance costs, makes this helicopters an aircraft to be reckoned with!
Perla Group International’s aviation division Perla Aviation will look to appoint experienced agents in Nth Africa and USA that will assist in
the marketing and sales of the AK-1 throughout these regions.
“DB Aerocopter LTD. Is very interested in the cooperation and development of sales in different territories, and also to have a reliable
partner such as Perla Group International, which holds a stable position in the world market, we are also interested in the development of
service, training for technical and flight personnel in the Territories.
About Perla Group International Ltd:
Perla Group International Ltd is a company established in January 2007 by Mr Charles Sam D’Alberto. It operates 4 main
divisions: Perla Telecoms, Perla Aviation, Perla Armored Cars, and Perla K-9 Services, and serves the Middle East, African and Sub
Continent regions. Perla Group International has rapidly become a unique force in the delivery of goods and services in these areas, and is
supported by years of experience in the region by its principles, and evidenced by its success. Perla Group International is now in Pre IPO,
ahead of its proposed listing on the Australian Stock Exchange.
For further information on the IPO please contact us at investor@perlagrp.com
for all other enquires please contact us at info@perlagrp.com or visit www.perlagrp.com
About DB Aerocopter Ltd:
DB Aerocopter LTD established in December 1999 to develop a light helicopter and their serial production. In October 2001, the helicopter
made its first flight. In 2005, started serial production of AK1-3, in 2006 the helicopter is certificated under State Administration of Ukraine for
Aviation Safety Oversight type Certification Number TP 0008. The AK1-3 complies with the requirements of the AP-27 Airworthiness Regulations
for standard category rotorcraft. At 2007 DB Aerocopter LTD received a certificate for maintenance, 2009 - Certificate for production.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.perlagrp.com
Posted by Charles D'Alberto
Charles D'Alberto is a CEO of Perla Group International.
Charles D'Alberto has vast expirience in bringing startups to successful companies.
Charles D'Alberto is pioneer in the VSAT industry having introduced many new technologies to emerging markets.
Charles D'Alberto was one of the first to introduce Auto Deploy antenna's to Middle East and Africa.
Charles D'Alberto introduced the very first COTM systems to the Middle East and Africa.
Charles D'Alberto is a helicopter pilot.
Charles D'Alberto has succesfully listed 5 companies publicly in Australia and the USA capital markets.
Charles D'Alberto established Perla Group International and took it public in 2010.
Charles D'Alberto introduced the AK1/3 helicopter to the Middle East and US markets.
Charles D'Alberto is consultant for companies looking to enter to equity markets.
Charles D'Alberto has vast expirience in bringing startups to successful companies.
Charles D'Alberto is pioneer in the VSAT industry having introduced many new technologies to emerging markets.
Charles D'Alberto was one of the first to introduce Auto Deploy antenna's to Middle East and Africa.
Charles D'Alberto introduced the very first COTM systems to the Middle East and Africa.
Charles D'Alberto is a helicopter pilot.
Charles D'Alberto has succesfully listed 5 companies publicly in Australia and the USA capital markets.
Charles D'Alberto established Perla Group International and took it public in 2010.
Charles D'Alberto introduced the AK1/3 helicopter to the Middle East and US markets.
Charles D'Alberto is consultant for companies looking to enter to equity markets.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Charles D'Alberto Perla Group International
AK1-3 Helicopter ENGINE
Posted by Charles D'Alberto
 |
| Posted by Charles D'Alberto |
 |
| Posted by Charles D'Alberto |
The AK1-3 is powered by the proven and extremely reliable Subaru EJ 25 motorcar engine.
The Subaru engines (all brand new units) use the mechanical / cable throttle control system, instead of the "electronic fly- by-wire" throttle control. The engine is a water cooled flat four cylinder, (Boxer) with fuel injection, single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and solid state electronic ignition and duel fuel pumps. The engine's bore to stroke dimensions are over-square at 99.5 mm by 81 mm. This over-square characteristic typically allows engines to operate at higher rpm more easily without overstressing, and also enables the use of larger inlet and exhaust valves, thus allowing easier engine breathing at higher rpm. The engine is very smooth indeed at all engine speeds. The engine automatically adjusts the fuel mixture for varying altitudes, so there is no mixture adjustment required by the pilot. The Yanvar Engine Control Unit is a programmable ECU and is programmed to match helicopter requirements.
In the AK1-3 with the rotors turning at 565 rpm (105.5% - top of green band), the engine turns at 5,600 rpm so as to have full power available when lifting off or landing. Bottom of green band equals 5,000 rpm and level flight cruise with governor set to middle of green (100%) equates to 5,300 rpm. The Engine redline is 6,200 rpm.The large and heavy "Varta" battery in the first machines has been replaced by an English made "Red Top" racing battery. This new battery is half the size, lighter and has been repositioned from the right hand side of the airframe, to under the cabin floor, just below the instrument console.
In the early years of flight, big bore slower turning motors were developed for propeller aircraft to avoid having a reduction gearbox between it and the propeller, to prevent the tips of the propellers exceeding the speed of sound. Also, electronics were not too reliable then either and it was prudent to have a back up (ie with twin magnetos). This in essence is the crop of traditional certified aircraft engines still manufactured and available today and they still all run on leaded Avgas fuel developed during the Second World War. These engines tend to be costly due to low volume production and with frequent technological advancements of the type-certified design impeded due to the crippling costs of re-certification each time major changes are done.
But we have moved on somewhat since the war, with motorcar and motorcycle engine technology surpassing the traditional aircraft engine by leaps and bounds in terms of performance per displacement and excellent high production volume cost efficiencies, reducing purchase and operating costs, whilst continually improving reliability.
For helicopters the operating speed of the motor is irrelevant, as it must be geared down to turn the relatively slow turning main rotors. Therefore higher spinning motors are no problem. Some helicopter turbine engines spin at 60,000 rpm. High speed petrol engines are slow by comparison.
Some folks will baulk at the idea of a single ignition system on an aircraft engine as magnetos do sometimes fail. However cars moved away from magneto ignition (50 to 60 years ago?) in favor of points and distributor, then finally to present day electronic ignition systems with no moving parts to wear out thus improving reliability and reducing costs.
Each set of spark plugs on the Subaru has its own ignition coil and the entire electronic ignition system is totally waterproof. I flew twice in rain (With HT ignition coils totally exposed to water, before they later installed the engine shroud) and their test pilots had flown several hundred hours, including in rain and snow without missing a beat. I did a little research myself by speaking to the two senior Subaru mechanics and asked them how often they had encountered an ignition failure or a catastrophic mechanical failure on any model Subaru car in the six years that the Bellville/Cape Town workshop has been opened. Their response? Not even once.
When last did you experience ignition failure in a car made in 1995 or later, or know of someone else who has experienced this problem? Don't confuse car alarm systems shutting the car off, as the AK1-3 does not have a burglar alarm!
I am no agent for Subaru, although I did discover it and purchased a 2.5 Subaru Forrester 18 months before I knew that the AK1-3 even existed, but to those who have never driven in a Subaru, be brave, forget status and test drive one to experience the motor! (The car by the way is also very nice to drive!)
All modern car engine designs undergo a 500 hour test at full throttle (100% power) after which the engine is dismantled and inspected. After such a test there should be minimal wear to any of the engine components.
Besides being an excellent engine (Subaru is the most popular motorcar engine used in experimental / amateur built / kit aircraft world wide) it is inexpensive to service or overhaul, as one is charged "car" instead of "aircraft" prices.
Another advantage is the substantially lower cost of petrol compared to Avgas (Approx. 30% cheaper) plus the big convenience of having it available almost every where. And being unleaded, it is also kinder to the environment.
Through experience I have found that operating on Avgas somewhat diminishes the flexibility and go anywhere advantage of a helicopter, as Avgas is usually only available from larger airfields or airports. Of course one can organize a ground crew to road-haul drums of fuel to where you want to fly, but what a schlep!
On the AK1-3 engine, the standard inlet manifold is rotated 180° so that the air filter faces rearwards. A new lightweight alternator is repositioned off center and fits in a specially made adjustable bracket. The exhaust system and silencer is manufactured by Aerokopter. The positioning of the engine on the AK1-3 makes it the easiest engine to service of any helicopter.
Posted by Charles D'Alberto
Charles D'Alberto is a CEO of Perla Group International.
Charles D'Alberto has vast expirience in bringing startups to successful companies.
Charles D'Alberto is pioneer in the VSAT industry having introduced many new technologies to emerging markets.
Charles D'Alberto was one of the first to introduce Auto Deploy antenna's to Middle East and Africa.
Charles D'Alberto introduced the very first COTM systems to the Middle East and Africa.
Charles D'Alberto is a helicopter pilot.
Charles D'Alberto has succesfully listed 5 companies publicly in Australia and the USA capital markets.
Charles D'Alberto established Perla Group International and took it public in 2010.
Charles D'Alberto introduced the AK1/3 helicopter to the Middle East and US markets.
Charles D'Alberto is consultant for companies looking to enter to equity markets.
Charles D'Alberto is a CEO of Perla Group International.
Charles D'Alberto has vast expirience in bringing startups to successful companies.
Charles D'Alberto is pioneer in the VSAT industry having introduced many new technologies to emerging markets.
Charles D'Alberto was one of the first to introduce Auto Deploy antenna's to Middle East and Africa.
Charles D'Alberto introduced the very first COTM systems to the Middle East and Africa.
Charles D'Alberto is a helicopter pilot.
Charles D'Alberto has succesfully listed 5 companies publicly in Australia and the USA capital markets.
Charles D'Alberto established Perla Group International and took it public in 2010.
Charles D'Alberto introduced the AK1/3 helicopter to the Middle East and US markets.
Charles D'Alberto is consultant for companies looking to enter to equity markets.
www.perlagrp.com
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Charles D'Alberto
CHARLES D'ALBERTO
www.perlagrp.com
Charles D'Alberto is a CEO of Perla Group International.
Charles D'Alberto has vast expirience in bringing startups to successful companies.
Charles D'Alberto is pioneer in the VSAT industry having introduced many new technologies to emerging markets.
Charles D'Alberto was one of the first to introduce Auto Deploy antenna's to Middle East and Africa.
Charles D'Alberto introduced the very first COTM systems to the Middle East and Africa.
Charles D'Alberto is a helicopter pilot.
Charles D'Alberto has succesfully listed 5 companies publicly in Australia and the USA capital markets.
Charles D'Alberto established Perla Group International and took it public in 2010.
Charles D'Alberto introduced the AK1/3 helicopter to the Middle East and US markets.
Charles D'Alberto is consultant for companies looking to enter to equity markets.
The Mi-8/17 series the most successful in the history of Russia’s helicopter industry
The Mi-8/17 series the most successful in the history of Russia’s helicopter industry
Charles D'Alberto
www.perlagrp.com
Designed by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, the Mi-8/17 series the most successful in the history of Russia’s helicopter industry. Mi-8/17 series helicopters have won respect and admiration from helicopter operators around the world thanks to their advanced flight capabilities, high level of reliability and adaptability, ability to operate in a wide range of climatic conditions (from -50 to +50 degrees Celsius) and ease of operation and maintenance.
The Mi-8/17 boasts an ever-expanding range of operational capabilities thanks to Russian Helicopters’ ongoing upgrade programmes. The helicopters can be fitted with a wide range of additional equipment to tackle a variety of missions.
The basic Mi-8/17 model is the cargo helicopter, which can transport up to 4,000 kg of various kinds of cargo either inside the cabin or on an external sling.
The passenger helicopter can carry up to 26 passengers. The helicopter boasts low levels of noise and vibration, is fitted with cabin climate-control systems, and has emergency exits that meet the latest safety standards. Everything is designed to ensure passenger in-flight comfort and safety.
The VIP model is designed to accommodate 7-14 passengers with enhanced levels of comfort. The helicopter’s interior is customisable to customers’ needs and wishes. The helicopter boasts the largest cabin in its class, and is ideally suited to luxury-class equipment. The VIP model can be fitted with entertainment systems, satellite links and special communications equipment in line with client needs.
The search-and-rescue model can fly search-and-rescue operations around the clock in all weathers. The helicopter is fitted with special equipment including searchlights, winches, speakers and radiolocation systems. This model is used by Emergencies Ministries in countries across the world.
The Mi-8/17 flying hospital is designed to offer medical assistance in remote and hard-to-access regions. Special on-board equipment provides life support and first aid to patients during the journey to hospital. Special sheeting used inside the cabin can be disinfected quickly and to high medical standards.
The firefighting model is designed to tackle blazes using a helicopter bucket on an external sling, which can deliver up to 4,000 litres of water and target the burn zone with a high degree of accuracy. The helicopter can also deliver firefighting crews and special equipment to firefighting areas.
Mi-8/17 helicopters are built at Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant and the Kazan Helicopters, both Russian Helicopters companies. More than 12,000 Mi-8/17 helicopters have been produced to date – a record for twin-engine helicopters anywhere in the world. They have been supplied to more than 100 countries worldwide and racked up total flying time of about 100 million hours.
Additional Features:
Performance
Max. speed
250 km/h
Cruise speed
230 km/h
Max. flight range with main fuel tanks
610 km
Operational ceiling
6,000 m
Hover ceiling (OGE)
3,980 m
Weight Parameters
Max. take-off weight
13,000 kg
With underslung load
13,000 kg
Max. Payload, kg
in transport cabin
4,000 kg
on external sling
4,000 kg
GT Engines (TVЗ-117VM)
Take-off power
2x 2,200 h. p.
Contingency power
2x 2,200 h. p.
Cabin Dimensions
Length
5,340 mm
Width
2,340 mm
Height
1,800 mm
Volume
27 m3
Capacity:
Aircrew
3
Service passengers
26
Posted by Charles D'Alberto
www.perlagrp.com
www.charlesdalberto.com
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
R44 RAVEN AND CLIPPER HELICOPTERS
R44 Raven and Clipper helicopters are high performing, reliable, and easy to maintain. R44s have a two-bladed rotor system, T-bar cyclic, and 1+3 cabin configuration with unobstructed views from every seat.
A lightweight airframe and aerodynamic fuselage optimize airspeed and fuel economy.
The helicopters’ low tail-rotor tip speed, heavy-duty muffler, and large cambered tail reduce flyover noise.
R44 helicopters feature the latest
streamlined instrument panels,
and bladder fuel tanks.
R44 RAVEN I
The economical Raven I is
powered by a Lycoming O-540
carbureted engine. The Raven I
features carburetor heat assist
that enhances safety by adding
carburetor heat when the collective
is lowered and reducing carburetor
heat when the collective
is raised.
The high-performance R44
Raven II is powered by a
Lycoming IO-540 fuel injected
engine. The IO-540 delivers
better altitude performance, increased
payload, and eliminates
the need for carburetor heat.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
http://www.slideshare.net/CharlesDAlberto/charles-dalberto-wwwperlagrpcom-r44-brochure
www.perlagrp.com
Posted by Charles D'Alberto
www.perlagrp.com
Helicopter Life: Airbus Helicopters Tantalizes
Helicopter Life: Airbus Helicopters Tantalizes: At HeliExpo, Guillaume Faury told the expectant group of journalists gathered in Paris, all will be revealed about the A...
Monday, October 26, 2015
R44 Raven/Clipper Series Helicopters
Charles D'Alberto - www.perlagrp.com
R44 Raven/Clipper Series Helicopters
Robinson's R44 Raven Series Helicopters provide excellent reliability, responsive handling, and altitude performance, making the R44 the ideal helicopter for private, business, and utility applications.
RAVEN II
The high performance R44 Raven II has a Lycoming IO-540 fuel-injected, angle-valve, tuned-induction engine, which eliminates the need for carburetor heat. The standard 28-volt electrical system ensures good starting performance in hot or cold weather, and provides additional electrical power for optional equipment.
RAVEN I
Equipped with a Lycoming O-540 carbureted engine, the R44 Raven I offers a balance between performance and affordability. Raven I features carburetor heat assist that enhances safety and reduces pilot workload by automatically adjusting carburetor heat in response to power changes by the pilot.
Charles D'Alberto - www.perlagrp.com
charles dalberto : Eclipse 500TMSpecifications and Performance Summar...
charles dalberto : Eclipse 500TMSpecifications and Performance Summar...: Eclipse 500 TM Specifications and Performance Summary http://www.slideshare.net/CharlesDAlberto/charles-dalberto-eclipse-jet
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Friday, October 23, 2015
CEO Charles D'Alberto -PERLA GROUP INTERNATIONAL SECURES $2.8 MILLION IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS - www.perlagrp.com
http://www.slideshare.net/CharlesDAlberto/perla-group-28-million-in-government-contract
http://www.slideshare.net/CharlesDAlberto/perla-group-28-million-in-government-contract
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
The Amazing AK1-3 Helicopter
For additional information:
www.perlagrp.com
Amazing AK1-3 Helicopter is a lightweight helicopter that has been designed and built for a wide range of practical purposes including:
· Surveillance, monitoring of borders, facilities and territories;
· search missions;
· geological exploration, aerial photography;
· pilot training;
· aerial spraying (crops);
· business and pleasure flights;
· aerial sports competitions.
The AK1-3 helicopter conforms to International Airworthiness Regulations (FAR, Part 27) for normal category rotorcraft and international noise abatement regulations. The AK1-3 is certified under The State Administration of Ukraine for Aviation Safety Oversight and bears a Type Certificate Number ТП 0008.
When empty, the helicopter weighs 390 kg. This allows it to be transportable by a small trailer attached to a car. The trailer serves as a mobile landing strip for the helicopter.
The AK1-3 Helicopter is designed according to the one-airscrew scheme with the rudder airscrew consisting of skid-equipped landing gear, a tubular chassis, power-plant, main reducer, main rotor and braced tail beam with a rudder reducer and plumage and a power floor on which the cabin is installed. The cabin is made of composite materials.
The cabin of the helicopter provides free accommodation for two members of the crew. The width of the cabin at shoulder level is 1200 mm (at helicopter R.22 - 1055 mm).
The large windows provide good visibility in all directions. The pilot seats are adjustable on the ground and are equipped with waistband and humeral seat belts.
The pilotage-navigating equipment of the helicopter allows for daytime flights in simple meteorological conditions according to the rules of visual flights. At the request of the customer, the system of onboard navigation GPS can be installed. The system of onboard registration of parameters of flight is in a stage of development.
The airscrew consists of three blades with elastic fastening blades. The blades are made of composite materials with a nonlinear construction.
The rudder airscrew consists of two blades with one general horizontal hinge. Blades of the rudder airscrew are made from composite materials.
In the helicopter, the power-plant on the basis of the piston internal-combustion engine with liquid cooling ЕJ-25 "Subaru" is installed. The engine uses automobile gasoline with fuel performance number 95.
The airscrew consists of three blades with elastic fastening blades. The blades are made of composite materials with a nonlinear construction.
The rudder airscrew consists of two blades with one general horizontal hinge. Blades of the rudder airscrew are made from composite materials.
In the helicopter, the power-plant on the basis of the piston internal-combustion engine with liquid cooling ЕJ-25 "Subaru" is installed. The engine uses automobile gasoline with fuel performance number 95.
Power from the engine is transmitted through a belt drive with overrunning clutch to a power shaft of the main reducer.
For additional information: www.perlagrp.com
PERLA Group International
CEO Charles D'Alberto
For additional information: www.perlagrp.com
PERLA Group International
CEO Charles D'Alberto
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
R44 Training Video - Charles D' Alberto - www.perlagrp.com
PERLA Group International
CEO Charles D'Alberto
Monday, October 19, 2015
Investment Opportunity Analysis - by MONEY CAT CONSULTING:
PERLA Group International
CEO Charles D'Alberto
PERLA Group International
CEO Charles D'Alberto
http://www.perlagrp.com/pdf/News/Perla%20Group_Investment%20Review%20by%20MoneyCat.pdf
We view Perla Group International (CEO Charles D'Alberto) as a unique company
We view Perla Group International (CEO Charles D'Alberto) as a unique company
positioned to capitalize on the business opportunities in
the Middle East and African regions.
After analysing its divisions, we regard Perla aviation as
the most promising opportunity.
The current global recession also presents an
opportunity for Perla Group to acquire aircrafts at
competitive price; this applies to both private jets and
helicopters.
Perlagrp (CEO Charles D'Alberto) is strategically located in Dubai, with one of the
world’s lowest fuel costs; it is an ideal hub to operate
these services, servicing the customers in Europe,
Middle East and African regions.
Lastly, as Perla has established long term relationships
with some of the regions’ major customers, it has the
capability to leverage these relationships and expand its
aviation services.
We also view telecommunications services as an ideal
business for Perla. This is currently its major revenue
contributor, and we believe this would continue until its
aviation business is well established.
While the company is not a telecommunications service
provider, as UAE and other markets are all regulated
market; it is providing value added services, and has
been adopted by both enterprise and Government users.
A large number of telecommunications infrastructure
projects are being constructed or planned in this region,
such as rolling out of 3G networks across the region,
especially in African markets, where mobile phone
penetration remains low (apart from South Africa). Many
analysts have predicted that by 2013, mobile phone will
become the region’s primary communications method,
replacing fixed line; Perla is anticipated to participate in
some of these contracts either as equipment supplier or
as turnkey project contractor.
Data services are also becoming very popular in the
region. At moment, this is mainly in the Middle East,
including UAE and Saudi Arabia, where online
applications such as games and entertainment are
increasing their popularity.
As more mobile contents are being introduced, further
upgrades are required to improve the quality and
security.
Investment Opportunity Analysis - by MONEY CAT CONSULTING:
PERLA Group International
CEO Charles D'Alberto
PERLA Group International
CEO Charles D'Alberto
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Friday, October 16, 2015
Thursday, October 15, 2015
charles dalberto : Interview Charles D'AlbertoInterview conducted by...
charles dalberto : Interview Charles D'Alberto
Interview conducted by...: Interview Charles D'Alberto Interview conducted by: Lynn Fosse, Senior Editor, CEOCFO Magazine CEOCFO: Mr. D’Alberto, wha...
Interview conducted by...: Interview Charles D'Alberto Interview conducted by: Lynn Fosse, Senior Editor, CEOCFO Magazine CEOCFO: Mr. D’Alberto, wha...
charles dalberto : Interview Charles D'AlbertoInterview conducted by...
charles dalberto : Interview Charles D'Alberto
Interview conducted by...: Interview Charles D'Alberto Interview conducted by: Lynn Fosse, Senior Editor, CEOCFO Magazine CEOCFO: Mr. D’Alberto, wha...
Interview conducted by...: Interview Charles D'Alberto Interview conducted by: Lynn Fosse, Senior Editor, CEOCFO Magazine CEOCFO: Mr. D’Alberto, wha...
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Interview Charles D'Alberto
Interview conducted by: Lynn Fosse, Senior Editor,
CEOCFO Magazine
CEOCFO: Mr. D’Alberto, what was the vision when you created Perla?
Mr. Charles D’Alberto: Perla was created in January of 2007 off the back of two previous companies that I had founded and pretty much grew from start-up to fully fledged companies. They were founded initially on the back of satellite telecoms technology. Having relocated to the Middle East in 2004, the focus for me was shifted more toward the region itself. Indeed, the customer base was not only limited to the areas of military police and security type companies. When I founded the Perla Group back in 2007, the focus was fairly driven and entrenched in that area. Once we did establish the company off the back of the satellite technology we then expanded into all the areas of expertise such as the armored vehicles, aviation and then the K-9 division, which came later. The company does have a solid background in all of these areas as well.
CEOCFO: What is Perla Group providing today and who is using your services and products?
Mr. Charles D’Alberto: We have broken down our products and services into four different divisions, our first being the telecom division. The second, the armored vehicle division, third being our aviation division, and fourth being our K-9 division. We often like to say that the glue that holds all these four divisions together is the ability for the four businesses to cross pollinate with each other. In other words, we often find that our customer base would purchase, for example, telecoms services from us, then will come back and purchase armored vehicles, and have those vehicles shipped in most cases by the aviation division and so on. That is how our businesses work together. The history of the company has shown that the regions where we operate lend themselves fairly heavily to the types of products and services that we provide. Being primarily established in the Middle East region and greater African regions extending to subcontinents, this is where we provide most of our services and products. The customer base varies from military divisions and industries as well as many governmental contractors operating these various regions as well as security forces and the like. Therefore, we are not only limited to this type of clientele, but it is fair to say that we specialize to that clientele.
CEOCFO: Which areas are the most productive for you now and where do you see the most growth in various divisions?
Mr. Charles D’Alberto: It tends to be seasonal and does vary from time to time. We have had a lot of success in the troubled spots such as Iraq and Afghanistan. However, our biggest markets, for example the armored vehicles divisions, is in neither of those markets. In fact, Nigeria is our biggest market today where we sold the most amounts of vehicles. The biggest number in terms of dollar value contracts have been into the Nigerian market. Therefore, it is really hard to pin point exactly where, but I would say that those three locations are the most lucrative for us. However, with the world being what it is today, we are finding new markets emerging all the time, right throughout the Middle East and African region. Recently, we have entered into the Latin American market and sent out first vehicles into the Dominican Republic and Brazil.
CEOCFO: Would you tell us about the $5 million purchase order on your armored cars?
Mr. D’Alberto: We are pleased to receive this contract to deliver vehicles into the Iraqi markets. We were very successful working with a team that helped us source a well established client who acts as a major distributor into those markets that are looking for an ongoing supply of these types of vehicles. We are very fortunate to win the trust of this company and to share in the relationship with a $5 million order. It is quite a good achievement for us.
CEOCFO: What is the competitive landscape for the services you are offering to these markets?
Mr. Charles D’Alberto: The industry is quite small in terms of the number of providers. It is a controlled industry where you need to deliver upon industry standards and international standards. It is an industry that is very heavily regulated of course by the US State Department and other entities. Although the industry itself is quite large in terms of number and ever growing on a year-to-year basis, the number of providers is not as large as one might think. There are quite intense set up costs in terms of having the expertise, the facilities, and so forth. I am referring more to our armored vehicle division but across the board as well in terms of offering all the services we provide. I would say that we stand in an area where we don’t have a lot of competition, as far as all of the products and services we provide as a whole.
CEOCFO: Would you tell us about the K-9 service?
Mr. Charles D’Alberto: The K-9 services although being our most recent division, our roots go back about twenty-five years. I was heavily involved in running canine security companies in Australia. For well over fifteen years I was very heavily involved in the training and establishment of the Australian Schutzhund Association. They basically relate to all types of police dog, service dog, work and the levels of which these dogs reach their development. Therefore, the company as a whole does have a lot of experience in this area. We work very hand in hand with a partner in Australia, Kris Kotsopoulos from Von Forrell Kennels. We have a 40 acre facility in Melbourne, Australia where we do all of our breeding, development, training, and most of the exports are done from that area.
CEOCFO: How do you handle the delicate side of ensuring the character of your customers?
Mr. Charles D’Alberto: You are right on the money there. There is a delicate side and a very serious one for that matter. Many of the products we deal in, especially the areas of armored vehicles and so forth are controlled products. Therefore, there is a process of vetting your customer, knowing your customer, and ultimately ensuring that these products and services do not go into the wrong hands. By virtue of the area that you are operating in it is something that must be adhered to very closely; it must be controlled very closely. We have been in this industry since 2007. It has changed a lot since we initially were involved in that side of the business. It has tightened up a lot and many new regulations have come into place. It is up to the management to ensure that we do adhere to those regulatory issues and standards that need to be adhered to.
CEOCFO: Are there any services that Perla Group would like to add to the mix or are you focusing on organic growth?
Mr. Charles D’Alberto: Not at this stage. In fact, what we are trying to do is just further develop the current services that we are providing. For example, the aviation division is an area where currently the majority of the services that are provided are in the area of transporting of our armored vehicles and other equipment. One area that we have focused on and invested in over the past two years is the development of the AK1-3 helicopter that we are introducing into the US market particularly now. That particular market and that particular product for that matter, is not wholly and solely focused on the industries that we spoke about; the police, military, and security industries. That particular product does lend itself to a greater and wider market such as personal aircraft. Therefore, that is an area that we would like to focus on particularly introducing a greater market in the US and Latin America. In fact those two markets are the biggest helicopter markets in the world right now and two markets that we are not operating in. That is an area we can develop quite substantially.
CEOCFO: What is the financial picture like for Perla Group today?
Mr. Charles D’Alberto: We have seen record revenues in the last four months. We closed out 2011 revenues just over $3.1 million. A lot of this has to do with two major contracts that we have had. We are looking at revenues of just over $12 million (Jan – April 2012) which is quite an amazing achievement for our company being four times the revenues achieved by last year and the year before that. We are looking fairly solid in terms of revenue growth. The company has little or no debt. We believe the financial position of the company is quite steady and stable and we will grow quite rapidly.
CEOCFO: Why should investors pay attention to Perla Group?
Mr. Charles D’Alberto: We believe the company is fairly new to the US market particularly. Even our presence here in the US is fairly new. Right now, the company is fairly under dilutive in terms of the fundamentals in terms of our revenue and the way the company is structured. Right now, we believe the company represents good value to any potential investor that might be looking for a particular investment in this type of company in this type of industry, that we believe is growing at a rapid rate.
Posted by Charles D'Alberto
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)