The first Issuing of JCB Ultimate Credit Card in Vietnam

December 24, 2017, 8:30 pm

≫ Next: Mitsubishi Corporation Participates in Real Estate Development Project in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

≪ Previous: MHI: Basic Agreement Reached with JTEKT toward Tie-up in Machine Tool Business

Ho Chi Minh City and Tokyo, Dec 25, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Sacombank, one of the largest commercial banks in Vietnam and JCB International Co. Ltd. (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd. ("JCB"), today announced the launch of Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Card in Vietnam.

This is the highest line of JCB for individual customers in Vietnam with income from 80 million VND per month with special promotion and premium privileges to bring the experience of luxury life.

For the promotion, Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Cardholders receive cashback for all transactions on the weekends in specific merchant categories such as restaurant and supermarket, at the rate of 15% for overseas spending, 10% for domestic spending and 0.5% for spending on the weekdays. In addition, cardholders are offered a special dish when dining at high-end Japanese restaurant merchants.

Moreover, Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Cardholders are entitled to a number of other privileges such as travel insurance packages around the world up to 10.5 billion; free use of over 57 lounges in Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, and Thailand; refund 0.5% of all expenditures in addition to food expenses; 24 hours/7 days a week global support through a free hotline when booking car rental, hotel, restaurant, golf in Japan.

About Sacombank

Established on December 21, 1991, Sacombank is now one of the Top 5 banks in Vietnam with the strategy of becoming the leading modern universal retail bank in the region in which focusing on safety, efficiency and sustainability. Sacombank's chartered capital is over VND 18,852 billion. Sacombank has advantages of operation network with 566 transaction points in 48/63 provinces in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Sacombank is deploying more than 100 credit card products, deposits, loans, services, foreign exchange... for all individual customers and businesses. Especially, the system of issuing and managing international standard cards and e-banking system with many advanced optimization utilities are being considered as one of the most advanced in Vietnam. In addition, Sacombank is also continuously implementing preferential loan packages, connecting banks and enterprises in order to contribute to stabilizing the market, meeting the demand for capital for business development, import-export and consumption needs. Sacombank is particularly committed to cooperating with partners in various fields such as insurance, real estate, telecommunications, education, health, food, transport, agriculture... to develop specialized product lines in order to exploit the potential of retail market in Vietnam.

About JCB

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading payment card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and card member base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to provide responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/

Contact
Sacombank
Customer Service Center
Tel: +84 28 1900 555588
Email: ask@sacombank.com

JCB Co., Ltd.
Kumiko Kida
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-5778-8353
Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp

↧

Mitsubishi Corporation Participates in Real Estate Development Project in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

December 26, 2017, 12:16 am

≫ Next: DOCOMO to Offer Foreigners Visiting Japan Free Access to Mobile Phone Network via Prepaid SIM

≪ Previous: The first Issuing of JCB Ultimate Credit Card in Vietnam

TOKYO, Dec 26, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement on its participation in a residential development project underway in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. The project is being developed by Phuc Khang Investment and Construction Corporation (PK), a real estate developer in Vietnam. MC is already engaged the real estate development business in two cities in Vietnam - Binh Duong in the suburbs of HCMC and Hanoi, but this project will be its first in central HCMC, the country's largest real estate market.

The project is located just 4 km southwest of the center of HCMC and is being developed by PK. The complex boasts distinctive features, including all units having the highly popular river view as well as high-performance functions that are quite advanced in Vietnam such as energy-efficient and water-saving technology, greening and insulation, among others. The project is mainly targeting HCMC's rapidly growing middle class.

HCMC is the largest city in Vietnam, both in terms of population and economic scale. With steady economic growth resulting in an expanding middle class and accelerating demand for infrastructure development, including new urban transportation systems, the HCMC market is expected to continue seeing an increase in the demand for housing and other real estate. Starting with this project, MC's aim is to continue working with PK to execute other real estate projects in HCMC.

About Mitsubishi Corporation

Mitsubishi Corporation (MC; TSE: 8058) is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates businesses across virtually every industry including industrial finance, energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, foods, and environmental business. MC's current activities are expanding far beyond its traditional trading operations as its diverse business ranges from natural resources development to investment in retail business, infrastructure, financial products and manufacturing of industrial goods. With over 200 bases of operations in approximately 80 countries worldwide and a network of over 500 group companies, MC employs a multinational workforce of nearly 60,000 people. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishicorp.com.

Contact:
Mitsubishi Corporation
Telephone: +81-3-3210-2171 
Facsimile: +81-3-5252-7705

↧

DOCOMO to Offer Foreigners Visiting Japan Free Access to Mobile Phone Network via Prepaid SIM

December 26, 2017, 12:39 am

≫ Next: FDA approves Nanobiotix's first Immuno-Oncology trial

≪ Previous: Mitsubishi Corporation Participates in Real Estate Development Project in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Service Image

- Third-party ad views to cover cost of access to DOCOMO network -

TOKYO, Dec 26, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today its Japan Welcome SIMTM series will introduce Plan 0 to allow overseas visitors in Japan to access the Internet for free via the DOCOMO mobile network, from December 26. The free service will initially be available in Hokkaido and Niigata prefectures, after which other areas will be added sequentially.

Along with the addition of Plan 0, Japan Welcome SIM's Plan 1000 and Plan 1700 will be renamed as Plan S and Plan M respectively, and a Plan L will be newly added for large-volume users of high-speed data communications. These changes will also apply from December 26.

DOCOMO has launched various fee-based plans for Japan Welcome SIM since July, but Plan 0 is the first free plan in the series. Customers can qualify for the free service by viewing designated advertisements in their home countries before visiting Japan. Plan 0 is being offered in collaboration with local governments and business partners that are interested in targeting specific foreign visitors through advertisements and by setting various conditions for service usage, such as application periods, SIM pick-up periods, SIM handover locations, total SIMs to be offered, and more.

Service Image
http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_DOCOMOServiceImage.jpg

Japan Welcome SIM is provided as a 3-in-1 SIM card compatible with regular, micro and nano formats. Access to the DOCOMO network is provided for 15 days under various plans -- Plan 0, Plan S, Plan M and Plan L. Plan 0 offers free Internet in exchange for viewing a certain number of video ads and completing a survey prior to arriving in Japan. Ad-free access at 128 Kbps is available for Yen 1,080 (Plan S), or high-speed (max. 788 Mbps(1)) 4G access is available with Plan M (Yen 1,836 for 600 MB) and Plan L (Yen 2,376 for 1.2 GB). Users can continue to enjoy the high-speed service by topping up their SIMs for Yen 216 (100 MB), Yen 756 (500 MB) or Yen 1,296 (1 GB). Alternatively, the SIMs can be topped up with free high-speed data through methods such as watching video ads or completing surveys. Even after purchased high-speed data amounts have been used up, access to the network is still available at 128 Kbps for the remainder of the 15-day period.

Japan Welcome SIM applications are accepted in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Thai at New windowhttps://docomo.prepaid-sim.jp/lp (credit card registration required).

(1) The data rate shown is the theoretical maximum downlink speed available in certain locations throughout Japan. Access is provided on a best-effort basis and actual speeds May vary depending on the transmission environment, network traffic, and type of device used.

For information on compatible devices and other conditions of use, please visit New windowhttps://docomo.prepaid-sim.jp/faq/lp and refer to the applicable FAQ section.

Prices shown include tax.

DOCOMO makes stays in Japan more convenient and enjoyable by offering visiting tourists and businesspeople data communication options and a translation service that leverages artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. DOCOMO also supports the stimulation and revitalization of regional economies through its "+d" initiatives for the creation of new value through collaboration with various partners.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO provides innovative, convenient and secure mobile services that enable smarter living for each customer. The company serves over 65 million mobile customers in Japan via advanced wireless networks, including a nationwide 3G network and one of the world's first commercial LTE networks. Leveraging its unique capabilities as a mobile operator, DOCOMO is a leading developer of cutting-edge technologies for NFC mobile payments, mobile GPS, mobile TV, intuitive mobile assistance, environmental monitoring, smart grids and much more. Overseas, the company provides technical and operational expertise to eight mobile operators and other partner companies. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. Please visit https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/ for more information.

Contact:
NTT DOCOMO
International PR
Public Relations Department
Tel: +81-3-5156-1366    
Fax: +81-3-5501-3408
URL: www.nttdocomo.com
Contact: https://nes.nttdocomo.co.jp/PINQ01/showinquiry.do

↧

FDA approves Nanobiotix's first Immuno-Oncology trial

December 25, 2017, 7:15 pm

≫ Next: Nanobiotix: 2017 review and 2018 expected milestones

≪ Previous: DOCOMO to Offer Foreigners Visiting Japan Free Access to Mobile Phone Network via Prepaid SIM

A Phase I/II Study of NBTXR3 Activated by Radiation Therapy (SABR) for Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer or Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cancer Treated with an Anti-PD1 Antibody (Nivolumab or Pembrolizumab)
- First Nanobiotix immuno-oncology trial will be conducted in the U.S.
- Multi-arm trial targets sub-population of advanced and metastatic lung (NSCLC), and head and neck cancer patients (HNSCC).
- Evaluation of NBTXR3's potential to turn anti-PD1 inhibitor (nivolumab or pembrolizumad) non-responders at 12 weeks into responders
- Trial will also include Head & Neck (HNSCC) cancer patients that are anti-PD1 inhibitor naive
- Expands the potential for NBTXR3 to help locoregionally recurrent or metastatic disease patients through reirradiation or treatment in a single lung or liver metastase

Paris, France and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, Dec 26, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - NANOBIOTIX (Euronext: NANO - ISIN: FR0011341205), a late clinical-stage nanomedicine company pioneering new approaches to the treatment of cancer, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its Investigational New Drug (IND) Application for NBTXR3, a first-in-class nanoparticle designed for direct injection into cancerous tumors, activated by stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) and administered in combination with an anti-PD1 antibody (nivolumab or pembrolizumab).

Laurent Levy, CEO of Nanobiotix, stated: "The FDA's approval of Nanobiotix's IND application for this trial is a major milestone for our Company. We're ready and excited to launch our first immuno-oncology clinical trial in the U.S. combining NBTXR3 with a checkpoint inhibitor. Advancing our demonstration of NBTXR3's potential to turn checkpoint inhibitor non-responders into responders could be game-changing, and the approach could address the unmet medical needs of a significant number of patients. Based on existing pre-clinical and clinical data, NBTXR3 could become a backbone in immuno-oncology."

The IND approval enables Nanobiotix to initiate NBTXR3-1100, a Phase I/II prospective, multi-center, open-label, and non-randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of NBTXR3 activated by SABR combined with checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab or pembrolizumab). NBTXR3-1100 includes three cohorts of patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), or with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study will be conducted in two consecutive phases. The first of these will be dose escalation, followed by a dose expansion phase. The study will seek to enroll between 36 to 72 patients in Phase I and 40 patients in Phase II.

NBTXR3-1100's dose escalation phase is based on a classical 3+3 Phase I study and planned as a 3-level program to identify the appropriate dose of NBTXR3 injected into the tumor as well as the activation dose of SABR. While NBTXR3 and Radiotherapy doses will be escalated, the anti-PD1 antibody dose will remain constant. One approved anti-PD1 antibody for the dose expansion phase will be selected based on the preliminary risk-benefit ratio assessment observed in Phase I portion of the trial.

Primary and secondary endpoints will evaluate efficacy and safety, while exploratory endpoints further characterize the treatment-induced genomic alterations previously reported, including enriched cytokine activity and markers of adaptive immune response and T-cell receptor signaling pathways.

The NBTXR3-1100 trial will be led by coordinating investigator Tanguy Seiwert, M.D., of The University of Chicago Medical Center, and principal investigator Jared Weiss, M.D., of The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.

The potential for immuno-oncology agents to boost immune system response by priming it for active attack against tumor cells has long been a source of excitement.

While the response to checkpoint inhibitors in so-called "hot" tumors, infiltrated by T-cells and characterized by an inflammatory profile, has been striking with long-lasting clinical benefits in some cancer patients, most patients exhibit little or no response to existing treatments.

According to published data, only 15% to 20% of non-small-cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC), and 13% to 22% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients (NHSCC) respond to current immunotherapy treatments.

The physical mode of action by which NBTXR3 works induces a different immunogenicity and could be the key to significantly increasing the number of cancer patients who can benefit from immuno-oncology therapies.

As presented earlier this year at ASCO & SITC 2017, NBTXR3 activated by radiotherapy was shown to induce a specific adaptive immune pattern that could potentially convert a non-responder into an immune-responsive patient receptive to treatment with available checkpoint inhibitors.

On top of NBTXR3's core developments as a single agent across seven oncology indications, Nanobiotix's immuno-oncology combination program opens the door to new developments, potential new indications, and important value creation opportunities.

The first patient first visit in the potentially paradigm changing trial is expected in Q2 2018 with first expected results in the summer of 2019.

About Nanobiotix's immuno-oncology research program

Many IO combination strategies focus on 'priming' the tumor, which is now becoming a prerequisite of turning a "cold" tumor into a "hot" tumor.

Compared to other modalities that could be used for priming the tumor, NBTXR3 could have a number of advantages: the physical and universal mode of action that could be used widely across oncology, the one-time local injection and good fit within existing medical practice already used as a basis for cancer treatment, as well as a promising chronic safety profile and well-established manufacturing process.

After 18 months of development, the Company presented preclinical proof of concept demonstrating that NBTXR3 actively stimulates the host immune system to attack tumor cells.

Recently, Nanobiotix presented new translational data. Taken together, these non-clinical and preliminary clinical results confirm that NBTXR3 activated by radiotherapy could efficiently prime an adaptive antitumor immune response, turning "cold" tumors in "hot" tumors. Additionally, these results suggest that the physically-induced response and subsequent immune activation triggered by the NBTXR3 treatment could be generic. Results suggest that NBTXR3 activated by radiotherapy could transform tumors into an effective in situ vaccine, opening up very promising perspectives in the treatment of local cancer and metastases.

On top of the Company's core development activities, these findings could open new collaborations for NBTXR3 through combinations with other immuno-oncology drugs.

About NBTXR3

NBTXR3 is an injectable aqueous suspension of hafnium oxide nanoparticles designed as an innovative therapeutic agent for the treatment of solid tumors, currently in clinical development by Nanobiotix.

Once injected intratumorally, NBTXR3 can deposit high energy within tumors only when activated by an ionizing radiation source, notably radiotherapy. Upon activation, the high energy radiation is physically designed to kill the tumor cells by triggering DNA damage and cell destruction and improve clinical outcomes.

Promising results indicate that NBTXR3 activity could be applicable across solid tumors triggering immunogenic cell death, leading to an immune response, reinforcing a local and potentially systemic effect, and contributing to transform "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors. NBTXR3's major characteristics are represented by a high degree of biocompatibility, one single administration before and during the whole therapy and the ability to fit into current standards of radiotherapy care.

NBTXR3 entered clinical development in 2011 in a Phase I/II with patients suffering from advanced soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities and is currently in the final stages of its subsequent phase II/III. In parallel, it is currently being tested in numerous Phase I/II clinical trials with patients suffering from locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx (head and neck), liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastasis), locally advanced or unresectable rectal cancer in combination with chemotherapy, head and neck cancer in combination with concurrent chemotherapy, and prostate adenocarcinoma.

About NANOBIOTIX: www.nanobiotix.com

Nanobiotix (Euronext: NANO / ISIN: FR0011341205) is a late clinical-stage nanomedicine company pioneering novel approaches to the treatment of cancer. The Company's first-in-class, proprietary technology, NanoXray, enhances radiotherapy energy with a view to providing a new, more efficient treatment for cancer patients.

NanoXray products are compatible with current radiotherapy treatments and are meant to treat potentially a wide variety of solid tumors including soft tissue sarcoma, head and neck cancers, liver cancers, prostate cancer, breast cancer, glioblastoma, etc., via multiple routes of administration.

NBTXR3 is being evaluated in: Soft tissue sarcoma (STS), head and neck cancers, prostate cancer, and liver cancers (primary and metastases). Additionally, head and neck cancer and rectal cancer trials led by Nanobiotix's Taiwanese partner, PharmaEngine, are underway in the Asia Pacific region.

The Company is also running research programs in immuno-oncology, with its lead product NBTXR3, which could have the potential to bring a new dimension to cancer immunotherapies.

Nanobiotix is listed on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (ISIN: FR0011341205, Euronext ticker: NANO, Bloomberg: NANO: FP). The Company's Headquarters are based in Paris, France, with a U.S. affiliate in Cambridge, MA.

Contact

Nanobiotix
Sarah Gaubert
Director, Communications & Public Affairs
+33 (0)1 40 26 07 55
sarah.gaubert@nanobiotix.com / contact@nanobiotix.com

Noel Kurdi
Director, Investor Relations
+1 (646) 241-4400
noel.kurdi@nanobiotix.com / investors@nanobiotix.com

Media relations
France - Springbok Consultants
Marina Rosoff
+33 (0)6 71 58 00 34
marina@springbok.fr

United States - RooneyPartners
Marion Janic
+1 (212) 223-4017
mjanic@rooneyco.com

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Nanobiotix and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Nanobiotix considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in the reference document of Nanobiotix filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers) under number D.17-0470 on April 28, 2017 (a copy of which is available on www.nanobiotix.com) and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Nanobiotix operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Nanobiotix or not currently considered material by Nanobiotix. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Nanobiotix to be materially different from such forward-looking statements.

This press release and the information that it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for, Nanobiotix shares in any country. At the moment NBTXR3 does not bear a CE mark and is not permitted to be placed on the market or put into service until NBTXR3 has obtained a CE mark.

↧

Nanobiotix: 2017 review and 2018 expected milestones

December 25, 2017, 7:50 pm

≫ Next: MHI to License CO2 Capture Technology to Major Russian Chemical Company Metafrax

≪ Previous: FDA approves Nanobiotix's first Immuno-Oncology trial

Paris, France and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, Dec 26, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - NANOBIOTIX (Euronext: NANO - ISIN: FR0011341205), a late clinical-stage nanomedicine company pioneering novel approaches for the local treatment of cancer, today provides a recap of its activities and achievements in 2017 and an overview of its anticipated 2018 milestones.

- Strong news flow anticipated for 2018
- Acceleration and expansion of clinical development
- First data showing strong potential of NBTXR3 lead product in high risk elderly H&N patients
- Progress in first European market approval but notified body requests more time to finalize technical evaluation
- Completion of recruitment of Soft Tissue Sarcoma PII/III
- Structuration of company to become a fully integrated pharma company
- EUR 52M raised with two private placements
- From first data in new immuno-oncology program to FDA approval to start a first clinical trial combining NBTXR3 and anti-PD1 antibody

I - 2017 Review

Regulatory and premarket activities

- CE mark progress, December update
Nanobiotix, in accordance with the notified body for medical devices (LNE/G-MED), has followed a pathway for CE marking that involves two steps within Annex II: The conformity of the full quality assurance system and the product technical file.

As part of the Annex II process, LNE/G-MED audited Nanobiotix in October 2017 regarding the design, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the product. No major findings were identified by the auditors, which presumably puts the Company in a good position to obtain Annex II.

Regarding the technical file, LNE/G-MED recently informed us they would need a few more months to finalize the evaluation required for CE marking.

- Medical Affairs activities
Nanobiotix established in the second half of 2017 a strong international team of experienced medical science liaison officers to support the dissemination of knowledge and the use of NBTXR3 within the international medical community prior to approval. To support these developments, Nanobiotix recently opened two new affiliates in Europe, in Germany and in Spain.

- Nanobiotix opens new manufacturing facility
In November 2017, Nanobiotix expanded its manufacturing capabilities to increase its production capacities for the commercial launch and clinical trials needs. This new facility is located in the Villejuif BioPark, a scientific research and innovation center just outside of Paris, France. The new facility will supplement the existing capacities.

NBTXR3's development

- Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS) Phase II/III, "Act.In.Sarc" pivotal trial (www.actinsarc.com)
March 2017, positive interim analysis: pre-planned interim analysis was based on the results of two-thirds of the patients included - 104 out of a total of 156 patients were analyzed. Based on the available safety and efficacy data, the Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended the continuation of the ongoing Phase II/III trial of NBTXR3 in soft tissue sarcoma.

October 2017: Nanobiotix completed patient inclusion for the Phase II/III trial. The Company expects to present the results of this trial in Q2 2018.

- Phase I/II head and neck trial in high risk elderly patients
June 2017: Nanobiotix presented first results from its Phase I/II head and neck cancer trial with NBTXR3 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) annual meeting.
Good safety and promising signs of efficacy and long-term control: The results showed a very good safety profile for NBTXR3 with no Adverse Events (AEs) and no Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) in frail elderly patients with stage III/IV cancer, seven out of nine patients achieved a Complete Response at a 10% dose level or more. Patient follow-up showed a potential impact on long-term disease control.

July 2017, in light of the promising results, Nanobiotix filed a protocol amendment to include 44 additional patients. Up to 15 additional sites in Europe would be added for this expansion phase.

November 2017 Prof. Christophe Le Tourneau, the trial's Principal Investigator, presented an update during the Trends in Head and Neck Oncology conference (THNO), with a patient median follow up of 14.2 months, confirming the potential impact of NBTXR3 on the long-term response of the treatment.

- Immuno-oncology Program
Preclinical data presented at three major international conferences in 2017 demonstrating that NBTXR3 activated by radiotherapy could generate an adaptive antitumor immune response, turning "cold" tumors in "hot" tumors:
-- American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2017, Washington D.C
-- "Immunotherapy workshop - Incorporating Radiation Oncology into Immunotherapy" co-sponsored by the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), Bethesda
-- Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting, National Harbor

November 2017, first human data presented at SITC showing that NBTXR3 could transform a cold tumor into a hot tumor in Soft Tissue Sarcoma. In November, Nanobiotix presented new clinical data confirming NBTXR3's significant potential role in immuno-oncology at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting.

These data showed the potential of NBTXR3 to transform "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors. They showed that NBTXR3 activated by radiotherapy induces a different and significant adaptive immune pattern versus radiotherapy in patients with soft tissue sarcoma.

These clinical and preclinical data indicate that NBTXR3 could play a key role in immuno-oncology.

- December 2017: FDA approved Nanobiotix' IND application for a study of NBTXR3 activated by Radiotherapy in combination with anti-PD1 antibody in lung, and head and neck cancer patients
Nanobiotix will start in Q2 2018 a new phase I/II clinical trial with NBTXR3 activated by radiotherapy in combination with anti-PD1 antibody in the U.S. The multi-arm trial will include locoregional recurrent and/or metastatic lung, and head and neck cancer patients that are either anti-PD1 naive or non responders at 12 weeks. The phase II portion of the trial will investigate the potential of NBTXR3 to transform anti-PD1 non-responders into responders and increase responses of anti-PD1 antibody in locoregional recurrent HNSCC amenable to re-irradiation.

Corporate and financial events

- Nanobiotix appointed senior executive from pharmaceutical industry, as Chief Operating Officer
At the beginning of 2017, Nanobiotix appointed Alain Dostie, an oncology industry veteran from the pharmaceutical industry, as Chief Operating Officer to oversee NBTXR3 product development and commercialization.

- EUR 52M raised with two private placements
Nanobiotix realized two private placements in order to support the acceleration and the expansion of the development and commercialization plan and to expend its financial visibility. These operations opened the opportunity for Nanobiotix to welcome new European and U.S. qualified biotech investors. The cumulated amount of money raised is about EUR 52.3 M.

II - 2018 Forthcoming news flow: selected milestones

2018 should be another year of growth for Nanobiotix with multiple new and ongoing projects!

- First presentation of liver Phase I/II trial data (primary and metastasis) to be presented at ASCO-GI
- First patient recruitment in Phase I/II clinical trial in the US looking at the potential of NBTXR3 to transform anti-PD1 non responders into responders. The multi-arm trial will include recurrent and/or metastatic lung, and head & neck cancer patients
- Presentation of the results of Phase II/III STS, after last patient has been treated and the analysis is complete
- First market approval in Europe, CE marking
- Interim update from Phase I/II head and neck cancer trial with high risk elderly patients
- Additional news on other clinical trials and programs

About NBTXR3

NBTXR3 is an injectable aqueous suspension of hafnium oxide nanoparticles designed as an innovative therapeutic agent for the treatment of solid tumors, currently in clinical development by Nanobiotix.

Once injected intratumorally, NBTXR3 can deposit high energy within tumors only when activated by an ionizing radiation source, notably radiotherapy. Upon activation, the high energy radiation is physically designed to kill the tumor cells by triggering DNA damage and cell destruction and improve clinical outcomes.

Promising results indicate that NBTXR3 activity could be applicable across solid tumors triggering immunogenic cell death, leading to an immune response, reinforcing a local and potentially systemic effect, and contributing to transform "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors. NBTXR3's major characteristics are represented by a high degree of biocompatibility, one single administration before and during the whole therapy and the ability to fit into current standards of radiotherapy care.

NBTXR3 entered clinical development in 2011 in a Phase I/II with patients suffering from advanced soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities and is currently in the final stages of its subsequent phase II/III. In parallel, it is currently being tested in numerous Phase I/II clinical trials with patients suffering from locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx (head and neck), liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastasis), locally advanced or unresectable rectal cancer in combination with chemotherapy, head and neck cancer in combination with concurrent chemotherapy, and prostate adenocarcinoma.

About NANOBIOTIX: www.nanobiotix.com

Nanobiotix (Euronext: NANO / ISIN: FR0011341205) is a late clinical-stage nanomedicine company pioneering novel approaches to the treatment of cancer. The Company's first-in-class, proprietary technology, NanoXray, enhances radiotherapy energy with a view to providing a new, more efficient treatment for cancer patients.

NanoXray products are compatible with current radiotherapy treatments and are meant to treat potentially a wide variety of solid tumors including soft tissue sarcoma, head and neck cancers, liver cancers, prostate cancer, breast cancer, glioblastoma, etc., via multiple routes of administration.

NBTXR3 is being evaluated in: soft tissue sarcoma (STS), head and neck cancers, prostate cancer, and liver cancers (primary and metastases). Additionally, head and neck cancer and rectal cancer trials led by Nanobiotix's Taiwanese partner, PharmaEngine, are underway in the Asia Pacific region.

The Company is also running research programs in immuno-oncology, with its lead product NBTXR3, which could have the potential to bring a new dimension to cancer immunotherapies.

Nanobiotix is listed on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (ISIN: FR0011341205, Euronext ticker: NANO, Bloomberg: NANO: FP). The Company's Headquarters are based in Paris, France, with a U.S. affiliate in Cambridge, MA.

Contact

Nanobiotix
Sarah Gaubert
Director, Communications & Public Affairs
+33 (0)1 40 26 07 55
sarah.gaubert@nanobiotix.com / contact@nanobiotix.com

Noel Kurdi
Director, Investor Relations
+1 (646) 241-4400
noel.kurdi@nanobiotix.com / investors@nanobiotix.com

Media relations
France - Springbok Consultants
Marina Rosoff
+33 (0)6 71 58 00 34
marina@springbok.fr

United States - RooneyPartners
Marion Janic
+1 (212) 223-4017
mjanic@rooneyco.com

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Nanobiotix and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Nanobiotix considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in the update of the reference document of Nanobiotix filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers) under number D.16-0732-A01 on December 27, 2016 (a copy of which is available on www.nanobiotix.com) and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Nanobiotix operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Nanobiotix or not currently considered material by Nanobiotix. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Nanobiotix to be materially different from such forward-looking statements.

This press release and the information that it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for, Nanobiotix shares in any country.

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MHI to License CO2 Capture Technology to Major Russian Chemical Company Metafrax

December 25, 2017, 9:21 pm

≫ Next: Eisai: Anticancer Agent Lenvatinib Designated for Priority Review and Approval by CFDA for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

≪ Previous: Nanobiotix: 2017 review and 2018 expected milestones

- CO2 recovery capacity of 1,200 tonnes per day will be realized at Metafrax facility in Perm, Russia, scheduled for completion in 2021
- Technology licensed through Swiss firm Casale SA, contracted for EPCm

TOKYO, Dec 26, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has concluded an agreement to license technology for its flue gas carbon dioxide (CO2) capture plant to PJSC Metafrax, a major Russian chemical company. Metafrax will use recovered CO2 to produce ammonia, urea, and melamine from the byproducts of a methanol plant. The plant will provide recovery capacity of 1,200 tonnes per day, and will be installed at a facility in Perm, located on the western side of the Ural Mountains, scheduled for completion in 2021.

MHI received the order through Casale SA, a Swiss engineering firm, which obtained a contract from Metafrax for engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCm) of the overall ammonia production, CO2 capture, and urea and melamine production facilities. MHI will grant a technology license for CO2 recovery technology to Casale SA, which will sublicense it to Metafrax.

Ammonia will be synthesized by combining surplus hydrogen from the existing methanol plant with nitrogen from a newly constructed air separation plant. Urea and melamine will be then produced from CO2 recovered from flue gas emitted by the methanol plant. The facility will have capacity to produce 894 tonnes per day of ammonia, 1,725 tonnes per day of urea, and 40,000 tonnes per year of melamine.

Metafrax was established in 1955 in Perm, a major industrial city in the western Ural region. The company is the largest producer of methanol in Russia, with current production capacity of 3,375 tonnes per day, an increase of 35% from 20 years ago.

MHI's flue gas CO2 capture technology, known as the "KM CDR Process," uses an advanced absorption solvent (KS-1) jointly developed with Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. to achieve substantial reductions in energy consumption compared with earlier methods. Since 1999 this technology has been adopted at 13 plants worldwide to capture CO2 from flue gases of steam reformers and boilers fired by natural gas, heavy oil or coal at chemical plants. This track record has made MHI the definitive global leader in commercial applications for CO2 capture plants.

In addition to the production of urea, MHI's flue gas CO2 capture technology can be used for a wide range of applications, including chemical applications such as production of methanol and dimethyl ether (DME), capture and storage of CO2 generated by thermal power plants and other facilities, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR), a method of increasing crude oil production by injecting CO2 into oil reservoirs with declining productivity.

Going forward, MHI will continue to make contributions to sustainable economic development and environmental protection through proactive efforts to further its advanced CO2 capture technology.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), headquartered in Tokyo, is one of the world's leading industrial firms with 80,000 group employees and annual consolidated revenues of around 38 billion U.S. dollars. For more than 130 years, the company has channeled big thinking into innovative and integrated solutions that move the world forward. MHI owns a unique business portfolio covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI delivers innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries from commercial aviation and transportation to power plants and gas turbines, and from machinery and infrastructure to integrated defense and space systems.
For more information, please visit the MHI Group website: http://www.mhi-global.com.
For Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: http://spectra.mhi.com.

Contact:
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Joseph Hood, PR Manager
Email: mhi-pr@mhi.co.jp
Tel: +81-(0)3-6716-2168
Fax: +81-(0)3-6716-5860

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Eisai: Anticancer Agent Lenvatinib Designated for Priority Review and Approval by CFDA for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

December 27, 2017, 1:42 am

≫ Next: Toyota Announces Results for November 2017

≪ Previous: MHI to License CO2 Capture Technology to Major Russian Chemical Company Metafrax

TOKYO, Dec 27, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced that its in-house discovered and developed anticancer agent lenvatinib mesylate (product names: Lenvima / Kisplyx, lenvatinib) for use in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which was submitted for approval in China in October 2017, has been designated for Priority Review and Approval by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) due to lenvatinib's significant clinical benefit compared to existing treatments.

The Priority Review and Approval procedure was implemented by the CFDA in February 2016 with the aim of accelerating research, development and launch of new medicines that have significant clinical value. Through designation for Priority Review and Approval, the period of time until approval is expected to be shortened.

Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths and is estimated to be responsible for approximately 750,000 deaths per year globally. Additionally, approximately 780,000 cases are newly diagnosed each year, about 80% of which occur in Asian regions. Specifically, in China, there are approximately 395,000 new cases and 380,000 deaths per year, accounting for approximately 50% of cases worldwide.(1) HCC accounts for 85% to 90% of primary liver cancer cases. Unresectable HCC, for which treatment options are limited, is extremely difficult to treat, and the development of new treatments is necessary.

Eisai submitted applications for an additional indication for lenvatinib for the treatment of HCC in Japan (June 2017), the United States and Europe (July 2017), China (October 2017) and Taiwan (December 2017).

Eisai positions oncology as a key therapeutic area, and is aiming to discover revolutionary new medicines with the potential to cure cancer. Eisai is committed to exploring the potential clinical benefits of lenvatinib as it seeks to contribute further to addressing the diverse needs of, and increasing the benefits provided to patients with cancer, their families, and healthcare providers.

About lenvatinib mesylate (generic name, lenvatinib, product name: Lenvima / Kisplyx)

Discovered and developed in-house, lenvatinib is an orally administered multiple receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor with a novel binding mode that selectively inhibits the kinase activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4) in addition to other proangiogenic and oncogenic pathway-related RTKs (including the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor PDGFRalpha; KIT; and RET) involved in tumor proliferation. Currently, Eisai has obtained approval for lenvatinib as a treatment for refractory thyroid cancer in over 50 countries, including in the United States, Japan, Europe and Asia under the brand name Lenvima. Additionally, Eisai has obtained approval for the agent in combination with everolimus as a treatment for renal cell carcinoma (second-line) in over 40 countries, including the United States and in Europe. In Europe, the agent was launched under the brand name Kisplyx for renal cell carcinoma. A Phase III study of lenvatinib in separate combinations with everolimus and pembrolizumab in renal cell carcinoma (first-line) is underway. A Phase Ib/II study to investigate the agent in combination with pembrolizumab in select solid tumors (endometrial cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, urothelial cancer, head and neck cancer, and melanoma) and a Phase Ib study in HCC are also underway. Additionally, a Phase Ib study to investigate the agent in combination with nivolumab in HCC was initiated in Japan.

About the RELECT study (Study 304)(2)

The Priority Review and Approval designation in China was based on the results of a Phase III clinical study (REFLECT Study / Study 304). The REFLECT study was a multicenter, open-label, randomized, global Phase III study comparing the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib versus sorafenib in first-line treatment of patients with unresectable HCC. In the study, 954 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive lenvatinib 12 mg (>/=60 kg) or 8 mg (
(1) GLOBOCAN2012: Estimated Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence Worldwide in 2012. http://globocan.iarc.fr/
(2) Cheng A et al. "Phase 3 trial of lenvatinib vs sorafenib in first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma", the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), (June 2017), Abstract No: 4001

About Eisai

Eisai Co., Ltd. (TSE:4523; ADR:ESALY) is a research-based human health care (hhc) company that discovers, develops and markets products throughout the world. Eisai focuses its efforts in three therapeutic areas: integrative neuroscience, including neurology and psychiatric medicines; integrative oncology, which encompasses oncotherapy and supportive-care treatments; and vascular/immunological reaction. Through a global network of research facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all aspects of the worldwide healthcare system. For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit www.eisai.com.

Contact:
Public Relations Department,
Eisai Co., Ltd.
+81-3-3817-5120

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Toyota Announces Results for November 2017

December 26, 2017, 5:38 pm

≫ Next: Mitsubishi Corporation-led Japanese Consortium to Acquire Interest in Leading Indian Toll-Road Platform

≪ Previous: Eisai: Anticancer Agent Lenvatinib Designated for Priority Review and Approval by CFDA for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Toyota City, Japan, Dec 27, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces its production, domestic sales, and export results for November 2017, including those for subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., and Hino Motors, Ltd.

November 2017 Key Points (year-on-year)

Production in Japan

Toyota
- Second consecutive month of increase

Daihatsu
- Nineteenth consecutive month of increase

Hino
- Second consecutive month of increase

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
- Second consecutive month of increase

Sales in Japan

Toyota
- Second consecutive month of increase
- Lexus vehicle sales totaled 5,681 units (28.1 percent increase)
- Minivehicle sales totaled 2,623 units (3.6 percent decrease)
- 50.4 percent share of market excluding minivehicles (3.4 percentage point increase)
- 32.6 percent share of market including minivehicles (1.2 percentage point increase)

Daihatsu
- Eighth consecutive month of increase
- Minivehicle sales totaled approximately 48,600 units (2.5 percent decrease); first decrease in eight months
- 32.7 percent share of minivehicle market (1.8 percentage point decrease)

Hino
- First increase in three months
- Standard truck sales totaled approximately 2,600 units (11.5 percent decrease)
- 37.3 percent share of the truck* market (0.2 percentage point increase)

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
- Second consecutive month of increase
- 46.7 percent share of market including minivehicles (1.8 percentage point increase)

*Maximum loading capacity of four tons or more (excluding imported trucks)

Exports

Toyota
- Second consecutive month of increase; due to increased exports to North America, Latin America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa

Daihatsu
- There were no exports for Daihatsu

Hino
- Fifth consecutive month of increase; due to increased exports to Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
- Fourth consecutive month of increase

Production Outside of Japan

Toyota
- First decrease in three months; due to decreased production in North America, Asia, Australia, and other regions

Daihatsu
- Decreased; due to decreased production in Indonesia

Hino
- Fifth consecutive month of increase; due to increased production in Asia

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
- First decrease in three months

About Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is the global mobility company that introduced the Prius hybrid-electric car in 1997 and the first mass-produced fuel cell sedan, Mirai, in 2014. Headquartered in Toyota City, Japan, Toyota has been making cars since 1937. Today, Toyota proudly employs 370,000 employees in communities around the world. Together, they build around 10 million vehicles per year in 29 countries, from mainstream cars and premium vehicles to mini-vehicles and commercial trucks, and sell them in more than 170 countries under the brands Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.

Contact:
Toyota Motor Corporation
Public Affairs Division
Global Communications Department
Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

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Mitsubishi Corporation-led Japanese Consortium to Acquire Interest in Leading Indian Toll-Road Platform

December 26, 2017, 6:52 pm

≫ Next: Honda Sets All-Time Records for Automobile Production in Asia and China

≪ Previous: Toyota Announces Results for November 2017

TOKYO, Dec 27, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) led Japanese consortium, which includes East Nippon Expressway Company Limited (NEXCO East) and Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport & Urban Development (JOIN), has agreed to acquire a 20% interest in Cube Highways and Infrastructure Pte. Ltd. (Cube Highways), one of India's leading owners and operators of highways in India.

Cube Highways is an independent, professionally-managed toll-road and highways platform that owns and operates more than 1,700 lane-kilometers of highways in India. The platform was formed by two leading global financial institutions, I Squared Capital, an independent global infrastructure investor, and International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group. MC's relationship with I Squared Capital dates back to 2013 when MC made a capital commitment as a strategic anchor investor in the inaugural ISQ Global Infrastructure Fund.

MC has formed a partnership with NEXCO East, one of the largest expressway operators in Japan, to invest, for the first time, in an Indian toll-road platform with the support of JOIN, a Japanese government sponsored entity established to finance transportation infrastructure projects abroad by Japanese companies. Mitsubishi, having extensive infrastructure investment experience globally, and NEXCO East with Japan's best in class operational practice and technologies will collaborate with the existing shareholders and the management of Cube Highways to further enhance the operations and performance of the toll-road assets. The Japanese partnership is committed to the improvement of India's highways infrastructure to support the continuing growth in passenger and commercial traffic, while at the same time contributing to economic development across India.

MC is targeting urban development projects that integrate social and transportation infrastructure and real estate, primarily in emerging countries such as Myanmar, Philippine, Indonesia and Vietnam where the rapid expansion of urban populations has been driving up demand for development in these sectors. MC will expand its footprint to India to capture India's strong economic growth and increase in middle-income population.

About Mitsubishi Corporation

Mitsubishi Corporation (MC; TSE: 8058) is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates businesses across virtually every industry including industrial finance, energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, foods, and environmental business. MC's current activities are expanding far beyond its traditional trading operations as its diverse business ranges from natural resources development to investment in retail business, infrastructure, financial products and manufacturing of industrial goods. With over 200 bases of operations in approximately 80 countries worldwide and a network of over 500 group companies, MC employs a multinational workforce of nearly 60,000 people. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishicorp.com.

Contact:
Mitsubishi Corporation
Telephone: +81-3-3210-2171 
Facsimile: +81-3-5252-7705

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Honda Sets All-Time Records for Automobile Production in Asia and China

December 26, 2017, 7:06 pm

≫ Next: Hua Hong Semiconductor's 90nm G2 eFlash Process Platform Successfully Achieved Mass Production

≪ Previous: Mitsubishi Corporation-led Japanese Consortium to Acquire Interest in Leading Indian Toll-Road Platform

TOKYO, Dec 27, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of November 2017.

Worldwide Production
http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_HondaNov2017WProd.jpg

Production Outside of Japan
http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_HondaNov2017ProdOutJap.jpg

Production in Japan for the month of November 2017 experienced a year-on-year decrease for the third consecutive month (since September 2017).

Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year increase for the seventh consecutive month (since May 2017), setting record high production for the month of November. This includes record high production for the month of November in North America and all-time records in Asia and China.

Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year increase for the seventh consecutive month (since May 2017), also setting record high production for the month of November.

Sales in the Japanese Market
http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_HondaNov2017SalesJap.jpg

Total domestic automobile sales in the Japanese market for the month of November 2017 experienced a year-on-year increase for the fifth consecutive month (since July 2017).

New vehicle registrations experienced a year-on-year decrease for the third consecutive month (since September 2017).

Sales of mini-vehicles experienced a year-on-year increase for the third consecutive month (since September 2017).

Vehicle registrations - excluding mini-vehicles
FIT was the industry's third best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of November 2017 with sales of 9,217 units.

Mini-vehicles - under 660cc
N-BOX was the industry's top-selling car in the mini-vehicle category for the month of November 2017 with sales of 20,992 units. N-WGN was the industry's 10th best-selling car with sales of 4,537 units.

Exports from Japan
http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_HondaNov2017ExportsJap.jpg

Total exports from Japan in November 2017 experienced a year-on-year decrease for the sixth consecutive month (since June 2017).

About Honda

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (TSE:7267 / NYSE:HMC / LSE:HNDA) is one of the leading manufacturers of automobiles and power products and the largest manufacture of motorcycles in the world. Honda has always sought to provide genuine satisfaction to people worldwide. The result is more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries worldwide, producing a wide range of products, including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment and automobiles that bring the company into contact with over 19 million customers annually. For more information, please visit http://world.honda.com.

Contact:
Honda
Media Inquiries
corporate_pr@hm.honda.co.jp
+81-3-5412-1512

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Hua Hong Semiconductor's 90nm G2 eFlash Process Platform Successfully Achieved Mass Production

December 26, 2017, 9:17 pm

≫ Next: Mazda Production and Sales Results for November 2017

≪ Previous: Honda Sets All-Time Records for Automobile Production in Asia and China

HONG KONG, Dec 27, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Hua Hong Semiconductor Limited ("Hua Hong Semiconductor" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"; stock code: 1347.HK), a global leading pure-play 200mm foundry, today announced the successful mass production of its second-generation 90nm eFlash (90nm G2 eFlash) process platform, which has further enhanced the Company's technical capabilities and competiveness.

Based on the first-generation 90nm eFlash (90nm G1 eFlash) process technology, Hua Hong Semiconductor realized technological advancement of its 90nm G2 eFlash process platform in multiple aspects. 90nm G2 has a shrinked Flash cell size, which is about 25% smaller than that of the first-generation - the smallest around the globe among all foundries' 90nm process node eFlash technology. In addition, the new Flash IP architecture adopted in 90nm G2 ensures high reliability (100,000 write/erase cycles and data retention for 25 years) while having a Flash IP with low power consumption and extremely compact area. This significantly reduces the overall chip size of the 90nm G2 eFlash, so that single wafers can accommodate more dies. This advantage of the 90nm G2 eFlash is particularly significant for chips with higher eFlash density. It is also worth noting that based on the foundations laid down in the first-generation, the 90nm G2 eFlash further reduced one more layer of masks, which has pushed the manufacturing cost down to an even lower level.

Now in mass production with high and stable yield, the 90nm G2 eFlash has already been applied on large-scale production of SIM card ICs, and it will provide manufacturing solutions that are more cost-effective for the ICs of diversified products, such as smart cards, security chips, and micro-controller units (MCUs).

"The successful mass production of 90nm G2 eFlash marks another success for Hua Hong Semiconductor in the area of specialty technology of embedded Flash," said Dr. Kong Weiran, Executive Vice President of Hua Hong Semiconductor. "Embedded NVM (Non-Volatile Memory) technology, as one of our strategic focuses, has always been well-recognized by the industry for its high security, reliability, cost-effectiveness and technical sophistication. As the leading foundry for smart card ICs, Hua Hong Semiconductor will stay on course to optimize its technologies and upgrade its platforms to maintain its leadership in the area of smart card ICs, and tap potentials in high-growth emerging markets such as IoT (Internet of Things) and new energy vehicles."

↧

Mazda Production and Sales Results for November 2017

December 26, 2017, 10:06 pm

≫ Next: Mitsubishi Motors Announces Production, Sales and Export Figures for November 2017

≪ Previous: Hua Hong Semiconductor's 90nm G2 eFlash Process Platform Successfully Achieved Mass Production

TOKYO, Dec 27, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation's production and sales results for November 2017 are summarized below.

I. Production

1. Domestic Production
Mazda's domestic production volume in November 2017 decreased 0.2% year on year due to decreased production of both passenger and commercial vehicles.

Domestic production of key models in November 2017
CX-5: 44,084 units (up 45.1% year on year)
Mazda3 (Axela): 14,117 units (down 30.7% year on year)
CX-3: 12,690 units (up 30.0% year on year)

2. Overseas Production
Mazda's overseas production volume in November 2017 increased 0.3% year on year due to increased production of passenger and commercial vehicles.

Overseas production of key models in November 2017
Mazda3: 26,032 units (down 1.7% year on year)
Mazda2: 9,789 units (up 24.9% year on year)
CX-4: 7,577 units (up 8.5% year on year)

II. Domestic sales

Mazda's domestic sales volume in November 2017 decreased 19.3% year on year due to decreased sales of passenger and commercial vehicles. Mazda's registered vehicle market share was 3.9% (down 1.0 points year on year), with a 2.0% share of the micro-mini segment (unchanged year on year) and a 3.2% total market share (down 0.7 points year on year).

Domestic sales of key models in November 2017
CX-5: 3,151 units (up 181.6% year on year)
Mazda2 (Demio): 1,831 units (down 63.7% year on year)
Mazda3 (Axela): 1,510 units (down 34.2% year on year)

III. Exports

Mazda's export volume in November 2017 increased 2.1% year on year due to increased shipments to North America, Oceania and other regions.

Exports of key models in November 2017
CX-5: 38,586 units (up 36.2% year on year)
Mazda3: 12,619 units (down 24.7% year on year)
CX-3: 10,394 units (up 40.5% year on year)

About Mazda

Mazda Motor Corporation (TSE: 7261) started manufacturing tools in 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial use. In the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car models and began developing rotary engines. Still headquartered in Hiroshima in western Japan, Mazda today ranks as one of Japan's leading automakers, and exports cars to the United States and Europe for over 30 years. For more information, please visit www.mazda.com

Contact:
Corporate Communications Division
Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan
+81-3-3508-5056 [Tokyo]
+81-82-282-5253 [Hiroshima]
mailto: media@mazda.co.jp

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Mitsubishi Motors Announces Production, Sales and Export Figures for November 2017

December 26, 2017, 10:22 pm

≫ Next: Eastman Announces Coal Gasification Plant Mechanically Complete

≪ Previous: Mazda Production and Sales Results for November 2017

TOKYO, Dec 27, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - November 2017 Summary:

Domestic Production
- Sixth consecutive monthly year-on-year increase since May 2017 (113.5% year-on-year)

Overseas Production
- First monthly year-on-year increase in two months since September 2017 (119.0% year-on-year)

Total Production
- Sixth consecutive monthly year-on-year increase since May 2017 (116.5% year-on-year)

Domestic Sales
- First consecutive monthly year-on-year decrease since October 2017 (95.2% year-on-year)

Exports
- First monthly year-on-year increase in twenty months since March 2016 (100.3% year-on-year)

Supplemental Information

Overseas Production
Asia
- 63,132 units: 121.1% year-on-year

Exports
Asia
- 981 units: 49.8% year-on-year
North America
- 6,941 units: 85.7% year-on-year
Europe
- 12,342 units: 105.4% year-on-year

About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is the sixth largest automaker in Japan and the sixteenth largest in the world. It is part of the Mitsubishi keiretsu, formerly the biggest industrial group in Japan, and was formed in 1970 from the automotive division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. From October 2016, Mitsubishi is one-third owned by Nissan, and a part of the Renault - Nissan - Mitsubishi Alliance. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/index.html.

Contact:
Mitsubishi Motors
Public Relations Department
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com 
+81-3-6852-4275

↧

Eastman Announces Coal Gasification Plant Mechanically Complete

December 27, 2017, 2:00 am

≫ Next: Pine Care Reaching New Horizons

≪ Previous: Mitsubishi Motors Announces Production, Sales and Export Figures for November 2017

Kingsport, Tenn., USA, Dec 27, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN) today announced mechanical completion of its coal gasification plant and is currently in the process of restarting. The restart, along with mitigating actions taken since the incident, is expected to enable full production of acetyls chemicals and derivatives in early 2018.

"Our teams of Eastman employees and contractors have been working to safely repair the facility as quickly as possible and I am confident that we have taken the appropriate corrective actions to ensure the highest safety standard as we restart and resume normal operation," said Mark Cox, senior vice president, chief manufacturing, supply chain and engineering officer. "We appreciate the support from our customers and are excited to resume normal commercial supply of all acetyls chemicals and derivatives."

For more information and stories about the recovery effort, please visit the "Resolve and Recovery" page on www.eastman.com.

Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2016 revenues of approximately $9.0 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,000 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

Contacts:
Media: Amanda Allman
423-229-1025/ aallman@eastman.com

Investors: Greg Riddle
212-835-1620/ griddle@eastman.com

###

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Eastman Chemical Company via Globenewswire

↧

Pine Care Reaching New Horizons

December 28, 2017, 4:11 am

≫ Next: Selling Illicit Streaming Devices (ISDs) in Hong Kong is illegal

≪ Previous: Eastman Announces Coal Gasification Plant Mechanically Complete

Establishing an upscale community for the elderly with the concept of "Integrated Senior Wellness Hub"

HONG KONG, Dec 28, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - A leading operator of care and attention homes for the elderly in Hong Kong, Pine Care Group Limited (the "Pine Care Group" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group", stock code: 1989), announced the formation of a joint venture for the operation of upscale community for the elderly with the concept of "Integrated Senior Wellness Hub".

The strategic cooperation with Utopia Limited which is 100%-owned by Mr. Tang Yiu Sing, the sole shareholder of Stan Group (Holdings) Limited ("Stan Group") in relation to the formation of the joint venture, leveraging on the Group's expertise and experience on nursing care services and on joint venturer's expertise and experience on mixed-use property project development and hospitality services, enables the Group to expand its operation in the multifaceted upscale community for the elderly in Hong Kong with the concept of "Integrated Senior Wellness Hub", which aims at serving various needs of the elderly by integrating service apartment for the elderly, residential care, medical, nursing, rehabilitation, dining, housekeeping as well as leisure, recreational and community services under the same roof.

As revealed by market researches, the market demand for quality senior living services is expected to be robust in Hong Kong. The first project of the joint venture, also the first in the private sector, is proposed to be located in the building "Patina" on 18 Junction Road,Kowloon City, Hong Kong, and is intended to consist of service apartments and clubhouse for active retirees, an upscale residential care home for elderly for residents requiring a moderate to high level of care, a multidisciplinary clinic, including Western medicine, Chinese medicine and physiotherapy, and a health focused restaurant to serve both its residents and those living in the nearby community.

With a total floor area of approximately 84,000 square feet, the project is tentatively planned to include 79 service apartments, ranging from approximately 400 to 900 square feet, from 7/F to 29/F, and an upscale RCHE with approximately 40 rooms from 3/F to 6/F. The clubhouse on 2/F will include facilities such as a swimming pool, sauna, massage room, music room, coffee bar, karaoke, garden and lounge. The multidisciplinary clinic and the health focused restaurant will be located on the G/F and 1/F. Construction of Patina has already been completed. It is expected that the fitting out of the project will begin in early 2018, and operations will be rolled out in multiple stages starting later in 2018.

Mr. Yim Billy Pui Kei, CEO of Pine Care Group concluded, "The formation of the joint venture represents an excellent opportunity for the Group to diversify its customer base and further develop the upscale integrated senior living market in line with the Group's future growth strategy, while at the same time demonstrates the Group's strong commitment to the operation of care and attention homes for elderly in Hong Kong."

↧

Selling Illicit Streaming Devices (ISDs) in Hong Kong is illegal

December 27, 2017, 8:30 pm

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Promoters of illegal TV Boxes convicted of copyright and conspiracy to defraud offences; given jail sentences

HONG KONG, Dec 28, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Following Hong Kong Customs' successful raid on suppliers of an illegal TV box service, one box reseller from Apliu Street, Sham Shui Po was convicted of copyright and conspiracy to defraud offences and given a jail sentence of 21 months. Two persons, found to be re-transmitting illegal broadcasts of popular TV channels, were also convicted of copyright and conspiracy to defraud offences and given jail sentences of 21 and 27 months respectively.

TV boxes which facilitate access to illegal content streams are known as illicit streaming devices (ISDs). This case stemmed from action in 2014 by Hong Kong Customs authorities, who raided four residential premises, a warehouse and a commercial electronics retail outlet, arresting nine people and seizing 38 ISD boxes. The defendants were subsequently charged with violating the anti-circumvention provisions of the Copyright Ordinance (s273C(1)) as well as common law offences of conspiracy to defraud.

The ISDs, branded as the Maige TV Box, were being sold to consumers for $2,200 (including first 12 months subscription) and provided illegal access to hundreds of live TV channels and movies, including channels belonging to PCCW, TVB, BBC, HBO, NBA and many other international channels.

"We congratulate Customs and the Hong Kong Police on the successful outcome of this enforcement action", said John Medeiros, CASBAA Chief Policy Officer. "They uncovered a criminal fact pattern and acted upon it decisively. This type of crime heaps huge illicit profits into the pockets of criminal syndicates behind the manufacture and sale of ISDs, as well as the retransmission of the unauthorised content. Live sports channels, TV series and other premium broadcasting content is being stripped of value by the inundation of ISD boxes which provide illegal access to television programming. We are happy that Customs and the Police are helping to stem that tide."

Neil Gane, the General Manager of the recently launched CASBAA Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), said "ISDs with preloaded applications are readily available in many electronic outlets in Hong Kong with sales teams implying to consumers that the TV channels and movies available on the TV boxes are legal and the 'very cheap' service they sell will last indefinitely. Today's judicial outcome has provided clarification for those who buy and sell ISDs - TV boxes with applications allowing access to illicit TV channels and movies are illegal".

TVB and PCCW, local operators whose content was among those illegally transmitted on the Maige boxes, also saluted the outcome. "The TV industry in Hong Kong has suffered a huge loss of revenue due to ISD piracy for many years", said Desmond Chan, Deputy General Manager (Legal & International Operations) for Television Broadcasts Limited. "This is the first successful case on ISDs in Hong Kong. It should send a deterrent message to those engaged in the illicit ISD business. The TV industry will continue to support the Government's law enforcement actions. We believe that Customs will soon step up their efforts in sweeping the local market and work more closely with overseas law enforcement agencies to crack down on ISD activities".

TVB and PCCW are both members of the CASBAA Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), which also includes other leading video content creators and distributors in Asia including: beIN Asia Pacific, CASBAA, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, FOX Networks Group, HBO Asia, NBCUniversal, Premier League, Turner Asia Pacific, A&E Networks, Astro, BBC Worldwide, Cignal, Media Partners Asia, National Basketball Association (NBA), Singtel, Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia, True Visions, TV5MONDE, and Viacom International Media Networks.

CASBAA urges consumers to acquire their TV content from legal sources, and notes that purchasing and using some TV boxes could engage the consumer in illegal acts, depending on the internal workings of the box. The best guarantee of legality is subscribing to authorised TV services that provide high-quality program signals.

About CASBAA

Established in 1991, CASBAA is the association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across a variety of geographic markets throughout the Asia Pacific. CASBAA's members reach over 500 million connections within a regional footprint ranging from China to Australasia, Japan to Pakistan. For more information, visit www.casbaa.com.

Contact:
Kay Bayliss
CASBAA Member Relations & Marketing
Tel: +852 3929 1724
Email: kay@casbaa.com

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Healthy Christmas Sales Growth Seen in Hong Kong's Export Markets

December 28, 2017, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: Honghua (196.HK) Dispose of Offshore Segment Through Public Tender at SUAEEX for a Total Consideration of Approximately RMB1.7 billion

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Solid Performance Indicates Positive Outlook for 2018

HONG KONG, Dec 29, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Retail business in Hong Kong's export markets is expected to grow in the coming year, according to a worldwide study of year-end sales released today by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The HKTDC report on preliminary 2017 Christmas sales in Hong Kong's key export destinations - including both traditional and emerging markets - found that solid growth was observed in the United States, Germany and Japan as well as the Chinese mainland, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Brazil.

The level of Christmas sales in Hong Kong's major exports markets serves as a barometer of the economic health of individual countries and trading blocs.

"The positive retail sales growth witnessed towards the end of 2017 suggests that the traditional markets are now on track for growth, while the emerging economies are also picking up speed," HKTDC Principal Economist (Greater China) Billy Wong said. "Overall, the global retail market enjoyed healthy festive growth over its traditionally busiest period. The growth momentum of the global consumer market is likely to be maintained in 2018."

The study also found that consumer electronics were among the most popular items, and that online retail sales grew faster than overall retail sales in many major markets. "The ubiquity of omnichannel purchasing opportunities will continue to transform the global retail industry, resulting in both new challenges and new opportunities for Hong Kong exporters. With the global economy taking a clear upturn, though, there has never been a better time for Hong Kong exporters to review their strengths and weaknesses as they look to maintain their overall competitiveness," said Mr Wong.

Highlights of the report

US
- The US economy is expected to maintain its growth momentum in 2018.
- The National Retail Federation forecasted US retail sales for the holiday season to grow 3.6-4 per cent over last year, while Mastercard estimated a 4.9 per cent increase, the largest year-on-year rise in six years.
- According to the National Retail Federation, online and other non-store sales in November grew 10.5 per cent year-on-year.
- Cyber Monday 2017 -- which is the online equivalent to Black Friday and fell on 27 November this year -- was the biggest day for online shopping in US history, with record online sales of US$6.59 billion, up 16.8 per cent from last year, according to Adobe Analytics.
- Data from Mastercard SpendingPulse showed that the level of online retail shopping jumped 18.1 per cent during the holiday season.
- Clothing again topped the US Christmas shopping list this year. Consumer electronics products were also gaining popularity, with shoppers shifting their focus to smart-home devices.

Europe
- The prospects for many European countries seem positive.
- Retail sales in Germany over the Christmas period are estimated to have risen three per cent to a record EUR 94.5 billion, according to the German Retail Federation.
- In France, December 2017 proved to be a record month for credit and debit card transactions.
- Brexit remains a major concern in the United Kingdom, although the conclusion of the first phase of the European Union divorce talks in mid-December may have provided a degree of damage limitation and proved a boon to the retail sector ahead of the holiday season.
- UK retail sales edged up 1.6 per cent in volume and 4.7 per cent in value in November from a year earlier, boosted by Black Friday promotions, after a 0.3 per cent decline in October, the first fall since 2013, according to the Office for National Statistics.
- UK online sales grew 10.2 per cent year-on-year in November, contributing 17 per cent to total retail spending, up from 16.1 per cent in November 2016.
- For Europe as a whole, electrical and household electronic appliances, such as smart TVs, computers, smartphones and tablets, were among the biggest contributors to overall sales. Video games and other entertainment electronics items were also popular among European shoppers.

Japan
- In Japan, the economy seems set for only moderate economic growth, even given the likely boost stemming from Tokyo's successful bid to stage the 2020 Olympics. In terms of the country's retail sector, the consumption tax hike proposed for 2019 may see a surge in luxury product purchases in 2018 as shoppers bid to buy before the new levy is imposed.
- November saw the highest level of consumer confidence since September 2013.
- Consumer electronics and electrical household appliances were top sellers during the Christmas season, while entertainment electronics were also popular.

Chinese mainland
- Although Christmas is not officially observed in the country, many consumers have a pronounced inclination to shop as the year-end approaches.
- For 2017 as a whole, total retail sales are likely to have maintained a double-digit growth, with an increase of 10.3 per cent for the first 11 months.
- Record sales on Singles' Day - the annual November 11 event held to celebrate the single life - marked a brisk start to the holiday shopping season. Black Friday is also gaining traction as one of China's major retail events, a development that has been driven by the rise in cross-border e-commerce.
- Smartphones were bestsellers over the holiday season, following by electrical household appliances. Clothing also enjoyed steady sales growth.

Other emerging markets
- Emerging European countries - especially Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic - are likely to have performed well over the Christmas season with the gradual recovery of developed European markets.
- Christmas sales in Latin America were mixed. In Brazil, sales are estimated to have increased some 5.2 per cent. However, Mexican and Chilean consumers are believed to have been more moderate when it comes to their 2017 Christmas expenditure, a consequence of the lacklustre performance of the two countries' economies.

Link to the full report: http://bit.ly/2E7NZ4S

About HKTDC

Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.
- Google+: https://plus.google.com/+hktdc
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/hktdc
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-council

Contact:
HKTDC
Communications and Public Affairs Department
Carrie Lee
Tel: +852 2584 4238
Email: carrie.kl.lee@hktdc.org

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Honghua (196.HK) Dispose of Offshore Segment Through Public Tender at SUAEEX for a Total Consideration of Approximately RMB1.7 billion

January 2, 2018, 12:50 am

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HONG KONG, Jan 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Honghua (Stock Code: 196.HK), a leading global land drilling rig manufacturer, today announce that subsequent to the previous announcement issued on December 27 in relation to the proposed disposal of its offshore business through the Public Tender, the Company announced that the disposal have been publicly listed for sale on the Shanghai United Assets and Equity Exchange ("SUAEEX") starting from December 28, 2017 at a total consideration of approximately RMB1.7 billion and the bidding period is expected to be ended on January 25, 2018.

According to the publicly disclosed information of SUAEEX, the offshore business under the tender will include: Honghua's 100% indirect equity interest in Honghua Offshore oil & gas equipment (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., ("Jiangsu Offshore"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group; 100% indirect equity interest in Shanghai Honghua Offshore Oil and Gas Equipment Co., Ltd. ("Shanghai Offshore"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group and its indirect creditor's rights against Jiangsu Offshore at a considerations of RMB15.7 Billion; and through one-in-all contract with the ultimate buyer for Honghua's entire 30% indirect equity interest in Prime FSP, LLC ("Prime"), its entire 25% indirect equity interest in FSP LNG B.V. ("FSP") and its entire 70% indirect equity interest in Hong Kong Tank Tek Limited ("Tank Tek") and Honghua's indirect creditor's rights against it ( Debt principal around US $16,065,000). Above all the shares listed on the Public Tender, the base bidding price is RMB1.00, the Group is expected to use the abovementioned creditor?s rights against the main consideration of the offshore business.

The Offshore Segment mainly focuses on the manufacturing of offshore drilling equipment and LNG-related technologies. The Company states offshore drilling business was adversely impacted by the significant uncertainties and price fluctuation of the global oil market in recent years. The Company held positive opinion towards the future development of LNG industry, but transforming Offshore Segment requires strategic partners, capital investment and other related resources. The Company will focus on equipment manufacturing and oil & gas resources development and engineering services in the future to improve the Company's core competitive advantages, and profitability. Meanwhile, the disposal would help Honghua enhance its capital structure, resource allocation and financial performance, as well as balance the short-term and long-term interest of the Company and its shareholders.

About Honghua Group Limited (Stock Code: 196.HK)
Honghua is the only overseas listed platform controlled by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation ("CASIC"), and positioned as the energy equipment business platform of CASIC. As one of the leading land drilling equipment manufacturers in the world and the largest land drilling rig exporter in PRC, Honghua is primarily engaged in manufacturing conventional land drilling rigs, digital drilling rigs, accessories of drilling rigs, as well as the parts and components for the drilling rigs or for the maintenance of the drilling rigs in operation. Leveraging on the strong R&D strength, high-quality production facilities and mature international sales network, Honghua's 80% products have been sold to a large number of famous enterprises all over the world, including major oil-production regions such as North America, Middle East, and emerging markets including South America, India, Russia, China and Africa. In the future, Honghua and CASIC will have in-depth cooperation in advanced energy equipment manufacturing and oil & gas field services field and achieve synergy in R&D, project execution and market expansion, to become an international leading combining equipment manufacturing provider in oil & gas industry.

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BGMC Announces its First Annual Results after Listing

January 2, 2018, 3:30 am

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Revenue Grows 34.4% to HK$1,285.6 Million with Pro Forma Net Profit* increasing by 8.3% to HK$130.6 million;
Continues to Secure New Scalable Contracts and Is Well-positioned to Capture Numerous;
Business Opportunities Arising from "One Belt One Road" Initiative

HONG KONG, Jan 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - BGMC International Limited "BGMC" or the "Group") (HKEX: 1693), a Malaysia-based construction services company, has announced its first audited annual results for the year ended 30 September 2017 ("FY2017" or the "Year ") since its successful listing on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("HKSE") on 9 August 2017.

Financial Highlights:
- Revenue increased by 34.4% to RM694.9 million (approximately HK$1,285.6 million) as compared with RM516.9 million in FY2016
- Gross profit rose 22.8% from RM104.3 million in FY2016 to RM128.1 million (approximately HK$237.0 million) in FY2017, with gross profit margin remaining healthy at 18.4%
- Net profit was RM54.8 million (approximately HK$101.4 million), with pro forma net profit* increased by 8.3% to RM70.6 million (approximately HK$130.6 million)
- The Board has resolved to declare a final dividend of HK1.5 cents per share for the first financial year following the Group's listing
* Pro forma net profit are derived by excluding non-recurring listing expenses for FY2016 and FY2017 respectively

During the Year, the Group recorded total revenue of RM694.9 million (approximately HK$1,285.6 million), a year-on-year increase of 34.4% (FY2016: RM516.9 million). Gross profit rose 22.8% to RM128.1 million (approximately HK$237.0 million). Net profit for the year was RM54.8 million (approximately HK$101.4 million). If excluding listing expenses incurred in FY2016 and FY2017, pro forma net profit of the Group rose 8.3% to RM70.6 million (approximately HK$130.6 million). The Board has resolved to declare a final dividend of HK1.5 cents per share for the first financial year following the Group's listing.

Tan Sri Barry Goh, Chairman and Executive Director of BGMC, said, "The year 2017 was an eventful year for BGMC as we became the first Malaysian construction company to list on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. During the past financial year, we made excellent progress on all fronts of our business and witnessed satisfactory growth in our revenue and orders. We participated in tenders for larger scale projects during the Year and took important steps to diversify our customer base and revenue streams by securing new projects from established property developers as well as government-linked companies. The listing of BGMC also strengthened our financial capability to undertake bigger Public-Private-Partnerships projects. Our achievements during the Year reflected the disciplined execution of our strategy, resilience and strong business fundamentals of BGMC positioning us for more robust growth in the years to come."

Business Review
Construction Services
Driven by the organic growth of the Group's various business segments, namely Building and Structures, Energy Transmission and Distribution as well as Mechanical and Electrical, the construction services business continued to be BGMC's main revenue contributor, contributing RM684.1 million (approximately HK$1,265.6 million) to the Group's revenue during the Year, up 34.6% as compared to the previous year and accounting for 98.4% of its total revenue.

During FY2017, the Group secured 23 new projects with a total contract value of RM792.6 million (approximately HK$1,466.3 million), including the construction of Spice Hotel in Penang and Setia Sky Seputeh in Kuala Lumpur. As at 30 September 2017, the Group's order book for Construction Services stood at RM2.2 billion (approximately HK$4.1 billion) while its balance order book stood at RM1.2 billion (approximately HK$2.2 billion).

The Group's ability to deliver value engineering services and innovative end-to-end integrated solutions, coupled with strong execution and effective cost control capabilities has given it the advantage to successfully complete several key projects during the Year. The revenue from the Mechanical & Electrical segment increased twofold from RM18.5 million in FY2016 to RM37.5 million (approximately HK$69.4 million) in FY2017 due to significant progress in construction of the Melawati and Sendayan projects. BGMC's newly secured project, "The Henge Metropolitan" in Kepong also contributed to the higher revenue recognised in FY2017. In addition, the Energy Transmission and Distribution segment also saw a substantial jump of 141.9% from RM23.3 million in revenue during FY2016 to RM56.2 million (approximately HK$104.0 million) in FY2017 following its success in securing new projects such as power substation works at PMU 132KV Damansara Heights and underground cabling works from PMU Tanjung Kupang to SSU Forest City, from PMU Damansara City to PMU Brickfield.

Revenue in the Building and Structures segment increased 42.8% from RM371.3 million for FY2016 to RM530.0 million (approximately HK$980.5 million) for FY 2017 following the increase in construction progress for the Group's ongoing projects such as D'Pristine Medini, V-Residency 2 and The Serini projects. The refurbishment works of Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex into the Kuala Lumpur Sports City also contributed RM44.1 million (approximately HK$81.6 million) in revenue during the Year. On the other hand, the Earthworks and Infrastructure segment won three new contracts during the Year, including Kota Seriemas PT20, Bukit Rahman Putra Sungai Buloh and Pengerang which altogether worth RM7.9 million (approximately HK$14.6 million).

Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Projects Based on BLMT Model
The Concessions and Maintenance segment contributed RM10.5 million (approximately HK$19.4 million) to the Group's overall revenue and imputed interest income amounted to RM43.7 million (approximately HK$80.8 million) in FY2017. To date, BGMC has in place the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)'s Build, Lease, Maintain, Transfer (BLMT) project which operates based on a concession granted over a period of 23 years, of which three years are for construction while the remaining 20 years are for asset management services. The PPP project ensures long-term, steady cash inflow for the Group. On 12 December 2017, BGMC received a letter of bid acceptance from the Energy Commission (EC) of Malaysia for the concession project in relation to the construction and development of a large scale 30 megawatt AC Solar PV Plant (the "PV Plant") at Kuala Muda, Kedah, Malaysia. BGMC won the contract in a competitive bid process conducted by the EC of Malaysia. Securing this bid once again demonstrates the capability of BGMC in winning large scale PPP projects from Malaysia's government bodies.

Future Prospects
The Malaysian construction industry is expected to enjoy a CAGR of 4.8% on the back of an industry growth of 10.3% per annum in the next five years due to the increase in the number of projects awarded following the introduction of the Construction Industry Transformation Programme (2016-2020) and the 11th Malaysian Plan. In addition, the number of PPP projects in transportation, road, communications, healthcare, energy and education sectors of the Malaysian government alone is also expected to increase and drive both the construction and BLMT project businesses for BGMC.

To capture the numerous business opportunities arising from Malaysia and adjacent countries, BGMC will continue to invest in initiatives that will give it a solid competitive advantage over the long term and optimise its productivity to achieve a robust order book in the foreseeable future. It'll continue tendering for projects in the corporate sector, property (residential and commercial), industrial sector, government-linked projects and supporting infrastructure projects in Malaysia as well as seize opportunities available elsewhere in the ASEAN region. At the same time, the Group will be seeking possible opportunities via strategic partnerships to extend its construction services portfolio and footprint across the region, thereby increasing its market share in the near future.

For the concession projects, on the other hand, BGMC is working from a position of strength to capture the PPP projects under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) programme which will widen its customer base and at the same time, strengthen its reputation in the construction landscape of both Malaysia and the region. Coupled with the One Belt One Road Initiative which the Group believes will attract foreign direct investment, BGMC will accelerate growth by creating strong partnerships and collaboration with business partners who have local in-depth knowledge and strong connections for PPP tenders or proposals from governments across the region. Riding on the successful listing in Hong Kong and the city's position as the fundraising centre for the One Belt One Road Initiative, BGMC is well-positioned to grow its construction footprint regionally.

Tan Sri Barry Goh concluded, "Our established reputation, extensive experience and ability to deliver integrated construction solutions have enabled us to sustain our competitive advantage. We also have continued to see many growth opportunities in the PPP sector, both locally and regionally. We believe that we are well-positioned to leverage Hong Kong's role as the fundraising centre for Asian infrastructure projects, especially those under China's One Belt One Road initiative. This enables us to unlock new opportunities as we widen our market share both locally and abroad, harnessing the value of regional partnerships and collaboration in Malaysia, China and across the rest of the Southeast Asia. Thus we are confident and committed to delivering sustainable favorable returns to our shareholders in the long run."

About BGMC International Limited
Founded in 1996, BGMC International Limited is a construction services company based in Malaysia. With an operating history of over 20 years, it provides a wide range of construction services to customers. Armed with experience and expertise in construction services, the Group is capable of undertaking public private partnership (PPP) projects based on the Build, Lease, Maintain and Transfer (BLMT) model that can allow it to generate long-term recurring cash flow.

Media Enquiries:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Heidi So (852) 2864 4826 heidi.so@sprg.com.hk
Maggie Au (852) 2864 4815 maggie.au@sprg.com.hk
Queenie Chan (852) 2864 4851 queenie.chan@sprg.com.hk

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Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited Announces Details of Proposed Listing on the GEM Board of SEHK

January 1, 2018, 10:58 pm

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Offering of 200,000,000 Shares through Public Offer and Placing;
Price Ranges from HK$0.375 to HK$0.425 per Share

HONG KONG, Jan 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited ("Excalibur" or the "Group"), a futures brokerage services provider in Hong Kong, announced the details of its proposed listing on the GEM Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("SEHK").

Offering Details
Excalibur intends to offer a total of 200,000,000 shares. The Share Offer comprises an offer of 20,000,000 shares under the Public Offer (including 2,000,000 Employee Reserved Shares) and (subject to re-allocation and Offer Size Adjustment Option) and 180,000,000 shares under the Placing (subject to re-allocation and Offer Size Adjustment Option) at an indicative Offer Price ranging from HK$0.375 and HK$0.425 per Offer Share. After deducting relevant expenses, and assuming an Offer Price of HK$0.4 per Share (being the mid-point of the indicative Offer Price range) and the Offer Size Adjustment Option is not exercised, net proceeds from the Share Offer are estimated to be approximately HK$49.6 million.

The Public Offering commenced on 29 December 2017 (Friday) and will end at noon on 4 January 2018 (Thursday). The final Offer Price and results of allocation will be announced on 11 January 2018 (Thursday). Trading of Excalibur's shares will commence on the GEM Board of SEHK on 12 January 2018 (Friday) under the stock code 8350. Shares will be traded in board lots of 8,000 shares each.

Alliance Capital Partners Limited is the Sole Sponsor, and together with Head & Shoulders Securities Limited are the Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Managers, China Finance KAB Limited is the Co-lead Manager, and Fortune (HK) Securities Limited is the Co-Manager of the listing.

Investment Highlights

With over 20 years of business operations in Hong Kong, the Directors of the Group believe that Excalibur has established itself as a reputable and trusted futures brokerage firm which enable them to attract new clients from the market and solicit client referrals from existing clients. The Group currently provides clients with access to locally and globally traded futures and options products. In 1H2017, approximately 74.6% of the Group's total revenue was generated from futures products (such as oil, gold and forex futures) traded on Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), while approximately 23.3% was from the Hong Kong Futures Exchange (HKFE). Remaining 2.1% was from other exchange market.

Personalised client services
The Group generally does not engage in price competition with its competitors, but focus on providing premium service to its clients who are willing to pay for reliable and personalised services and speedy access to markets through our online trading platform. Its clients are also served by experienced AEs who are equipped with in-depth knowledge in a wide range of futures and options products and are able to advise clients and keep them informed of market developments on a timely basis. Furthermore, the Group provides clients' service on a 24-hour basis on weekdays for trading, settlement, accounting and technical support to its clients.

Efficient, integrated and stable online trading platform and IT system
An efficient, integrated and stable online trading platform is a key factor in developing and maintaining loyalty of the Group's clients and in attracting new ones. Through online trading platform of the Group, clients could engage in the trading of futures and options products traded over the HKFE as well as across major global futures exchanges on a real time basis when markets are open; access real time market information, and access their account details and history, charting systems, news feeds, historical market data and certain other tools, including technical analysis services.

Experienced management and AE team
The Group is led by a team of experienced professionals with substantial expertise in formulating corporate strategies, monitoring compliance and financial performance, controlling credit risks (particularly those risks arising from market fluctuations) and managing daily operations. With their experience and valuable knowledge in the industry, the Group will be able to respond to and cope readily with rapidly evolving and fluctuating market conditions.

Streamlined and efficient organisational structure
The Group has a streamlined organisational structure whereby all decisions in relation to the execution and settlement of clients' orders are directly supervised by the Group's responsible officers. It believes that this facilitates efficient execution and settlement of clients' orders.

Future Strategies

As the PRC government continues to encourage growth in the PRC futures industry as well as the development of Qianhai as an important spot commodities trading venue against the backdrop of an increasing number of sophisticated investors looking to diversify their investments and trading strategies, the Group intend to capitalise on such opportunity by increasing its presence and visibility in the PRC as a "go to" provider of reliable futures brokerage services through the below strategies:

Enhance marketing resources in the PRC
The Group intends to enhance its marketing resources in the PRC to capture opportunities from an increase in demand and appetite for futures investments in the PRC, including the establishment of an office in Qianhai to launch its marketing campaign in the PRC.

Establish and commence stock option trading business
The Group will continue to expand its product offerings to clients including, among other things, to commence offering broking services relating to stock options to its clients and to allow them to acquire these products on a margin basis.

Enhance the IT capability of the Group
The Group plans to sustain its competitiveness among local futures brokerages through enhancing its online trading system and IT infrastructure to ensure its clients are provided with seamless and speedy access to the futures market.

Expand manpower for providing more customised client service and to strengthen human resources
The Group will increase its manpower to provide more customised and value-added services, including the establishment of a research department to issue research reports, regular updates and market commentary to its clients.

Use of Proceeds
Assuming an Offer Price of HK$0.4 per share (being the mid-point of the indicative Offer Price range) and that the Offer Size Adjustment Option is not exercised, net proceeds from the Share Offer are estimated to be approximately HK$49.6million and will be applied as follows:

Item / HK$ (Million) / Percentage
Enhancing marketing resources in the PRC / 22.1 / 44.5%
Establishing and commencing stock options business and to provide margin financing to clients / 14.1 / 28.5%
Enhance IT capability / 7.2 / 14.6%
Expand manpower for providing more customised client service and to strengthen human resources / 6.1 / 12.4%
Total / 49.6 / 100%

Financial Highlights
(HK$'000) For the Year Ended 31 December Six months ended 30 June
FY2015 FY2016 1H2017
Revenue 43,424 40,776 13,608
Profit for the year 18,918 11,788 287

- Revenue for the four months ended 31 October 2017 increased by approximately HK$3.2 million (approximately 31.4%) as compared to approximately HK$10.3 million for the same period of 2016
- Profit before taxation for the four months ended 31 October 2017 increased by approximately 37 times as compared with the same period in 2016

About Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited
Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited is a provider of futures brokerage services in Hong Kong to its clients since 1994 and the Group currently provides its clients with access to locally and globally traded futures and options products. The Group's business is carried out through the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Excalibur Global HK, which is a corporation licensed with the SFC to carry out type 2 (dealing in futures contracts) and type 5 (advising on futures contract) regulated activities in Hong Kong. Excalibur Global HK is also licensed with the SFC to carry out type 1 (dealing in securities) regulated activity in Hong Kong while currently the licence allows the Group to introduce its clients to other licensed securities brokerages in Hong Kong.

Media Enquiries:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Mandy Go Tel: (852) 2864 4812 Email: mandy.go@sprg.com.hk
Keris Leung Tel: (852) 2864 4863 Email: keris.leung@sprg.com.hk
Antonio Yu Tel: (852) 2114 4319 Email: antonio.yu@sprg.com.hk
Website: www.sprg.com.hk

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