Wednesday, January 8, 2025

The Second Installment Featuring "Godzilla," TOKYO GODZILLAs, to Premiere Starting Saturday, November 30!

 TOKYO - Wednesday, 08. January 2025


-- Recognized by the Guinness World Records™ for "TOKYO Night & Light" --


(BUSINESS WIRE) -- In an effort to revitalize nighttime tourism, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been showcasing projection mapping art year-round at one of its iconic landmarks, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1. Using light and sound, this initiative has transformed the building into a dynamic canvas for artistic expression. Since its inception, approximately 430,000 visitors* have enjoyed this spectacular display.


Following the success of the first installment featuring "Godzilla," which premiered this spring, the second chapter, TOKYO GODZILLAs, debuted on Saturday, November 30. On its opening night, the original Godzilla appeared in Citizen’s Plaza to mark the occasion with a countdown to the first screening. The event drew large crowds, including domestic and international tourists as well as enthusiastic Godzilla fans, generating significant excitement befitting such a beloved cultural icon.


The projection mapping show, titled TOKYO Night & Light, first launched in February this year and has already attracted approximately 430,000 visitors*. It is rapidly becoming a must-see attraction in Tokyo’s tourism landscape. With its exceptional artistic quality, cutting-edge technology, and world-class content, TOKYO Night & Light has established itself as a vibrant new destination in Tokyo’s nighttime tourism scene. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the city in an entirely new light.

*as of November 30, 2024


About TOKYO GODZILLAs


Screening Start Date: Saturday, November 30


Showtimes: 5:30 PM / 6:30 PM / 7:30 PM / 8:30 PM / 9:30 PM


*For the time being, the show will be screened during the hours mentioned above. Please visit our website for the detailed schedule.

https://tokyoprojectionmappingproject.jp/en/


Synopsis


Experience the 70-year evolution of the King of Monsters, Godzilla. From the original Godzilla to Godzilla-1.0, the legendary monsters wreak havoc on the streets of Tokyo. Their awe-inspiring forms are projected onto a massive screen at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, captivating audiences with timeless intensity. Don’t miss the grand finale, where Godzillas from different eras assemble in a breathtaking spectacle!


Highlight


Celebrating 70 Years of Godzilla with Iconic Appearances


Marking the 70th anniversary of Godzilla's birth, this production features a roster of legendary forms:


The original "Godzilla" (1954), cherished as the first of its kind


"Burning Godzilla" (1995) from Godzilla vs. Destoroyah


The massively popular Shin Godzilla (2016)


The latest Godzilla-1.0 (2023), which has captured global attention


A total of seven Godzillas take the stage, showcasing the creature’s extraordinary 70-year history.


A Fusion of Practical Effects and Cutting-Edge CGI


The production blends traditional special effects with modern CGI. The first half follows the previous work's approach, using Godzilla suits combined with CGI, while the second half features fully CGI-generated scenes of Godzilla rampaging through Tokyo. This fusion of realism and technological advancement delivers an unforgettable visual masterpiece.


A Revolutionary Collaboration with Shirogumi


Directed by Nakagawa, who helmed the previous installment, this project also features Shirogumi, known for their work on Shin Godzilla and Godzilla-1.0. Together, they have crafted an unparalleled cinematic experience, showcasing the power and terror of Godzilla in stunning detail. Prepare to be awestruck by this groundbreaking depiction of the King of Monsters.


Connection Between Godzilla and Shinjuku


Celebrating its 70th anniversary last year, Godzilla -1.0 became a global hit, cementing Godzilla’s status as one of Japan’s most iconic international phenomena. Shinjuku and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are significant landmarks in Godzilla’s storied history.


In The Return of Godzilla (1984), the Shinjuku area set the stage for a fierce showdown as the Super X aircraft engaged Godzilla in battle. Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) also featured the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in a memorable scene. In 2015, a 12-meter-tall Godzilla head was installed in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, and Godzilla was officially appointed as Shinjuku’s tourism ambassador.


GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ certification

Largest architectural projection-mapped display (permanent)

13,904.956 ㎡


 


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Contacts

Press Contact

TOKYO Night & Light PR Office

Email: press@tokyonightandlight.jp


 

The Apollo Group Partners with Oaktree Capital to Facilitate its Next Phase of Growth

 The Apollo Group to Leverage 55-Year Track Record to Provide Award-Winning, Full-Service Hospitality Management Services to the Cruise Industry


(BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Apollo Group (“Apollo” or the “Company”), the leading provider of full-service hospitality management services to the cruise industry, has announced a transformative growth investment from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. ("Oaktree"). Apollo specializes in essential and turnkey hospitality services including crew management, food services, food and beverage distribution, end-to-end procurement and logistics and other related services. This investment will enable Apollo to continue to provide best in class service to its existing customer base while expanding its capabilities in food and beverage distribution.


"As we explored potential investment partners, Oaktree stood out because of its hands on approach and storied history of successful investing in F&B and hospitality management companies," said Jose Ramon Barrera, CEO of Apollo. “Oaktree’s significant capital resources and experience in hospitality management will be critical to achieving Apollo’s strategic growth plan.”


“Apollo Group and its management team have achieved impressive results and established themselves as the go to supplier for hospitality services in the cruise industry. With our investment and partnership, we believe Apollo will be able to significantly expand its footprint and service offering to enhance the value it is already bringing to its blue-chip customer base," said Jared Frandle, Managing Director for Oaktree’s Special Situations Strategy.


“We are very excited to partner with Jose and his team and see significant opportunity for Oaktree to work hand in hand with the Management team to expand Apollo’s capabilities,” said Matt Wilson and Jordon Kruse, Co-Portfolio Managers of Oaktree’s Special Situations Strategy. “The cruise industry has significant tailwinds, and we believe Apollo is well positioned to capitalize given the critical nature of their service offering and leading market position.”


For more information on The Apollo Group, please visit www.theapollogroup.com.


Advisors


Regions Securities LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to The Apollo Group, and Holland & Knight LLP served as legal advisor to The Apollo Group. Latham & Watkins served as legal advisor to Oaktree.


About The Apollo Group


The Apollo Group is an award-winning, full-service hospitality management company headquartered in Miami, Florida. The Company was founded in 1969 and had been family owned and operated prior to its partnership with Oaktree.


About Oaktree


Oaktree is a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments, with $205 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2024. The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented, and risk-controlled approach to investments in credit, equity, and real estate. The firm has more than 1,200 employees and offices in 23 cities worldwide. For additional information, please visit Oaktree’s website at http://www.oaktreecapital.com/.


 


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Contacts

Inquiries

Francisco Diaz

fdiaz@theapollogroup.com

SLB awarded multi-region deepwater contracts by Shell to support capital-efficient energy development

 HOUSTON - Wednesday, 08. January 2025 AETOSWire 



SLB will use AI to enable repeatable delivery of consistent and cost-efficient wells

Projects will span across UK North Sea, Trinidad and Tobago, Gulf of Mexico and others

 


(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global energy technology company SLB (NYSE: SLB) has been awarded a series of major drilling contracts by Shell to support capital-efficient energy development across its deep- and ultra-deepwater assets in the UK North Sea, Trinidad and Tobago, the Gulf of Mexico and others.


The projects, which will be delivered over a three-year timeframe, will combine SLB’s AI-enabled digital drilling capabilities with its expertise in ultra-deepwater environments. This approach will help SLB to repeatably and predictably deliver more consistent wells that improve cost efficiencies.


“We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Shell through the fulfillment of these multi-region deepwater contracts,” said Wallace Pescarini, president, Offshore Atlantic, SLB. “Over the years, we have worked diligently to provide safe, high-quality services to our customers, including Shell. Drawing on our global expertise in complex deepwater environments and advanced technology solutions, we will align with Shell’s expectations for safe and efficient energy development on these projects.”


The scope of the contracts will include digital directional drilling services and hardware, logging while drilling (LWD), surface logging, cementing, drilling and completions fluids, completions, and wireline services.


SLB has already begun providing services to Shell for the contracts. Each project will be managed centrally through SLB’s Performance Live™ centers.


About SLB


SLB (NYSE: SLB) is a global technology company that drives energy innovation for a balanced planet. With a global footprint in more than 100 countries and employees representing almost twice as many nationalities, we work each day on innovating oil and gas, delivering digital at scale, decarbonizing industries, and developing and scaling new energy systems that accelerate the energy transition. Find out more at slb.com.


Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:


This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws — that is, statements about the future, not about past events. Such statements often contain words such as “expect,” “may,” “can,” “estimate,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “will,” “potential,” “projected" and other similar words. Forward-looking statements address matters that are, to varying degrees, uncertain, such as forecasts or expectations regarding the deployment of, or anticipated benefits of, SLB’s new technologies and partnerships; statements about goals, plans and projections with respect to sustainability and environmental matters; forecasts or expectations regarding energy transition and global climate change; and improvements in operating procedures and technology. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the inability to achieve net-negative carbon emissions goals; the inability to recognize intended benefits of SLB’s strategies, initiatives or partnerships; legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing environmental concerns, including initiatives addressing the impact of global climate change; the timing or receipt of regulatory approvals and permits; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in SLB’s most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of such a development changes), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and SLB disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


 


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Contacts

Media

Josh Byerly – SVP of Communications

Moira Duff – Director of External Communications

SLB

Tel: +1 (713) 375-3407

media@slb.com


Investors

James R. McDonald – SVP of Investor Relations & Industry Affairs

Joy V. Domingo – Director of Investor Relations

SLB

Tel: +1 (713) 375-3535

investor-relations@slb.com

AWS Launches Infrastructure Region in Thailand

 The AWS Asia Pacific (Thailand) Region gives customers more choice to run workloads and securely store data in Thailand while serving end users with even lower latency

New Region reflects AWS’s long-term commitment to meeting high demand for cloud services in Thailand and across Asia Pacific

AWS plans to invest more than $5 billion and support an average of more than 11,000 full-time equivalent jobs annually in Thailand, adding approximately $10 billion to Thailand’s GDP

Active customers in Thailand and across Southeast Asia include 2C2P, Ascend Money, Bank of Ayudhya, Big Data Institute, The Center of Excellence in Digital and AI for Mental Health, Charoen Pokphand Group, Dailitech, Digital Government Development Agency, ECV, G-Able, KASIKORN Business-Technology Group, Metro Systems, NTT DATA, Stock Exchange of Thailand, and many others innovating on AWS


(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced the launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Thailand) Region. Now, developers, startups, entrepreneurs, and enterprises, as well as government, education, and nonprofit organizations, will have greater choice for running their applications and serving end users from AWS data centers located in Thailand. As part of its long-term commitment, AWS is planning to invest more than $5 billion in Thailand. For more information about AWS Global Infrastructure, visit aws.amazon.com/about-aws/global-infrastructure.

AWS estimates the construction and ongoing operation of the new AWS Region will add approximately $10 billion to Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) and support an average of more than 11,000 full-time-equivalent jobs at external businesses annually. These jobs, including construction, facility maintenance, engineering, telecommunications, and others within the country’s broader economy, will be part of the AWS supply chain in Thailand.

“I would like to extend my appreciation to Amazon Web Services for investing in the development of data centers in Thailand,” said Paetongtarn Shinawatra, prime minister of Thailand. “I am pleased that Thailand’s potential and readiness have been recognized by one of the world’s leading companies. I look forward to AWS playing a pivotal role, in partnership with the government, in advancing Thailand toward a more inclusive digital society and expanding access to digital services for all citizens.”

“We continue to see rapid cloud adoption across Asia Pacific as more customers unlock the full potential of the world’s most extensive, reliable, and secure cloud,” said Prasad Kalyanaraman, vice president of Infrastructure Services at AWS. “This new AWS Region in Thailand will help customers across all industries deploy advanced applications with a broad set of AWS technologies that offer both core cloud capabilities, such as compute, storage, analytics, and networking, and services that enable customers to rapidly evolve, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. With today’s launch, AWS is proud to support Thailand’s digital transformation and help accelerate its role as a regional hub for artificial intelligence.”

With the launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Thailand) Region, AWS has 111 Availability Zones across 35 geographic regions, with announced plans to launch 15 more Availability Zones and five more AWS Regions in Mexico, New Zealand, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and the AWS European Sovereign Cloud. AWS Regions are composed of Availability Zones that place infrastructure in separate and distinct geographic locations. The AWS Asia Pacific (Thailand) Region consists of three Availability Zones located far enough from each other to support customers’ business continuity, but near enough to provide low latency for high availability applications that use multiple Availability Zones. Each Availability Zone has independent power, cooling, and physical security, and is connected through redundant, ultra-low-latency networks. AWS customers focused on high availability can design their applications to run in multiple Availability Zones to achieve even greater fault tolerance.

AWS offers the broadest and deepest portfolio of services, including analytics, compute, database, IoT, generative AI, machine learning, mobile services, storage, and other cloud technologies. Customers from startups and enterprises to public sector organizations and nonprofits will be able to use advanced technologies from the world’s leading cloud provider to drive innovation, meet data residency preferences, achieve lower latency, and serve demand for cloud services in Thailand and across Asia Pacific.


Customers and AWS Partners welcome the AWS Region in Thailand

Organizations across ASEAN and in Thailand are among the millions of active customers using AWS in more than 190 countries around the world. Enterprises in Thailand choose AWS to innovate, drive cost efficiencies, and accelerate time to market. Thai customers using AWS include 2C2P, Ascend Money, Bank of Ayudhya, Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group), and KASIKORN Business-Technology Group. Thailand public sector customers use AWS to help drive cost savings and better serve local citizens. These customers include Big Data Institute (BDI), Digital Government Development Agency, the Center of Excellence in Digital and AI for Mental Health (AIMET), and the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). Thai startups and small businesses, including BODA Technology & Consultancy, BOTNOI Group, Flow Account, Pomelo Fashion, and Sunday Technology, are building on AWS to rapidly scale nationally in the Asia Pacific region and around the world.

Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited, one of Thailand’s top banks, relies on AWS to address specific challenges such as enhancing customer experience, improving financial accessibility, and optimizing operational efficiency. The bank utilizes AWS cloud services, including data analytics, machine learning, and AI, to innovate and streamline processes. “As our strategic cloud provider, AWS plays a critical role in driving the Krungsri cloud program, which serves more than 12 million people. With a local Thailand Region, this will expand the Krungsri and AWS partnership tremendously and will significantly expand the possibilities,” said Pochara Vanaratseath, head of IT, Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited.

Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) is Thailand’s largest conglomerate, operating across agribusiness, food, retail, telecommunications, and e-commerce in over 21 countries. CP Group uses AWS to drive digital transformation, enhance operational efficiency, scale rapidly, improve data analytics capabilities, develop new digital products and services, and innovate across their diverse business units. “This investment by AWS aligns perfectly with our commitment to implement cutting-edge technology to drive sustainable growth and improve lives,” said Thanasorn Jaidee, president of True Internet Data Center (True IDC), a subsidiary of CP Group. “The new region will enable us to accelerate our digital transformation initiatives, enhance our data security and compliance posture, and develop innovative solutions more efficiently. We look forward to leveraging this local AWS infrastructure to better serve our customers and contribute to Thailand's digital economy.”

Established in 2016, KASIKORN Business-Technology Group (KBTG) is the technology arm of KASIKORNBANK, one of Thailand’s leading commercial banks, and relies on AWS to enable more than 400 applications to make financial services accessible, convenient, and inclusive to customers across Asia Pacific. “Building on AWS has been a game-changing strategy for us, enabling us to establish our leadership in the fintech industry,” said Tawan Jithavech, chief technology officer at KBTG. “We chose AWS because of its broad spectrum of services, deep expertise in cloud solutions, and the agility with which they can help us scale our operations. With the new AWS Thailand Region, we will easily enhance our network response times, be able to synchronize data more effectively, and consistently deliver superior financial services to our customers quickly and safely by relying on the world’s most secure, reliable, and available infrastructure.”

Thai government agency, the Big Data Institute (BDI), is leading the charge to transform Thailand into a data-driven nation through the development of the National Big Data Platform, which empowers government bodies to formulate informed policies that address key economic and social challenges. BDI launched several data integration initiatives, including Health Link, Travel Link, and the Thai Large Language Model (Thai LLM) platforms, all aimed at enhancing data accessibility and utility across sectors. “With the new AWS Thailand Region, we are excited to announce that the Big Data Institute will migrate Health Link, our decentralized health information exchange service, to AWS’s data centers in Thailand,” said Dr. Tiranee Achalakul, president and CEO of BDI. “Health Link is set to provide effective patient care by enabling seamless access to health records without centrally storing sensitive information. We chose AWS as our primary cloud provider due to its renowned secure, robust, and highly scalable infrastructure, coupled with exceptional engineering and consulting support. As we expand our Health Link user base, maintaining a stable, secure, and efficient operational environment will be crucial – and we know we can do that with AWS.”

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has been Thailand’s primary securities trading venue since 1975, with its online trading platform supporting more than 3.6 million users. AWS provides SET with robust, highly scalable, and low latency cloud infrastructure for its online trading platform that can meet stringent security and compliance requirements. “With an increase in digital investors, it is vital for SET to adapt quickly to new market demands and offer services that cater to the appetite of this growing generation,” said Thirapun Sanpakit, senior executive vice president and head of the IT division at the Stock Exchange of Thailand. “Using AWS for SET’s online trading platforms helps us easily scale to accommodate 500,000 concurrent users, while maintaining maximum operational efficiency. With the new AWS Thailand Region, we will expand our low-latency market data offerings to further enhance the trading experience of our investors.”

The AWS Partner Network (APN) includes tens of thousands of independent software vendors (ISVs) and systems integrators (SIs) around the world. AWS Partners build innovative solutions and services on AWS, and the APN helps by providing business, technical, marketing, and go-to-market support to customers. AWS ISVs, technology partners, SIs, and consulting partners help enterprise and public sector customers migrate to AWS, deploy mission-critical applications, and provide a full range of monitoring, automation, and management services for customers’ cloud environments. AWS Partners in Thailand include Com7, Dailitech, Dakok, Deloitte, Fujitsu, G-Able, Inteltion, Metro Systems, MFEC, NTT DATA, SiS Distribution, SoftwareOne, True IDC, and Yip in Tsoi & Co., Ltd. For the full list of AWS Partners, visit aws.amazon.com/partners.

Dailitech is a Thai technology company specializing in data solutions and AI focusing on the foundational aspects of network, security, and application migrations to the AWS cloud. “The launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Thailand) Region will significantly enhance Dailitech’s ability to accelerate innovation and improve performance for our customers in Southeast Asia,” said Dr. Vit Niennattrakul, managing director, Dailitech. “We are also proud and excited that this expansion by AWS further cements Thailand's position as a key player in the region's digital economy, and it will unlock tremendous potential for Thai businesses and for the Thai people.”

NTT DATA, part of the global NTT Group, is a leading IT services provider. They collaborate with AWS to offer cloud migration, management, and optimization services to businesses in Thailand. NTT DATA leverages AWS’s infrastructure and tools to help clients accelerate digital transformation, enhance operational efficiency, and innovate in areas like IoT and data analytics. “This strategic investment by AWS aligns perfectly with our commitment to driving digital transformation in Thailand and the broader ASEAN region,” said Sutas Kongdumrongkiat, CEO, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, NTT DATA. “The new AWS Thailand Region will enable us to offer our clients enhanced cloud solutions with improved performance, lower latency, and stronger data sovereignty. As a long-standing AWS Partner, we’re excited to leverage this local infrastructure to accelerate innovation, particularly in areas like IoT, smart cities, and Industry 4.0. This development will undoubtedly strengthen Thailand's position as a digital hub and foster new opportunities for businesses across various sectors.”


Investing in Thailand

The new AWS Asia Pacific (Thailand) Region is the latest in AWS’s ongoing investments in Thailand to provide customers with advanced and secure cloud services, along with skilling, training, and community engagement programs. Since 2020, AWS has launched six Amazon CloudFront edge locations in Thailand, which accelerate the delivery of data, videos, applications, and APIs to users worldwide with low latency and high transfer speeds. In 2020, AWS launched AWS Outposts in Thailand to deliver AWS infrastructure and services to virtually any on-premises or edge location for a truly consistent hybrid experience. In 2022, AWS deepened its investment in Thailand with the launch of AWS Local Zones in Bangkok. AWS Local Zones are a type of AWS infrastructure deployment that place compute, storage, database, and other select services closer to large populations and industry centers, enabling customers to deliver applications that require single-digit millisecond latency to end users.

Since 2017, AWS has trained more than 50,000 individuals in Thailand in cloud skills. AWS continues to invest in upskilling developers, students, and the next generation of IT leaders in Thailand with sought-after cloud skills through AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance and AWS Training & Certification programs like AWS Academy. AWS also launched the “Tech for Digital Future” program in Thailand to provide basic cloud computing skills to high school and vocational students about cloud fundamentals in Thai. AWS Academy provides higher education institutions around the world with a free, ready-to-teach cloud computing curriculum that prepares students for industry-recognized AWS Certifications and in-demand cloud jobs. AWS Academy currently runs courses in more than 30 universities in Thailand, including Chulalongkorn University, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Mahidol University, Siam University, and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, that cover cloud foundations, cloud architecting, cloud operations, cloud developing, and data engineering, as well as specialty certifications related to machine learning, cyber security, and other domains. Since the program launched, more than one million students have been trained by the AWS Academy globally.


Commitment to sustainability

Amazon is committed to becoming a more sustainable business and reaching net-zero carbon across its operations by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement, as part of The Climate Pledge. Amazon co-founded The Climate Pledge and became its first signatory in 2019.

AWS is constantly working on ways to increase the energy efficiency of its data centers—optimizing data center design, investing in purpose-built chips, and innovating with new cooling technologies. A report by Accenture, commissioned by AWS, estimates AWS’s infrastructure is up to 4.1 times more efficient than on-premises, and when workloads are optimized on AWS, the associated carbon footprint can be reduced by up to 99%. With the new AWS Asia Pacific (Thailand) Region, customers will also benefit from AWS’s sustainability efforts across its infrastructure. For more information about AWS sustainability efforts, visit aws.amazon.com/about-aws/sustainability.


About Amazon Web Services

Since 2006, Amazon Web Services has been the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud. AWS has been continually expanding its services to support virtually any workload, and it now has more than 240 fully featured services for compute, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), mobile, security, hybrid, media, and application development, deployment, and management from 111 Availability Zones within 35 geographic regions, with announced plans for 15 more Availability Zones and five more AWS Regions in Mexico, New Zealand, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and the AWS European Sovereign Cloud. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—trust AWS to power their infrastructure, become more agile, and lower costs. To learn more about AWS, visit aws.amazon.com.


About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.


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Contacts

Amazon.com, Inc.

Media Hotline

Amazon-pr@amazon.com

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Korea Zinc's Acquisition of Igneo Holdings Sparks Controversy Over 100x Seller Profits

SEOUL, South Korea - Tuesday, 07. January 2025
  • Acquired a fledgling company less than 18 months old for 100 times its initial capital.
  • Acquisition negotiations began just five months after Igneo’s establishment —a highly unusual move.
  • Major shareholder MCC NFT and investment funds like PCT reportedly realized extraordinary returns.

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- The largest shareholder alliance of Korea Zinc - MBK Partners and Young Poong - has called on Chairman Choi Yoon-beom to clarify his connections with the sellers of Igneo Holdings, who reportedly gained profits exceeding 100 times their initial investment during the 2022 acquisition.

A representative from MBK Partners said, “Korea Zinc’s acquisition of Igneo Holdings in 2022 was executed at a valuation that defies market norms, granting the sellers extraordinary profits. The absence of thorough due diligence raises significant questions about the rationale for this transaction. Chairman Choi must provide shareholders with a clear explanation of his relationship with the sellers.”

In 2022, Korea Zinc acquired 100% of Igneo Holdings’ shares in two phases - July and November - via Pedal Point, a subsidiary established earlier that year. The total acquisition cost exceeded KRW 580 billion (approximately USD 450 million at the time). Based on disclosures, Korea Zinc paid a staggering 50 times Igneo’s 2021 revenue for the acquisition, despite Igneo reporting negative equity of KRW -1.9 billion at the end of 2021.

Igneo was founded as recently as February 2021, making it less than 18 months old at the time of the first acquisition in July 2022. Remarkably, negotiations for the acquisition began just five months after Igneo's establishment, in July 2021, with a non-disclosure agreement. The agreed acquisition price - over 100 times the company’s initial capital - was highly unusual for an M&A deal.

Igneo's initial capital was approximately $2.75 million (at $27.50 per share). Korea Zinc, however, paid about $300 million for the acquisition of Igneo's existing shares (at per-share prices of $2,466 in July, $2,621 in November, and $2,708.7 for additional shares), far exceeding 100 times the initial capital. For Igneo's founding shareholders, this translated into a return of 100x on their investment within just 18 months.

The primary sellers included MCC NFT, Igneo’s largest shareholder with a 47.5% stake, alongside investment funds such as PCT Igneo Investor LLC (38.2%), Windchime Limited (5%), and The Tarsadia Group LLC (5.7%). For example, PCT Igneo Investor LLC, which invested only USD 1.05 million, realized over USD 101 million—more than a 100x return within 18 months.

MBK Partners and Young Poong have also highlighted concerns about the relationships between MCC NFT, Tarsadia Group, and other investment funds involved. MCC NFT’s largest shareholder is reportedly The Tarsadia Group, a U.S.-based entity that began in the hotel industry and later pivoted to investments. Many of the funds investing in Igneo, including PCT Igneo Investor LLC, are managed by individuals affiliated with Tarsadia. Tarsadia itself held a direct 5% stake in Igneo and participated in the acquisition of Igneo's convertible bonds (CBs) three months after its founding. These bonds delivered over 11x returns within just 14 months.

“Chairman Choi Yoon-beom has denied knowledge of the relationships among the sellers,” said an MBK Partners representative. “However, such a significant transaction involving hundreds of billions of won cannot proceed without verifying the identities and affiliations of all parties involved. The relationships between MCC NFT, Tarsadia, and the funds they operate, along with the identities of the investors behind these funds, must be disclosed to ensure transparency and protect shareholder interests.”

This controversy has raised broader concerns about corporate governance and accountability in Korea Zinc’s decision-making processes, particularly regarding high-stakes acquisitions.

# # #

 

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Media Contact
Seikyu Hong, sk.hong@mbkpartnerslp.com
+82 2 3706-8619, +82 10-8944-7798


Kyocera Chairman’s Visit Strengthens Ties with Ghobash Group

 


Dubai, United Arab Emirates -

 


Top brass visit underscores mutual commitment to enhanced collaboration and growth


Ghobash Group warmly welcomed a delegation from their long-term partners at Kyocera in Japan, led by Goro Yamaguchi, Chairman of the Board and Representative Director Kyocera Corporation. The delegation arrived in Dubai to engage in strategic discussions with Ghobash Group’s senior leadership and management, notably comprising Saeed Ahmad Ghobash (Chairman), Rashid Ghobash (Managing Director), Hasan Metla (CEO of Ghobash Group’s Operating Companies), and Naser Darwazeh (General Manager, GCG Enterprise Solutions).


 


The visit marked a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between Ghobash Group and Kyocera which dates to 1999, when the Group’s technology cluster company GCG Enterprise Solutions was appointed as its official distributor for Kyocera Document Solutions’ Multifunctional Printers in the UAE. Since then and extending their market leading focus on delivering cutting-edge technology solutions which enhance office efficiency, GCG Enterprise Solutions has continued to play a leading role in ensuring Kyocera’s success as a top-of-mind, trusted provider of innovative printing solutions and document management systems. GCG Enterprise Solutions has also been awarded the coveted Kyocera “black belt” for 4 consecutive years for its outstanding services which have resulted in significantly increased market penetration for Kyocera’s print technology across numerous industry sectors and key verticals in the UAE including SME’s, enterprise and government.


 


“As the UAE and key regional markets like Saudi Arabia continue to lead the way for progress and development, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. With Ghobash Group, we look forward to expanding our presence and impact in the region.”, stated Mr. Yamaguchi while reflecting on Kyocera’s stake in the region.


Ghobash Group’s Chairman, Saeed Ahmed Ghobash also echoed positive sentiments by stating: “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Yamaguchi and his accompanying delegation on their timely visit to the UAE. Amidst the exciting developments shaping the future of our nation and region, our collaboration is a testament to our shared vision for growth and innovation.”


 


Naser Darwazeh, General Manager of GCG Enterprise Solutions took the opportunity to reinforce GCG Enterprise Solutions’ commitment to driving Kyocera’s success in the UAE and beyond: “Our partnership has always been founded on shared values and trust which enable us to work closely to deliver excellence. We look forward to achieving so much more, as we work to realize our combined vision.”


About KYOCERA


Kyocera Corporation (TOKYO:6971, https://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of industrial and automotive components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, smart energy systems, printers, copiers, and mobile phones. During the year ended March 31, 2024, the company’s consolidated sales revenue totaled 2 trillion yen (approx. US$13.3 billion). Kyocera is ranked #874 on Forbes magazine’s 2024 “Global 2000” list of the world’s largest publicly traded companies, and has been named among “The World’s 100 Most Sustainably Managed Companies” by The Wall Street Journal.


About Ghobash Group


Established in 1981, Ghobash Group stands as a distinguished UAE-based conglomerate renowned for its highly diversified and progressive business ventures. With a robust portfolio spanning seven pivotal sectors, including a strong focus on Technology, Energy & Utilities, and Healthcare, Ghobash Group plays a critical role in advancing the UAE's economic landscape.


Today, with a diverse team of over 1,750 professionals, extensive regional expertise, strong financial backing, and unrivalled operational capabilities, Ghobash Group is poised to lead with innovation and unparalleled customer satisfaction. Founded in alignment with the UAE’s objective of becoming a robust, world-class economy, Ghobash Group is dedicated to propelling the nation towards global competitiveness and a knowledge-driven economy through sustainable development initiatives. This commitment fosters perpetual growth, embodying the Group’s commitment to "Growth for Good" and ensuring prosperity for all stakeholders, present and future, while contributing to the overall advancement of the country's economic landscape.‍



For more information, visit ghobash.com or write to info@ghobash.com. You can also follow Ghobash Group on LinkedIn.



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Contacts

Tony Hamad,


Group Marketing Director


+971 4 5961800

Zepp Health to Showcase Groundbreaking Innovations at CES Pepcom & ShowStoppers Media Events


 MILPITAS, Calif. & LAS VEGAS 

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- CES -- Zepp Health Corporation (NYSE: ZEPP), a global leader in health technology and smart wearables, is thrilled to announce its participation in the CES Pepcom and ShowStoppers media events. These exclusive platforms will unveil Zepp Health's latest smart wearables and health technology advancements, designed to empower individuals to lead healthier, more balanced lives.


Zepp Health is on a mission to empower people with intelligent healthcare tools that help them take charge of their well-being. Its innovative products integrate fitness, nutrition, health, productivity, and overall wellness to meet the demands of modern lifestyles. With millions of users in over 90 countries, Zepp Health combines advanced technology and a robust ecosystem to enhance its fitness and wellness brand, Amazfit, and its hearing solutions brand, Zepp Clarity.


From monitoring fitness and sleep to providing nutrition insights through Amazfit, and advanced hearing solutions with Zepp Clarity, Zepp Health supports every step of life’s journey, helping individuals achieve balance and fulfillment. Future innovations, like seamless connectivity between Zepp Clarity hearing aids and Amazfit smartwatches via Zepp OS, will deliver unparalleled integration for a holistic wellness experience.


What Zepp Health Will Showcase


1. Amazfit Active 2 Smartwatch Series: The Everyday Smartwatch - The perfect companion for fitness enthusiasts and multitaskers, this series offers:


Zepp Coach™: AI-driven personalized fitness plans tailored to individual goals.


Zepp Flow™: A powerful voice assistant for effortless interaction and control.


Over 160+ sports modes, extended battery life, and premium design options for every lifestyle.


2. Amazfit V1TAL Prototype: Your Personal Nutritionist and Lifestyle Companion - Revolutionizing dietary management and lifestyle enhancement, the Amazfit V1TAL (pronounced "Amaz-fit Vee-TAL") features:


Advanced Nutritional Tracking: Real-time meal analysis via automated sensors and personalized dietary recommendations.


High-Definition Video Capture: Wearable or desk-mounted for recording life’s special moments.


AI-Powered Assistant: Enhances productivity and wellness while keeping users connected.


Zepp Ecosystem Integration: Syncs seamlessly with the Zepp App for holistic fitness, sleep, and nutrition tracking.


When launched, the V1TAL will integrate with the Zepp App's Food Log feature, enabling real-time meal analysis with a simple photo and providing personalized nutritional insights.


3. Revamped Zepp App - The revamped Zepp App 9 now includes:


Zepp Coach™: Intelligent fitness tracking and recovery recommendations.


Zepp Aura: AI-driven sleep tracking and personalized wellness reports.


Food Log: Instant meal analysis for nutritional insights, complementing Amazfit V1TAL's features.


4. Health Solutions for Women Powered by Wild.AI - In collaboration with Wild.AI, Amazfit Active devices now offer:


Tailored health and fitness insights for women’s unique hormonal cycles.


Personalized recovery and fitness recommendations, addressing the gender gap in health technology.


5. Zepp Clarity Pixie: Nearly Invisible Hearing Aids - Addressing the global hearing loss epidemic, Zepp Clarity Pixie delivers:


Pitch-perfect sound clarity for superior hearing experiences.


A sleek, nearly invisible design for comfort and confidence.


Features to keep users connected and improve quality of life.


Event Details


Experience these innovations firsthand:


Pepcom: January 6th, 6–10 PM, Caesars Palace.


CES ShowStoppers: January 7th, 6–10 PM, Bellagio.


These events provide media professionals with the opportunity to explore Zepp Health’s integrated solutions for fitness, sleep, nutrition, hearing, and productivity, creating a comprehensive wellness ecosystem.


Why Zepp Health?


Zepp Health addresses critical global health challenges:


1.4 billion adults at risk of chronic diseases due to physical inactivity.


62% of adults experience inadequate sleep.


2.5 billion people are projected to suffer hearing loss by 2050.


Inspired by its tagline, "Empowering Health, Inspiring Joy," Zepp Health continues to create wellness solutions that are accessible, personalized, and transformative.


About Zepp Health


Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a global smart wearable and health technology leader, empowers users to live their healthiest lives by optimizing their health, fitness, and wellness journeys through its leading consumer brands, Amazfit, Zepp Clarity, and Zepp Aura. Powered by its proprietary Zepp Digital Health Management Platform, which includes the Zepp OS, AI chips, biometric sensors, and data algorithms, it delivers cloud-based 24/7 actionable insights and guidance to help users attain their wellness goals. To date, Zepp Health has shipped over 200 million units and its products are available in 90+ countries. Founded in 2013, Zepp Health has 1000+ employees and offices across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. For more information, visit www.zepp.com.


 


View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250106641263/en/



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Contacts

Tanita Sandhu

tanita.sandhu@zepp.com