Friday, August 25, 2017

Announcement from SII Semiconductor Corporation: Change of Company Name



CHIBA, Japan-Friday, August 25th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SII Semiconductor Corporation (President: Nobumasa Ishiai, Head Office: Chiba-shi, Chiba; hereinafter “SII Semiconductor”), a subsidiary of Seiko Instruments Inc. (President: Hitoshi Murakami, Head Office: Chiba-shi, Chiba; hereinafter “SII”), that manufactures and sells semiconductors today announced that the company will change its company name to ABLIC Inc. in January 5, 2018.

SII Semiconductor was established in September 2015. Through a joint investment by Development Bank of Japan Inc. (President & CEO: Masanori Yanagi, Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter “DBJ”) in January 2016, SII Semiconductor has deployed and expanded its business by succeeding the SII’s semiconductor business. Currently the equity of SII Semiconductor is split to 60% for SII and 40% for DBJ, but SII will transfer its 30% of the equity to DBJ and DBJ will acquire 70% after January 2018. Taking advantage of this opportunity, SII Semiconductor has determined to change its company name for further growth and expansion of its business as a manufacturer specialized in analog semiconductors.

SII Semiconductor continues to strive for enhancing its development function as well as manufacturing capability for semiconductor products featuring low-current consumption, low-voltage operation, and ultra-small package technologies that have been honed in the SII’s well-established history, while promoting M&As, alliances, etc. to be an industry-leading analog semiconductor company on a global basis.

1. New Company Name and Logo

[Name]

ABLIC Inc.

[Logo]

The new company name is ABLIC, a word coined by combining ABLE and an IC (Integrated Circuit), meaning that semiconductor technologies make the impossible possible. The logo is a combination of an arrow pointing upward that expresses growth and a black diamond symbol that expresses an IC. It symbolizes the first initial of the company name, A, and a corporate attitude seeking to develop society as a whole with semiconductors.

2. Date of Changing Company Name

January 5, 2018 (scheduled)

3. Outline of Company

Name

SII Semiconductor Corporation

Capital
               

9,250 million yen

Date of establishment
               

September 28, 2015

Number of employees
               

832 (as of March 31, 2017)

Website
               

http://www.sii-ic.com/en/

Contacts

Seiko Instruments Inc.
Nobuo Abe, +81-43-211-1111 (Japanese inquiry only)
Corporate Communications
pr@sii.co.jp
Online Inquiry: https://krs.bz/sii/m/sii_inquiry_en

Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4425/en

WeWork Receives $4.4 Billion Investment from SoftBank Group and SoftBank Vision Fund

NEW YORK-Friday, August 25th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, WeWork Companies (“WeWork”) announced an agreement for a $4.4 billion investment from the SoftBank Group (“SoftBank”) and the SoftBank Vision Fund (“Vision Fund”).

This investment will accelerate WeWork’s ability to connect more people to WeWork's global community, which currently stands at approximately 150,000 members, as well as further expand WeWork’s physical presence across the globe.

“Masayoshi Son is a visionary business leader and we are humbled by this strong endorsement of our mission and purpose,” said Adam Neumann, Co-Founder and CEO of WeWork. “This support from SoftBank and the Vision Fund will provide even more opportunities for creators as we set out to humanize the way people work and live.”

“WeWork is leveraging the latest technologies and its own proprietary data systems to radically transform the way people work,” said Masayoshi Son, Chairman & CEO of SoftBank Group Corp. “Adam’s unique vision and talented team have created a sharing platform that offers maximum flexibility and opportunity to creators of all types, from young entrepreneurs to large multinational companies. We are thrilled to support WeWork as they expand across markets and geographies and unleash a new wave of productivity around the world.”

Overview of SoftBank and the Vision Fund’s Investment into WeWork:

    $3 billion investment in WeWork’s parent company via a primary investment in new shares and a secondary purchase of existing shares
    $1.4 billion investment in three newly created companies (previously announced), each controlled and managed by local WeWork management teams, which will fund WeWork’s expansion in China (WeWork China), Japan (WeWork Japan) and Southeast Asia and Korea (WeWork Pacific), respectively.

In connection with these transactions, Ronald D. Fisher, SoftBank Group Corp. Director and Vice Chairman, and Mark Schwartz, SoftBank Group Corp. External Director, former Vice Chairman of Goldman Sachs Group, and former Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asia, will join WeWork’s Board of Directors.

(All figures in USD)

About WeWork

WeWork is a community for creators, providing more than 150,000 members around the world with space, community, and services through both physical and virtual offerings. WeWork’s mission is to help create a world where people work to make a life, not just a living. WeWork currently has more than 160 physical locations in over 50 cities and 16 countries around the world. WeWork was founded in New York City in 2010 by Adam Neumann and Miguel McKelvey. Follow us @WeWork on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook or visit www.wework.com to find out more.

Contacts

Media Contacts:
WeWork
Dominic McMullan / Gwen Rocco / Rebecca McClain
press@wework.com
or
SoftBank
Japan: SoftBank Group
+81 3 6889 2300 or sbpr@softbank.co.jp
or
US: Sard Verbinnen & Co
Emily Claffey / Benjamin Spicehandler / Hannah Dunning
+1 212-687-8080 or SoftBank-SVC@sardverb.com

Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4427/en

Ford Names New Chairman and CEO for Ford China; New Vice President of Powertrain Engineering

 ● Jason Luo is named chairman and CEO of Ford China, leading the company’s operations in Greater China, including its import business, Lincoln Motor Company and joint venture operations

● Dave Filipe is appointed vice president, Powertrain Engineering, succeeding Bob Fascetti who has elected to retire




DEARBORN, Mich.-Friday, August 25th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ford Motor Company today announced a new chairman and CEO of Ford China and head of Powertrain Engineering as it continues to strengthen its global leadership team.

Jason Luo is named chairman and CEO Ford China. In his new role, Luo will lead all of the company’s operations in Greater China including its import business, Lincoln, its passenger car joint venture Changan Ford, commercial vehicle investment in Jiangling Motors Corporation, and our operations in Taiwan.

Luo, 51, joins Ford from Key Safety Systems, the fastest growing company in the automotive safety market, where he was global president and CEO for the past 10 years. While at Key Safety Systems, he led the business transformation and global expansion of the company and achieved significant revenue growth in China.

Luo will be based in Shanghai, reporting to Peter Fleet, Ford group vice president and president, Ford Asia Pacific.

“Jason’s leadership and track record of business growth and transformation in China make him the ideal person to lead Ford in the world’s largest vehicle market,” said Peter Fleet, Ford group vice president and president, Ford Asia Pacific. “He will help us raise our vision in China as we become more nimble and operationally fit, expand vehicle electrification and begin to localize Lincoln vehicle assembly.”

Ford also is announcing that David Filipe is appointed vice president, Powertrain Engineering. Filipe succeeds Bob Fascetti, who has elected to retire Oct. 1. Fascetti served nearly 30 years in Powertrain and Product Development improving Ford fuel economy and performance of Ford vehicles around the globe.

David Filipe, 50, is a 25-year Ford veteran who will be responsible for all powertrain engineering around the world. He will report to Hau Thai-Tang, executive vice president, Product Development and Purchasing.

Joining Ford in 1992, Filipe has held various positions within Product Development and several global leadership roles. Most recently, he served as the vehicle line director, North America trucks, large SUVs and commercial vehicles, which included responsibility for overseeing the development and launch of the 2017 Super Duty pickup truck, the 2018 Ford F-150, and the all-new 2018 Expedition.

“Dave’s broad experience in product around the world makes him an ideal successor to Bob Fascetti, who has made significant contributions to Ford, including leading the development of the entire Ford EcoBoost lineup,” said Hau Thai-Tang, executive vice president, Product Development and Purchasing. “We are grateful for his nearly 30 years of service and wish him well in the future.”

Both appointments are effective September 1.

Related Information            

    For biographical information and a photo of Jason Luo, click here.
    For biographical information and a photo of Bob Fascetti, click here.
    For biographical information and a photo of David Filipe, click here.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 203,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com.

Contacts

Ford Motor Company
Monique Brentley
313.594.3744
mbrentle@ford.com

Boehringer Ingelheim initiates Phase IIa study of compound acquired from Pharmaxis in debilitating liver disease NASH



INGELHEIM, Germany & SYDNEY-Thursday, August 24th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

    Boehringer Ingelheim commences Phase II program of investigational drug candidate BI 1467335 acquired from Pharmaxis with a 12 week Phase IIa proof of clinical principle study in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
    New study underscores Boehringer Ingelheim’s aspiration to deliver more first in class medicines with breakthrough potential for patients with cardio metabolic diseases
    Pharmaxis to receive €18 million milestone payment in a significant further endorsement of the company’s ability to generate value from its early stage pipeline.

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Boehringer Ingelheim and pharmaceutical company Pharmaxis (ASX: PXS) announce that Boehringer Ingelheim has initiated a European and North American Phase IIa trial in NASH with BI 1467335 (formerly known as PXS-4728A), acquired from Pharmaxis in May 2015. The compound is an oral inhibitor of amine oxidase, copper containing 3 (AOC3)1, and works by blocking leucocyte adhesion and tissue infiltration in inflammatory processes underlying NASH.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disorder in Western industrialized nations, and its more serious form NASH, is highly prevalent amongst patients with type 2 Diabetes. NASH is a major cause of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and is an area of high unmet medical need with no treatments currently available. The high prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity is expected to make NASH one of the most common causes of advanced liver disorders in coming decades. 25% of the general adult population in the world has NAFLD and the prevalence of NASH has been found to range from 1.5% to 6.45% in current research, a number twice as high as 20 years ago.

In 2016 Boehringer Ingelheim obtained Fast Track Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the development of BI 1467335 in NASH. Fast track is a process designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions which fill an unmet medical need. The designation provides opportunities for Boehringer Ingelheim to accelerate the development of this investigational drug candidate in NASH.

This Phase IIa trial is a multi-centre, double-blind design in 150 patients with clinical evidence of NASH. The primary objectives are to establish proof of clinical principle, investigate suitable dosing, and to evaluate the safety of BI 1467335. Patients will be randomized to either one of four dosages of BI 1467335 or to placebo for a 12-week treatment period.2 A subsequent Phase IIb study will seek to confirm and extend these findings.

Dr. Christopher Corsico, Chief Medical Officer Boehringer Ingelheim Boehringer Ingelheim commented, “Advancing BI 1467335 into Phase II clinical research is important news for patients with NASH. Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to developing novel therapeutics designed to address unmet medical need and improve public health. Boehringer Ingelheim looks forward to further studying this novel compound in NASH patients“.

Boehringer Ingelheim has a long history of excellence in the discovery and development of medicines for cardiometabolic disease patients. It has established a broad portfolio of marketed products for thromboembolic diseases, type 2 diabetes, acute myocardial infarction, hypertension and cardio-renal risk reduction. The cardiometabolic diseases pipeline extends beyond type 2 diabetes and anticoagulation with a focus on innovative drugs for the treatment of the devastating consequences of diabetes.

Pharmaxis CEO Mr. Gary Phillips said, “Pharmaxis selected Boehringer Ingelheim as our partner for PXS-4728A both because of the company’s reputation as a leader in cardio metabolic research and development, and its outstanding track record in advancing external research. Today’s announcement of the start of this Phase IIa clinical trial for NASH is excellent news and is very significant for Pharmaxis. It triggers the payment of an €18 million (A$27m) milestone to Pharmaxis and opens the path to a total of €195 million in milestone payments as the drug progresses through development and approval for this indication. The initiation of Phase II trials in a second indication later this year by Boehringer Ingelheim can bring the total potential value of the partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim to €418.5m (A$627m) plus sales milestones and high single digit earn-out payments on annual net sales.”

Please click on the link below for ‘Notes to Editors and References’:

http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/press-release/phase-iia-initiation-nash

Contacts

Boehringer Ingelheim
Dr. Reinhard Malin
Head of Communications Innovation Unit
Phone: +49 (6132) 77-90815
reinhard.malin@boehringer-ingelheim.com

or

Pharmaxis
Felicity Moffatt
Phone: +61 418 677 701
felicity.moffatt@pharmaxis.com.au

IBC’s Big Screen to Explore the Future of Camera and Display Technologies and the Business Behind Cinema

 -Baby Driver announced as Big Screening-


LONDON-Wednesday, August 23rd 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IBC today announced the details of its Big Screen programme, taking place in a specially built auditorium designed to IBC’s specifications and featuring the very latest in cinema technology. With the latest Dolby Vision dramatic imaging and Dolby Atmos immersive audio sound installation, the four-day programme examines and demonstrates the hottest topics, themes, and insights surrounding the art, science, and business of cinema - from capture through to exhibition.

As well as being the home of the Big Screen programme, the auditorium will screen in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, Baby Driver, the acclaimed Edgar Wright feature from 2017.

The programme for 2017, which has been shaped by a committee of global industry professionals, is an insightful examination of the future of cinema. From virtual reality in cinema to laser and camera assessments, visitors will get up to speed on evolving technology and how this impacts the business of cinema. Highlighted sessions include:

Future camera and display technologies and applications leading to AV/VR, immersive media and holography – 16 September 11.00 – 12.30. Known for his work on X-Men, leading cinematographer, VFX supervisor and author David Stump, and Light Field Lab’s Jon Karafin (Alice in Wonderland and Transformers), light field visionary and motion picture technology innovator, will discuss how content creators can explore and be empowered with these new methods and technologies.

Event cinema on steroids: shooting and delivering HDR and immersive audio alternative content to the Big Screen – 15 September 16.00 – 17.00. This session will look at sports’ largest global event the UEFA Champions League football final that took place in Cardiff on 3rd June 2017. BT Sport achieved the mammoth task of shooting and broadcasting this event in both HDR and immersive audio live to homes and for the first time to a cinema screening room. The session will screen highlights of the broadcast in the Dolby Vision and Atmos-equipped Big Screen Auditorium. Speakers from BT Sport, Dolby and Event Cinema Association will explore how the boundaries of theatrical and non-theatrical disciplines are merging.

The business of cinema will be explored and debated during the International Business Insights sessions that take place on 18 September. Highlights include:

    Who is your cinema audience in 2017? This session focuses on new and cutting-edge research that examines the movie going behaviours and attitudes of key audience segments – Millennials, families and older adults. Chaired by Patrick von Sychowski, Editor of Celluloid Junkie, with speakers from UNIC, Devicescape and Movio.
    The Digital Journey of a Cinemagoer – exploring how the customer journey is evolving and what the cinema industry needs to do to break through to today’s audiences and drive measureable business results. Speakers come from Vue Netherlands, Nordisk Film Cinemas and Gruvi.
    Innovation and the Big Screen Experience – this session looks at recent innovations such as 4DX and VR and the potential impact on cinema going, including asking whether these new technologies will increase attendance and probability or if they are they short lived novelties.

The Big Screen is also home to hugely popular screenings each year. One of the movies for 2017 will be the Edgar Wright action comedy Baby Driver. Released in June, the film stars Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jon Hamm and Jamie Foxx. Upon release, the film received critical acclaim and has grossed $166 million worldwide against a production budget of $34 million, becoming Wright's highest-grossing film as a director.

## ENDS ##

About IBC

IBC is the world’s leading media, entertainment and technology show. It attracts 55,000+ attendees from more than 170 countries and combines a highly respected and peer-reviewed conference with an exhibition that showcases more than 1,700 leading suppliers of state of the art electronic media and entertainment technology.

IBC2017 Dates

Conference:
   


   

14 – 18 September 2017
   

Exhibition:
         

15 – 19 September 2017
   

For more information about IBC2017 visit: https://show.ibc.org/

Contacts

For further information, please contact:
Louise Wells, Bubble Communications for IBC
E: louisew@bubbleagency.com
T: +44 7718 985 252

GN Hearing Announces Availability of Rechargeable Solution for the Recently Launched ReSound LiNX 3D

Providing Users Even More Choice in Personalizing Their Hearing Care Experience


(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GN Hearing introduces a rechargeable battery option for the revolutionary ReSound LiNX 3D hearing aids. Available in North America and other major markets from September 1, the rechargeable battery solution gives ReSound users even more options to choose from. The rechargeable option is also available for Beltone Trust in North America, and from September 1 this will be extended to other major markets.

ReSound LiNX 3D Rechargeable – More Than Just Another Rechargeable Hearing Aid

The rechargeable battery option is made available based on a deep understanding of user expectations, and a commitment to empower users to choose the solution best suited for their needs and preferences. Today’s announcement follows GN Hearing’s release of the innovative 5th generation 2.4 GHz wireless technology ReSound LiNX 3D hearing aids, which offer unmatched sound quality, an enhanced fitting experience, and groundbreaking comprehensive and unique remote fine-turning, giving users a new hearing care experience.

Widely available through hearing care providers, the rechargeable battery accessory adds to an already full ReSound ecosystem of solutions. ReSound LiNX 3D rechargeable has all of the benefits of ReSound LiNX 3D, now combined with the all-day power of a rechargeable battery. With overnight charging, users will experience the advantage of all-day power, without the need to change batteries. In addition, users will save time and effort with less impact on the environment, giving them freedom, convenience and confidence.

“GN Hearing is pleased to provide yet another option for hearing aid users, built on our commitment to providing unmatched sound quality and user experience,” said Anders Hedegaard, President & CEO GN Hearing. “This new rechargeable battery solution allows hearing care professionals to offer an additional option to their clients, and gives hearing aids users even more choices to tailor their hearing experience to their unique preferences,” he added.

For more information please visit www.resound.com.

About GN Hearing

GN Hearing A/S is the medical device division of the GN Group, a global leader in intelligent audio solutions. The company leads the industry in superior sound quality and connectivity. Founded in 1869, the GN Group employs more than 5,000 people worldwide, and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (GN.CO). GN Hearing is dedicated to making life sound better and developing meaningful solutions that transform lives through the power of sound.



Contacts

GN Hearing
Investor Relations
Peter Justesen
+45 4030 7879
pjustesen@gn.com
or
Media Relations
Lars Otto Andersen-Lange
+45 2484 8782
loalange@gn.com




Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4419/en

Thursday, August 24, 2017

NMC Health to Operate and Manage Emirates Healthcare Assets

 Revenues from O&M contracts to exceed AED 70 million



ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates-Thursday, August 24th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

Emirates Healthcare, a leading healthcare provider owned by Abu Dhabi investment group KBBO, has announced signing an operating and management contract with NMC Health, the leading integrated healthcare provider operating across the United Arab Emirates, for the management of Emirates Healthcare assets.

Yazen Abu Gulal, CEO of KBBO Group and Emirates Hospital Chairman commented, “We are particularly pleased to have NMC Health, a prestigious and recognised brand, handle the operations and management of Emirates Healthcare’s assets. Our expansion strategy and vision is to provide the highest level of care for our customers and the expertise of NMC Health in operations and management has made them an ideal partner to provide a world-class experience.”

Emirates Healthcare assets that fall under this agreement include recognisable brands such as CosmeSurge, which provides cosmetic medical services in the UAE and the UK, as well as Emirates Hospitals and Clinics which provide medical services across six emirates in the UAE. It also includes Emirates Rehab and Homecare Services, a division that provides home nursing, rehabilitation, therapeutic care and home-based care with a presence in the UAE, Slovakia and Oman.

“Top international bodies responsible for regulating and governing healthcare provided positive feedback on NMC Health’s track record in all aspects of managing the operations of major medical institutions. The phenomenal reputation of NMC Health informed our decision to sign over the management of Emirates Hospitals and Clinics, CosmeSurge and Emirates Rehab & Homecare Services. With this signing, we look forward to the future of these assets with great anticipation,” added Abu Gulal.

CEO of NMC Health, Prasanth Manghat, stated, “The brands under Emirates Healthcare are among the most well-known in this market, and NMC Health is delighted to help bolster that reputation by streamlining their operations. We take great pride in the signing of this contract as it signifies NMC Health is rightfully recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry for its innovative management solutions and outstanding customer service. We look forward to working with Emirates

Healthcare to help them achieve the vision of their management team and that of KBBO Group, setting the standard for the entire healthcare industry within the UAE.”

NMC Health is now managing multiple private and public sector healthcare facilities across varied geographies, with total annual revenues from O&M verticals set to reach USD $19m.

Contacts

SAHARA Communications

Farah Al Obaidi, Head of Media Relations

+971503323158, farah@saharagcc.com      

www.SaharaGcc.com



















Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4422/en