Dole Food Company, Inc. Announces the Commencement of a Consent Solicitation for Its 7.25% Senior Secured Notes Due 2025

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -Tuesday, June 27th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dole Food Company, Inc. (“Dole”) announced today the commencement of a consent solicitation regarding certain amendments (the “Amendments”) to the Indenture, dated as of April 6, 2017, among Dole, DFC Holdings, LLC (“Holdings”), as a guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), governing its 7.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”) (the “Indenture”). Currently, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Notes is $300,000,000.

The Amendments would release Holdings from its guarantee under the Indenture (and its other limited obligations under the Indenture and the Security Documents (as defined in the Indenture)), in each case, upon the consummation of a Qualified IPO (as defined in the Indenture) with respect to the common stock of the Issuer, and subject to the substantially concurrent (or prior) release of Holdings’ guarantees under the Term Loan Credit Agreement and Revolving Credit Agreement (each as defined in the Indenture).

The consent solicitation is conditioned upon the receipt of consents from holders of record as of June 23, 2017 of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes (the “Requisite Consents”). The consent solicitation will expire at 5:00pm, New York City time, on July 6, 2017, unless extended (the “Expiration Date”).

Dole will, promptly after the Expiration Date and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the consent solicitation, pay to each holder of Notes who has delivered (and not revoked) a valid consent in favor of the Amendments a cash payment (the “Consent Fee”) of $2.50 for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes in respect of which such consent has been delivered.

The Amendments will be effected by, and will become effective upon, execution of a supplemental indenture. Dole proposes to execute the supplemental indenture as soon as practicable after obtaining the related Requisite Consents. At that time, the Amendments effected by the supplemental indenture will become effective and consents may no longer be revoked.

For a complete statement of the terms and conditions of the consent solicitations, holders of the Notes should refer to the Consent Solicitation Statement, dated June 26, 2017 (the “Consent Solicitation Statement”), which is being sent to all holders of the Notes as of the Record Date.

The Solicitation Agent in connection with the consent solicitation is Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC. Questions regarding the consent solicitation may be directed to Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attention: Liability Management Group at (800) 624-1808 (toll free) or (212) 761-1057. Global Bondholder Services Corporation is serving as Information Agent and Tabulation Agent in connection with the consent solicitations. Requests for assistance in delivering consents or for additional copies of the consent solicitation statement should be directed to the Information Agent at (866) 470-3900 (toll free), (212) 430-3774 (banks and brokers) (collect) or contact@gbsc-usa.com.

This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities. The consent solicitation is being made solely by the Consent Solicitation Statement and are subject to the terms and conditions stated therein.

This release contains “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements, which are based on management’s current expectations, are generally identifiable by the use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates” and similar expressions. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied herein include weather-related phenomena; market responses to industry volume pressures; product and raw materials supplies and pricing; energy supply and pricing; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; economic crises; security risks in developing countries; international conflict; and quotas, tariffs and other governmental actions. Further information on the factors that could affect Dole’s financial results is included in the Consent Solicitation Statement and the documents incorporated therein.

Contacts

Dole Food Company, Inc.
William Goldfield, 818-874-4647

Permalink : http://www.me-newswire.net/news/4145/en

Cyprus and Portugal offer opportunities for business persons & investors looking to invest in Europe

Dubai, United Arab Emirates -Tuesday, June 27th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]
Europe provides many opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors looking to invest and do business in this progressive economy. Various countries in Europe have their own visa and immigration programs for entrepreneurs of foreign origin. Applying and obtaining an investor visa for Europe with WWICS’s expert immigration services is easy and convenient.
Cyprus and Portugal are the best economies to invest in Europe currently, with some great options that make getting a second passport a hassle-free experience for the aspirants.  Chance of becoming a permanent resident in under 3 months, no specific language requirements, dual citizenship, free trade within the EU and Low tax rates, no restrictions on living, working and studying in Europe and owning land in an EU member state are some of the benefits of living in Europe.
Cyprus is diverse, culturally rich and perfectly placed for working and traveling within and beyond the European Union. The economy is rapidly recovering from a recent recession through significant activity in the shipping, tourism, legal and financial services sectors. It is one of the safest countries of the world with a population of less than 5 million.
Cyprus offers the Citizenship by Investment program for business persons and investors looking to establish a business. Under this program, an investment of €5 million can be made in a property, enterprise, financial assets or for maintaining ownership of assets for a period of 3 years. To be eligible for the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment program, the applicant must have a valid passport, provide proof of source and origin of the declared funds for investment, have no criminal history and not be on the list of persons whose property is ordered to be frozen within the boundaries of the EU.
Applicants can also invest in Portugal, a country that boasts of rich and diverse culture, Mediterranean climate. Investors find many opportunities in Portugal’s secure and fast-developing market. Some of the benefits of Citizenship by Investment program of Portugal are residence visa waiver for entering Portugal, visa-free travel within the Schengen member states, permanent residency after five years as a temporary resident, citizenship after one year as a permanent resident and inclusion of family members, such as spouse or partner, dependent children and dependent parents.
An investment of €500,000 in a property or €350,000 in a 30-year or older property in Portugal is needed under this program. To be eligible, one must have proof that investment funds originate from abroad, hold no criminal record, have no property frozen across the EU, pay application and processing fees where applicable, enter Portugal for the first time on a valid Schengen visa and meet the minimum stay requirements
Shifting your base and permanently residing in another country takes a lot of work and legal formalities. WWICS, being a leading global resettlement consultant, offers end-to-end services to its clients. A team of expert professional experts housing years of experience in resettlement, guide you through the entire process in the shortest possible time.
Contacts
WWICS Immigration services LLC.

Parvinder Sandhu, Sr. Director and ICCRC member,

+9714-396-9102

 +971-561616130  

dub.info@wwicsgroup.com

Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/4139/en

Takeda Presents Data from Phase 1/2 Studies for NINLARO™ (ixazomib) in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients and in the Maintenance Setting

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & OSAKA, Japan -Saturday, June 24th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

– Early studies of weekly and twice-weekly ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone demonstrate deep responses after induction, with deepening responses seen after single-agent ixazomib maintenance –

– Data to be presented during two oral sessions at the 2017 European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting –

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) today announced that data from two Phase 1/2 clinical trials evaluating NINLARO™ (ixazomib) in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma will be presented during oral sessions at the 2017 European Hematology Association (EHA) annual meeting on Saturday, June 24, 11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. CEST and Sunday, June 25, 8:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. CEST. Both studies evaluated NINLARO plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma who did not undergo stem cell transplant (SCT), followed by maintenance with single-agent ixazomib. NINLARO is currently not approved for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma or in the maintenance setting.

“Despite recent progress, multiple myeloma remains a rare, devastating and incurable hematologic cancer. Data being presented at EHA demonstrate Takeda’s ongoing commitment to exploring new ways to provide effective and sustainable treatment for patients with multiple myeloma, both at the time of diagnosis and for long-term use,” said Jesus Gomez Navarro, M.D., Vice President, Head of Oncology Clinical Research and Development, Takeda. “These Phase 1/2 data demonstrate the potential use of ixazomib in combination with lenalidomide-dexamethasone in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and as a single-agent maintenance therapy, which resulted in patients achieving deepening responses with continual use of the treatment. Ixazomib’s efficacy and safety profile – coupled with its administration as a completely oral regimen – potentially can reduce some logistical burdens, and help patients be able to sustain a multiple myeloma therapy.”

Deep and Durable Responses with Weekly Ixazomib, Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Long-Term Follow-up of Patients who did not Undergo SCT (Abstract S408, oral presentation at 11:45 a.m. CEST on June 24, 2017 at IFEMA Madrid, Hall A)

In this Phase 1/2 study, patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma received weekly oral ixazomib (1.68 - 3.95 mg/m2 in Phase 1 and 4.0 mg in Phase 2) plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone for up to twelve, 28-day induction cycles. Of the 65 enrolled patients, 42 continued on study treatment without withdrawing early for SCT. After initial therapy, 25 patients went on to receive weekly, single-agent ixazomib at the last tolerated dose given during induction until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Key findings, which will be presented by Dr. Shaji Kumar of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, include:

    Patients who did not undergo SCT and were treated with ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone at induction achieved high response rates, demonstrate the activity of this regimen
        At a median follow-up of 55.2 months, the confirmed overall response rate (ORR) was 80%, complete plus very good partial response (CR+VGPR) rate was 63% and CR rate was 32%
        Of the patients who achieved sCR/CR and were evaluated for minimal residual disease (MRD), 6 of 7 (86%) were MRD-negative.
        Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 29.4 months
        Median overall survival (OS) was not reached at a median follow-up of 55.2 months; four-year landmark OS estimate was 82%
        A total of 86% of patients had grade ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs) and 52% of patients had serious AEs. The most common grade ≥ 3 AEs were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, back pain, vomiting, rashes, eruptions and exanthems, peripheral neuropathy and nausea. Of the two patients who died on study, one was considered to be treatment-related and was due to respiratory syncytial viral pneumonia
    After completing 12 cycles of induction therapy with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, 25 patients went on to receive maintenance single-agent ixazomib
        Increased depth of response occurred in a number of patients who received maintenance therapy with single-agent ixazomib; 32% of patients improved their response during maintenance
        The occurrence of the most common grade ≥ 3 AEs and adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which included neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, back pain and rashes, eruptions and exanthems, was confined almost exclusively to the induction period
            Less toxicity was reported during the maintenance versus induction periods

“Based on an increasing body of evidence that long-term therapy may improve clinical outcomes, this Phase 1/2 trial focused on continuous treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma,” said lead investigator Shaji Kumar, M.D., Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. “The trial evaluated patients who received weekly ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone as an induction regimen followed by maintenance with single-agent ixazomib. Data showed that patients had deep responses on single-agent therapy and median progression-free survival of more than two years. We remain committed to gathering additional data of ixazomib in this investigational, maintenance setting.”

Twice Weekly Ixazomib Plus Lenalidomide-Dexamethasone in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Long-Term Follow-up Data for Patients who did not Undergo Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) (Abstract S780, oral presentation at 8:15 a.m. CEST on June 25, 2017 at IFEMA Madrid, Hall D)

This Phase 1/2 study evaluated twice-weekly oral ixazomib (3.0 or 3.7 mg) plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone for up to sixteen, 21-day cycles followed by maintenance therapy with single-agent twice weekly ixazomib (at last tolerated dose). Of the 64 patients enrolled, 41 continued on study treatment without early withdrawal for SCT.

Key findings, which will be presented by Deborah Berg, Senior Scientific Director, Oncology Clinical Research, Takeda, on behalf of Dr. Paul Richardson, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Mass., include:

    In patients who did not undergo SCT, initial treatment with twice-weekly ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone was associated with deep responses
        At median follow-up of 47 months, the ORR was 92%, the CR + VGPR rate was 69% and the CR rate was 31%
        Of the patients who achieved sCR/CR and were evaluated for minimal residual disease (MRD), 8 of 9 (89%) were MRD-negative
        Median PFS for patients was 24.9 months and median OS was not estimable; three-year landmark OS estimate was 86%
        A total of 85% of patients had grade ≥ 3 AEs and 54% of patients had serious AEs. The most common grade ≥3 AEs included rash, eruptions and exanthems, hyperglycemia, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral edema, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. There was one on-study treatment-related death due to cardio respiratory arrest.
    After completing induction therapy, 18 patients went on to receive maintenance with twice-weekly single-agent ixazomib
        Patients on maintenance therapy received a median of 31.5 treatment cycles
        22% patients improved their responses during maintenance
        44% of patients who received maintenance therapy had an onset of a grade ≥ 3 AE and ADRs in cycle 17 or beyond. The most common grade ≥ 3 AEs and ADRs were hyperglycemia, rashes, eruptions and exanthems, diarrhea, vomiting, peripheral neuropathy, nausea and neutropenia.

“The addition of ixazomib – a first in class oral proteasome inhibitor – to doublet therapy has been shown to substantially improve efficacy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients,” said lead investigator Paul Richardson, M.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “In this Phase 1/2 trial in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone resulted not only in high quality of responses using a twice a week schedule but also in an encouraging deepening of responses over time in patients who did not receive a stem cell transplant. In addition, impressive durable clinical benefit was seen as patients went on to receive maintenance therapy with single-agent ixazomib after successful induction/remission therapy using this all oral approach.”

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow. In multiple myeloma, a group of monoclonal plasma cells, or myeloma cells, becomes cancerous and multiplies. These malignant plasma cells have the potential to affect many bones in the body, possibly resulting in compression fractures, lytic bone lesions and related pain. Multiple myeloma can cause a number of serious health problems affecting the bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count, with some of the more common symptoms including bone pain and fatigue, a symptom of anemia. Multiple myeloma is a rare form of cancer, with approximately 114,000 new cases globally per year.

About NINLAROTM (ixazomib) capsules

NINLAROTM (ixazomib) is an oral proteasome inhibitor which is also being studied across the continuum of multiple myeloma treatment settings as well as systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. It was the first oral proteasome inhibitor to enter Phase 3 clinical trials and to receive approval. NINLARO was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2015 following a priority review and by the European Commission in November 2016. In the U.S. and Europe, NINLARO is indicated in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy.

Ixazomib was granted orphan drug designation in multiple myeloma in both the U.S. and Europe in 2011 and for AL amyloidosis in both the U.S. and Europe in 2012. Ixazomib received Breakthrough Therapy status by the U.S. FDA for relapsed or refractory systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis in 2014.

The comprehensive ixazomib clinical development program, TOURMALINE, further reinforces Takeda's ongoing commitment to developing innovative therapies for people living with multiple myeloma worldwide and the healthcare professionals who treat them. TOURMALINE includes a total of five ongoing pivotal trials – four, which together are investigating every major multiple myeloma patient population, and one in light-chain amyloidosis:

    TOURMALINE-MM1, investigating ixazomib vs. placebo, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma
    TOURMALINE-MM2, investigating ixazomib vs. placebo, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
    TOURMALINE-MM3, investigating ixazomib vs. placebo as maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma following induction therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT)
    TOURMALINE-MM4, investigating ixazomib vs. placebo as maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who have not undergone ASCT; this study is currently enrolling
    TOURMALINE-AL1, investigating ixazomib plus dexamethasone vs. physician choice of selected regimens in patients with relapsed or refractory AL amyloidosis; this study is currently enrolling
    TOURMALINE-MM5, investigating ixazomib plus dexamethasone vs. pomalidomide plus dexamethasone in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma who have become resistant to lenalidomide
    TOURMALINE-MM6, investigating ixazomib vs. placebo, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with multiple myeloma transitioning from a bortezomib-based triplet induction regimen

In addition to the TOURMALINE program, ixazomib is being evaluated in multiple therapeutic combinations for various patient populations in investigator initiated studies globally.

NINLAROTM (ixazomib): Global Important Safety Information

SPECIAL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Thrombocytopenia has been reported with NINLARO (28% vs. 14% in the NINLARO and placebo regimens, respectively) with platelet nadirs typically occurring between Days 14-21 of each 28-day cycle and recovery to baseline by the start of the next cycle. It did not result in an increase in hemorrhagic events or platelet transfusions. Monitor platelet counts at least monthly during treatment with NINLARO and consider more frequent monitoring during the first three cycles. Manage with dose modifications and platelet transfusions as per standard medical guidelines.

Gastrointestinal toxicities have been reported in the NINLARO and placebo regimens respectively, such as diarrhea (42% vs. 36%), constipation (34% vs. 25%), nausea (26% vs. 21%), and vomiting (22% vs. 11%), occasionally requiring use of antiemetic and anti-diarrheal medications, and supportive care.

Peripheral neuropathy was reported with NINLARO (28% vs. 21% in the NINLARO and placebo regimens, respectively). The most commonly reported reaction was peripheral sensory neuropathy (19% and 14% in the NINLARO and placebo regimens, respectively). Peripheral motor neuropathy was not commonly reported in either regimen (< 1%). Monitor patients for symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and adjust dosing as needed.

Peripheral edema was reported with NINLARO (25% vs. 18% in the NINLARO and placebo regimens, respectively). Evaluate patients for underlying causes and provide supportive care, as necessary. Adjust the dose of dexamethasone per its prescribing information or the dose of NINLARO for severe symptoms.

Cutaneous reactions occurred in 19% of patients in the NINLARO regimen compared to 11% of patients in the placebo regimen. The most common type of rash reported in both regimens was maculo-papular and macular rash. Manage rash with supportive care, dose modification or discontinuation.

Hepatotoxicity drug-induced liver injury, hepatocellular injury, hepatic steatosis, and hepatitis cholestatic have been uncommonly reported with NINLARO. Monitor hepatic enzymes regularly and adjust dose for Grade 3 or 4 symptoms.

Pregnancy NINLARO can cause fetal harm. Advise male and females patients of reproductive potential to use contraceptive measures during treatment and for an additional 90 days after the final dose of NINLARO. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while taking NINLARO due to potential hazard to the fetus. Women using hormonal contraceptives should use an additional barrier method of contraception.

Lactation It is not known whether NINLARO or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. There could be potential adverse events in nursing infants and therefore breastfeeding should be discontinued.

SPECIAL PATIENT POPULATIONS

Hepatic Impairment: Reduce the NINLARO starting dose to 3 mg in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.

Renal Impairment: Reduce the NINLARO starting dose to 3 mg in patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis. NINLARO is not dialyzable and, therefore, can be administered without regard to the timing of dialysis.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Co-administration of strong CYP3A inducers with NINLARO is not recommended.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most frequently reported adverse reactions (≥ 20%) in the NINLARO regimen, and greater than in the placebo regimen, were diarrhea (42% vs. 36%), constipation (34% vs. 25%), thrombocytopenia (28% vs. 14%), peripheral neuropathy (28% vs. 21%), nausea (26% vs. 21%), peripheral edema (25% vs. 18%), vomiting (22% vs. 11%), and back pain (21% vs. 16%). Serious adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of patients included thrombocytopenia (2%) and diarrhea (2%). For each adverse reaction, one or more of the three drugs was discontinued in ≤ 1% of patients in the NINLARO regimen.

For European Union Summary of Product Characteristics: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/003844/WC500217620.pdf
For US Prescribing Information: https://www.ninlarohcp.com/pdf/prescribing-information.pdf
For Canada Product Monograph: http://www.takedacanada.com/ninlaropm

About Takeda

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as our presence in Emerging Markets, fuel the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news.

Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com, and additional information about Takeda Oncology, the brand for the global oncology business unit of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, is available through its website, www.takedaoncology.com.



Contacts

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Japanese Media
Tsuyoshi Tada, +81 (0) 3-3278-2417
tsuyoshi.tada@takeda.com
or
European Media
Kate Burd, +44 7974 151510
kate.burd@takeda.com
or
Media outside Japan/EU
Sara Noonan, +1-508-566-2408
sara.noonan@takeda.com



Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/4137/en

Andersen Tax Debuts in Switzerland

SAN FRANCISCO -Tuesday, June 27th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Andersen Tax announces its entry in Switzerland this week as MDR Advisory Group formally adopts the name ‘Andersen Tax.’ Andersen Tax in Lugano is one of three Andersen Global member firms in Switzerland. The international association of member firms also has a presence in Zurich and Geneva.

Paolo Mondia, Office Managing Director at Andersen Tax in Lugano said, “We have been working seamlessly with the member firms of Andersen Global since we joined in 2014. We are thrilled to continue this work which is made possible through our global commitment to clients and to providing best-in-class service and the most innovative solutions possible.”

Andersen Tax in Lugano will continue to provide national, international and corporate tax work to individuals and businesses throughout Switzerland and worldwide. They specialize in direct and indirect tax, inheritance planning, company restructuring, internal compliance, HR management and corporate consultancy.

Andrea De Vecchi, Andersen Tax & Legal Office Managing Director in Italy, added, “We have worked closely with the dedicated professionals at Andersen Tax in Lugano for some time now and look forward to this continued collaboration.”

“The adoption of the Andersen name in Switzerland is a logical next step as we continue to strengthen our practice in Europe,” commented CEO of Andersen Tax, Mark Vorsatz. “Paolo and his team embrace our values of transparency and stewardship and their adoption of the Andersen name couldn’t be more appropriate.”

Andersen Global has more than 2,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in 64 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms.

Contacts

Andersen Tax
Megan Tsuei, 415-764-2700









Permalink : http://www.me-newswire.net/news/4151/en 

Philip Morris International Doubles Investment in Heated Tobacco Unit Facility in Italy. Another Step towards a Smoke-Free Future.

● Additional €500 million investment planned to increase production capacity at Bologna factory to meet growing adult smoker demand for HEETS for use with IQOS.

● Up to 600 new jobs expected to be created.

 LAUSANNE, Switzerland-Tuesday, June 27th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]
(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE/Euronext Paris: PM) today announced a plan to invest an additional approximately €500 million to expand capacity at the company’s smoke-free product manufacturing facility in Crespellano (Bologna, Italy).
The facility at Crespellano is PMI’s first dedicated manufacturing facility for large scale production of HEETS, the tobacco units used with the electronic tobacco heating device IQOS.
Completed in September 2016, the facility currently employs over 600 people with a high level of technical expertise in areas such as mechanical engineering electronics and chemistry. The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2018 and is part of the company’s plans to have a total annual installed capacity of approximately 100 billion heated tobacco units by the end of next year.
“Last week, we announced our second greenfield facility in Dresden (Germany). The expansion of our first one, in Crespellano, shows the momentum of our efforts to turn PMI’s vision for a smoke-free future into a reality as soon as possible,” said Frederic de Wilde, President of PMI’s European Union Region.
Michele Cattoni, PMI’s VP Technology & Operations RRPs, added: “The opening of the Crespellano plant represented a historic milestone in PMI’s commitment to replace cigarettes with better alternatives to the benefit of smokers, public health and society at large. We are now rapidly expanding our capacity to manufacture smoke-free products in order to meet growing demand from adult smokers.”
IQOS and HEETS were first made available for adult smokers in Milan in November 2014. IQOS is currently available nationwide in Italy, and in key cities or nationwide in more than 25 markets around the world. More than two million people have already given up smoking and switched to IQOS.
The expansion of the Bologna facility follows the announcement earlier this month that PMI will invest approximately USD 320 million in a HEETS production facility in Dresden, Germany, adding to the previously announced investments in the conversion of cigarette manufacturing facilities in Greece, Romania and Russia to HEETS production.
IQOS is one of four scientifically substantiated smoke-free product platforms that PMI is developing to address adult smoker demand for better alternatives to cigarettes. Since 2008, PMI has hired more than 400 scientists and experts and invested over USD 3 billion in research, product development and scientific substantiation for smoke-free products. The company openly shares its scientific methodologies and findings for independent third-party review and verification, and has published its research in over 200 articles and book chapters since 2011. Results of scientific research conducted by PMI to date indicate that switching completely to IQOS is likely to reduce the risk of harm compared to cigarette smoking, and is a better choice for those who would otherwise continue to smoke.
Philip Morris International Inc.
Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) is the world’s leading international tobacco company, with six of the world's top 15 international brands and products sold in more than 180 markets. In addition to the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, including Marlboro, the number one global cigarette brand, and other tobacco products, PMI is engaged in the development and commercialization of reduced-risk products (RRPs). RRPs is the term PMI uses to refer to products that present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products versus continued smoking. Through multidisciplinary capabilities in product development, state-of-the-art facilities, and industry-leading scientific substantiation, PMI aims to provide an RRP portfolio that meets a broad spectrum of adult smoker preferences and rigorous regulatory requirements. For more information, see www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com.
Contacts
Philip Morris International
Media Office
T: +41 (0)58 242 4500
E: media@pmi.com

Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/4142/en

Confederate Fighter Creates Mayhem As Cool Motorcycle Punk, Mohawk, In Transformers: The Last Knight

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-Friday, June 23rd 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Confederate Motorcycles, creator of the world’s most exotic road-going machines, has announced that its most advanced motorcycle yet, the P51 Combat Fighter, has been included in the production of Transformers: The Last Knight.

The global luxury brand is excited to confirm that the Decepticon, Mohawk, will appear as a Fighter in its disguised vehicle form.

H. Matthew Chambers, CEO of Confederate Motorcycles, said: “The Fighter is pure yang power born to raise hell, so his transformation into the knife wielding, mayhem-causing, motorcycle punk is logical and interesting.”

Of the 61 Combat Collection special editions, each hand built by Confederate’s highly-skilled master craftsmen at its Birmingham headquarters, only two remain available for reservation.

Transformers: The Last Knight is now showing in theaters worldwide.

Confederate Motors, Inc. (CFED) is a rebel think tank 100% focused on creating the best and finest motorcycles with no compromise. Each motorcycle is handcrafted to be an heirloom work of art that looks and rides like rebellion itself. The enterprise is traded on the OTC under the symbol, CFED.

Contacts

Confederate Motors, Inc.
Jordan Cornille, 205-324-9888
info@confederate.com

Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/4132/en

SES Networks and Primacom to Deliver High Speed Broadband Connectivity to Vessels in Asia-Pacific

Primacom to double broadband speeds by efficiently leveraging SES Networks’ fully-managed Maritime+ service


LUXEMBOURG-Monday, June 26th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SES (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) announced today it has signed a multi-year agreement with leading Indonesian satellite communications provider Primacom (PT Primacom Interbuana). Primacom will use SES Networks’ Maritime+ service to deliver the highest levels of reliable high-speed broadband connectivity to vessels operating in Asia-Pacific region.

The innovative fully-managed service will enable Primacom to double broadband speeds for connecting vessels traversing international and domestic maritime routes within the Asia-Pacific region.

SES Networks’ Maritime+ service combines SES’s global ground and space infrastructure to deliver the highest levels of reliability and connectivity to vessels that are seeking connected and autonomous shipping operations.

“The managed Maritime+ service is an ideal fit for Primacom as it gives us the flexibility to allocate bandwidth based on the needs of our customers. The efficient use of capacity also allows our budget-conscious customers to run new applications for the first time. Thanks to this customised and cost-efficient service, we are now able to provide the reliable and seamless connectivity that vessels need while traversing across oceans,” said Rosjanto, Senior Vice President of Product Support Development Technical Division at Primacom.

Steve Collar, CEO at SES Networks, said, “Broadband satellite connectivity is critical to realising the potential of the growing maritime sector in Indonesia and Asia-Pacific. SES Networks’ Maritime+ service, coupled with an extensive global reach and ground network, enables Primacom to offer flexible, reliable connectivity services to its customers. The customisable and cost-effective platform makes access to high-speed connectivity at sea possible for local and international operators in the region, empowering them to tap the maritime market’s strong growth.”

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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

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Markus Payer, +352 710 725 500
Corporate Communications & PR
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