Afternoon Coffee: Learning Technologies Group Acquires PeopleFluent, Prosecutors Investigating Criminal Charges in Kobe Steel Scandal

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PeopleFluent, a provider of talent management software, got a new owner Tuesday, when U.K.-based Learning Technologies Group announced it had acquired the company, according to a press release. PeopleFluent offers cloud-based integrated recruiting, talent management and compensation management solutions, with an emphasis on “pervasive video, strategic analytics and collaborative social technologies.” PeopleFluent is also one the larger tier two VMS players, based on spend under management.

Kobe Charges

Japanese prosecutors are looking into whether Kobe Steel’s data quality scandal could merit criminal charges, Nikkei Asian Review reports. Kobe Steel admitted last year to shipping aluminum, copper and other below-spec materials to more than 600 clients around the world. The shipping of mislabeled materials to clients may have violated product misrepresentation laws, Tokyo prosecutors said.

Cook Lobbies Trump

With no clear end to U.S.-China trade tensions in sight, Apple CEO Tim Cook is meeting with President Trump Wednesday to encourage reconciliation between the two countries, Bloomberg reports. Apple, which centers its extensive supply chain in China, stands to suffer considerably should a full-blown trade war erupt. 

Consumer Confidence

And finally, an economic update. U.S. consumer confidence rebounded in April, as The Conference Board’s index increased to a reading of 128.7 this month, according to Reuters.