General Cable Resolves Ongoing SEC and DOJ Investigations

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Friday, December 30th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- General Cable Corporation (NYSE:BGC) today announced that it has entered into agreements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) that bring to a conclusion those agencies’ respective investigations relating to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and the SEC’s separate accounting investigation related to the Company’s financial restatements from 2013 and 2014. Pursuant to those agreements, General Cable will pay fines, disgorgement and pre-judgment interest to the SEC and DOJ in the total amount of $82.3 million.

Michael T. McDonnell, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the DOJ and SEC regarding these matters. General Cable is committed to conducting our business ethically and with the utmost integrity, and over the past two years, we have invested significant time and resources to implement a world-class compliance program. At the same time, we have transformed our business strategy under an entirely refreshed strategic leadership team committed to maintaining a strong performance and compliance culture. We are a different and better company today as a result of these actions.”

The Company’s resolution with the SEC encompasses both the FCPA issues and the separate accounting and disclosure issues that were the subject of the Company’s prior restatements. General Cable will disgorge profits of approximately $51.2 million and pay pre-judgment interest of approximately $4.1 million in connection with the FCPA matter, and pay a civil penalty in connection with the restatement-related matters of $6.5 million.

As part of the DOJ resolution, General Cable will pay a penalty of approximately $20.5 million. The Company has entered into a non-prosecution agreement with the DOJ, which will be in effect for three years. No criminal charges will be brought against General Cable, provided it complies with its obligations under the agreement. In light of the significant compliance enhancements made by the Company to date, neither the DOJ nor the SEC is requiring an independent compliance monitor. The Company has instead agreed to annual self-reporting for a period of three years.

To satisfy its financial obligations under the resolutions, General Cable will remit a total of approximately $82.3 million to the DOJ and SEC. The DOJ penalty of $20.5 million will be paid in a single payment in the first quarter of 2017. The Company will remit approximately $12.4 million to the SEC in January of 2017, and will then pay approximately $18.5 million to the SEC within 180 days of the date of the resolution and will make a final payment of approximately $30.9 million to the SEC within 360 days of the date of the resolution. The Company has and expects to have sufficient liquidity within its revolving credit facility to make these payments, and the total amount of the resolution is within the range previously disclosed by General Cable for the FCPA-related investigations. As of the third quarter of 2016, General Cable had accrued $33 million for the FCPA-related investigations. As a result of the resolutions with the DOJ and the SEC, General Cable will record a charge of approximately $49.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Taking this charge into account, General Cable will have recognized all costs associated with the resolution of this matter with the DOJ and SEC.

General Cable voluntarily disclosed potential FCPA concerns to the DOJ and SEC in January 2014. Both the DOJ and SEC recognized and credited General Cable for its extensive and transparent cooperation throughout the investigation, and for significantly enhancing its compliance program under the leadership of a Chief Compliance Officer, an Executive Officer position created in January 2015, who has a reporting relationship with the Company’s Board Directors and leads an experienced team of compliance professionals globally.

About General Cable

General Cable (NYSE:BGC), with headquarters in Highland Heights, Kentucky, is a global leader in the development, design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of aluminum, copper and fiber optic wire and cable products for the energy, communications, industrial, construction and specialty markets. General Cable is one of the largest wire and cable manufacturing companies in the world, operating manufacturing facilities in its core geographical markets, and has sales representation and distribution worldwide. For more information about General Cable, visit our website at www.generalcable.com.

Contacts

General Cable Corporation

Robin Weinberg, 212-687-8080

GeneralCableMedia-SVC@sardverb.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/19285/en

Watch Fans from Around the World Show off the Same CRAZY SKILLS as Neymar Jr. [Panasonic]

Debut of the final chapter of the Neymar Jr. "crazy skills" project that took the world by surprise!

OSAKA, Japan - Thursday, December 29th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Panasonic Corporation released the special "NEYMAR JR. and WORLD'S CRAZY SKILLS" movie that features the best of the "NEYMAR JR. CRAZY SKILLS" project being rolled out globally with the cooperation of Neymar Jr.

[Video] Panasonic presents - NEYMAR JR. and WORLD'S CRAZY SKILLS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joEQs4rPvDY

In June 2015 Panasonic launched the "NEYMAR JR. CRAZY SKILLS" project with the intention of using Panasonic technology to support children the world over who "want to be as good at football as Neymar Jr." Featured in the project were the "crazy skills" of Neymar Jr., who has highly creative moves. Digital archives of Neymar Jr.'s crazy skills from actual matches were replicated in full-CG with the use of the latest technology known as WebGL, and released on the project website (https://crazyskills.panasonic.com) as "ARCHIVES OF MOTION DATA." The website also features a "360° OBSERVATION CAM" that enables enjoyment of 360° views of real-action footage in slow-motion and ground-level zoom on a smartphone or PC.

Individuals the world over tried their hand at emulating these "crazy skills" and Neymar Jr. viewed the video clips as the official judge in order to bestow the "NEYMAR JR.'s CRAZY SKILLS AWARD." The website "NEYMAR JR. CRAZY SKILLS" has thus far been viewed by football fans in 213 countries. As of the end of December 2016, this "NEYMAR JR. CRAZY SKILLS" project will finally be concluded. In the special movie that highlights the finest moments of the project, Neymar Jr. and "NEYMAR JR.'s CRAZY SKILLS AWARD" entrants from around the world are featured in footage of those "crazy skills."

Have a look at the special movie that seeks to please an audience of children the world over who seek to achieve the "CRAZY SKILLS" of Neymar Jr., as well as all football enthusiasts.

Neymar Jr.'s comments and message to all!

After viewing the film:
"I really like it. It's a joy for me to see so many people on so many different continents learning from my dribbling moves and skills. It makes me happy to know that this has provided a dream for football playing kids. It's really entertaining to see so many different varieties of dribbling skills."

On the efforts to participate by individuals the world over:
"I think it's really entertaining and a joy for me. It's indeed a pleasure for me to be a role model to football players all over the world. I feel happy that dribbling skills have brought happiness to many children and that many kids are emulating those skills."

A message to all:
"I am grateful for the affection I have felt from all of you who took part. As I continue to work on my dribbling game, I hope to come up with the kinds of moves that will give you something to aspire to. And I hope to learn from all of you as well."

Neymar Jr. wholeheartedly enjoyed the "NEYMAR JR. CRAZY SKILLS" project as a way of connecting with football enthusiasts around the world and seeing entrants attempt to demonstrate "crazy skills."

These were the thoughts and feelings that Neymar Jr. wanted to impart to football enthusiasts and children the world over.

[Video] Neymar Jr. comments on CRAZY SKILLS final movie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBkYf34kVNY

About the special "NEYMAR JR. and WORLD'S CRAZY SKILLS" movie

Appearing in this special movie with Neymar Jr. are players who assembled from all over the world via the "CRAZY SKILLS" project website. Entrants viewed the crazy skills on display at the "NEYMAR JR. CRAZY SKILLS" website (https://crazyskills.panasonic.com) and filmed themselves performing the same moves as a testament to the actual hours of practice devoted to mastering the skills. Having entered the project as aspiring co-stars by posting to Twitter with the project hashtag (#CrazySkillsAward), 102 winners had the honor of being selected from the field of entrants by Neymar Jr. himself. As he personally went over the submitted clips, Neymar Jr. himself would find himself gasping in amazement and intently watching the performances of challenging " crazy skills" by entrants who spanned a wide range of ages.

The special movie is a rapid-fire collection of interspersed shots of Neymar Jr. demonstrating a vivid array of "CRAZY SKILLS" on the pitch with clips of players the world over performing the "crazy skills" at their respective locations of choice. Footage from the "360° OBSERVATION CAM" is interwoven to make for a movie that provides enjoyment of the "crazy skills."

In a single minute rife with speed and passion, it looks as if a single ball brings together football playing girls and boys as well as football enthusiasts the world over around these "crazy skills." The ending features a dynamic shot by Neymar Jr. along with his message "STAY CRAZY." Have a blast watching this special movie, a feature you don't want to miss a single second of.

Song Credit

BARBATUQUES
Barbatuques is a body percussion group based out of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Led by multi -instrumentalist and composer Fernando Barba, the group was established in 1995. The 15 members in the group use only their bodies to perform music that is one of a kind.

In the early years of the group's inception, it had mainly been active in performances at public institutions such as schools as well as at events held domestically. Concerts in Paris and Spain in 2005 triggered buzz outside of Brazil about the band's performance skills, which led to touring to various places around the world. In 2006, Barbatuques won the TIM Brazilian Music Award for Best Brazilian Pop Music Group. In 2014, the group took part in the production of the soundtrack for the animated film "Rio 2."

The group attracted attention in 2016 due to performing at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Olympic Games. They have released three albums in all thus far, the last one in 2012 an album for children titled "Tum Pá."

Panasonic x Neymar Jr. Highlights of the "NEYMAR JR. CRAZY SKILLS" project

- Number of countries where viewed: 213
- PVs: 749,305
- Unique visitors: 203,481
- Facebook "likes": 280,000
- YouTube movie views: 1,267,974
*Monitored June 12 through October 20, 2015
- No. of "NEYMAR JR.'s CRAZY SKILLS AWARD" clips submitted: total of 183
*Tabulated December 24 through October 20, 2015
- Access ranking by country (the top 10 countries)
1st: Japan (125,820); 2nd: USA (103,975); 3rd: China (54,701);
4th: Brazil (52,804); 5th: India (23,937); 6th: UK (21,937);
7th: France (17,833); 8th: Korea (17,383); 9th: Germany (17,361);
10th: Kenya (12,445)

Notices about the featuring of content and announcement of winners were also posted on Neymar Jr.'s official Twitter account in both English and Portuguese. This content was re-tweeted all over the world and received many "likes."

Honors received

- 69th Dentsu Advertising Awards, winner of the Excellence and Outstanding Awards in the Digital Media Advertising and Browser categories
- FWA "SITE OF THE MONTH, Aug 2015"
- FWA "SITE OF THE DAY, Aug 3 2015"
- FWA "MOBILE OF THE DAY, Jul 29"
- FWA "THE CUTTING EDGE PROJECT OF THE WEEK, Aug 17 2015"
- ACC CM FESTIVAL "Finalist (Interactive)"
- WEBBY AWARD 2016 "Best-use-of-animation-or-motion-graphics" nominee

Related Links
Panasonic × Neymar Jr. CRAZY SKILLS "360° OBSERVATION CAM" and "NEYMAR JR.'s CRAZY SKILLS AWARD"
https://crazyskills.panasonic.com/
[Video] Crazy Skills Award being reviewed by Neymar Jr!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WLaIoA8f6s
Panasonic Neymar Jr. Official Web
http://panasonic.net/promotion/neymarjr/
Searching for Players to Appear with Neymar Jr. in a Special Movie Slated for Production! (Jul 14, 2016)
http://news.panasonic.com/global/topics/2016/45319.html
Panasonic Neymar Jr. Facebook Page @PanasonicNeymarJr
https://www.facebook.com/PanasonicNeymarJr/
Panasonic Neymar Jr. YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/PanasonicxNeymarJr
Neymar Jr. Official Web
http://www.neymaroficial.com/en

Panasonic Newsroom Global: http://news.panasonic.com/global

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161228005371/en/

Contacts

Media Contacts:

Panasonic Corporation

Global Communications Department

Media Promotion Office

presscontact@ml.jp.panasonic.com

* When submitting your inquiries, please also provide your name, name of media, and country of residence.









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/19280/en

Hubble Connected to Showcase Integration of Breakthrough IoT Technologies at CES to Build the “Emotional Home”

 HUGO™ and IVO™ bring Alexa Voice, Emotionalytics™ & artificial intelligence to the Hubble Connected platform to keep consumers in touch with everything that matters most

LAS VEGAS - Thursday, December 29th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hubble Connected, the cloud-based platform from Binatone for the Emotional Home™, announces several new innovations at CES that redefine the consumer experience within their emotional world (Sands Expo in Tech West booth #44354). HUGO, the world’s first truly intelligent smart camera will be unveiled together with IVO, an integrated hub for the home and nursery; both with Alexa Voice interface.

Additional updates from Binatone's partnership with Motorola include a new portable home monitoring solution together with a suite of new Smart Nursery products, True Wireless audio and a retro inspired range of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi portable speakers, while the Hubble Connected platform introduces Emotionalytics™ and a host of other new services and technology advancements that keep users in touch with everything that matters most.

Meet HUGO & IVO, the world’s first smart home monitor system with AI and voice control

The HUGO & IVO series of smart monitors and controllers come with Alexa voice control, Affectiva Emotion AI, and content services for the whole family, including sports and weather reports, news, popular music streaming services and audiobooks. The innovation also brings a new level of secured monitoring to the connected home, as HUGO has the physical privacy of a motorized "eye lid" which can be closed at any time.

HUGO sits alongside a new smart viewer, IVO, which aside from HD viewing offers Alexa voice control and a host of other apps. It can even make phone calls and control your TV.

HUGO & IVO both work perfectly alongside all other Hubble Connected monitors and devices.

Latest Advancements to the Hubble Connected Platform

The latest Hubble Connected platform features cutting-edge software and hardware advancements, including emotion recognition, sound recognition, voice commands, pet tracking, car telematics and artificial intelligence. An enhanced video platform provides fast replay stories, defines zonal alert areas, and can differentiate between pet and human motion and activity. Voice control for the connected home is built on the Amazon Alexa platform and allows users the freedom to control, track and monitor the things they care most about hands free, such as their nursery environment or even summon help.

“Hubble Connected is an exciting, dynamic platform providing users with the ability to stay connected and close to the important people and items they value the most,” said Dino Lalvani, Chairman of Binatone Global, sister company of Hubble Connected. “Hubble Connected is a leader, and these new developments – from the innovative emotional artificial intelligence in HUGO to our expansive network of manufacturers developing products that operate with Hubble Connected – reflect the convergence in IoT and further make our platform standout as the premier option for the smart home.”

New Motorola Licensed Products from Binatone

A number of new Motorola products for the emotional home will also be showcased, including:

    Motorola Orbit, a completely portable weatherproof home monitor with 1080p imaging and a battery life of up to three months, that’s both Hubble Connected and supported by SD card storage so it works even in the event of Wi-Fi or power failure.
    The award winning Motorola Smart Nursery range of intelligent baby monitors with sleep analytics, dream machines, humidifiers, smart scales and more, that are all Hubble Connected so parents can easily monitor and control their nursery environment, as well as track the growth, sleep patterns and comfort of their child.
    An expanded series of Motorola VerveLife wireless, wearable and waterproof devices, including new VerveOnes True Wireless earbuds and the new VerveCam with live streaming, all of which are Hubble Connected for enhanced control and sharing.
    A new Motorola Signature Series of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi portable speakers inspired by Motorola’s rich history in wireless technology and cutting edge design.

About Hubble Connected

Hubble makes it easy to stay connected with your favorite people, places and pets with live video streaming and up-to-date smart notifications wherever you are. Hubble is also the first Platform-as-a-Service for the connected home. Offering complete SDK, API integration documentation and reference design, Hubble enables leading brands and hardware manufacturers to rapidly integrate and connect new products to the cloud.

About Binatone

Binatone is a leading provider of innovative consumer electronics and lifestyle products for a broad range of applications including baby nursery, pet nursery and family connectivity at home. Binatone is an official Motorola licensee, and also markets consumer electronics under the AEG, Binatone and iDECT brands. Hubble became part of the Binatone Group in 2014 as part of a broader shift towards end to end IoT solutions.

For more information, visit www.binatoneglobal.com

Contacts

Duffy & Shanley

Annette Maggiacomo, 401-278-4441

amaggiacomo@duffyshanley.com

or

Margit Malacrida, 401-278-4433

mmalacrida@duffyshanley.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/19281/en

Sintavia Announces ISO 17025 Accreditation

Elite metal AM laboratory operations exceed industry standards

DAVIE, Fla. - Wednesday, December 28th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sintavia, LLC, the global independent leader for metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) services, announced today that its metallurgical laboratory had received ISO 17025 accreditation by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). ISO 17025 is the highest recognized quality standard in the world for calibration and testing laboratories. For an organization to be accredited in ISO 17025, its laboratory must be able to consistently produce precise and accurate test and calibration data.

“As the first dedicated AM manufacturer to achieve ISO 17025 accreditation Sintavia once again is at the leading edge of the industrial application of AM technology,” said Doug Hedges, Sintavia’s President and COO. “Serial production is all about serial quality, and this achievement speaks to our commitment to the highest standards at every step of AM production. From when the powder arrives at our facility to when the finished parts leave the dock, we maintain complete control over the integrity of the product. Anything less would be a disservice to our customers.”

Until now, AM manufacturers offering ISO 17025 accredited testing had to use independent laboratories for powder and material validation. While quality analysis can be achieved by shipping samples to a third-party laboratory for powder analysis, metal density testing, and quality assurance verification, having an accredited laboratory within the AM production facility means faster analysis and complete security of the process.

“What a great year it has been for quality improvements,” added Alex Bencomo, Quality Manager at Sintavia. “To get both AS9100 certification and ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation in a single year is a significant accomplishment. As we grow, we are committed to staying focused and continuing to incorporate the highest quality standards in the industry.”

About Sintavia:

Founded in 2012, Sintavia is the global leader for independent metal AM for critical industries, including Aerospace & Defense, Oil & Natural Gas, Automotive, and Ground Power Generation. With high-speed printers co-located alongside precision post processing equipment, a full complement of mechanical testing equipment, and a full metallurgical and powder laboratory, Sintavia is able to optimize parameters, serially manufacture, and audit quality parts for critical industries. Sintavia is committed to the highest quality standards in the industry, and holds AS9100, ISO17025, and ANAB accreditation, as well as being OASIS registered and ITAR compliant.

For more information, please go to http://www.sintavia.com.

Contacts

Sintavia, LLC

Carolyn Allan, 954-842-8794

Global Marketing Manager

Callan@sintavia.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19276/en

BenQ Unleashes World’s First and Only Innovative DLP 4K UHD Home Cinema Projector

W11000 Delivers 8.3 Million Pixels with Commercial Digital Cinema-Like Picture Performance

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, December 27th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

Global No.1 DLP projector brand - BenQ unveiled their ultimate digital home cinema projector W11000 - the one and only DLP 4K UHD projector to earn prestigious THX Certification. Fully meeting Consumer Technology Association’s (CTA) requirements for 4K UHD with true 8.3-millionpixel resolution, W11000’s THX certification ensures cinematic performance to replicate the precise experience of attending a commercial digital cinema.

“BenQ is proud to become a part of the UAE’s journey towards becoming one of the world’s most innovative countries by 2021 as we bring the most advanced technologies right into every resident’s home. The UAE was ranked first among Arab countries and 41st worldwide in the Global Innovation Index. We hope to become a pivotal arm in pursuing this country’s dream. We will continue to innovate as we push forward to create the world’s first and best in technology.” said Manish Bakshi - Managing Director, BenQ Middle East & Turkey.

“The crowning achievement of W11000 showcases the extent of BenQ’s technology leadership. No other projector demonstrates mastery of DLP, derived from the same technology in use at 100% of the world’s IMAX auditoriums, with 8.3-millionpixel UHD performance and THX Certification.” Bakshi explained.

BenQ’s harnesses the advanced DLP 4K UHD DMD with XPR technology, W11000 produces 3840 x 2160 distinct pixels for true 8.3-millionpixel 4K UHD resolution. Single-DMD DLP technology ensures absolute image integrity and colour accuracy without artefacts that can be introduced by panel alignment issues, especially critical at 4K with much finer pixels than 1080p. BenQ’s highly optimized 4K optical system then employs 14 high-resolution elements, a true zoom system, and special low-dispersion lens coatings to preserve spectacular visual quality for an authentic digital cinema experience.

Requiring 10 times as much data analysis and seven times the engineering effort and resources in precise colour and gamma adjustments as required for pure Rec. 709 compliance, W11000 underwent over 18 months of rigorous development and 200 THX laboratory tests covering over 500 data points to ensure strict colour accuracy, precise gamma, ideal colour temperature, enhanced uniformity, and super high native contrast ratio for THX Certification.

Passing three rounds of live testing at THX headquarters in San Francisco, W11000 offers supreme overall image performance and THX Mode, pre-calibrated by THX engineers for the most accurate out-of-box picture quality possible to deliver authentic cinematic content as filmmakers originally intended. Augmenting its high native ANSI contrast ratio, W11000’s Active Iris and Dynamic Black technology, SmartEco, and proprietary black paint sealed light engine produce an astounding 50,000:1 dynamic contrast performance for fine detail rendition in the darkest and brightest scenes without washout to preserve every subtlety of the original content.

W11000’s CinemaMaster™ image processing technology improves vivid colour reproduction, flesh tone correction, and advanced digital colour and luminance noise reduction. W11000 is also ISFccc calibration ready, enabling professional in-home custom calibration.

W11000 natively supports 2.35:1 anamorphic aspect ratio, offering the ultra-wide cinemascope experience of commercial digital cinemas. Its UHD performance opens a wider viewing angle to allow comfortable viewing of ultra-detailed 4K images up close, maximizing the useable screen size in any given space for a mesmerizingly immersive movie watching experience.

Beautiful Integration into Any Upscale Home Cinema

With a streamlined style featuring sleek front-facing ventilation, W11000 blends seamlessly into upscale home cinema aesthetics. Its unobstructed port architecture features extra space to accommodate thick high-quality cables and HDMI / power cable locking to hold them securely in place. And to fit perfectly into any home cinema, W11000 features H/V lens shift and 1.5X big zoom for precisely custom installations.

Powered by ultimately durable Digital Light Processing, the 2015 Academy Award of Merit Oscar® winning technology used in 90% of the world’s digital cinemas, W11000 delivers long-lasting picture quality with precise colours and razor-sharp clarity without maintenance or degradation.

At the launch event, on display and another product highlighted from their flagship W series was the W8000. The home theatre projector achieves prestigious THX® HD Display™ Certification offering a professional guarantee of outstanding cinematic performance to rival the finest movie theatres. The W8000 delivers precise Rec. 709 colour fidelity and stunning high contrast to accurately reproduce every detail of the original content filmmakers intended for audiences.

For more information on the BenQ range of home cinema projectors, please visit www.benq.co.ae.

About BenQ Corporation

Founded on the corporate vision of “Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life”, BenQ Corporation is a world-leading human technology and solutions provider aiming to elevate and enrich every aspect of consumers’ lives. To realize this vision, the company focuses on the aspects that matter most to people today – lifestyle, business, healthcare and education – with the hope of providing people with the means to live better, increase efficiency, feel healthier and enhance learning. Such means include a delightful broad portfolio of people-driven products and embedded technologies spanning digital projectors, monitors, interactive large-format displays, audio products, cloud consumer products, mobile communications and lifestyle lighting. Because it matters. 

About BenQ Group

The BenQ Group is a $22+ billion powerhouse comprised of nearly 20 independent companies operating in over 30 countries across numerous industries with a combined workforce of over 100,000 employees.  Each Group member is a recognized leader in its own field, contributing to the BenQ Group’s vast resources, broad R&D, and distinct strategic strengths.  By leveraging each company’s vertical specialization to create true scale across horizontal markets, the BenQ Group controls a highly efficient value chain with the unrivaled ability to deliver critical components and world-class solutions in the following industries: TFT-LCD, green energy, fine chemicals and advanced materials, lighting, IC design, precision components, system integration, branded business, and service.  The Group is committed to profitable and sustainable businesses that share its long-standing vision of Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life.

The BenQ Group companies are:  BenQ Corporation, AU Optronics Corporation (world’s top manufacturer of large-size TFT-LCD panels), Qisda Corporation, Darfon Electronics Corporation, BenQ ESCO Corp., BenQ Materials Corp., BenQ Guru Corp., BenQ Medical Center, BenQ Medical Technology Corp., BenQ AB DentCare Corp., Daxin Materials Corp., Dazzo Technology Corp., Darwin Precisions Corp., Lextar Electronics Corp., LILY Medical Corp. and Raydium Semiconductor Corp.

Contacts

Marissa Pinto

Absolute Public Relations

+971 50 754 1420

MarissaP@absolutecg.net 









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19275/en

Octapharma donates Nuwiq® to the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program to provide patients with haemophilia A in developing countries access to therapy

LACHEN, Switzerland - Friday, December 23rd 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Octapharma is proud to announce that the company has made a charitable donation of 4.5 million units of its fourth generation, human cell-line derived recombinant factor VIII product, Nuwiq®, to the World Federation of Hematology (WFH) Humanitarian Aid Program.

The lack of access to care in developing countries is an urgent and important public health challenge. The aim of the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program is to provide consistent and predictable access to treatment for all. Through the donation of Nuwiq®, Octapharma is helping to provide access to FVIII therapy in developing countries that may otherwise be unable to fully meet the treatment requirements of all patients.

“The WFH is leading the effort to change the lack of access to treatment products for bleeding disorders in developing countries by providing consistent and predictable access to treatment for all,” said Assad Haffar, WFH Director of Humanitarian Aid. “This donation of treatment products from Octapharma will help support the WFH in this important outreach.”

“For lasting change to occur in countries most in need, it is imperative that we all come together to support the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program,” said Alain Weill, WFH President. “Treatment for all is truly the responsibility of all.”

Olaf Walter, Board Member at Octapharma, stated “The WFH Humanitarian Aid Program is an important initiative to provide access to care for people with haemophilia in the developing world. We are proud to contribute to the program as part of our ongoing mission to invest and make a difference in people’s lives”.

About Haemophilia A

Haemophilia A is an X-linked hereditary disorder caused by FVIII deficiency which if left untreated leads to haemorrhages in muscles and joints and consequently to arthropathy and severe morbidity. FVIII replacement prophylactic treatment reduces the number of bleeding episodes and the risk of permanent joint damage. This disorder affects one in every 5,000 to 10,000 men worldwide. Globally, 75% of haemophilia cases are left undiagnosed or untreated.

About Octapharma

Headquartered in Lachen, Switzerland, Octapharma is one of the largest human protein manufacturers in the world, developing and producing human proteins from human plasma and human cell lines. As a family-owned company, Octapharma believes in investing to make a difference in people’s lives and has been doing so since 1983; because it’s in our blood.

Octapharma employs approximately 6,400 people worldwide to support the treatment of patients in 105 countries with products across three therapeutic areas:

    Haematology (coagulation disorders)
    Immunotherapy (immune disorders)
    Critical care

Octapharma owns five state-of-the-art production facilities in Austria, France, Germany, Sweden and Mexico.

For more information visit www.octapharma.com

Contacts

Octapharma AG

International Business Unit- Haematology

Olaf Walter

Olaf.Walter@octapharma.com

or

Larisa Belyanskaya

Larisa.Belyanskaya@octapharma.com

Tel: +41 55 4512121    









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19271/en

Toshiba's e-STUDIO5005AC Earns Buyers Laboratory's "Highly Recommended" and "Highly Reliable"

TOKYO - Monday, December 26th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Toshiba Tec Corporation (TOKYO:6588) today announced that its latest colour Multi-function peripherals (MFP), the e-STUDIO5005AC received the Buyers Laboratory LLC’s (BLI) “Highly Recommended” and “Highly Reliable” rating. BLI is the leading independent analytical information provider, and from its two-month, 210,000 impression durability test, the company's award-winning MFP performed extremely well in reliability, ease of use and security features.

The leading independent analytics provider noted the e-STUDIO5005AC’s ideal fit for medium- to large-size workgroups. The recent addition to Toshiba’s award-winning e-STUDIO line also scored high within nine other BLI testing categories including user maintenance, productivity and image quality.

“The Toshiba e-STUDIO5005AC promises to deliver maximum uptime for mid-size to large workgroups, thanks to outstanding reliability and simple procedures for replacing toner, drums and the waste toner container,” said BLI Senior Editor George Mikolay. “In addition, the device’s fast job stream speeds mean it will have no problem remaining productive in environments in which multiple users send multiple types of jobs over the course of the day. And those long-run jobs will not be at the expense of image quality, which proved to be consistent throughout testing and will meet the needs of most business environments.”

They were further impressed by e-STUDIO5005AC’s features of productivity and ease of use: boost scan productivity with fast scan speeds and 300-sheet duplex single-pass feeder, increase office efficiency with Simple Scan and Simple Copy menus by its new user interface, and take advantage of allowing applications to be embedded on to the MFP by the newly introduced e-BRIDGE Next controller.

Moreover, BLI noted that Toshiba’s self-encrypting hard drive with automatic drive invalidation and data overwrite up to 15 times*, and passing the strict U.S. Federal Information processing Standard 140-2, making the MFP ideal for any organization seeking to bolster its data security.

“It is a great honour for us to receive such an evaluation from the most reliable organization,” said Isao Sugehara, Chief Marketing Executive of Toshiba Tec Printing Solutions Business Group. “We believe this is the result that e-STUDIO5005AC has fulfilled all of the necessary needs　and offers value for customers. This was achieved by everyone who dedicated to introduce this product”.

* The availability vary from country to country

About Buyers Laboratory LLC

Buyers Laboratory LLC (BLI) is the world's leading independent provider of analytical information and testing services to the document management industry. For over 50 years, buyers have relied on BLI to help them differentiate products' strengths and weaknesses and make the best purchasing decisions, while industry sales, marketing and product professionals have turned to BLI for insightful competitive intelligence and valued guidance on product development, competitive positioning and sales channel and marketing support. BLI also offers private, for-hire testing services that help manufacturers develop and market better products and consumables.

About Toshiba Tec

Toshiba Tec Corporation is a Toshiba’s group company, a leading provider of technology solutions, operating across multiple industries – ranging from retail, education and business services to hospitality and manufacturing. With headquarters in Japan and over 80 subsidiaries worldwide, Toshiba Tec Corporation helps organizations transform the way they create, record, share, manage and display information.

Please visit http://www.toshibatec.co.jp/en/
For Global site please visit http://www.toshibatec.com/global/

Unless otherwise specified and/or credited all images, artwork, text and graphics, logos and logotypes are the copyright and/or trademark of the respective owners. All rights reserved.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=51481965&lang=en

Contacts

Media Contact

Toshiba Tec Corporation

Toshihiko “Tommy” Minato, +81-(0)50-3681-5528

Marketing Department

Products, Marketing & Service Division

Printing Solutions Business Group

Toshihiko_Minato@toshibatec.co.jp









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/19274/en

The Estée Lauder Companies Completes Its Acquisition of Too Faced

NEW YORK - Tuesday, December 20th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Too Faced, the feminine, playful makeup brand renowned for high-quality, stylish cosmetics that consumers love.

Launched in 1998 by cosmetics visionaries Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson, and currently led by Johnson, Blandino and Eric Hohl, Too Faced offers an unabashedly empowering line of cosmetic products for the eyes, face and lips. Beloved for its high-quality, innovative formulas, irreverent product names and distinctive packaging, Too Faced creates an emotional, authentic connection with consumers and has developed a strong following and built a vibrant community among millennials who are passionate about social media, fashion and pop culture. Too Faced has over 7.6 million Instagram followers and is among the top eight makeup brands in the specialty-multi channel in the United States.

About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The Company’s products are sold in over 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Lab Series, Origins, Tommy Hilfiger, M·A·C, Kiton, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Michael Kors, Darphin, Tom Ford, Smashbox, Ermenegildo Zegna, AERIN, Tory Burch, RODIN olio lusso, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, By Kilian, BECCA and Too Faced.

ELC-C
ELC-F
ELC-B
ELC-I    

Contacts

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Investor Relations:

Dennis D’Andrea, 212-572-4384

or

Media Relations:

Jill Marvin, 212-572-4438    









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/19257/en

AIT to Acquire Nova-Tech Engineering

DALLAS - Friday, December 23rd 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Advanced Integration Technology (“AIT”) announced today an investment in Nova-Tech Engineering (“Nova-Tech”).

Based in Lynnwood, WA, Nova-Tech is a designer and integrator of critical assembly automation, materials handling and friction stir welding equipment and tooling for the aerospace and space launch industries. Nova-Tech’s talented engineering and executive team will join the AIT family while continuing to operate as a distinct business line and brand led by Nova-Tech’s CEO, William B. (“Benny”) Teal.

“In our industry, Nova-Tech is synonymous with engineering excellence and dedicated customer service,” said Ed Chalupa, AIT’s Chairman and CEO. “Benny and his team have established a culture that perfectly exemplifies the entrepreneurship and innovation that has always driven the aerospace industry forward. Nova-Tech’s strong presence in international markets and adjacent sectors like space launch is particularly unique in our industry.”

“The adoption of automation in aerospace is accelerating, just as the automation supply base is consolidating offshore,” said Teal. “It’s exciting to have a partner in this environment and to be a part of a platform with this scale of technology and engineering talent.”

AIT’s investment in Nova-Tech represents its second transaction in the aerospace automation sector following the purchase earlier this month of KUKA Systems Aerospace North America (as recently reorganized) in a carve-out transaction from KUKA Systems North America LLC.

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About AIT

AIT is the world's largest provider of automation, factory integration and tooling solutions dedicated to the global aerospace and defense industries. From its headquarters in Plano, Texas, AIT designs, manufactures and installs automated tooling and equipment for the assembly of aerospace structures. AIT serves the world’s largest and most technologically advanced aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, including Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Spirit AeroSystems, Triumph and Bombardier. AIT has facilities in the United States, Canada, Spain and Sweden.

About Nova-Tech

Nova-Tech is in its forty-eighth year and is well established as a premier supplier of manufacturing solutions to the worldwide aerospace industry. Headquartered in Lynnwood, Washington, it also has offices in South Carolina, Alabama, Germany, Brazil and the U.K. The company serves all the major commercial aircraft manufacturers, and is also engaged with defense work and space launch vehicles.

Learn more at www.aint.com.





View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161222005401/en/

Contacts

Advanced Integration Technology

Susan Hardaway, 1 972-543-6675

shardaway@aint.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19272/en

Public Tender Offer by TDK Subsidiary EPCOS to Acquire Tronics Successful

• The all-cash public tender offer announced on August 1, 2016, by TDK’s subsidiary EPCOS to acquire all publicly-held shares of Tronics has been successful.

• EPCOS has acquired 72.38% of the outstanding shares at a price of EUR 13.20 per share, and has thus exceeded the defined 65.41%1 success threshold for its offer. The settlement of the tender offer will occur on December 27, 2016.

• Through the acquisition of Tronics, TDK broadens its portfolio of cutting-edge sensor technologies and strengthens its basis for faster growth in the strategic field of sensors.

• Thales Avionics will remain a strategic shareholder of Tronics. After the closing of the successful offer, Thales Avionics and EPCOS will enter into a shareholders’ agreement.

• The tender offer will automatically reopen in the beginning of January 2017 for a period of 10 trading days.


TOKYO & CROLLES, France - Wednesday, December 21st 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TDK Corporation (“TDK”, TOKYO: 6762) and Tronics Microsystems SA (“Tronics”, ISIN:FR0004175099 ALTRO) jointly announced today that the all-cash public tender offer launched by TDK’s wholly-owned subsidiary EPCOS AG (“EPCOS”) was successfully closed on December 14, 2016. EPCOS, a leading manufacturer of electronic components, modules and systems based in Munich, Germany, acquired 72.38% of the outstanding shares at a price of EUR 13.20 per share, thus exceeding the defined 65.41% success threshold for the offer. The acquisition of these shares represents a value of approximately EUR 33.432 million. The settlement of the tender offer will occur on December 27, 2016.

Thales Avionics, which holds a 20.9% stake in Tronics, will remain a strategic shareholder of Tronics. After the closing of the successful offer, Thales Avionics and EPCOS will hold in aggregate 93.30% of the capital and 88.88% of the voting rights of Tronics. The two companies will enter into a shareholders’ agreement to act in concert, which will take effect at the closing of the reopened tender offer in accordance with the terms summarized in the offer documentation.

The tender offer will automatically reopen in the beginning of January 2017 for a period of 10 trading days. The offer price per share will remain unchanged at EUR 13.20 and represents a 78.4% premium over Tronics’ closing share price on July 7, 2016, the trading day immediately preceding the stock trading suspension, and a 62.1% premium to the volume-weighted average price during the last 60 trading days prior to this suspension.

The composition of the Supervisory Board of Tronics will be revised to reflect the new shareholding structure of Tronics.

Next steps

If, at the end of the reopened tender offer, EPCOS2 holds more than 95% of the capital and voting rights of Tronics, EPCOS reserves its right to ask the AMF, within ten (10) trading days from the result publication of the re-opened tender offer, or where applicable, within three (3) months from the end of the reopened tender offer, to implement a squeeze-out procedure by the transfer of Tronics’ shares which would not have been tendered to the offer.

Solid basis for future growth

With the addition of Tronics, which provides an immediate entry to the rapidly growing market for inertial sensors, TDK has implemented a further key element in its strategy to broaden and strengthen its portfolio of cutting-edge sensor technologies. Comments Joachim Zichlarz, Corporate Officer and Senior Vice President of TDK, as well as Chairman of the Management Board, CEO and CFO of EPCOS: “With the successful completion of the tender offer and the conclusion of our agreement with Thales, we have created a solid basis for further developing Tronics' business under the roof of TDK and, at the same time, boosting our innovativeness and market strength in one of the future’s most promising technological fields. Moreover, TDK expects strong synergies with its own cutting-edge thin-film and assembly technologies.”

Pascal Langlois, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Tronics comments: “Tronics’ shareholders have recognized the strong financial and industrial merits of the acquisition by TDK. Its solid financial basis and extensive know-how in materials and production engineering now provide a very good basis to grow further Tronics’ inertial products and MEMS technologies. This is a great step in the company’s development as we will benefit from TDK’s leading and developing position as a powerful component manufacturer in industrial, automotive and consumer electronics markets.”

Additional information related to the tender offer

The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) published the results of the tender offer on December 19, 2016.

The offer documents and press releases for the tender offer can be found on the EPCOS website under www.epcos.com/tronics and on the Tronics website under www.tronicsgroup-bourse.com/en/. Please note that these documents are available only in French – with the exception of the initial press release on August 1, 2016, announcing the tender offer.

Advisors

Kepler Cheuvreux is acting as presenting bank in the context of the public tender offer, PwC Corporate Finance is acting as financial advisor and Hogan Lovells is acting as legal advisor to TDK.

Gimar & Cie is acting as financial advisor to Tronics, and Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier is acting as legal advisor to Tronics.

About TDK Corporation

TDK Corporation is a leading electronics company based in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's portfolio includes electronic components, modules and systems* which are marketed under the product brands TDK and EPCOS, power supplies, magnetic application products as well as energy devices, flash memory application devices, and others. TDK focuses on demanding markets in the areas of information and communication technology and consumer, automotive and industrial electronics. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America.

In fiscal 2016, TDK posted total sales of USD 10.2 billion and employed about 92,000 people worldwide.

* The product portfolio includes ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, ferrites, inductors, high-frequency components such as surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter products and modules, piezo and protection components, and sensors.

About EPCOS

EPCOS, a TDK Group Company, develops, manufactures and markets electronic components, modules and systems, focusing on fast-growing leading-edge technology markets, which include information and communications technology, automotive electronics, industrial electronics and consumer electronics. Thanks to the approximately 25,500 employees at more than 20 design and production locations and an extensive sales network outside of Europe, the company is well-equipped to work closely with customers and create the right solutions for them. Since February 2015, the two existing European sales channels for EPCOS and TDK products have been merged under the one roof of TDK Europe.

In fiscal 2016 (ending in March) EPCOS posted sales of about EUR 2.5 billion.

About Tronics

Founded in 1997, Tronics is a recognized technological leader in the sector of nano & microsystems with high added value. Positioned at the heart of product innovation, Tronics has technology platforms protected by a portfolio of 25 families of patents, resulting from 15 years of R&D and more than EUR 15 million of cumulative industrial investments. Addressing high-growth markets relying on increasing miniaturization of electronic devices, Tronics designs, manufactures and sells custom or standard products to the industry, aeronautics & security, medical and consumer markets. Located in Crolles, near Grenoble (France) and in Dallas, Texas (United States), Tronics posted revenue of EUR 7.8 Million in 2015. It now has 92 employees, of whom 55 are engineers and scientists.

ISIN code: FR0004175099 ALTRO.

«Innovative Company» certification number: A1410008 V.

For more information: www.tronicsgroup-bourse.com

1 This success threshold was reduced to take into account the shares of Tronics underlying the bons de souscription de parts de créateur d'entreprise (BSPCE) and stock options that will be covered by irrevocable forward sale agreements, so that the 66.67% threshold can be reached after the offer as a result of the delivery of these shares.

2 Acting in concert with Thales Avionics

Contacts

TDK Contacts

Sumio Marukawa, 81-3-6852-7102

Corporate Communications

pr@jp.tdk.com

Jun Hatsumi, 81-3-6852-7102

Investor Relations

ir@jp.tdk.com

For EPCOS related issues:

Hans-Peter Ziegler, 49-89-54020-2415

Corporate Communications

epcoscc@epcos.com



or

Tronics Contacts

Investor Relations & Corporate Communications:

Actus Lyon

France Bentin/Serena Boni, 33-4-72-18-04-92

fbentin@actus.fr

Marketing:

Karl Biasio, 33-4-76-97-29-50

info@tronicsgroup.com







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19265/en

Dubai Police Unveils ‘Crime Prediction’ Software

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Thursday, December 22nd 2016 [ME NewsWire]

Space Imaging Middle East (SIME) is pleased to announce that Crime Prediction- its latest predictive policing software- has been successfully launched by the Dubai Police force.

The software, which is the first of its kind in the region, was developed in support of the UAE’s Smart Governance Initiative, and specifically designed to complement the Dubai Police force’s modernized approach to crime prevention and enhanced public safety.

Crime Prediction analyzes existing intelligence and crime patterns from police databases and, using sophisticated algorithms, produces highly accurate data related to when and where crime is likely to occur next. This intelligence in turn informs patrol teams on which districts may require additional resources in order to prevent potential criminal activity.

“SIME is incredibly honoured to have worked on this ambitious project with Dubai Police,” said Mohamad El Kadi, Managing Director of Space Imaging Middle East. “The Dubai Police Force is renowned for embracing new technologies to better serve and protect the local community, and this spirit inspired us to develop Crime Prediction.”

“This software is uniquely intelligent in its capability to accurately discern intricate patterns of criminal behavior in seemingly unconnected events and then predict the probability of reoccurrence.” said Spandan Kar, Head of SIME’s GIS Division. “We are confident that these precise analytics, when combined with the knowledge and instincts of experienced police officers, will create a formidable force to deter crime.”

About Space Imaging Middle East (SIME)

Space Imaging Middle East (SIME) is a leading total solutions provider that integrates all the elements related to the satellite imagery value chain. SIME's in-house GIS Department provides clients with a complete suite of professional services- from needs analysis and system design to project planning, management and implementation, SIME's professional & consultancy services cover all aspects of the imagery and GIS business domain.

For more information, visit  www.spaceimagingme.com

Contacts

Space Imaging Middle East

Rasha Hammad

Marketing Coordinator, +9714-2661799

rasha@spaceimagingme.com

www.spaceimagingme.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/19266/en

SES: MX1 and ASTRA Continue to Provide Discovery with Services and Reach

Discovery Networks Germany extends its contract with MX1 and ASTRA for capacity, content management, playout and distribution

LUXEMBOURG - Thursday, December 22nd 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SES S.A. (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) announced today that MX1, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES and a global media service provider, and ASTRA, the largest European Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite system, have extended their contracts with Discovery Networks Germany for capacity, content management and playout.

The contract covers the broadcasting of the Discovery channels DMAX, TLC, Eurosport 1 and DMAX Austria in SD, and DMAX, TLC and Eurosport 1 in HD via the ASTRA satellites at 19.2 degrees East. The agreement also allows Discovery Networks Germany to use the innovative media service platform “MX1 360” for content management and playout. The “MX1 360” platform is fully integrated with the broadcaster’s systems and facilitates the management of pre-broadcast features such as planning commercial breaks from a single interface.

“We are very happy that Discovery Networks Germany relies on us as their preferred partner for services and distribution, and has chosen to extend their contracts for SD and HD on a longer-term basis,” commented Christoph Mühleib, Vice President Sales and Marketing SES and responsible for MX1 and ASTRA in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. “Discovery can count on the parallel broadcasting of their channels in SD and HD at least until 2021, and thus, optimize its technical reach in the German market.”

Omar Asmar, Director Media Operations at Discovery Networks Deutschland, said “on the one hand, we rely on optimized workflow, and on the other, we want to reach as large an audience as possible with our content. Thus, MX1 and ASTRA are, very clearly, our ideal partners. The service platform MX1 360 is seamlessly integrated into our processes and systems, so that we can have complete control over all stages of broadcasting preparation including monitoring content to enhance the protection of youth. Furthermore, the broadcasting via the ASTRA satellite at 19.2 degrees East in SD and HD provides maximum reach for our channels. We are looking forward to a continuing successful collaboration in the coming years.”

Follow us on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SES_Satellites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SES.YourSatelliteCompany

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/SESVideoChannel

Blog: https://www.ses.com/news/blogs

SES White papers are available under https://www.ses.com/news/whitepapers

About SES

SES is the world-leading satellite operator and the first to deliver a differentiated and scalable GEO-MEO offering worldwide, with more than 50 satellites in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and 12 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). SES focuses on value-added, end-to-end solutions in four key market verticals (Video, Enterprise, Mobility and Government). It provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators, governments and institutions, and businesses worldwide. SES’s portfolio includes the ASTRA satellite system, which has the largest Direct-to-Home (DTH) television reach in Europe, and O3b Networks, a global managed data communications service provider. Another SES subsidiary, MX1, is a leading media service provider and offers a full suite of innovative digital video and media services. Further information available at: www.ses.com

About MX1

MX1, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG), is a global leading media services provider. The world’s first media globalizer works with leading media businesses to transform content into the ultimate viewer experience for a global audience. With more entertainment, more innovation and more impact, MX1 offers a full range of content management, delivery and value-added digital media services. Every day, MX1 distributes more than 2,500 TV channels, manages the playout of over 500 channels, delivers syndicated content to more than 120 leading subscription VOD platforms, delivers over 8,000 hours of online video streaming and delivers more than 500 hours of premium sports and live events. The new company has 16 offices worldwide and operates six global state-of-the-art media centers, enabling customers to reach billions of people around the world. To find out more, visit www.mx1.com and follow LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook und YouTube

Contacts

SES S.A.

Markus Payer

Corporate Communications

Tel. +352 710 725 500

Markus.Payer@ses.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19270/en

NAB Show Shanghai Emerges as Premiere Event for Media, Technology and Content Creation in China

-- Tradeshow grows attendance and introduces expanded exhibit floor --

WASHINGTON - Thursday, December 22nd 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), producer of NAB Show, today announced registered attendance increased fivefold for the second annual NAB Show Shanghai, held December 6-9 at the Kerry Hotel and the adjacent Shanghai National International Expo Center in the Pudong District of Shanghai, China. The event, which was co-produced by the International High Tech Cultural Device Cluster (TCDIC), attracted over 5,000 attendees from around the world, representing a 525 percent increase over last year.

All numbers are based on pre-show and onsite registration and subject to an ongoing audit.

The 2016 NAB Show Shanghai also included for the first time a full-fledged exhibit floor, spanning 50,000 square feet and featuring 145 media and technology companies, including leading brands like Akamai Technologies, Inc.; B&H Photo Video; Christie; COPPOI; MOG Technologies; NERC-DTV; NewTek; Ricoh; Shanghai Media Group; Shanghai Oriental Pearl Media; Sony and Tata Communications, among others.

NAB launched NAB Show Global Innovation Exchange | Shanghai in 2015, recognizing China’s growing media industry and the need for collaboration on emerging technologies and global business solutions. Designed for media professionals involved in the creation, management and distribution of content across broadcast and digital mediums, NAB Show Shanghai has since evolved into a one-of-a-kind convention for showcasing cutting-edge technology, promoting innovation and offering the opportunity for content creators to gain global perspectives and valuable tools to advance their craft.

“This event plants the NAB and NAB Show flag in one of the fastest growing media markets in the world,” said NAB Executive Vice President of Conventions and Business Operations Chris Brown. “NAB Show Shanghai is taking off and reaching new heights as indicated by this year’s growth in attendance and exhibits. We look forward to continuing to develop this unique convention as it becomes the premier event of its kind.”

The three-day NAB Show Shanghai conference featured an enhanced program focused on topics such as broadcast, cable, film, virtual reality, over-the-top content and 4K/ultra-high-definition television. The China Post | Production Conference, produced in partnership with Future Media Concepts, included sold-out training workshops for maximizing creativity and efficiency with the industry’s commonly utilized tools and software.

Speakers from NAB included Chris Ornelas, chief operating officer and Sam Matheny, chief technology officer, in addition to high-ranking Chinese government officials and media and technology professionals from Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Next year, NAB Show Shanghai will be held June 13-15 in conjunction with the Shanghai International Film and Television Festival.

Additional information about this year’s event is available here.

About NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.

About TCDIC

The National Base for International Cultural Trade (Shanghai) International High Tech Cultural Device Cluster is currently located at China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. It is a national platform specializing in offering services to companies in the cultural device industry. TCDIC serves the businesses operating in the domestic and international cultural device industry. It covers the sectors of broadcasting, cinema, mobile internet, stage, game and amusement attraction and other emerging sectors in the cultural device industry. The mission of TCDIC is to advocate innovation and to promote international trade, exchange, and collaboration for domestic and international businesses registered in the Cluster. The functions of the Cluster are trade and presentation, innovative lab, bonded leasing, technical training and etc. The Cluster is the hub connecting global market needs and integrated technology supply in the cultural device industry.

Contacts

National Association of Broadcasters

Ann Marie Cumming, 202-429-5350









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19268/en

Azizi Developments to Launch 50 New Projects in 2017!

The ground-breaking number of projects is a statement by the Dubai-based developer on the strength of the real estate market

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Thursday, December 22nd 2016 [ME NewsWire]

Azizi Developments – a leading UAE-based real estate developer with global reach into international markets – announced an unprecedented launch of 50 new developments, which will comprise of residential, commercial and retail space in 2017.

The announcement of such a high number of projects, ahead of the festive season and the New Year, demonstrates the confidence that Azizi Developments has in Dubai’s property and real estate market. The 2017 project plan is in line with the overall group strategy to invest in solid markets which have proven depth and stability.

Farhad Azizi, CEO of Azizi Developments, commented, “The rapid development of local infrastructure shows the full commitment of the Dubai government in its delivery of announced plans.” The Dubai Water Canal inaugurated on November 9th, is a recent example of the government’s commitment to plan for Expo 2020. “The government systems are in place to encourage development from a micro perspective. When evaluated at the macro level, we are finding that currencies are in our favour; in addition, the new government changes in the United States and Europe are directing investments towards this region. This launch not only reflects our success but showcases Dubai’s booming real estate market,” added Farhad.

The company’s confidence in the market derives from evaluations of deficits, trade balances and other consumer indicators. The 50 new projects to be developed in various areas in Dubai are currently in the land acquisition, permit application and design stages. The launch adds to the company’s impressive portfolio, involving 20 different UAE-based projects valued at around AED 7.3 billion.

Azizi Developments currently has 15 projects in Al Furjan, two in the Palm and the first in Dubai Healthcare City. The company’s flagship project is Azizi Mina Hotel Apartments, which represents the city’s ambitious outlook and luxurious lifestyle. Valued at AED 750 million, the 178-unit project is situated in a prime location on the ‘crescent’ part of the Palm Jumeirah.

Contacts

SAHARA Communications

Amira Gamal

Tel: +971 4 3298996

Mobile: +971 50 5430701

amira@saharagcc.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/19269/en

Octapharma Presents Key Data with Nuwiq® in Previously Untreated Patients from the NuProtect Study at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting in San Diego, USA

LACHEN, Switzerland - Wednesday, December 21st 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On Sunday, 4th December, 2016 Octapharma presented interim data from the ongoing phase 3 study, NuProtect at the 58th ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Diego, California. The presentation was nominated for inclusion in the 2017 North American Highlights of ASH Roadshow meeting with an abstract published in Blood (Raina Liesner et al, Blood 2016 128:327). The NuProtect Study examines the immunogenicity, efficacy and safety of treatment with human cell-line derived recombinant FVIII (Nuwiq®) in previously untreated patients (PUPs) with severe haemophilia A – those at greatest risk of inhibitor development. “We are immensely excited to be able to share these important results in PUPs with the wider Haematology community at the ASH Annual Meeting as part of Octapharma’s commitment to reduce the patient burden of living with haemophilia A,” said Larisa Belyanskaya, Head of IBU Haematology at Octapharma AG.

The well-attended talk, entitled “Inhibitor Development in Previously Untreated Patients with Severe Hemophilia A Treated with Nuwiq®, a New Generation Recombinant FVIII of Human Origin”, was presented by the principal investigator, Professor Raina Liesner (Great Ormond Hospital for Children NHS Trust Haemophilia Centre, London, UK) who shared this new data with Nuwiq®, a 4th generation recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) produced in human cells without chemical modification or protein fusion. The presentation focused on immunogenicity of Nuwiq® in 66 haemophilia A patients who have received at least 20 days of treatment in the ongoing NuProtect study, with no previous exposure to FVIII concentrates or other blood products. The cumulative incidence (95% confidence interval) of all inhibitors was 20.8% (10.7–31.0); 12.8% (4.5–21.2) for high-titre inhibitors and 8.4% (1.3–15.6) for low-tire inhibitors. These data were reported as part of a pre-planned interim analysis for the NuProtect study, which plans to ultimately evaluate at least 100 PUPs, making it one of the largest studies with a single FVIII concentrate.

“Our goal was to design a rFVIII with reduced immunogenic potential. We are now very proud to present this significant clinical data with Nuwiq® which we believe validates our approach in the most vulnerable patient population, and thank all the patients and investigators for their participation in the study,” said Olaf Walter, Board Member at Octapharma AG.

About GENA-05 (NuProtect)

The GENA-05 clinical study (NuProtect) is a phase 3, open-label, interventional clinical study being conducted across 38 centres, to evaluate at least 100 previously untreated patients (PUPs) with severe haemophilia A of all ages and ethnicities enrolled for study up to 100 exposure days (EDs) or 5 years maximum. Patients treated previously with FVIII concentrates/blood products containing FVIII are excluded. The primary objective is to assess the immunogenicity of Nuwiq® by determining inhibitor activity using the Nijmegen-modified Bethesda assay at a central laboratory. More information on this trial is available at: www.clinicaltrials.gov (registration number NCT01712438).

About Haemophilia A

Haemophilia A is an X-linked hereditary disorder caused by FVIII deficiency which if left untreated leads to haemorrhages in muscles and joints and consequently to arthropathy and severe morbidity. FVIII replacement prophylactic treatment reduces the number of bleeding episodes and the risk of permanent joint damage. This disorder affects one in every 5,000 to 10,000 men worldwide. Globally, 75% of haemophilia cases are left undiagnosed or untreated. The development of neutralising FVIII antibodies (FVIII inhibitors) against infused FVIII represents the most serious treatment complication. The cumulative risk of FVIII inhibitor development is reported to be currently up to 38%.

About Octapharma

Headquarted in Lachen, Switzerland, Octapharma AG is one of the largest human protein products manufacturers in the world and has been committed to patient care and medical innovation for over 30 years. Its core business is the development, production and sale of human proteins from human plasma and human cell-lines. Patients in over 100 countries are treated with products in the following therapeutic areas:

    Haematology (coagulation disorders)
    Immunotherapy (immune disorders)
    Critical care

Octapharma owns five state-of-the-art production facilities in Austria, France, Germany, Sweden and Mexico.

Contacts

Octapharma AG

International Business Unit - Haematology

Olaf Walter

Olaf.Walter@octapharma.ch



or

Larisa Belyanskaya

Larisa.Belyanskaya@octapharma.ch

Tel: +41 55 4512121







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19263/en

Alta Semper Capital and CI Capital Partners Partner with Leading Egyptian Consumer Healthcare Company Macro Holding

CAIRO - Wednesday, December 21st 2016 [ME NewsWire]

Macro Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Macro Holding, is a leading consumer healthcare company in Egypt operating across several high-growth sub-segments of the pharmaceuticals market

The substantial investment will enable the Company to continue to expand and develop its product offering, expand regionally, as well as enter the complementary medical devices segment of the market

Both of the Founders of Macro will remain as Chairman and CEO of the Company to steward the business through its next phase of growth and development



(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Alta Semper Capital LLP (“Alta Semper”), a consumer and healthcare focussed private equity investor operating across several growth markets, alongside CI Capital Partners (“CICP”), a leading Egypt-focused private equity investor, today announced a partnership through the MEA Healthcare Partners platform (“MEA Healthcare”) with Macro Holding (“Macro” or the ‘Company’), a leading consumer healthcare company in Egypt operating in several high-growth sub-segments of the pharmaceuticals market.

The Company is partnering with Alta Semper and CI Capital Partners to expand the product portfolio, grow into complementary product lines, and expand geographically. Founded in 2002 by Dr Ahmed El Nayeb and Dr Mohamed Sobhi, Macro has grown into one of the leading consumer healthcare companies in Egypt. The Company targets a broad base of consumers through a large and evolving product portfolio. The Company, employing over 750 people, currently manufactures and distributes 64 products across seven therapeutic areas, including skin care, haircare, feminine care, anti-scar, oral care, antiseptics and muscle relaxants, under the Gold, Orovex, Verdex, Cordo and Scaro brands. The Company’s products are marketed to the Egyptian medical community through a market-leading, 500 person strong sales force.

The Company’s products have amongst the broadest coverage in the market, reaching over 50,000 physicians, centres and pharmacies nationwide, a testament to the trust the medical community has with the quality and efficacy of Macro’s unique product portfolio. Macro operates a state-of-the-art production facility in Cairo with a second facility dedicated to the growing medical devices market currently under construction. The Company currently exports to eight markets across the region, and plans to expand its export base significantly in the near future.

As part of its investment strategy for Africa, Alta Semper looks to invest in high growth, yet defensive sub-sectors within the consumer, healthcare and enabling technology sectors. Scalable businesses, which have scope for regional expansion are a focus for Alta Semper. The investment in Macro marks its first investment in Egypt.

CI Capital Partners is dedicated to investing in Egyptian businesses with proven and scalable business models and partnering with leading entrepreneurs to create long term sustainable value. The partnership with Macro is clearly a testament to this vision.

The consumer healthcare market in Egypt and the Middle East, North African region, is characterised by rising and growing demand driven by favourable demographics, increased consumer awareness and evolving consumption patterns.

Commenting on the investment, Afsane Jetha, Managing Partner and CEO of Alta Semper, said,
“We are very excited to embark on our partnership with Dr El Nayeb, Dr Sobhi and Macro to expand the business within Macro’s high growth niche markets. We have a strong belief in the high quality of the Company’s products, the Company’s ability to innovate successfully over the last 15 years, and the management team who share our values and vision of making Macro the market-leading healthcare company in the region.”

Amr Helal, Managing Partner of CI Capital Partners, said,
“We are extremely delighted with this partnership with Macro Group, a remarkable model for a home grown local champion that promotes local innovation and manufacturing providing consumers with high quality local alternatives at attractive price points. We are looking forward to working closely with our partners, Dr. El Nayeb and Dr. Sobhi, to further unlock Macro’s potential and development in Egypt and beyond by leveraging our investing experience in Egypt and the consumer space.”

Commenting on the investment, Dr. El Nayeb, Founder and Chairman of Macro, said,
“We are very proud of what we have collectively achieved since 2002 when we established Macro to address the underserved consumer markets in Egypt. Since that time, we have developed high quality and innovative products, and have grown to an organization with over 128 proprietary formulations and 64 products catering to all market segments and employing over 750 highly skilled employees.”

Dr Mohamed Sobhi, Founder and CEO added,
“The partnership with Alta Semper and CI Capital Partners will enable Macro Group to further expand its product offering, enter into new and complementary products, further penetrate export markets and support our vision on becoming a regional leader.”

Alta Semper Capital and CI Capital Partners were advised by Matouk Bassiouny and Norton Rose Fulbright LLP.

CI Capital Investment Banking acted as the financial advisor to Macro Holding and the Founders. Al Tamimi & Company acted as the legal advisor to Macro Holding and the Founders.

About Alta Semper Capital LLP

Founded in 2015 by Afsane Jetha, Ronald Lauder and Richard Parsons, Alta Semper is a dedicated private equity investor focussed on the consumer, healthcare and enabling technology sectors across several growth markets, with a specific focus on Africa. Alta Semper looks to invest growth capital or take significant stakes in business where it can contribute to transformational change and assist with regionalisation and new market entry, while bringing deep industry knowledge to its portfolio companies.

About CI Capital Partners

CI Capital Partners is a leading Egypt focused private equity investor and part of CI Capital Holding, Egypt’s premier diversified financial services group. CI Capital Partners is dedicated to investing in Egyptian businesses with proven and scalable business models; injecting growth and buyout capital and partnering with leading entrepreneurs to create long term sustainable value.    

Contacts

For press inquiries:

WT Blase & Associates, LLC

Bill Blase, Sara Minar or Cathy Loos

info@wtblase.com

+1-212-221-1079

or

info@altasemper.com

+44 (0) 207 100 0670

www.altasemper.com

or

info@cicapital.com.eg

+2 (02) 3331 8154

www.cicapital.com.eg









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/19267/en

Desert Oasis: Curio – A Collection by Hilton Adds Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa

Four-diamond resort near Palm Springs offers tranquil, unique hotel experience

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. & MCLEAN, Va. - Wednesday, December 21st 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- An historic, tranquil four-diamond resort in the Southern California desert is the newest addition to Curio – A Collection by Hilton, a global portfolio of distinctive upper upscale hotels.   

Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton, is an 11-acre oasis nestled at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains. With 215 guest rooms, suites and villas – many offering inspiring views of the resort’s manicured gardens – Miramonte Indian Wells Resort blends classic sophistication with the relaxing comforts of its award-winning spa.

“The natural beauty and desert climate draw travelers from all over the world to Indian Wells, and the beautiful Miramonte property perfectly complements that aura with its world-class spa, relaxing accommodations, access to several golf courses and more,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio – A Collection by Hilton. “This hotel enriches our growing collection and will delight guests seeking a remarkable resort experience.”

Relaxation Required

Opened in 1960 as the Erawan Garden, the resort operates one of the nation’s most acclaimed spas and treatment facilities. Approaching an extensive multi-million dollar renovation, the 12,000-square-foot Well Spa will offer award-winning services in an intimate environment, and features 13 treatment rooms, seasonal offerings and a courtyard with two private salt water pools.

Guests seeking other soothing experiences in the desert sunshine may enjoy staff-led yoga classes and wellness walks among the grounds, or revel in the Miramonte Pool, which also features chaise lounges, umbrellas and food and beverages all day. Poolside cabanas are available for rent, offering refuge from the sun with a soothing ceiling fan and personal water misters. For even more serenity, the Piedmont Pool includes access to a heated whirlpool, sun decks and food and beverage service.

The 24-hour fitness center includes free weights and the latest exercise equipment.

Delectable Dining Options, Inside and Out

Guests may select from a bevy of culinary choices at Miramonte Indian Wells. Dining is divine at the Grove Artisan Kitchen, which specializes in fresh, seasonal California cuisine simply prepared with time honored techniques. From Huevos Rancheros for breakfast to Zarzuela de Mariscos for dinner, the diverse menu features organic produce, fresh herbs, local ranch-raised meats, fresh Pacific seafood, house-made pastas and innovative vegetarian dishes.

For an afternoon or evening respite, guests may unwind from a long day of activities by indulging in hand-crafted cocktails or delicious bites, from either the outdoor patio or from the comfortable interior of the Vineyard Lounge. Those wishing to enjoy a light meal or cocktails without leaving their lounge chair can choose to indulge poolside, at any of the resort’s three pools.

Glorious Guest Rooms, Suites and Villas

Each of the Miramonte’s 215 guest rooms, suites and villas mixes traditional with rustic design, and many feature sweeping views of the Santa Rosa Mountains or the plush resort. Bougainvillea-covered suites and villas come with private balconies or semi-private patios. A highlight is the one-bedroom, apartment style Presidential Suite; its separate dining area can seat eight guests who may dine while overlooking the resort’s signature pool.

Pet-friendly rooms, in-room dining and complimentary Wi-Fi are also provided.

Inspiring Meetings and Weddings, Indoors or Outside

With over 35,000 square feet of stunning flexible event and meeting space, and the availability of numerous outdoor garden venues on its 11-acre property, Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa can accommodate up to 500 guests – making it one of the area’s most popular destinations for weddings, conferences, business meetings and social gatherings. Many facilities feature natural light with dramatic views of the Santa Rosa Mountain range.

“From our romantic architecture to our renowned spa and wellness program, Miramonte offers everything a traveler can desire for a relaxing stay amidst the natural beauty of the desert,” said Mark Jeffrey, general manager, Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton. “We are thrilled to now be part of Curio to leverage the power of the Hilton name while maintaining our distinct identity and spirit.”

Located 15 miles from Palm Springs International Airport, the resort and spa is centrally located in Indian Wells Valley, just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County.

Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton is part of Hilton HHonors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 13 distinct hotel brands. Hilton HHonors members who book directly with Hilton save time and money and gain instant access to the benefits they care about most, such as an exclusive member discount, free Wi-Fi and the ability to earn and redeem Points for free nights.

To celebrate Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa’s addition to Curio Collection, Hilton HHonors members can earn 1,000 points per night on eligible stays from December 20, 2016 through June 20, 2017. Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa is owned by Rockpoint Group and managed by Two Roads Hospitality. It is located at 45000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, California 92210. For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers can call +1 760-341-2200 or visit curio.com.

For more information, visit curio.com. Media may access additional information about Curio and its properties – including high-resolution images -- at news.curio.com/miramonte.

About Curio – A Collection by Hilton

Curio – A Collection by Hilton™ (curio.com), launched in 2014, is a global set of hand-picked upscale hotels that meet independent-minded travelers’ desire for local discovery and authentic experiences, all while providing the quiet reassurance and support of the Hilton name and its award-winning Hilton HHonors program. Discover the collection’s latest stories at news.curio.com, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or inquire about development opportunities at hiltonworldwide.com/development.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, comprising more than 4,800 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with nearly 789,000 rooms in 104 countries and territories. For 97 years, Hilton has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where Hilton HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa

Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa is an intimate desert oasis created for the independent-minded traveler. The 215-room resort provides an easy escape to a world of approachable sophistication. Miramonte features the award-winning Well Spa, the acclaimed Grove Artisan Kitchen and Vineyard Lounge, three resort pools, a 24-hour fitness center, access to premier golf and tennis and much more. For more information on Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, visit www.miramonteresort.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram or like us on Facebook.

About Two Roads Hospitality

Created in September 2016, Two Roads Hospitality is an international lifestyle company encompassing an unrivaled collection of distinctive properties, passionate people, and remarkable experiences around the globe. The company is named for the newly-merged Commune and Destination Hotels, bringing together over 40 years of combined expertise exclusively dedicated to the boutique and lifestyle space. Comprised of Joie de Vivre Hotels, Thompson Hotels, Destination Hotels, tommie and Alila Hotels & Resorts, the company is the leading operator of independent and lifestyle hotels with more than 95 properties in eight countries and growing, also boasting an extensive roster of award-winning restaurants and bars, stunning vacation residences, world-class golf courses, and indigenous spa and wellness offerings. For more information on Two Roads Hospitality, visit www.tworoadshotels.com, follow us on Twitter (@TwoRoadsHotels), or like us on Facebook.



View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161220005594/en/



Contacts

Emily Montgomery

Hilton

+1 703 883 5257

emily.montgomery@hilton.com

or

Jacquie Toppings

Hilton

+1 703 883 6587

jacqueline.toppings@hilton.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/19259/en

TDK to Acquire InvenSense

Realize New Sensor Solutions in IoT, Automotive and ICT

TOKYO & SAN JOSE, Calif. - Wednesday, December 21st 2016 [ME NewsWire]

       Key Transaction Highlights:

    Acquisition promotes further growth in sensor and actuator products, an important part of TDK’s strategic growth plan, and will strengthen TDK’s position as a stronger global player for sensor solutions.
    Transaction brings together more complete portfolio of sensor and software solutions spanning inertial, pressure, microphone and ultrasonic wave sensor products and technologies from InvenSense, with TDK’s pressure, temperature, electric current and various other sensors.
    USD 13.00 per share, representing a 19.9% premium to InvenSense’s closing share price on December 20, 2016 and a 52.4% premium to its 60-day volume-weighted average trading price as of December 20, 2016.
    Transaction will be financed with cash-on-hand.

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TDK Corporation (President and CEO: Shigenao Ishiguro, hereinafter referred to as “TDK”) and InvenSense, Inc. (President and CEO: Behrooz Abdi, hereinafter referred to as “InvenSense”) entered into a definitive agreement today wherein TDK agrees to acquire all of the outstanding InvenSense shares for cash at an acquisition price of USD 13.00 per InvenSense share, for a total acquisition price of USD 1.3 billion. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies. Completion of the transaction is expected in second quarter of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018, and is subject to approvals by InvenSense shareholders and the relevant regulatory authorities. The acquisition will be completed through a merger of a newly created subsidiary of TDK with and into InvenSense, with InvenSense continuing following the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDK.

TDK’s current medium-term (3-year) management plan ending in March 2018 focuses on the importance of three areas: a) automotive, b) manufacturing devices and energy, and c) Information and Communications Technology (ICT). As part of its strategy for growth in these key areas, TDK has identified sensors and actuators, energy units and next-generation electronic components as three product areas for strategic growth aimed at unlocking new business opportunities in the fields of Internet of Things (IoT). Sensors are viewed as an important IoT-enabling technology and TDK envisions greatly expanding this portion of its business and providing a broad range of sensor solutions to its customers. TDK currently sells magnetic sensors that employ thin-film magnetic technology, which TDK has accumulated through its endeavors with hard disk drive (HDD) solutions over many years. Further, TDK’s product line includes pressure, temperature, electric current, and various other sensor types, and TDK plans to expand its sensor business going forward.

Through the acquisition of InvenSense, TDK will be able to strengthen its product line-ups and technologies, which is expected to enable the combined company to become a stronger player in broad based sensor solutions for IoT, automotive and ICT by accelerating the sensor product roadmap to offer innovative next generation products and platforms. In addition, sensor fusion, the combination of various sensor technologies and software creates products with enhanced value solutions for customers across multiple fields.

InvenSense is a world forerunner in motion sensor solutions, known mostly for its flagship six-axis and nine-axis motion sensors, which are used in some of the world’s most advanced consumer products and applications. In recent years its portfolio has expanded with additional solutions for inertial, environmental, microphone, and ultrasonic sensors. InvenSense’s “fabless” manufacturing model enables development of high-performance and cost effective products via its unique CMOS-MEMS production process. Enhanced by its value-added software solutions, InvenSense has expanded rapidly to become a worldwide strong player in sensors for consumer devices including smartphones, drones, wearables, gaming, inertial navigation, and both optical and electronic image stabilization for cameras. Looking ahead, growth avenues beyond mobile include large addressable opportunities in the fields of IoT, automotive, and industrial, driven by increasing consumer demand of indoor navigation, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The acquisition will enable TDK to combine InvenSense’s advanced suite of sensor and software platforms with its wide-ranging portfolio of magnetic, pressure, temperature, and microphone sensors. In addition, sensor fusion, combining various types of technologies and product line-up, creates products with high added value. Sensor fusion combines multiple sensors and software solutions that enables TDK to expand its business in the three key areas and further strengthening of its position as a global player in the sensor business, which is one of TDK’s strategic growth products.

In January 2016, TDK established a joint venture with Qualcomm Incorporated, called RF360 Holdings Singapore PTE, Ltd., and has also entered into agreements to expand technical cooperation in a wide range of fields including passive components, batteries, wireless power transfer, sensors, MEMS and various other next-generation technologies for mobile communications, IoT, and automotive. This joint venture presents an exciting opportunity for InvenSense to expand its customer base in ICT (Information and Communications Technology), IoT and automotive areas while enabling InvenSense to provide sensor solutions with increased synergies.

As the fields of ICT, automotive and industrial experiences growing demand for sensors, TDK, together with InvenSense, expect to provide unique products and sensor expertise across sales channels and a global customer base that TDK and InvenSense have each cultivated over several years. TDK and InvenSense are resolved to exhibit the same level of commitment to providing customers with quality, expert solutions and customer service as a combined company.

TDK’s President and CEO, Mr. Shigenao Ishiguro, made the following statement regarding the acquisition:

“TDK’s sensor business, one of its strategic growth areas, can be strengthened by merging TDK’s portfolio of magnetic sensor technologies (where its strength lies) and its wide range of sensor products with InvenSense’s expanding sensor technology. This acquisition is a fundamental element in TDK’s strategy to provide unique and high-value-added products and services in IoT. We aim to become a strong player in the sensor business with InvenSense as our perfect partner.”

InvenSense’s President and CEO Behrooz Abdi made the following comment:

“This is an exciting day for InvenSense as our proposed acquisition by TDK represents what we view as a compelling win for InvenSense’s shareholders, customers and employees. TDK understands the value of InvenSense’s suite of sensor and software platforms. This merger is the culmination of years of innovation and execution by our world-class employees. Together with TDK, we see a bright future that leverages our commitment to innovation with TDK’s scale, significant partner relationships and distribution channel. Our strategic goals are aligned, and we are confident that together with TDK we will accelerate our roadmap to provide next-generation sensor technologies in key fields for the world’s most innovative companies.”

In connection with the acquisition, BofA Merrill Lynch is acting as TDK’s exclusive financial advisor and Jones Day is acting as legal counsel to TDK. Qatalyst Partners is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is acting as legal counsel to InvenSense.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, TDK and InvenSense intend to file relevant materials with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). InvenSense will also file with the SEC a proxy statement on Schedule 14A. Following the filing of the definitive proxy statement with the SEC, InvenSense will mail the definitive proxy statement and a proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the InvenSense special meeting relating to the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF INVENSENSE ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THESE MATERIALS IN THEIR ENTIRETY (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT TDK OR INVENSENSE FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TDK, INVENSENSE AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. The proxy statement and other documents filed by InvenSense with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at InvenSense’s website at www.invensense.com or at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These documents may also be obtained free of charge from InvenSense by requesting them by mail at InvenSense, Inc., 1745 Technology Drive Suite 200, San Jose, California 95110, Attention: Investor Relations, or by telephone at (408) 501-2200. The documents filed by TDK with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These documents may also be obtained free of charge from TDK by requesting them by mail at Shibaura Renasite Tower, 3-9-1 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0023, Japan, Attention: Investor Relations.

This communication does not constitute a solicitation of proxy, an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. TDK, InvenSense, and certain of their directors, officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of InvenSense in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered to be participants in the solicitation of InvenSense’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction, and any direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, they have in the proposed transaction, will be set forth in InvenSense’s definitive proxy statement when it is filed with the SEC. Information regarding InvenSense’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of InvenSense’s securities is set forth in the definitive proxy statement for InvenSense’s 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on July 29, 2016, and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 3, 2016, which was filed with the SEC on May 25, 2016. These documents may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements that address a variety of subjects including, for example, the expected timetable for closing of the transaction between TDK and InvenSense, the expected benefits and synergies of the transaction, TDK’s and InvenSense’s plans, objectives and expectations and TDK’s expected product offerings, product development, marketing position and technical advances resulting from the transaction. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties, are not historical facts and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements that reflect the current expectations, estimates, beliefs, assumptions, and projections of TDK’s senior management about future events with respect to InvenSense’s business and its industry in general. Statements that include words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “potential,” “continue,” “goals,” “targets” and variations of these words (or negatives of these words) or similar expressions of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected or forecast in the forward-looking statements. The following important factors and uncertainties, among others, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward looking statements include, without limitation: the parties’ ability to satisfy the conditions precedent to the consummation of the proposed transaction, including, without limitation, the receipt of stockholder and regulatory approvals, including the potential for regulatory authorities to require divestitures in connection with the proposed transaction; the occurrence of any event that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; unanticipated difficulties or expenditures relating to the proposed transaction; legal proceedings that may be instituted against TDK or InvenSense and others following announcement of the proposed transaction; disruptions of current plans and operations caused by the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction; the risk that expected benefits, synergies and growth prospects of the transaction may not be achieved in a timely manner, or at all; the risk that InvenSense’s business may not be successfully integrated with TDK’s following the closing; potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the announcement and pendency of the proposed transaction; and the response of customers, distributors, suppliers and competitors to the announcement of the proposed transaction. For additional information about factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the proxy statement when it becomes available and InvenSense’s filings with the SEC, including the risk factors contained in InvenSense’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements represent management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. TDK and InvenSense assume no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

About TDK Corporation

TDK Corporation is a leading electronics company based in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's portfolio includes electronic components, modules and systems marketed under the product brands TDK and EPCOS, power supplies, magnetic application products as well as energy devices, flash memory application devices, and others. TDK focuses on demanding markets in the areas of information and communication technology and consumer, automotive and industrial electronics. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2016, TDK posted total sales of approx. USD 11.5 billion and employed about 92,000 people worldwide.

About InvenSense

InvenSense, Inc. (NYSE: INVN) provides MEMS sensor platforms. InvenSense’s vision of Sensing Everything™ targets the consumer electronics and industrial areas with integrated Motion and Sound solutions. InvenSense’s solutions combine MEMS (micro electrical mechanical systems) sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, and microphones with proprietary algorithms and firmware that intelligently process, synthesize, and calibrate the output of sensors, maximizing performance and accuracy. InvenSense’s motion tracking, audio and location platforms, and services can be found in Mobile, Wearables, Smart Home, Industrial, Automotive, and IoT products. InvenSense is headquartered in San Jose, California and has offices worldwide. For more information, go to www.invensense.com and http://www.coursaretail.com.

©2017 InvenSense, Inc. All rights reserved. InvenSense logos are trademarks of InvenSense, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

End    

Contacts

For TDK Media Inquiries, Contact:

Sumio Marukawa, +81-3-6852-7102

General Manager

pr@jp.tdk.com

For TDK Investor Inquiries, Contact:

Jun Hatsumi, +81-3-6852-7102

Senior Manager

ir@jp.tdk.com

or

For InvenSense Media Inquiries, Contact:

David Almoslino, 408-501-2278

Senior Director

Corporate Marketing

InvenSense, Inc.

pr@invensense.com

For InvenSense Investor Inquiries, Contact:

Dave Allen, 408-427-4463

Darrow Associates

dallen@darrowir.com

ir@invensense.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19264/en