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Miiny to Take Singapore-Developed Mobile Games Global with Top Local Talents

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Home-grown mobile game developer launches talent competition in search of Singapore's top mobile developers and illustrators, while introducing three new mobile games

SINGAPORE, Jan 18, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Homegrown mobile game developer, Miiny Mobile Gaming Network has announced its inaugural Mobile Game Development and Illustration Talent Competition today, at the company's launch and networking event, a platform for aspiring game developers and illustrators. Through the seven-month competition, Miiny aims to discover and recognise aspiring mobile game developers and illustrators in Singapore, while providing them an opportunity to collaborate with Miiny on top quality mobile games across the globe.

"We are constantly on the lookout for collaborative opportunities, said Kenneth Tham, Founder of Miiny. "Our first ever Mobile Game Development and Illustration Talent Competition is the perfect avenue for us to reach out to undiscovered local talents who have a passion for the gaming industry, especially within Singapore. Through this initiative, we also aim to develop a stable community of homegrown game developers, while providing global collaborative opportunities."

Winners of the competition will be invited to join Miiny's development team and publish their prize-winning games on Miiny's platform. Winning game developers will also receive up to S$5,000 worth of prizes, while winning illustrators will receive up to S$3,000 worth of prizes. Opened to all Singaporean citizens and permanent residents, judges will focus on participants originality, creativity, design and interface as judging criteria.

Also debuting at the event are three mobile games uniquely developed by Miiny. Available for download on the Google Play and Apple App Store, these games include:

- Miiny Landlord Fight - A card game based on the hugely popular game from China, Dou Di Zhu. In this game, two Farmers challenge one Landlord, the side that plays all of his/her cards first wins the game.

- Egg Legend - A three-match game that requires different strategies to arrange three to five eggs in a row or column (horizontally or vertically). l You are part of the mighty King Eggzian army and their quest to reclaim the baby Eggzians, outplaying and outwitting the Dragon that has stolen the baby Eggzians.

- Miiny Poker - Designed based on the world's most popular poker game, "Texas Hold 'Em", the rules are simple: Place your bets, pick your cards and play. Players can showcase their skills against the best poker players from all over the world.

Mobile Game Development and Illustration Talent Competition Details

The official competition's official website www.miinycontest.com will go live on 16 January 2018. Interested participants can register by 15 March, and submit their games through the portal by 9 August. Judging will commence from 10 August to 9 October, and winners will be publicly announced by the end of October.

About Miiny Holdings

Miiny Mobile Gaming Network is a Singapore start-up that specialises in mobile game development and aims to be the first Singapore company to have a strong presence in the global gaming industry. Spearheaded by Kenneth Tham, who has been in the IT and games development industry for 15 years, Miiny conceptualises and develops mobile games based on the foundations of being "fun, futuristic, tech and educational". www.miiny.com

Media Contacts
Miiny Holdings
Nicholas Yong
Email: nicholasyong@miiny.com
Tel: +65 6718 6720

Ooffle Pte. Ltd. (Events)
Elaine Lor
Email: support@ooffle.com
Tel: +65 9720 1509

PRecious Communications (Media)
Darren Beck and Gabriella Teo
Email: ooffle@preciouscomms.com
Tel: +65 6303 0567


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Suprema Establishes Middle East Operations with Suprema Middle East FZCO

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SEOUL, KOREA, Jan 18, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Suprema, a global leader in biometrics and security, has announced the establishment of Suprema Middle East FZCO, which will provide localized sales, marketing and technical support across the Middle East, a key strategic market for the company. The new operations are located in the Dubai Airport Free Zone.

Suprema Middle East FZCO underscores Suprema's commitment to advancing enterprise-level access control solutions in the UAE and across the broader Middle East region. Within the Middle East markets, Suprema has led biometric-enabled time attendance solutions and is observing increasing demand for electronic access control combining trending technologies including biometrics, mobile credential and open-platform for integration adaptability.

"Suprema Middle East FZCO is committed to help our strategic partners and customers in the Middle East. While maintaining strong market share in time-attendance solution, we aim to penetrate large scale access control market with CoreStation, Suprema's new centralized access control solutions," said SY Lee, Director of Global Business at Suprema.

"During recent years, Suprema has expanded its global operations in 6 strategic regions, including UK, Germany, Canada, France, Brazil and UAE. Along with our other global operations, Suprema Middle East will aggregate Suprema's global resources to cope with unique needs from Middle East, and will also focus on enriching our ecosystem by facilitating cooperation between distributors, SIs and partners to expand capability in the local market," Lee added.

With the establishment of Suprema Middle East FZCO, Suprema appoints Mohamed El Shenawy as Regional Sales Director. Mohamed will lead the regional sales team and focus on the new business development as well as supporting existing business partners in the region.

Suprema Middle East FZCO will exhibit at upcoming Intersec 2018 in Dubai on January 21-23. At the Show, Suprema will showcase CoreStation, prototype of its outdoor fingerprint time-attendance terminal, a facial recognition terminal and a range of the company's 2nd generation biometric devices.

To experience latest Suprema products and technologies, please book a demo at below link or visit Suprema stand (SA-G22) at Intersec 2018. http://web.supremainc.com/bookameeting_intersec2018

About Suprema

Suprema is a leading global provider of biometrics and security. By combining world renowned biometric algorithms with superior engineering, Suprema continually designs and develops industry leading products and solutions. Suprema's extensive range of portfolio includes biometric access control systems, time & attendance solutions, fingerprint live scanners, mobile authentication solutions and embedded fingerprint modules. Suprema has worldwide sales network in over 130 countries and is one of the world's Top 50 security manufacturer in its turnover (ranked in A&S's Security 50, 2010-2017). For more information, please visit www.supremainc.com.

Press Contact:
Andy Ahn
Head of Marketing, Suprema Inc.
Email: andyahn@suprema.co.kr


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Honda Walking Assist Obtains Medical Device Approval in the EU

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Honda Walking Assist Device
Honda Walking Assist Device in use
TOKYO, Jan 18, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the Honda Walking Assist Device(1), an assistive device for use in the training and rehabilitation of walking, has obtained the Medical Devices Directive (Council Directive 93/42/EEC) certification, which enables Honda to affix the CE marking and commercialize the device within the European Union (EU) countries.

Conformity with EU standards (EU Directives) and affixing the CE marking on the product, a certification mark that indicates conformity with EU standards, are mandatory in order to distribute and sell the product in EU countries. Various products including machinery, electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (low voltage) and toys are subject to EU directives, and the Medical Devices Directive (MDD) sets harmonized standards for medical devices, and conformity with the Directive certifies the manufacturer to affix the CE marking on a product.

The Honda Walking Assist Device obtained an MDD approval and CE marking as a medical device which comply with standards mandated by the MDD, enabling Honda to apply the CE marking on the Walking Assist Device.

Moreover, the Honda Walking Assist Device became the first case of MDD approval that was obtained through a cooperative approach between the Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA), a Japan-based third-party ISO certification organization, and TUV Nord Cert GmbH(2), a German-based third-party certification organization, which leveraged assessment and certification based on the ISO 13482 certification(3) that the Honda Walking Assist Device had already obtained.

With this MDD approval, Honda today (on January 18, 2018) received the MDD certificate from TUV Nord Cert GmbH in the presence of the JQA.

While continuing its research and development efforts since 1999, Honda began lease sales of the Honda Walking Assist Device in November 2015 to organizations and businesses in Japan as an assistive device for use in the training of walking. As of today, the Honda Walking Assist Device is being used at approximately 250 facilities throughout Japan to assist training of walking and measure walking capability.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_HondaHWADevice.jpg
Honda Walking Assist Device

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_HondaHWADeviceUse.jpg
Honda Walking Assist Device in use

(1) The Honda Walking Assist Device is a device designed for the purpose of assisting the person who wears it in walking rehabilitation. In Japan, it is not approved as medical equipment designed for the purpose of diagnosing, treating or preventing a disorder of the user.
(2) TUV Nord Cert GmbH is an international third-party certification organization headquartered in Hannover, Germany. TUV Nord Cert GmbH operates in approximately 70 countries and regions around the world.
(3) The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) issued ISO 13482 in 2014 as the only international safety standard for personal care robots (living-support robot) in the world. The Honda Walking Assist Device obtained the ISO 13482 certificate in October 2015.

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Hitachi to Introduce New Innovations for Realizing Utility 3.0 via the Lumada IoT Platform at DistribuTECH 2018

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Hitachi Booth in DistribuTECH 2018 (booth image)
NEW YORK, Jan 18, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi America, Ltd. and Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501), today announced that, together with Hitachi's group companies, new innovations for realizing Utility 3.0 via the Lumada IoT platform will be introduced at DistribuTECH 2018 (booth #3009).

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_HitachiBoothDistribuTECH2018.jpg
Hitachi Booth in DistribuTECH 2018 (booth image)

The energy market has reached a turning point toward Utility 3.0, a concept in the energy sector aimed at forming an increasingly smarter society by advancing decarbonization, decentralization and digitalization. This helps contribute to Society 5.0, a concept which balances the solution to social problems with economic development by the system, fusing together virtual space and physical space. A range of efforts in the energy sector have started to build a new energy society that requires innovations that go beyond industry borders.

At this event, under the theme "Realizing Utility 3.0," Hitachi will demonstrate new innovations centered on various systems, including the distributed energy facilities and power distribution equipment known as Grid Edge, which operate at locations close to consumers, in order to realize Utility 3.0 through the use of Lumada, Hitachi's Internet of Things (IoT) Platform. Lumada combines the cultivated operational technology (OT) in the power and energy fields to date and the advanced information technology (IT) represented by data analytics.

Through this exhibition at DistribuTECH 2018, the Hitachi Group will collaborate with customers and partners worldwide in the energy sector. This is one of the core domains of the company's social innovation business, aiming to expand its presence in the global energy solution market, including North America.

Major Exhibits

1. Lumada IoT Platform

Hitachi presents the Lumada IoT Platform, an infrastructure that is working to create new value for the future of society.

2. Grid Security Assessment and Enhancement

Hitachi presents a solution currently active in Poland, which implements advanced Japanese technologies to stabilize systems and to control the output of wind energy in real time, as well as battery energy storage systems. It also presents its smart grid business in the United States, aimed at expanding the introduction of alternative energy and promoting energy saving, as well as the next-generation power grid and smart community business in Slovenia to build a cloud-based integrated distribution management system for small and mid-sized electricity distribution companies.

3. Digital Energy Services

Hitachi presents a program that is carried out together with stadtwerke (a small-scale communal business entity), which is responsible for regional energy and infrastructure services in Germany, to simultaneously allow trade liberalization in response to transaction prices in the electricity market and optimization regarding the operation plans of power facilities. It also presents activities such as the demonstration of Japan's large-scale battery energy storage system, demand response promoted in North America and Europe, as well as a Virtual Power Plant using electric vehicles and heat pumps as distributed energy sources on the consumer side, which are integrated and utilized for system operation.

4. Energy Resource Optimization

Hitachi presents the Predictive Diagnosis Solution to assist in productivity improvement by predicting renewable energy output, such as wind energy promoted in North America and India, and by securing facility maintenance and safe operation in which the remaining useful life prognoses are now served.

About Utility 3.0

Utility 3.0 is a concept showing an evolved situation where "utilities," which are responsible for public businesses such as electricity, comprehensively take responsibility for social infrastructures through reform drivers, such as decarbonization, decentralization and digitalization. Utility 1.0 was the period when the electricity industry emerged and supported economic growth under regulatory protections. Utility 2.0 is the period (current) when the electricity system reform initiated power generation and competition in retail.

About DistribuTECH

DistribuTECH is a major energy event for exhibiting technologies and products that reflect the latest trends in the global electricity and energy markets, while also offering a variety of conference on the most important future issues facing the electricity industry. This year will mark the 28th annual exhibition, with the expected participation of over 500 companies engaged in the energy infrastructure worldwide. In recent years, DistribuTECH has exhibited many digital solutions that create new value by utilizing IT and IoT technologies, in addition to the latest technologies in the energy power sector, such as smart grids and distributed power generation. Hitachi has participated in the exhibition annually since 2010 with the aim of introducing Hitachi's social innovation business and establishing Hitachi's presence in North America to utility operators in North America and electricity and energy operators worldwide. For information, please visit http://www.distributech.com/index.html

About Hitachi America, Ltd.

Hitachi America, Ltd. headquartered in Tarrytown, New York, a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., and its subsidiary companies offer a broad range of electronics, power and industrial equipment and services, particle beam therapy technologies, automotive products and consumer electronics with operations throughout the Americas. For more information, visit www.hitachi-america.us. For information on other Hitachi Group companies in the United States, please visit www.hitachi.us.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges with our talented team and proven experience in global markets. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2014 (ended March 31, 2015) totaled 9,761 billion yen ($81.3 billion). Hitachi is focusing more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes power & infrastructure systems, information & telecommunication systems, construction machinery, high functional materials & components, automotive systems, healthcare and others. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.

Contact:
Hitachi Ltd Corporate Communications Tel: +81-3-3258-1111

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Discover Increases Acceptance in Hong Kong

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First Data and JCB Help Discover Grow Acceptance at Key Merchants

Riverwoods, Illinois, Jan 18, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Discover Global Network, the payments brand of Discover Financial Services, will expand card acceptance at key merchants in Hong Kong by working with First Data and JCB International, the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd. (referred to below as "JCB").

To expand into Hong Kong, Discover Global Network was able to leverage the existing acquiring partnership between JCB and First Data to accept all cards that run on Discover Global Network including Discover, Diners Club and affiliate network cards through Discover's current net-to-net relationship with JCB.

"This is a great example of partners working together to bring value to both customers and merchants," said Amy Parsons, senior vice president of global acceptance at Discover. "Our strong existing relationships with First Data and JCB allow us to grow faster and reach merchants that are important to our customers."

First Data has a robust roll-out plan and will enable acceptance for Discover and Diners Club cards including key international restaurant chains, Airport duty free stores and national department stores to benefit cardholders visiting Hong Kong.

"This unique relationship with Discover and JCB leverages First Data's global footprint, scale, and innovative solutions to provide key merchants in Hong Kong with the ability to accept Discover and Diners Club Cards," states Ivo Distelbrink, EVP, Head of Asia Pacific region for First Data. "At First Data, we are committed to enabling commerce for businesses around the world so they can, in turn, offer flexible payment options to their customers. We are delighted to collaborate with Discover and JCB to further this effort."

Discover currently works with First Data as its acquiring partner in both the United States and Europe to grow acceptance of all cards that run on Discover Global Network.

Discover and JCB have worked together since 2006 and continue to increase acceptance of JCB cards on the Discover Network in the U.S., and of Discover cards on the JCB network in Japan. This is the third joint acquirer agreement between JCB and Discover following Kazakhstan and Republic of South Africa, leveraging Discover's current net-to-net relationship with JCB with First Data.

"JCB and Discover's alliance has now stepped into a new stage opening up a new territory in Asia Region other than our mother market, Japan," said Kimihisa Imada, President & COO of JCB International. "Thanks to First Data for their outstanding cooperation. This project allowed us to widen our technical collaboration with First Data and further business possibilities."

Discover Global Network has over 42 million merchant acceptance locations and 1.9 million ATM and cash access locations across 185 countries and territories, Discover Global Network includes Discover, Diners Club International, PULSE and affiliated networks.

About Discover Global Network

Discover Global Network, the global payments brand of Discover Financial Services, processes millions of cardholder transactions each day. With industry expertise, innovative technology and a closed-loop infrastructure, Discover Global Network provides effective, customized solutions that evolve as needs change. Discover Global Network has alliances with more than 10 payments networks around the world, and is led by three Discover businesses: Discover network, with millions of retail and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information visit www.discovernetwork.com

About First Data

First Data (NYSE: FDC) is a global leader in commerce-enabling technology and solutions, serving approximately six million business locations and 4,000 financial institutions in more than 100 countries around the world. The company's 24,000 owner-associates are dedicated to helping companies, from start-ups to the world's largest corporations, conduct commerce every day by securing and processing more than 2,800 transactions per second and $2.2 trillion per year.

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/

Sarah Grage Silberman
Discover
Tel: +1-224-405-6029
Email: sarahgragesilberman@discover.com
@Discover_News

Liidia Liuksila
First Data
Tel: +1-212- 515-0174
Email: Liidia.Liuksila@FirstData.com

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


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle to Go on Sale This Year in Canada Starting in Quebec

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- Produces water as its only emission
- Great features, easy to fuel, great range, cold-weather friendly
- Quebec consumers will have the first opportunity to test drive the Mirai at the 2018 Montreal International Auto Show

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Jan 19, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Canada today took an important step towards the future of sustainable mobility in Canada, announcing that the Toyota Mirai--powered by hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain technology--is coming to Canada this year. As Toyota kicked off its participation in the Montreal International Auto Show, the company confirmed it would launch starting with select fleets in Quebec, where the Mirai will take advantage of the province's clean hydroelectric power generation to offer drivers a remarkably clean, more sustainable alternative to the conventional automobile.

"Toyota is passionate about helping Canada, and societies around the world, enjoy a greener future--as we have outlined in our Environmental Challenge 2050. And the Mirai--a zero-emissions, production model sedan--is an important milestone as we work to achieve this," said Martin Gilbert, Director of Sales Planning and Innovation, Toyota Canada Inc. "Working closely with the Quebec government and key stakeholders, we feel the time is right to put Mirai on the road in the province."

"Quebec is well positioned to become a world leader in terms of energy transition, a challenge for all modern economies", said Pierre Moreau, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. "This challenge cannot be solved alone; it's by building strategic partnerships with companies like Toyota, which today launches the Mirai, a fuel cell electric vehicle, that we will succeed."

"The arrival of the Mirai in Quebec is perfectly in line with the adoption of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standard last December, which aims to substantially increase the number of electric cars on Quebec roads", said Isabelle Melancon, Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change. "This standard will give Quebecers access to a wider range of electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. Toyota's announcement demonstrates that builders are hard at work to meet the greenhouse gas reduction targets we collectively set for the benefit of our planet and future generations."

The Mirai's introduction follows the successful market launch of the Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid vehicle. The company launched a real-world market trial of Prius Prime in Quebec in mid-2017, and the overwhelming success of that experience has set the stage for expanding Prius Prime to the rest of Canada this year. It also created a blueprint for advanced technology vehicle introductions--one that will help Toyota ensure that Canadians embrace fuel cell electric vehicles such as the Mirai with the same enthusiasm that they have shown for the Prius and other electrified Toyota vehicles.

Of course, Mirai needs a source of hydrogen, and since Hydro Quebec is the world's fourth-largest producer of clean hydro-electricity that means that the hydrogen used to drive Mirai will be produced from remarkably clean sources too. Toyota Canada has been working closely with partners in Quebec over the past year--in particular, the Ministries of Energy, Environment, and Transportation--to ensure the introduction of an appropriate fueling infrastructure in the province.

With its advanced technology under the hood, the 2018 Toyota Mirai delivers three key benefits that Toyota feels are important to Canadians. First, there's no need for range anxiety, as the Mirai can travel more than 500 km on a tank of hydrogen. Second, refuelling time is similar to a regular gasoline vehicle, taking approximately five minutes to refill the tank. And third, the Mirai has proven cold-weather reliability--especially important as many parts of Canada have experienced new, record-cold temperatures this winter.

Mirai stores hydrogen in its fuel tank. This is combined with oxygen in the fuel cell stack. The resulting chemical reaction produces two things: electricity, and water. The electricity powers the vehicle, delivering 151 peak horsepower and up to 247 lb-ft of torque. And the water leaves through the tailpipe as Mirai's only emission.

Beyond its remarkable power supply, however, the Mirai delivers exactly what drivers have come to expect of Toyota: a stylish, feature-rich, fun-to-drive four-door sedan. The aerodynamic body is highlighted by LED headlamps and daytime running lights, touch sensor front door handles and trunk lid, and 17" alloy wheels. Noise-reducing glass contributes to a quiet, comfortable cabin, featuring eight-way power adjustable front seats, heated seats for everyone, electronic push button start with Smart Key, a heated, power adjustable steering wheel with built-in multifunction controls, a premium audio system with navigation, and more. And as a Toyota, the Mirai also delivers the peace of mind of uncompromised safety, including radar cruise control, pre-collision system, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, eight airbags, a back-up camera, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, and more.

The Toyota Mirai will go on sale later this year. The vehicle will be on display at the 2018 Montreal International Auto Show, where visitors to the show will be the very first in Canada to have the opportunity to book test drives and engage with the interactive and informative TimePlay Mirai experience as part of the Toyota exhibit. The Montreal International Auto Show takes place January 19-28 at the Palais des Congres de Montreal.

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TEPCO looks to the transformative potential of blockchain by investing in Electron, a UK energy technology company

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Electron aims to transform the energy infrastructure using blockchain technology

LONDON, Jan 19, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TEPCO) announced today that it closed an early-stage bridging round investment in Electron at the end of 2017.

Electron is a London-based technology company harnessing blockchain technology to establish more efficient, flexible, and reliable systems for the energy sector. Together, they will explore the potential to change the existing centralised structures to decentralised systems in energy transactions by using blockchain.

"We are excited to work with Electron to explore and obtain additional know-how on blockchain that has the potential to significantly impact the energy market," said Shin-ichiro Kengaku, Managing Executive Officer and Chief of the Global Innovation & Investments at TEPCO. "We believe it is very important to continuously seek new opportunities and create new value for society."

Paul Ellis, CEO of Electron said, "In the next phase of energy transformation, millions of new assets will be joining energy networks at both the transmission and distribution levels. There is a huge need to create a robust shared infrastructure that can identify and record the properties of these assets - this can be underpinned by appropriate blockchain technologies. TEPCO is an energy industry leader for innovation in Japan, so we are delighted to partner with them to explore expanding our service offerings in other markets."

About TEPCO

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TSE: 9501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is the largest utility in Japan serving millions of homes and businesses. Worldwide the company has more than 34 subsidiaries and 32 affiliates in 8 countries and employs approximately 42,060 people. Consolidated revenue for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, totalled 5.3 trillion Japanese yen. The company was established in 1951 and is listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/corpinfo/index-e.html

Contact:
Media Communications Group, Corporate Communications Office
+81-(3)-6373-1111 (Switchboard number)
For enquiries, please contact https://www4.tepco.co.jp/en/other/contact/media-e.html

About Electron

Electron is a London-based tech company harnessing blockchain to design new platforms and services for a decarbonising, digitising, decentralising and democratising energy sector. Recognising the potential for these new technologies to transform the shared virtual infrastructure of the grid, Electron is taking a top down, collaborative approach to platform development and working with various key stakeholders in the energy industry. For more information, please visit www.electron.org.uk

For further information:
Oenone Scott, Communications Manager
020 7096 1519
oenone.scott@electron.org.uk

For media enquiries:
Oliver Buckley/Michael Zdanowski
Madano
+44 (0)20 7593 4000
oliver.buckley@madano.com
michael.zdanowski@madano.com


Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Mazda Opens Engine Machining Factory at Thai Powertrain Plant

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Entrance to the engine plant at Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing (Thailand)
Increasing engine production capacity in Thailand to 100,000 units per year

TOKYO, Jan 19, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the opening of a new engine machining factory at its powertrain plant in Thailand's Chonburi Province, Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, MPMT). Mazda's Representative Director, President and CEO, Masamichi Kogai, was among the attendees at an opening ceremony held at MPMT today.

"Congratulations on the opening of MPMT's engine machining factory," said Kogai in his remarks at the ceremony. "I'd like to express my sincere gratitude for the support we've received from the government, our suppliers and other parties. MPMT plays an essential role in Mazda's comprehensive vehicle production system in Thailand. Strengthening our production framework for engines, the most fundamental vehicle component of all, will help us to get our cars to customers without delay. Moving forward, we will continue our focus on high-quality vehicle production, and work to deliver cars that add color to their owners' lives while contributing to the development of Thailand's automotive industry at the same time."

"We are delighted to open this new engine machining factory," said MPMT President and CEO Mitsunobu Mukaida. "MPMT's steady growth since its establishment through to today is largely thanks to the generous assistance we've received from various parties. Let me express my sincere gratitude to all concerned. I hope that the engines we make here at MPMT together with our suppliers will go into cars that become an indispensable part of the customer's life. We will contribute to the growth of manufacturing in Thailand by working with the local community to build high-quality cars and helping to nurture the next generation of industry leaders."

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Entrance to the engine plant at Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing (Thailand)

Working to enhance its comprehensive production system in Thailand for engines, transmissions and complete vehicles, Mazda has invested an additional 22.1 billion yen to establish the machining factory and increase the capacity of the existing engine assembly line in order to raise engine production capacity at MPMT from 30,000 to 100,000 units per year. Moving forward, the plant will start production of the SKYACTIV-G 2.0, an engine that will be supplied to manufacturing facilities in Malaysia and Vietnam as well as Thailand.

Aiming to help create a future in which people, the earth and society can coexist with cars, Mazda will keep working to enrich people's lives through a car ownership experience that celebrates driving and become a brand with which customers feel a strong emotional connection.

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Eisai Enters into Licensing Agreement with Adlai Nortye for Potential Anticancer Agent E7046

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(Prostaglandin E2 Receptor Type 4 Antagonist)

TOKYO, Jan 19, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today that it has entered into a licensing agreement granting exclusive rights concerning the research, development, manufacture and marketing of Eisai's in-house discovered potential anticancer agent E7046, which is an investigational prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) type EP4 receptor antagonist, to Adlai Nortye Biopharma Co., Ltd. in all regions outside of Japan and part of Asia (excluding China).

E7046 is an orally administered, selective EP4 receptor antagonist discovered by Eisai's U.S. Andover research facility. It is suggested that PGE2 signals through EP4 receptors may suppress the antitumor activity of immune cells. By inhibiting EP4, E7046 is expected to act on the tumor microenvironment via a different mechanism to immune checkpoint inhibitors to potentially demonstrate antitumor effects.

Currently, E7046 is being investigated as a monotherapy in a Phase I clinical study as well as a Phase Ib clinical study in combination with radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy.

Under this agreement, Eisai will receive from Adlai Nortye a one-time payment, milestone payments in accordance with the progress of development, as well as certain royalties according to sales revenue after launch.

Adlai Nortye is a science-led clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing new and effective immunotherapy for patients with cancer. Eisai positions oncology as a key therapeutic area, and is aiming to discover revolutionary new medicines with the potential to cure cancer. By licensing E7046 to Adlai Nortye, which is developing several tumor immunotherapies that have synergies with E7046, Eisai aims to maximize the value of the agent in order to hopefully contribute to the treatment of patients in the future who need tumor immunotherapies as soon as possible.

About E7046

Discovered in-house by Eisai, E7046 is an investigational, orally-administered EP4 antagonist that is believed to selectively bind to EP4 receptors, which are a subtype of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptors. It is known that activating EP4 receptors causes monocytes, a type of white blood cell, to differentiate into M2 macrophages which have immuno-suppressive effects. As demonstrated in preclinical studies, inhibiting EP4 receptors reduces M2 macrophages, and by increasing M1 macrophages which activate immune response, antitumor effects can be expected. Currently E7046 is being investigated in a Phase I clinical study, and a Phase Ib clinical study of E7046 in combination with radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy is also underway.

About Adlai Nortye Biopharma Co., Ltd.

Adlai Nortye is a science-led biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing new drugs. Adlai Nortye focuses on discovering and developing important new treatments for cancer and metabolic diseases. Adlai Nortye's mission is to improve patient lives by identifying and acquiring differentiated innovative medicines that help people live better, live longer.
Adlai Nortye has 19 patents granted and 7 PCT published. With extensive experience in peptide and protein drugs, Adlai Nortye has expanded its expertise into small molecules and therapeutic antibodies. Through close collaborations with global partners, Adlai Nortye has successfully positioned ourselves in the fields of immuno-oncology and metabolic diseases and have several programs ongoing from early pre-clinical to Phase 3 ready.

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Eisai: Oral Antifungal Agent NAILIN Capsules 100mg Approved in Japan

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TOKYO, Jan 19, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. obtained marketing and manufacturing approval for the oral antifungal agent NAILIN Capsules 100mg containing the active ingredient fosravuconazole L-lysine ethanolate (fosravuconazole) for the treatment of onychomycosis in Japan on January 19, 2018.

Sato Pharma and Eisai Co., Ltd. are jointly providing information on its proper use.

Fosravuconazole, the active ingredient of NAILIN Capsules 100mg, is a new triazole class oral antifungal component discovered by Eisai. Sato Pharma conducted a Phase III clinical study of the agent in patients with onychomycosis in Japan, and after confirming efficacy and safety of the agent in the study, Sato Pharma applied for marketing and manufacturing authorization in January 2017.

Onychomycosis affects 1 in every 10 Japanese people, and there are an estimated approximately 11 million sufferers in Japan. With Sato Pharma now having obtained marketing and manufacturing approval for NAILIN Capsules 100mg, as an oral treatment for onychomycosis, this is the first new treatment for the disease in approximately 20 years.

By providing NAILIN Capsules 100mg as a new option for the treatment of onychomycosis, Sato Pharma and Eisai will strive to fulfil the needs of onychomycosis patients and healthcare professionals.

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

DENSO Undertakes Demonstration Project to Advance Manufacturing Industry in Thailand

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The Showcase Building Image
Trains System Integrators on Lean Automation and Connectivity

TOKYO, Jan 19, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - DENSO Corporation today announced that it will undertake a demonstration project aimed at training system integrators who can handle production and failure analysis equipment in Thailand by using a showcase production line for next-generation lean automation. The project was consigned by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to train lean automation system integrators (LASIs) in the "Connected Industries" as part of the "Project for Nurturing New Industries in ASEAN and Japan" promoted by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Thai Ministry of Industry (MOI).

To achieve highly competitive manufacturing, it is essential to train system integrators who can build an efficient production system by eliminating waste in respective lines and plants through a combination of automation and information technology, in addition to developing and introducing automated production equipment.

DENSO has introduced lean automation in its production process to eliminate waste and achieve an efficient automated production system. The showcase to be established in Thailand is a next-generation production line that combines lean automation refined by DENSO with "Connected Industries" promoted by METI. It will be established at the Industrial Transformation Center (ITC) within the MOI to provide open and practical learning opportunities to use cutting-edge systems.

DENSO will also establish a consortium with the National Innovation Agency of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Thailand; five universities and one education facility in Thailand; seven local system integration companies, as well as Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. and LEXER RESEARCH Inc. The group will develop educational programs and teaching materials using the showcase, with training scheduled to begin in April 2018.

Through the demonstration project, DENSO will train local system integrators who have practical capabilities to help enhance the competitiveness in the automation field. The project is regarded as a core project of Thailand 4.0 and will help increase the presence of Japan's "Connected Industries" in Thailand, while accelerating automation of the local Thai and Japanese manufacturing industry, and enhancing DENSO's manufacturing competitiveness in Thailand.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_DENSOJETRO.jpg
The Showcase Building Image

About Denso

DENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information and safety. Its customers include all the world's major carmakers. Worldwide, the company has more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 38 countries and regions and employs nearly 140,000 people. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, totaled US$39.8 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 9 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges. For more information, go to www.globaldenso.com, or visit our media website at www.densomediacenter.com.

Contact:
Sadayoshi Yokoyama, Toshiko Watanabe DENSO CORPORATION Phone: 81-566-25-5594 Fax: 81-566-25-4509 sadayoshi_yokoyama@denso.co.jp toshiko_watanabe@denso.co.jp

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Fujitsu Enhances Personal Data Protections to Respond to the General Data Protection Regulation

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Supporting customers with safer and more secure services

TOKYO, Jan 19, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited today announced that Fujitsu has applied to the Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) to obtain approval for its Binding Corporate Rules for Processors (BCR-P), which are common rules established across the Fujitsu Group related to the handling of personal data that customers have entrusted to Fujitsu for processing. This application is part of the Company's effort to meet the legal requirements for the protection of personal data in Europe laid out in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)(1).

By obtaining this approval, Fujitsu will be able to provide customers with safer and more secure services that comply with the GDPR.

Against the background of the rapid development of ICT around the globe, particularly in AI and IoT, personal data, as one part of big data, is used in a variety of forms, and the boundaries of such utilization continue to expand. The GDPR is planned to go into effect on May 25, 2018, in Europe, making it necessary for all members of corporate groups to protect and handle personal data more strictly.

The Fujitsu Group, from a variety of locations, provides standardized, high-quality services, including the processing of data received from customers, to customers around the world. It operates Global Delivery Centers in eight countries, which undertake such tasks as offering multilingual service desks as well as application development and operations. Moreover, the Fujitsu Group is promoting efforts to strengthen appropriate personal data protections in accordance with international regulations, in order to respond to the diversification of the technology and information in contemporary society.

Under the GDPR, customers who entrust personal data processing to other companies will be obliged to select data processors that meet the requirements of the GDPR, including the ability to process personal data using both appropriate technical and organizational measures. In light of this requirement, customers will be able to safely and securely entrust the processing of personal data to the Fujitsu Group once it has obtained approval from the DPA for its BCR-P.

Going forward, the Fujitsu Group will continue to promote efforts to strengthen its personal data protections.

(1) GDPR
A European regulation obligating companies, organizations, and other bodies to protect personal data, controlling the movement of personal data outside the European Economic Area, and requiring the reporting of data leaks within 72 hours, among other requirements. Companies, organizations, or other bodies found to be in violation may be subject to administrative fines of up to 4% of the annual revenue of the entire corporate group, or 20 million euros, whichever is greater.

About Fujitsu Ltd

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 155,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.5 trillion yen (US$40 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.

* Please see this press release, with images, at:
http://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/

Contact:
Fujitsu Limited Public and Investor Relations Tel: +81-3-6252-2176 URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Ingredion Named One of the World's Most Admired Companies for Ninth Consecutive Year

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WESTCHESTER, Ill., Jan 19, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE:INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries, has been named one of the World's Most Admired Companies for 2018 by FORTUNE Magazine. The list is a ranking of the world's most respected and reputable companies, as ranked by peers in their industry.

This marks the ninth consecutive year Ingredion has been included on the list; the Company ranks third in the food production category. The list of most admired companies is posted on FORTUNE's website and appears in the February print edition of FORTUNE Magazine, which will be available at newsstands on January 22.

"We are extremely proud to be listed among the world's most admired companies for the ninth year in a row. It's a great honor. We strive to be the company of choice for investors, customers and employees alike, and this recognition acknowledges our efforts," said Jim Zallie, chief executive officer of Ingredion. "We are grateful to all of our stakeholders, especially our employees, for their role and support that enables us to achieve this special recognition and for their contributions to our success," Zallie added.

To determine the best-regarded companies in 52 industries Korn Ferry, FORTUNE's partner, asked executives, directors, and analysts to rate enterprises in their own industry on nine criteria, from investment value and quality of management and products to social responsibility and ability to attract talent. A company's score must rank in the top half of its industry survey to be listed.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) is a leading global ingredient solutions provider. We turn grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant materials into value-added ingredients and biomaterial solutions for the food, beverage, paper and corrugating, brewing and other industries. Serving customers in over 100 countries, our ingredients make crackers crunchy, yogurts creamy, candy sweet, paper stronger and add fiber to nutrition bars. Visit Ingredion.com to learn more.

CONTACT:
Investors: Heather Kos, 708-551-2592
Media: Claire Regan, 708-551-2602

###

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: Ingredion Incorporated via Globenewswire


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Sanofi to Acquire Bioverativ for $11.6 Billion

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- Expands Sanofi's presence in specialty care and strengthens leadership in rare diseases
- Adds leader in the growing hemophilia market and provides platform for expansion in other rare blood disorders
- Drives meaningful shareholder value with ROIC expected to exceed cost of capital within three years
- Enhances Sanofi's sustainable revenue and earnings growth
- Provides immediate Business EPS accretion[1]

Paris, France and Waltham, Mass., Jan 22, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Sanofi and Bioverativ Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on therapies for hemophilia and other rare blood disorders, have entered into a definitive agreement under which Sanofi will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Bioverativ for $105 per share in cash, representing an equity value of approximately $11.6 billion (on a fully diluted basis). The transaction was unanimously approved by both the Sanofi and Bioverativ Boards of Directors.

"With Bioverativ, a leader in the growing hemophilia market, Sanofi enhances its presence in specialty care and leadership in rare diseases, in line with its 2020 Roadmap, and creates a platform for growth in other rare blood disorders. Together, we have a great opportunity to bring innovative medicines to patients worldwide, building on Bioverativ's success in driving new standards of care with its extended half-life factor replacement therapies," commented Olivier Brandicourt, Sanofi's Chief Executive Officer. "Combined, we will continue to leverage our scientific know-how, disciplined focus and development expertise that best position us to drive value for our shareholders and create breakthrough treatments for patients."

Bioverativ Chief Executive Officer, John Cox, noted, "Bioverativ was created to bring meaningful progress to people living with hemophilia and other rare blood disorders, and I am extremely proud of the accomplishments we've made toward that mission over the past year. We have expanded upon the success of Eloctate and Alprolix, which are making a difference in the lives of people with hemophilia every day, and built a pipeline of novel programs for people with rare blood disorders. Sanofi brings proven capabilities and a global infrastructure, which we believe will help to more rapidly expand access to our medicines globally and further our mission of transforming the lives of people with rare blood disorders. Our Chairman, Brian Posner, our entire Board and I strongly believed our spin-off would create meaningful value for shareholders, and this transaction delivers tremendous value for the shareholders who have invested in and supported our mission."

Creating a Leading Hemophilia Portfolio

With approximately $10 billion in annual sales and 181,000[2] people affected worldwide, hemophilia represents the largest market for rare diseases and is expected to grow above 7%[3] per year through 2022. Treatment options for patients are shaped by shifting standards of care worldwide and include prophylaxis and extended half-life products, and the development and adoption of innovative therapies.

Bioverativ's extended half-life therapies, Eloctate(R) [Antihemophilic Factor VIII (Recombinant), Fc Fusion Protein] and Alprolix(R) [Coagulation Factor IX (Recombinant), Fc Fusion Protein] for the treatment of hemophilia A and B, respectively, represented the first major advancements in the hemophilia market in nearly two decades when launched. In 2016, Bioverativ generated $847 million in sales and $41 million in royalties.

Bioverativ currently markets the two products in the United States, Japan, Canada and Australia, and plans to expand into additional geographies. The therapies are also commercialized in the European Union and other countries under a collaboration agreement.

Sanofi believes factor replacement therapy will remain the standard of care in hemophilia for many years due to excellent safety and its increasingly superior long-acting profile. Sanofi will be able to leverage Bioverativ's clinical expertise and existing commercial platform to advance fitusiran, an investigational RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic for hemophilia A and B, with or without inhibitors. Sanofi recently announced a restructuring of its rare disease alliance with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, with Sanofi obtaining global development and commercialization rights to fitusiran.

Strengthening Sanofi's Specialty Care Portfolio

One of the priorities of Sanofi's 2020 roadmap is to "Reshape the Portfolio" and focus on areas where the company currently has, or can effectively build, a leadership position. The addition of Bioverativ supports this priority by adding to our portfolio a differentiated offering of innovative therapies and providing a platform for growth in rare blood disorders, which will expand our presence in specialty care, further strengthen our leadership position in rare diseases and meet the needs of the patient community.

Beyond its two marketed products, Bioverativ's pipeline includes a program in Phase 3 testing for cold agglutinin disease, and early stage research programs and collaborations in hemophilia, and other rare blood disorders, including sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. Sanofi's R&D organization will support Bioverativ in bringing these important therapies to patients faster. Furthermore, Sanofi's global presence, proven expertise and success in launching specialty medicines, and established footprint in key emerging markets will help Bioverativ fully capitalize on growth opportunities for Bioverativ's current and future products.

Delivering Shareholder Value

The addition of Bioverativ is expected to drive meaningful value for Sanofi's shareholders, with strong cash flows from Bioverativ's growing products expected to increase Sanofi's financial and operational scale. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Sanofi's Business EPS in FY2018 and up to 5% accretive in FY2019. Sanofi is also projected to achieve ROIC in excess of cost of capital within three years. Sanofi expects to preserve its strong credit rating.

Transaction Terms

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Sanofi will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Bioverativ common stock at a price of $105 per share in cash. The $105 per share acquisition price represents a 64 percent premium to Bioverativ's closing price on January 19, 2018.

The consummation of the tender offer is subject to various conditions, including the tender of at least a majority of the outstanding Bioverativ shares, redelivery of a tax opinion delivered at signing, the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and receipt of certain other regulatory approvals, and other customary conditions. Following the successful completion of the tender offer, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sanofi will merge with Bioverativ and the outstanding Bioverativ shares not tendered in the tender offer will be converted into the right to receive the same $105 per share in cash paid in the tender offer. The tender offer is expected to commence in February 2018.

Sanofi plans to finance the transaction with a combination of cash on hand and through new debt to be raised. The tender offer is not subject to any financing condition. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close within three months.

Lazard is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Sanofi. Guggenheim Securities and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are acting as financial advisors to Bioverativ. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is serving as legal counsel to Sanofi. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal counsel to Bioverativ.

Conference Call

Sanofi will host a webcast live on Sanofi's website at 2:00 pm CET/8:00 am EST on Monday, January 22, 2018. The webcast details and full presentation will be made available on Sanofi's Investor Relations webpage.

About Sanofi

Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions.

With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around the globe.

Sanofi, Empowering Life

About Bioverativ

Bioverativ (NASDAQ: BIVV) is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming the lives of people with hemophilia and other rare blood disorders through world-class research, development and commercialization of innovative therapies. Launched in 2017 following separation from Biogen Inc., Bioverativ builds upon a strong heritage of scientific innovation and is committed to actively working with the blood disorders community. The company's mission is to create progress for patients where they need it most and its hemophilia therapies when launched represented the first major advancements in hemophilia treatment in more than two decades. For more information, visit www.Bioverativ.com or follow @Bioverativ on Twitter.

Sanofi contacts
Media Relations
Jack Cox
Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 77 46 46
mr@sanofi.com

Investor Relations
George Grofik
Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 77 45 45
ir@sanofi.com

Bioverativ contacts
Media Relations
Tracy Vineis
Tel.: +1 781-663-4350
media@Bioverativ.com

Investor Relations
Samuel Chase
Tel.: +1 781-663-4360
IR@Bioverativ.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may include projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations, services, product development and potential, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "will be" and similar expressions. Although Sanofi's and Bioverativ's management each believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Sanofi and Bioverativ, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include among other things, risks related to Sanofi's and Bioverativ's ability to complete the acquisition on the proposed terms or on the proposed timeline, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals, the possibility that competing offers will be made, other risks associated with executing business combination transactions, such as the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully, that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that the expected benefits of the acquisition will not be realized, risks related to future opportunities and plans for the combined company, including uncertainty of the expected financial performance and results of the combined company following completion of the proposed acquisition, disruption from the proposed acquisition making it more difficult to conduct business as usual or to maintain relationships with customers, employees, manufacturers, suppliers or patient groups, and the possibility that, if the combined company does not achieve the perceived benefits of the proposed acquisition as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial analysts or investors, the market price of Sanofi's shares could decline, as well as other risks related Sanofi's and Bioverativ respective businesses, including the ability to grow sales and revenues from existing products and to develop, commercialize or market new products, competition, including potential generic competition, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including future clinical data and analysis, regulatory obligations and oversight by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA or the EMA, including decisions of such authorities regarding whether and when to approve any drug, device or biological application that may be filed for any product candidates as well as decisions regarding labelling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of any product candidates, the absence of a guarantee that any product candidates, if approved, will be commercially successful, risks associated with intellectual property, including the ability to protect intellectual property and defend patents, future litigation, the future approval and commercial success of therapeutic alternatives, and volatile economic conditions. While the list of factors presented here is representative, no list should be considered a statement of all potential risks, uncertainties or assumptions that could have a material adverse effect on companies' consolidated financial condition or results of operations. The foregoing factors should be read in conjunction with the risks and cautionary statements discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by Sanofi, including those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in Sanofi's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016, and the current reports on Form 8-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K filed by Bioverativ with the SEC. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and, other than as required by applicable law, Sanofi and Bioverativ do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

The tender offer for the outstanding shares of Bioverativ common stock ("Bioverativ") referenced in this communication has not yet commenced. This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Bioverativ, nor is it a substitute for the tender offer materials that Sanofi and its acquisition subsidiary will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") upon commencement of the tender offer. At the time the tender offer is commenced, Sanofi and its acquisition subsidiary will file tender offer materials on Schedule TO, and Bioverativ will file a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the tender offer. The tender offer materials (including an Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents) and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement will contain important information. HOLDERS OF SHARES OF BIOVERATIV ARE URGED TO READ THESE DOCUMENTS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT BIOVERATIV STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING TENDERING THEIR SHARES. The Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, will be made available to all holders of shares of BIOVERATIV at no expense to them. The tender offer materials and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement will be made available for free at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. Additional copies may be obtained for free by contacting Sanofi at ir@sanofi.com or on Sanofi's website at https://en.sanofi.com/investors.

[1] Business EPS is a non-GAAP financial measure (see appendix to Sanofi quarterly financial release for definitions)
[2] Source: WFH 2016, MRB 2016, ATHN 2016, Evaluate Pharma
Note that the total estimated population with hemophilia is larger at 400,000 estimated patients versus 181,000 identified patients
[3] Source: WFH 2016, MRB 2016, ATHN 2016, Evaluate Pharma

Press release: http://hugin.info/152918/R/2162706/831926.pdf


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Nanobiotix Presents First Promising Data from Phase I/II Liver Cancers Trial of NBTXR3 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Annual Meeting

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- Very good safety profile with no AEs and SAEs related to NBTXR3
- Complete Response achieved in 3 out of 7 patients evaluable and partial response achieved in 3 out of 7, among 10 patients treated
- Third indication in global NBTXR3 development confirming transferability across different cancers

Paris, France and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, Jan 22, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - NANOBIOTIX (Euronext: NANO - ISIN: FR0011341205), a late clinical-stage nanomedicine company pioneering new approaches to the treatment of cancer, today announces a first readout of intermediate data on the safety and feasibility in its Phase I/II trial evaluating NBTXR3 in liver cancers, including primary (Hepatocellular, HCC) and liver metastasis from other tumors.

Nanobiotix Chief Medical Officer Elsa Borghi, said: "This study successfully demonstrated the safety and the feasibility of the treatment for two different and important indications in liver oncology. These results open a promising pathway for NBTXR3 in patients highly vulnerable."

Population treated

Patients with either HCC or liver metastases frequently cannot undergo surgery and have very few or no therapeutic options available. Radiation therapy has been shown to improve outcomes of these patients. Clinical trials have shown a direct correlation between higher doses of radiation therapy and increased survival, in both patient populations. The delivery of a high radiation dose is complex and cannot be done in an optimal way in most situations due to radiation therapy associated toxicity. NBTXR3 aims to amplify the energy dose within the tumor to offer better clinical results and to improve the poor prognosis of these populations.

Nanobiotix's Phase I/II trial evaluates the safety and preliminary efficacy of NBTXR3 nanoparticles administrated by intra-tumoral (IT) or intra-arterial (IA) injection and activated by high precision radiation therapy, delivered as high dose fractions (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)) for the treatment of liver cancers.

Results presented at ASCO GI annual meeting (Abstract #202303)

A phase I/II trial of NBTXR3 nanoparticles activated by SBRT in the treatment of liver cancers. (Poster board ID TPS 551, Authors: Enrique Chajon, Marc Pracht, Thierry De Baere, France Nguyen, Jean-Pierre Bronowicki, Veronique Vendrely, Anne-Sophie Baumann, Valerie Croise-Laurent, Eric Deutsch; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France; Centre Eugene MARQUIS, Rennes, France; Department of Imaging and Therapeutic Imaging, Gustave Roussy and Paris-Sud University, Villejuif, France; Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; INSERM 954, CHU de Nancy, Universite de Lorraine, Nancy, France; CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; Institut de Cancerologie de Lorraine, Nancy, France).

Enrollment was completed for dose levels 10% (6 pts) and 15% (4 pts). The recruitment at 22% which is the third dose level, is ongoing.

1. Primary endpoints: Safety and Feasibility

The product has demonstrated a very good safety profile, with no adverse event (serious or not) related to NBTXR3 occurred and no dose-limiting toxicity (DLT).

Additionally, the NBTXR3 injections have been demonstrated to be feasible with successful injections in all cases, a good dispersion of the product and the confirmation of its permanence within the tumor structure, from the first day until the last day of radiotherapy treatment, with no negative effect related to the treatment.

Importantly, NBTXR3 nanoparticles did not have any impact on the reliability of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT).

2. Secondary endpoint: Overall response rate to date

Best Overall Response data to date, presented in the table below are based on local assessment on target lesions by mRECIST via MRI.

Out of 10 patients treated, 7 are evaluable. Out of these 7 patients, 3 achieved a complete response and 3 a partial response as best overall response.

These data are only first preliminary response data which will be completed with additional data.

Table: https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_Nanobiotix180122.jpg

3. Potential value of NBTXR3 in this indication

The physical mode of action of NBTXR3 may represent a breakthrough approach for the local treatment of liver cancers, as it does not engage liver and renal functions, i.e. nanoparticles are neither metabolized by the liver nor excreted by the kidney, which is key and highly valuable.

4. Next steps

The trial is planned to evaluate patients at 10, 15, 22 and 33% NBTXR3 dose level. The two first levels (10 and 15%) have been completed, and the trial is recruiting patients to be treated at 22%.

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

About liver cancers

According to WHO, liver cancers are the second most common cause of cancer death in the world with 745,000 deaths each year, and 800,000 new liver cancer patients per year.

Liver cancers are challenging diseases to address. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is the safest and most modern radiotherapy currently available for the treatment of malignant liver tumors but SBRT has been shown to be efficient only in specific subsets of population with small tumors. Complete response is a rare event and local control is often compromised in big tumors, metastases and HCC with portal vein tumor thrombosis and short progression Free Survival and Overall survival.

About NBTXR3 trial protocol in liver cancer

NBTXR3 is a first-in-class radio-enhancer nanoparticle designed for direct injection into malignant tumors. NBTXR3 has the potential to improve radiotherapy efficacy by destroying locally advanced cancers more efficiently. It has been engineered to increase the local absorption of the radiotherapy dose and thereby increasing the efficacy of radiotherapy without increasing toxicity or causing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

The first phase of the ongoing, multicenter open-label, single-arm study is a dose-escalation to evaluate the safety, feasibility and preliminary clinical activity along with determining the recommended dose of NBTXR3 in this indication. The second phase of the trial will be a dose-expansion phase, which will be a cohort expansion at the recommended dose of NBTXR3.

Patients receive a single injection of NBTXR3 into the tumor or metastasis 24 hours before the beginning of the radiotherapy treatment. The total maximum radiotherapy dose is 45 Gy, delivered as three fractions of 15 Gy each, over 5 to 7 days.

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 received FDA's approval to launch a clinical study of NBTXR3 activated by Radiotherapy in combination with anti-PD1 antibody in lung, and head and neck cancer patients in the U.S.

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.


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

ASM Pacific Technology Invests in its Future with the Opening of its R&D Center in Taiwan

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Taiwan, Jan 22, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - In recent years, driven by the increased connectivity, sophisticated data-gathering and analytics capabilities enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT) have led to a shift toward an information-based economy. With these waves of change reshaping the technology landscape, the market will need more advanced semiconductor products to meet the global demand. This has led to ASM Pacific Technology Ltd. (ASMPT), a world leader in the supply of semiconductor assembly and packaging equipment and materials, as well as surface mount technology applications to ride on the current trend as it announced today the opening of its Research & Development Center in Taiwan.

The R&D Center which houses mainly the software engineers will focus on research and development of technologically leading products and solutions that are customizable accordingly to the customers' needs for Industry 4.0 projects and smart factories. The R&D Center will also represent potential opportunities to bridge closer collaborations between ASMPT and its industry partners in the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

Said ASMPT's CEO Mr Lee Wai Kwong "One of our key successes is built on our ability to deliver innovative products with differentiated values to our customers. We invested a total of US$180 million dollars last year on technology research. The opening of Taiwan R&D Center further affirms our commitment towards Research and Development in supporting the Group's future growth."

Mr. Lee continued, "The Group was recently ranked in the 2018 Thomson Reuters Top 100 Global Technology Leaders alongside with other technology top players such as Apple, Accenture, Cisco, IBM, ACER, ASE, SPIL, ASUS, Liteon, PTI, UMC and TSMC in Taiwan etc. Being the only company based in Hong Kong, this firmly attests to the Group's solid foundation in financial performance, innovation, investor confidence, reputation and risk resilience etc."

Besides able to provide immediate hands-on support to the Taiwan customers, the availability of large pool of highly qualified engineering talent, reputable universities and research institutes, as well as strong government support are some of the key reasons that attracted ASMPT to Taiwan. With this new setup, ASMPT now has seven R&D Centers which include China (Chengdu), Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany (Munich), United Kingdom (Weymouth) and The Netherlands (Beuningen) around the world. ASMPT also operates in more than 30 countries including ten manufacturing facilities in China (ie Shenzhen, Huizhou and Hong Kong), Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, the Netherlands and United Kingdom.

Currently ASMPT employs a total of 1,800 professional engineers worldwide and is expected to hire up to 100 R&D professionals for the Taiwan R&D Center in the next three years.

About ASM Pacific Technology
ASMPT, founded in 1975, is the only company in the world that can offer high-quality equipment for all major steps in the electronics manufacturing process - from carrier for chip interconnection to chip assembly and packaging to SMT. No other supplier offers a comparable range and depth of process expertise.

ASMPT's Back-end Equipment Business offers a diverse product range from bonding to molding and trim & form to the integration of these activities into complete in-line systems for the microelectronics, semiconductor, photonics, and optoelectronics industries. Its Materials Business provides customers with a variety of leadframes such as etched and stamping as well as advanced packaging materials. ASMPT' SMT Solutions develops and sells best-in-class DEK printers for the SMT, semiconductor and solar markets as well as best-in-class SIPLACE SMT placement solutions.

ASMPT is listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1989.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Hong Kong
Mandy Go
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Tel: (852) 2864 4812
Email: mandy.go@sprg.com.hk

Singapore
Joey Ng
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
Tel: +65 6750 9567
Mobile: +65 9877 5032
Email: joey.ng@asmpt.com
Website: www.asmpacific.com




Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

The Only All-Asian Products Show In Europe Returns To London in February

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LONDON, Jan 22, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Asian-made products have been highly sought-after as top sourcing choice by European and global buyers for their trendy design, good quality and competitive pricing. The Asia Expo & Asian Premium Fair-London, to be taking place on 1-3 February 2018, presents an ideal direct marketing opportunity for Asian-based suppliers and exporters to meet and sell to a wide spectrum of volume importers, department stores, retail chains, mail order houses and distributors of the UK and all from Europe.

The 2018 Asia Expo & Asian Premium Fair-London is organised by Kenfair Exhibition Limited and managed by Comasia Limited, a Hong Kong-based professional trade fair organiser and event management company. According to the show organiser, this new London show is scheduled in early February to fully capture buyers who are on their sourcing circuits to visit the many major trade shows held in Europe during January and February. Also, it aptly caters their needs for more frequent sourcing and buying in smaller quantities.

On show will be a wide range of Asian-made toys, gifts, promotion and advertising premiums, housewares, toys & games, lifestyle products, consumer electronics and fashion accessories. The 2018 expo has received keen feedback and support from suppliers. A strong line-up of 200 exhibitors almost all from Asia, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Japan, Vietnam & Israel, plus the UK, are geared to feature their latest offers in 240 booths.

The 2018 event is literally a return on demand of the previous highly successful Asia Expo-London which was held during 2001 to 2011. The same renowned venue the Olympia Exhibition Centre which is located in London downtown and well connected by rails, subways and public transport, is rendering visitors unrivalled convenience to get there.

Buyers who are looking for new suppliers and the latest product offers from Asia will definitely find this new show in London just unmissable. In addition to the complimentary admission badges, a special cash sponsorship of up to 100 Pounds is also being offered to qualified pre-registered trade buyers who attend the expo in person during the show period. In view of the robust buyer pre-registration numbers and the recent steady pick-up of European market sentiment, the show organiser is upbeat about the business outcomes to be generated for both exhibitors and visitors over the three show days.

Website: www.asianpremiumfair.com

Linda Chan
linda.chan@comasia.com.hk


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

The CX battleground - WARC Toolkit 2018

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53% of brands and 58% of agencies prioritise customer experience within their digital transformation strategy

LONDON, Jan 22, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Lying at the intersection of conventional marketing and tech, customer experience (CX) will be a key focus for many brands in 2018, finds WARC, the global marketing intelligence service, following a survey with more than 600 marketing and advertising professionals around the world for its Toolkit 2018 report.

At a time of low sales growth, fragmented communications and commoditised products, delivering a positive experience to customers is increasingly considered a way to build brands and stand out versus the competition.

David Tiltman, head of content at WARC, comments: "Many companies are now actively making efforts to improve CX through a better use of data and more rigorous attempts to 'map' the customer journey. Over half of brand (53%) and agency (58%) respondents to WARC's Toolkit 2018 survey cited CX as a priority in 'digital transformation'.

"Once a marketer understands the most important connections and touchpoints influencing customer behaviour, these insights can inform everything from product development to communications planning," added Tiltman.

The rising importance of CX - a term used to summarise all consumer connections and interactions - is instigating structural change within brands as well as across the wider marketing services industry, with both traditional ad agency groups and management consultancies keen to position themselves as brands' digital and marketing partner of choice.

Large global management consultancies - such as Accenture, Deloitte, IBM, KPMG, McKinsey and PwC - are acquiring creative talent and digital capabilities to offer CMOs end-to-end data, marketing and customer experience services. Creativity, in this model, forms part of a broader chain of services.

Mark Sherwin, managing director of Accenture Interactive, says: "Experience is the battleground for brands today. I think we can all broadly agree on that. Consumers, and even business buyers, have the ability to pick and choose more freely than ever. And industries are being disrupted constantly to give new choices."

Sherwin goes on to advise: "Any given person is only a 'customer' for a small percentage of their life. To create more meaningful experiences, appeal to them as the people that they are for the 99% of the time, not the customer they are for the 1%."

John Sills, Director, The Foundation, added: "Brands need to start looking at the customer decisions that have the biggest impact on achieving their commercial ambitions, and then start to manage their customer journeys."

Other key findings from WARC's Toolkit survey show that:
- 21% of marketers plan to adopt CX-focused technology in 2018
- 34% of agency respondents agreed that their counterparts at consultancies have the edge when it comes to digital transformation services, showing a level of concern is spreading through the agency world.
- 38% of brand respondents agreed that management consultancies are better placed than agencies to help them achieve digital transformation.

The CX battleground is one of five key brand concerns in the year ahead, outlined in Toolkit 2018, which also includes a guide to best practice, potential pitfalls and video interviews with industry leaders to help overcome the challenges.

On 12 February, WARC will be running a webinar: 'Toolkit 2018 - How brands can respond to the year's biggest challenges.' Key priorities, opportunities and obstacles which marketers have highlighted for the year ahead, and how to tackle them will be discussed. Please register at https://content.warc.com/register-for-the-warc-webinar-toolkit-2018-marketing-trends.

About WARC

- your global authority on advertising and media effectiveness

warc.com is an online service offering advertising best practice, evidence and insights from the world's leading brands. WARC helps clients grow their businesses by using proven approaches to maximise advertising effectiveness. WARC's clients include the world's largest advertising and media agencies, research companies, universities and advertisers.

WARC hosts four global and two regional case study competitions: WARC Awards, WARC Innovation Awards, WARC Media Awards, The Admap prize, WARC Prize for Asian Strategy and WARC Prize for MENA Strategy.

WARC also publishes leading journals including Admap, Market Leader, the Journal of Advertising Research and the International Journal of Market Research. In addition to its own content, WARC features advertising case studies and best practices from more than 50 respected industry sources, including: ARF, Effies, Cannes Lions, ESOMAR and IPA.

Founded in 1985, WARC is privately owned and has offices in the UK, U.S. and Singapore.

Contact:
Amanda Benfell PR Manager +44 20 7467 8125 amanda.benfell@warc.com

Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

NEC to Provide Data Transmission and CCTV Security Systems for New Bangkok Railway

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- Ensuring safety and quality for the new RED Line -

TOKYO, Jan 22, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) today announced that NEC and its subsidiary NEC Corporation (Thailand) have been awarded a contract to supply data transmission, CCTV security, public address, and master clock systems for the new Red Line railway in metropolitan Bangkok. This contract was concluded with a 3-company consortium (The Consortium) consisting of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Hitachi, Ltd., and Sumitomo Corporation.

Currently, the population of Thailand is mainly dependent on automobile transportation. As a result, traffic congestion and air pollution is becoming increasingly severe. Therefore, demand is on the rise for a transportation infrastructure with a mass transit system and low carbon emissions.

Bangkok's Red Line Construction Project is one of the infrastructure investment programs (Mega Projects) led by the Thai Government. It will be constructed from Bang Sue Station, located in the center of Bangkok, and run 26.4 kilometers to the north (North Line) and 14.6 kilometers to the west (West Line). The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) awarded a contract to The Consortium to provide a full turnkey package for a railway system, aiming to complete construction in 2020.

"NEC focuses on the Social Solutions Business in Thailand and throughout the world. Based on the knowhow and experience gained from this project, NEC will continue to capitalize on its advanced ICT in order to provide a wide range of solutions that support transportation infrastructure, including railways, expressways, and airports," said Takayuki Kano, President, NEC Corporation (Thailand). "We look forward to expanding our cooperation with the Thai Government in order to help resolve important social issues, while contributing to the city's ongoing development."

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society. For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.

Based on its Mid-term Management Plan 2015, the NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. Under the company's corporate message of "Orchestrating a brighter world," NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, please visit http://www.nec.com/en/global/about/solutionsforsociety/message.html.

Contact:
NEC Seiichiro Toda s-toda@cj.jp.nec.com +81-3-3798-6511

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

ASM Pacific Technology Recognized as 2018 Thomson Reuters Top 100 Global Technology Leaders

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SINGAPORE, Jan 22, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - ASM Pacific Technology Ltd. (ASMPT), has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Global Technology Leaders by Thomson Reuters in its inaugural program and is the only company established in Hong Kong. ASMPT is a world leader in the supply of semiconductor assembly and packaging equipment and materials, as well as surface mount technology applications. ASMPT is listed in the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (Stock code: 0522) and is headquartered in Singapore.

A 28-data-point algorithm was used by Thomson Reuters to calculate and identify technological companies based on eight performance pillars. These include Financial Performance, Management and Investor Confidence, Risk and Resilience, Legal Compliance, Innovation, People and Social Responsibility, Environmental Impact, and Reputation. These 100 awarded companies are those whose final scores derived from across the pillars outshine over 5,000 other technology companies around the world.

Topping the list are Microsoft, Intel, Cisco, IBM, Alphabet, Apple, TSMC, Texas Instruments, SAP and Accenture.

"We are honored to be named amongst other top technology players in the world. This recognition definitely underscores our success in delivering the highest value and innovative solutions to our customers, our determination in operating the business in an ethical and transparent manner and our commitment in giving back to the society." said Mr. Lee Wai Kwong, CEO of ASMPT.

"Tech companies operate at warp speed confronting competitive, regulatory, legal, financial, supply chain and myriad other business challenges. Often times, their financial success overshadows operational integrity, making it difficult to identify those organizations with true fortitude for future success," said Alex Paladino, global managing director of the Thomson Reuters Technology Practice Group. "With the Top 100 Global Tech Leaders, we've identified the unique data points that embody technology industry leadership in the 21st century; congratulations to the companies that made the list."

"The Top 100 Global Technology Leaders are the organizations poised to propel the future of technology. We salute them," said Brian Scanlon, chief strategy officer, Thomson Reuters.

ASMPT has been making its presence in the global worldwide market through the expanding of its global footprint and by winning a number of prestigious awards. Just last week the group celebrated the opening of its seventh R&D Center in Taiwan. The Group also bagged their third time win last month in the Grand Award in Technological Achievement of the Hong Kong Awards for Industries (HKAI) 2017 as well as other awards such as "Hong Kong Outstanding Enterprise" and "Directors of the Year Awards 2017" that focus on Corporate Governance.

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of news and information for professional markets. Our customers rely on us to deliver the intelligence, technology and expertise they need to find trusted answers. The business has operated in more than 100 countries for more than 100 years. For more information, visit www.thomsonreuters.com or www.tr.com.

About ASM Pacific Technology

ASMPT, founded in 1975, is the only company in the world that can offer high-quality equipment for all major steps in the electronics manufacturing process - from carrier for chip interconnection to chip assembly and packaging to SMT. No other supplier offers a comparable range and depth of process expertise.

ASMPT's Back-end Equipment Business offers a diverse product range from bonding to molding and trim & form to the integration of these activities into complete in-line systems for the microelectronics, semiconductor, photonics, and optoelectronics industries. Its Materials Business provides customers with a variety of leadframes such as etched and stamping as well as advanced packaging materials. ASMPT' SMT Solutions develops and sells best-in-class DEK printers for the SMT, semiconductor and solar markets as well as best-in-class SIPLACE SMT placement solutions.

ASMPT is listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1989.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Hong Kong
Mandy Go
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Tel: (852) 2864 4812
Email: mandy.go@sprg.com.hk

Singapore
Joey Ng
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
Tel: +65 6750 9567
Mobile: +65 9877 5032
Email: joey.ng@asmpt.com
Website: www.asmpacific.com



Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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