Monday, June 27, 2016

Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim Have Reached Definitive Agreements to Swap Sanofi’s Animal Health and Boehringer Ingelheim’s Consumer Healthcare Businesses

 - Both Companies Expected to Become Global Leaders in Two Different Sectors of the Pharmaceutical Market1 -

PARIS & INGELHEIM, Germany - Monday, June 27th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim announced today the signing of contracts to secure the strategic transaction initiated in December 2015 which consists of an exchange of Sanofi’s animal health business (“Merial”) and Boehringer Ingelheim’s consumer healthcare (CHC) business. This step marks a major milestone before closing of the transaction which is expected by year-end 2016 and remains subject to approval by all regulatory authorities in different territories. The integration of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Consumer Healthcare (CHC) business into Sanofi and Merial into Boehringer Ingelheim would start after closing.

Upon closing this transaction will be a significant business swap in the pharmaceutical sector and an important event in the history of both companies.

Prof Dr Andreas Barner, Chairman of the Board of Boehringer Ingelheim, said: “This is a win for Boehringer Ingelheim and Sanofi alike. Moreover, it is one of the most significant steps in our corporate history. It demonstrates the consistent orientation of our business towards innovation-driven sectors. As a research based pharmaceutical company, we will substantially enhance our position in the future market for Animal Health and will prospectively be one of the largest global players in this segment. The similarity in culture and approaches of BI and Sanofi will ensure that the businesses acquired by the other partner will develop well in the future.”

Olivier Brandicourt, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, Sanofi, said: “In signing these contracts, we are meeting one of the key strategic goals of our roadmap 2020, namely to become a leader in consumer healthcare and a leading diversified global human healthcare company. This business swap will bring a complementary portfolio to our consumer healthcare activity with highly recognized brands, allowing for mid and long term value creation, and enhancement of our market penetration in some major countries.”

The strategic swap lays the foundation for both companies to reach size and scale in two highly attractive pharmaceutical activities. Upon successful completion, Boehringer Ingelheim’s CHC business - with an enterprise value of €6.7 bn - would be transferred to Sanofi and Sanofi’s Merial – with an enterprise value of €11.4 bn - would be transferred to Boehringer Ingelheim. The transaction includes a cash payment to Sanofi of €4.7 bn to reflect the difference in value of the two businesses. Taking into account the expected contribution from the acquired CHC business, progressive implementation of synergies and the use of part of the net proceeds to buy shares back, Sanofi expects the overall transaction to be business EPS neutral in 2017 and accretive afterwards.

Combining Merial and Boehringer Ingelheim’s complementary portfolios and technology platforms in anti-parasitics, vaccines and pharmaceutical specialties would put the combined company into a more competitive position in the key growth segments of the industry and bring more value and innovation to customers globally. The Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health business would more than double its sales to approx. €3.8 bn based upon 2015 global sales.

With this transaction, Sanofi would integrate Boehringer Ingelheim’s CHC business in all countries except China. Joint CHC sales would amount to approx. €4.9 bn2 based upon 2015 global sales. Thanks to the addition of a highly complementary product and brand portfolio, Sanofi would enhance its position in several of its strategic categories – Pain Care, Allergy Solutions, Cough & Cold Care, Feminine Care, Digestive Health and Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements.

Hubertus von Baumbach, designated Chairman of the Board of Boehringer Ingelheim, stated: “We know as well as Sanofi does that it is due to our employees, their commitment and their excellent performance that this business exchange is attractive for both sides. Therefore, Boehringer Ingelheim and Sanofi are committed to drive these businesses successfully and sustainably in the future.”

The signing was preceded by six months of constructive and successful negotiations which went according to plan. Both companies have reviewed and discussed the details of the transaction. This included the exact scope of the business swap as well as ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. In the past months, Boehringer Ingelheim and Sanofi also closely consulted with the relevant social bodies in France and Germany as well as with the appropriate regulatory authorities to lay the groundwork for the realization of the business swap. In accordance with their commitment at the beginning of the negotiations, the companies agreed that Lyon (France) and Toulouse (France) would be key operational centers of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Animal Health business, including business operations, R&D and manufacturing facilities in Lyon and the production site in Toulouse. As the U.S. market is an important part of Merial’s business, Boehringer Ingelheim would pay particular attention to sustain the momentum of the U.S. operations. Germany would be a key center of Sanofi’s CHC business, including in particular gastro-intestinal and cough & cold categories that will benefit from the strong capabilities of current Boehringer Ingelheim teams.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s CHC activities

Boehringer Ingelheim Consumer Healthcare is the 8th largest Consumer Healthcare business in the world. Sales of Boehringer Ingelheim’s CHC business were €1.51 bn in 2015, contributing 10 per cent to Boehringer Ingelheim’s net sales. It aims to create and drive inspiring and sustainable solutions that will efficiently develop compelling and true global brands for consumers.

The leading brands of Boehringer Ingelheim’s CHC business are the antispasmodic Buscopan® (2015 sales of €223 million; mainly sold in Europe and Emerging Markets), the laxative Dulcolax® (2015 sales of €225 million; sold in more than 40 countries with a strong presence in the U.S.), the multivitamins Pharmaton® (2015 sales of €140 million, with majority of sales in Emerging Markets), the cough treatments Mucosolvan® (2015 sales of €168 million, mainly in Germany and Russia) and Bisolvon® (2015 sales of €96 million with a worldwide presence with largest countries being Spain and Italy) and the sore throat treatment Mucoangin®/Lysopaïne® (2015 sales of €54 million).

Sanofi’s CHC activities

Sales of Sanofi CHC business were €3.4 bn in 2015. The leading brands of Sanofi’s CHC business are the allergy products Allegra® (2015 sales of €424 million) and Nasacort® (2015 sales of €122 million), the pain killers Doliprane® (2015 sales of €303 million), No-Spa® (2015 sales of €88 million) and Dorflex® (2015 sales of €81million), the digestive products Essentiale® (2015 sales of €196 million), Enterogermina® (2015 sales of €161 million) and Maalox® (2015 sales of €97 million), the feminine care product Lactacyd® (2015 sales of €114 million) and the vitamins, minerals and supplements Magné B6® (2015 sales of €103 million). In 2015, 48.1% of CHC sales were generated in emerging markets, 26.2% in the U.S. and 18.6% in Western Europe.

About Merial

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products that focus on disease prevention and overall health and wellness in animals, Merial has three main business areas: pets, farm animals, and veterinary public health, and its health solutions target more than 200 diseases and conditions across a variety of species. Merial employs 6,900 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide with over €2.5 billion of sales in 2015. Merial is a Sanofi company. For more information, please see www.merial.com; @Merial

The main Merial brands in the field of pet health include Frontline®, Heartgard®, NexGard®, Broadline® and Purevax®; and in farm animals Vaxxitek®, Eprinex®, Ivomec®, Longrange®, Circovac® and GastroGard®. As part of our commitment to innovation and excellence, Merial has a global footprint with 13 R&D centers and 15 production sites.

About Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is the 6th largest animal health business in the world and is committed to providing leading innovative solutions to prevent, treat and cure animal diseases. With 3,800 employees worldwide, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health achieved net sales of about € 1.36 billion in 2015, representing 9% of the corporation’s revenue base. Main brands of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Animal Health portfolio are Ingelvac Circoflex® (2015 sales of € 281 million), Metacam® (2015 sales of € 101 million), Ingelvac® PRRS (2015 sales of € 99 million) and Duramune® (2015 sales of € 88 million).

The Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Business is global leader in swine vaccines and holds attractive positions in companion animal and cattle vaccines as well as in pharmaceutical specialties for animal use. The company researches and develops therapeutic solutions for animals in the US, Germany, China, Mexico and Japan. In its research-driven Animal Health business, Boehringer Ingelheim continually invests around 12% of net sales of the Animal Health business in R&D.

About Sanofi

Sanofi, a global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi is organized into five global business units: Diabetes and Cardiovascular, General Medicines and Emerging Markets, Sanofi Genzyme, Sanofi Pasteur and Merial. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim operates globally through 145 affiliates and a total of some 47,500 employees. The focus of the family-owned company, founded in 1885, is on researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing new medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

Social responsibility is an important element of the corporate culture at Boehringer Ingelheim. This includes worldwide involvement in social projects through, for example, the initiative “Making More Health” while also caring for employees. Respect, equal opportunity and reconciling career and family form the foundation of mutual cooperation. The company also focuses on environmental protection and sustainability in everything it does.

In 2015, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about 14.8 billion euros. R&D expenditure corresponds to 20.3 per cent of net sales.

For more information please visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

Sanofi Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations, services, product development and potential, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "plans" and similar expressions. Although Sanofi's management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Sanofi, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, future clinical data and analysis, including post marketing, decisions by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA or the EMA, regarding whether and when to approve any drug, device or biological application that may be filed for any such product candidates as well as their decisions regarding labelling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of such product candidates, the absence of guarantee that the product candidates if approved will be commercially successful, the future approval and commercial success of therapeutic alternatives, the Group's ability to benefit from external growth opportunities, trends in exchange rates and prevailing interest rates, the impact of cost containment initiatives and subsequent changes thereto, the average number of shares outstanding as well as those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by Sanofi, including those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in Sanofi's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015. Other than as required by applicable law, Sanofi does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.

1 subject to regulatory clearances

2 Excluding Venezuela.    

Contacts

For Sanofi:

Media Relations

Coralie Savin, +33 (0)1 53 77 46 46

mr@sanofi.com



Investor Relations

George Grofik, +33 (0)1 53 77 45 45

ir@sanofi.com



For Boehringer Ingelheim:

Media Relations

Dr Ralph Warsinsky, + 49 6132 77 7051

Mobile: +49 178 290 8561

press@boehringer-ingelheim.com





Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/18252/en


Sunday, June 26, 2016

New SunTech Medical CT40 Vital Signs Device to Feature Masimo SET® Pulse Oximetry Technology

NEUCHATEL, Switzerland & EYNSHAM, England - Thursday, June 23rd 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Masimo (NASDAQ: MASI) and SunTech Medical, a Halma (LSE:HLMA) company, jointly announced today the integration of Masimo SET® pulse oximetry technology into SunTech’s CT40, a next generation spot-check vital signs device.

Masimo Signal Extraction Technology (SET®) Measure-through Motion and Low Perfusion™ pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse rate, and perfusion index. Masimo SET® has been shown to significantly reduce false alarms and accurately monitor for true alarms1,2 and is estimated to be used on more than 100 million patients in leading hospitals and other healthcare settings around the world.

The SunTech CT40 is an ideal, affordable solution for clinical-grade spot-check measurements of blood pressure, temperature and pulse oximetry in hospitals and clinics. Ambulatory care, long-term care and low-acuity hospital departments can easily implement this versatile, user-friendly vital signs device that offers both advanced features and digital connectivity. The modular design allows clinicians to easily make adaptations to the device while in the field, adding thermometry, SpO2 and Wi-Fi as needed. Other advanced features include the ability to transmit measurement data directly from the device, in accordance with HL7 messaging protocols, as well as BP Averaging Mode—an increasingly important component of accurate blood pressure measurement, as evidenced by the recently published SPRINT Study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which specified that a mean of three office BP measurements would be used to establish target BPs for Standard Group participants.3

“Both SunTech and Masimo share industry-leading technologies within our respective areas of expertise,” said Kenny Andersen, VP of Strategic Product Development at SunTech Medical. “Partnering with them on our next-generation vital signs platform is a very natural strategy. Masimo SET pulse oximetry is the benchmark for clinical performance, just as SunTech Advantage technology is for blood pressure. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Rick Fishel, Masimo’s President of Worldwide OEM Business and Strategic Development, stated, “SunTech Medical is a recognized global leader and worldwide supplier of non-invasive blood pressure measurement technology. Combining best-in-class measurement technologies that provide superior performance, accuracy, and affordability, in flexible and cost effective monitors, supports our organizations’ mutual vision to offer solutions that help clinicians improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of healthcare delivery. We are very pleased to partner with SunTech Medical and that Masimo SET pulse oximetry is the preferred pulse oximetry offering in the highly versatile and cost-effective SunTech CT40 monitor.”

The SunTech CT 40 with Masimo SET® technology has a CE Mark. It is not FDA cleared and is not available for sale in the United States.

@MasimoInnovates | #Masimo
           

1.
          Shah N, Ragaswamy HB, Govindugari K, Estanol L "Performance of Three New-Generation Pulse Oximeters during Motion and Low Perfusion in Volunteers" .J Clin Anesth. 2012 Aug;24(5):385-91.

2.
         

Taenzer, Andreas H.; Pyke, Joshua B.; McGrath, Susan P.; Blike, George T. "Impact of Pulse Oximetry Surveillance on Rescue Events and Intensive Care Unit Transfers: A Before-and-After Concurrence Study." Anesthesiology, February 2010, Vol. 112, Issue 2.

3.
          The SPRINT Study Research Group; The design and rationale of a multi-center clinical trial comparing two strategies for control of systolic blood pressure: The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT); Clin Trials; October 2014; 11(5): 532-546.
           

About SunTech Medical

SunTech Medical, a Halma company, has been the preeminent supplier of clinical-grade blood pressure monitoring products and technologies for nearly 30 years. More than 75 companies trust SunTech Medical's OEM non-invasive blood pressure solutions for their patient monitoring needs. SunTech Medical produces the leading cardiac stress test blood pressure monitor and is the world's foremost manufacturer of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring products. SunTech Medical also offers solutions for in-office blood pressure monitoring as well as a complete line of blood pressure cuffs designed for general and specific applications.

About Masimo

Masimo (NASDAQ: MASI) is a global leader in innovative noninvasive monitoring technologies. Our mission is to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of care by taking noninvasive monitoring to new sites and applications. In 1995, the company debuted Masimo SET® Measure-through Motion and Low Perfusion™ pulse oximetry, which has been shown in multiple studies to significantly reduce false alarms and accurately monitor for true alarms. Masimo SET® is estimated to be used on more than 100 million patients in leading hospitals and other healthcare settings around the world. In 2005, Masimo introduced rainbow® Pulse CO-Oximetry technology, allowing noninvasive and continuous monitoring of blood constituents that previously could only be measured invasively, including total hemoglobin (SpHb®), oxygen content (SpOC™), carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO®), methemoglobin (SpMet®), and more recently, Pleth Variability Index (PVI®) and Oxygen Reserve Index (ORI™), in addition to SpO2, pulse rate, and perfusion index (PI). In 2014, Masimo introduced Root®, an intuitive patient monitoring and connectivity platform with the Masimo Open Connect™ (MOC-9™) interface. Masimo is also taking an active leadership role in mHealth with products such as the Radius-7™ wearable patient monitor and the MightySat™ fingertip pulse oximeter. Additional information about Masimo and its products may be found at www.masimo.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in connection with the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the potential benefits of Masimo’s SET® pulse oximetry technology into SunTech’s CT 40. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations about future events affecting us and are subject to risks and uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control and could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in our forward-looking statements as a result of various risk factors, including, but not limited to: risks related to our assumptions regarding the repeatability of clinical results; risks related to our belief that Masimo's unique noninvasive measurement technologies, including Masimo’s SET® pulse oximetry technology, contribute to positive clinical outcomes and patient safety; risks related to our belief that Masimo noninvasive medical breakthroughs provide cost-effective solutions with comparable accuracy and unique advantages, including: immediate and continuous results that enable earlier treatment without causing invasive trauma in all patients and in every clinical situation; as well as other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of our most recent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which may be obtained for free at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not know whether our expectations will prove correct. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of today's date. We do not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these statements or the "Risk Factors" contained in our most recent reports filed with the SEC, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under the applicable securities laws.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=51368151&lang=en

Contacts

Masimo

Irene Paigah, 858-859-7001

irenep@masimo.com



SunTech Medical

Elliott Holloway, 919-654-2366

eholloway@suntechmed.com







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/18239/en

OT Releases First Dual Interface Product Matching All New Visa and MasterCard Specifications for US Market

COLOMBES, France - Friday, June 24th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- OT (Oberthur Technologies), a leading global provider of embedded security software products and services, today announced that it has released its new multi-payment dual interface card developed on OT’s Global PlatformTM and JavaTM-based operating system.

OT’s COSMO Fly v5.8 is the first dual interface product which includes the latest features from both Visa and MasterCard. It is the first MasterCard M/Chip Advance™ v1.2 certified products with multi-application requirements and also conforms to the VISA 2.8.1g certification which fulfills Visa’s new 12-year EMV Card Lifecycle Policy. These specific applets make this product fully compliant for US dual debit and prepaid migration.

Built on OT’s COSMO family of products, the COSMO Fly v5.8 includes the latest security features improving its operating system to enable OT’s customers to securely roll out their products in the field. Foreseeing the convergence between payment and transit markets, OT has enhanced non-payment functions including MIFARE™ and Cipurse™ features to be used in automated fare collection transit systems globally. Moreover, the new applets also allow OT’s customers to address open payment in transit.

As a member of the COSMO family, this new payment card includes these features as all our Cosmo Products: authentication mechanism, access control and electronic identity features (AuthentIC or ID-OneTM).

“Being at the forefront of innovation and security is the DNA of OT. We bring our customers innovative cards with new features, leveraging dual interface technology to widen usage for cardholders, keeping in mind that competitiveness and security are the main drivers for our customers’ roadmaps,” said Eric Duforest, Managing Director of the Financial Services Institutions business at OT.

“Built on the contactless or 'tap-and-go' technology, EMV Dual interface technology aims at speeding up shoppers’ checkout times. We are glad to see MasterCard partners like OT setting the tone by quickly delivering our customers with U.S. Debit approved products based on MasterCard latest M/Chip Advance™ specifications,” said Chiro Aikat, senior vice president of Product Delivery - EMV for MasterCard.

All the cards OT manufactures in the United States come from our ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility in southeast Pennsylvania, which has produced over a quarter of a billion chip cards. OT has integrated support for the COSMO Fly v5.8 into its proprietary Common Personalization System (CPS), a single, global personalization engine which has been developed over the past ten years incorporating worldwide EMV best practices and deployed across Oberthur Technologies’ network of 39 personalization service centers. CPS has been personalizing EMV cards since 2010 in OT’s bi-coastal personalization service centers located in Northern Virginia and Southern California.

ABOUT OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES

OT is a world leader in embedded digital security that protects you when you connect, authenticate or pay.

OT is strategically positioned in high growth markets and offers embedded security software solutions for “end-point” devices as well as associated remote management solutions to a huge portfolio of international clients, including banks and financial institutions, mobile operators, authorities and governments, as well as manufacturers of connected objects and equipment.

OT employs over 6 500 employees worldwide, including almost 700 R&D people. With a global footprint of 4 regional secure manufacturing hubs and 39 secure service centers, OT’s international network serves clients in 169 countries. For more information: www.oberthur.com

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Oberthur Technologies

Audrey Besnardeau, Tél. : +33-1-78-14-76-075

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or

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Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/18247/en

Saturday, June 25, 2016

GSMA Welcomes 3GPP Completion of LPWA Technologies

New Standards Will Help Mobile Operators Drive Adoption of Commercial LPWA Solutions

LONDON - Friday, June 24th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The GSMA welcomes the 3rd Generation Partnership Project’s (3GPP) decision to standardise three Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA) technologies in licensed spectrum in Release 13. The specifications which were completed today, address the growing IoT market and include a new technology called Narrow-Band IoT (NB-IoT), as well as pre-existing evolved technologies, EC-GSM-IoT and LTE MTC Cat-M1, that will cover all LPWA use cases, ensuring customer choice and helping the Internet of Things (IoT) market to flourish.

“The GSMA established the Mobile IoT Initiative with the specific purpose of aligning the mobile industry behind common and complementary LPWA technologies in licensed spectrum and we are pleased that the industry has moved so quickly to adopt them and that they have now been ratified by 3GPP,” said Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA. “Mobile operators have already started a number of pilots around the world and this agreement over common standards will help accelerate the development of commercial solutions and ensure they are in market much faster, providing customers with more choice.”

LPWA networks are an emerging, high-growth area of the IoT that complement and extend conventional wide area networks that make use of 2G, 3G and 4G cellular technologies. These new standards will allow operators to optimise their existing high-quality mobile network infrastructure through an upgrade to EC-GSM-IoT for 2G networks and LTE-MTC for LTE networks, while NB-IoT can use both 2G and 4G spectrum to deliver a secure, reliable and robust performance.

The GSMA Mobile IoT initiative is backed by 30 global mobile operators, device makers and chipset, module and infrastructure companies and has helped the industry align on common technology standards in licensed spectrum for the emerging LPWA market. LPWA networks are designed for M2M applications that have low data rates, require long battery lives and operate unattended for long periods of time, often in remote locations. They will be used for a wide variety of applications such as industrial asset tracking, safety monitoring, water and gas metering, smart grids, city parking, vending machines and city lighting.

For more information on the GSMA Mobile IoT Initiative go to: http://www.gsma.com/connectedliving/mobile-iot-initiative/



About the GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with almost 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai and the Mobile 360 Series conferences.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.

Contacts

For the GSMA

Charlie Meredith-Hardy

+44 7917 298428

CMeredith-Hardy@webershandwick.com



or

GSMA Press Office

pressoffice@gsma.com







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/18246/en

Q2 Solutions Receives 2016 Global Supplier Award from Eli Lilly and Company

MORRISVILLE, N.C. - Friday, June 24th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Q2 Solutions, a global clinical trials laboratory services organization, today announced that the company has received the 2016 Lilly Global Supplier Award. Q2 Solutions was one of 12 companies to receive the award this year, recognizing the company’s ongoing contributions to Lilly’s drug development efforts.

Each year, the Lilly Global Supplier Award recognizes suppliers who have worked collaboratively to deliver a positive and measurable impact on Lilly’s corporate objectives and priorities. Lilly presented the award to Q2 Solutions representatives during a special ceremony in Indianapolis.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive this prestigious recognition from Lilly,” said Costa Panagos, chief executive officer, Q2 Solutions. “To earn this award in our first year as an organization is a testament to our employees’ dedication to scientific excellence and on-time, quality delivery. We are proud to be recognized for our work with Lilly; work that we know will help improve human health through innovation that transforms science and data into actionable medical insights.”

About Q2 Solutions, a Quintiles Quest joint venture

Launched in 2015, Q2 Solutions is a global clinical trials laboratory services organization that helps biopharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostics customers improve human health through innovation that transforms science and data into actionable medical insights. Q2 Solutions is a joint venture formed by Quintiles and Quest Diagnostics, combining the clinical trials laboratory services of each parent organization. To learn more, visit www.q2labsolutions.com.

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Contacts

Quintiles

Phil Bridges, Quintiles Media Relations (phil.bridges@quintiles.com)

+ 1.919.998.1653 (office) +1.919.457.6347 (mobile)

or

Todd Kasper, Quintiles Investor Relations (InvestorRelations@quintiles.com)

+1.919.998.2590









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/18243/en

Friday, June 24, 2016

Crossrail’s Common Data Environment Advances to Cloud Services through Bentley’s AssetWise Managed Services

Transition to Microsoft Azure Cloud Platform for Crossrail’s Asset Information Management System

LONDON - Thursday, June 23rd 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- U.K. Rail Conference — Bentley Systems, Incorporated, a leading global provider of comprehensive software solutions for advancing infrastructure, today announced that it has successfully upgraded Crossrail’s Common Data Environment (CDE) for asset information through Bentley’s AssetWise managed services to a hybrid cloud-computing platform powered by Microsoft Azure. This provides a single location for storing, sharing, and managing information for approximately 1 million assets.

Europe’s largest construction project, Crossrail has been designed in a virtual environment for 3D, 4D, and 5D BIM, powered by Bentley’s comprehensive modeling software. Bentley’s asset information management solution, AssetWise, based on Bentley’s eB technology, manages the engineering and asset information in the Crossrail project and provides a complete, federated view of “digital railway” information.

“Crossrail is leading the world in demonstrating the value of BIM to realize greater efficiency and cost effectiveness in project delivery and asset lifecycle information management,” said Alan Kiraly, SVP, Bentley Systems.

“We’re proud of our work together with Bentley Systems, one of our most important global collaborators,” said David Epp, Alliances Director, Microsoft Corp. “We’re particularly impressed by Crossrail’s groundbreaking ambition in building both a digital and physical railway, and are delighted to have had the opportunity to come together with Bentley to address the challenges and requirements of this world-class endeavor.”

About Crossrail

Crossrail is Europe’s largest construction project with a total funding envelope of £14.8bn. The route will run over 100km from Reading and Heathrow in the west, through new tunnels under London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. It will bring an additional 1.5 million people within 45 minutes commuting distance of London's key business districts. The Transport for London (TfL) run railway will be named the Elizabeth line when services through central London open in December 2018. The Crossrail project is being delivered by Crossrail Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TfL, and is jointly sponsored by the Department for Transport and TfL. For additional information about Crossrail, visit http://www.crossrail.co.uk.

About Bentley’s Managed Services

Bentley Systems provides a range of managed services delivery options for its industry-leading project delivery and asset performance solutions through Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform and hybrid computing environments. With Service Level Agreements and Success Plans tailored to business outcomes and project objectives, Bentley Systems offers a deep bench of technology and subject matter experts who take responsibility for getting the most value from BIM advancements, as well as innovative, consumption-based commercial models tied to benefits realized. For information on Bentley’s ISO 27001 and SOC-2 certifications for managed services and cloud offerings, please visit Bentley’s Trust Center at https://www.bentley.com/en/trust-center.

About Bentley Systems

Bentley Systems is a global leader in providing architects, engineers, geospatial professionals, constructors, and owner-operators with comprehensive software solutions for advancing the design, construction, and operations of infrastructure. Bentley users leverage information mobility across disciplines and throughout the infrastructure lifecycle to deliver better-performing projects and assets. Bentley solutions encompass MicroStation applications for information modeling, ProjectWise collaboration services to deliver integrated projects, and AssetWise operations services to achieve intelligent infrastructure – complemented by worldwide professional services and comprehensive managed services.

Founded in 1984, Bentley has more than 3,000 colleagues in over 50 countries, more than $600 million in annual revenues, and since 2008 has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and acquisitions.

Additional information about Bentley is available at www.bentley.com and in Bentley’s annual report. For Bentley news as it happens, subscribe to an RSS feed of Bentley press releases and news alerts. Visit The Year in Infrastructure Conference website for highlights of Bentley’s premier thought-leadership event. To view a searchable collection of innovative infrastructure projects from the annual Be Inspired Awards, access Bentley’s Infrastructure Yearbooks. To access a professional networking site that enables members of the infrastructure community to connect, communicate, and learn from each other, visit Bentley Communities.

To download the Bentley Infrastructure 500 Top Owners ranking, a unique global compendium of the top public- and private-sector owners of infrastructure based on the value of their cumulative infrastructure investments, visit BI 500.

Bentley, the “B” Bentley logo, Be, eB, MicroStation, and ProjectWise are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. All other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.    

Contacts

Bentley Systems, Incorporated

Press Contact:

Gail McGrew, +1 610-458-2752

gail.mcgrew@bentley.com

Follow us on Twitter: @BentleySystems









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/18238/en

Leading Global Satellite Operator SES Partners with Singapore EDB’s Office for Space Technology and Industry

New cooperation will result in development and innovation in next-generation satellite technologies, hardware and software tools

LUXEMBOURG & SINGAPORE - Friday, June 24th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SES (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) today inked an agreement with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), marking its inaugural cooperation with EDB’s Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) to explore greater development and innovation in satellite technologies, hardware and software tools for satellite networks of the future.

SES and EDB will work with Singapore research institutes and industry partners in the design, prototyping and production of technologies for mobility applications in the aeronautical, automotive and maritime sectors.

Other potential areas of collaboration with EDB include the development of software to manage next generation satellite networks, as well as producing innovative, compact components for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, which will continue to advance Singapore in realising its vision of a Smart Nation.

The partnership will also pave the way for collaboration between Singapore and Luxembourg universities and research institutions to develop state-of-the-art satellite and radio communications technologies.

Beh Kian Teik, Executive Director at EDB’s OSTIn, said, “We are pleased to be working with SES to explore innovation opportunities in space technology and communications. SES is a leading operator in the satellite communications market and will further boost the maturity of R&D in Singapore’s space sector. This partnership also validates the growing capabilities of our space industry and the growing strength of our research institutions.”

“Singapore has been home to SES in Asia for the past 15 years and is an important centre for our business. The country has rapidly risen into a world-class R&D and innovation hub, and in partnering with EDB and collaborating with local industry and research partners, we are excited to play a role in further developing the emerging local space and satellite sector and realising Singapore’s space aspirations,” said Deepak Mathur, Senior Vice President Commercial, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East at SES.

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

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

Blog: http://en.ses.com/4243715/blog

SES Pictures are available under: http://www.ses.com/4245221/library

About SES

SES (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) is the world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of more than 50 geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations worldwide. SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the satellite industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements. SES holds a participation in O3b Networks, a next generation satellite network combining the reach of satellite with the speed of fibre. Further information available at www.ses.com.

About OSTIn

The Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) was established under the Singapore Economic Development Board in 2013 to ensure Singapore has a role to play in the global space industry, and in doing so, capture economic value for Singapore. A whole-of-government approach is taken to facilitate the growth of the space industry in Singapore. Chaired by EDB’s Chairman, Dr Beh Swan Gin, OSTIn’s steering committee is made up of the following ministries and agencies: EDB, A*STAR, MCI, MOE, MFA, MTI, MOT, MINDEF and NRF. OSTIn’s goal is to create for Singapore a vibrant space ecosystem where companies can tap on our deep engineering and research capabilities to innovate and commercialise new space-related products and services.

Contacts

SES Corporate Communications

Markus Payer

Tel : +352 710 725 500

Markus.Payer@ses.com



or

Leow Si Wan

EDB Marketing & Media Relations

Tel : +65 6832 6546

LEOW_Si_Wan@edb.gov.sg







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/18244/en