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Fujitsu Identifies Six Success Factors for Digital Transformation

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Survey of business leaders in 16 countries reveals reality of digital transformation initiatives

TOKYO, Jul 12, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu today released its Fujitsu Future Insights Global Digital Transformation Survey Report 2018, which outlines the results of its research conducted amongst 1,535 C-level executives and decision-makers at enterprises of various sizes across different industries in 16 countries(1). With this survey Fujitsu aims to gain a better understanding of the global state of digital transformation with regard to artificial intelligence, IoT and other advanced technologies. The results revealed the current state of initiatives and challenges related to global digital transformation in different industries, and the report highlights six factors that deliver business success through digital transformation. In addition the findings provide insights in which fields in particular AI offers benefits. Fujitsu will leverage these findings to further strengthen its co-creation capabilities to support customers' digital transformation.

Background

Digital transformation, through the deployment of new technologies such as AI and IoT, has progressed from the strategic planning stage to the delivery of concrete business successes. However, the results are far from uniform. The establishment of new digital transformation-based business models and roll out to new businesses, as well as the state of progress and success, vary across industries, so it is imperative to accurately understand the needs and state of digital transformation in each sector. To gain such an understanding, and to best support customers' digital transformation journeys, Fujitsu conducted the second iteration of its Global Digital Transformation Survey, first carried out in 2017, seeking to shed light on ever-more specific business results.

Summary of Survey Findings

Driving factors behind digital transformation initiatives The survey revealed that motivating factors for digital transformation initiatives differed across industry sectors. In finance, manufacturing, and healthcare, decision makers are primarily motivated by the need to increase operational efficiency, while transportation companies are driven to respond to competitive threats, and retail companies hunger for business growth.

Digital Transformation Progress The finance industry is the furthest advanced in digital transformation initiatives, with results showing that approximately 90% of respondent financial services companies are already engaged in digital transformation.

Digital Transformation Results Many companies from each industry are already achieving business results from their digital transformation initiatives. In finance and retail, about 30% of projects have already delivered successful outcomes.

Digital Transformation Success Factors Six factors were found to determine the success of outcomes from digital transformation projects: Leadership, People, Agility, Business Integration, Ecosystem and Value from Data. These could be seen as the organizational capabilities that need reinforcement in order to bring about successful digital transformation.

Impact of AI on Business Business leaders understand that AI is set to have a significant impact on their industries, organizations, and wider society. The bulk of respondents are positive about its future development, with 68% believing that the future will involve people and AI working collaboratively.

Survey Overview

Period: February 2018
Respondents: 1,535 C-level executives and decision-makers at mid- and large-sized companies spread across 16 countries worldwide
Methodology: Anonymous online survey

Fujitsu annually publishes its Fujitsu Technology and Service Vision, which sets out how we think business and society can be innovated with technology. The results of this year's Digital Transformation Survey align with much of the thinking behind the Fujitsu Technology and Service Vision 2018. Fujitsu Future Insights--which includes this survey report and whitepapers that detail the state of digital transformation and possible future trends across industries--provides deeper analyses of challenges affecting transformation in specific fields and the impact of technologies, and also offers suggestions for possible future scenarios and strategies related to those fields.

(1) Across 16 countries Australia, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, UK and US

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: +81-3-3215-5259 URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

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

AEON and Fujitsu Launch Field Trial of Cardless Payments Using Biometric Authentication Technology

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TOKYO, Jul 12, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd., its subsidiary AEON Credit Service Co., Ltd., and Fujitsu Limited today announced that AEON Credit Service and Fujitsu will begin a field trial of a cardless payment system using Fujitsu's palm vein biometric authentication technology. Starting in September 2018, the trial will take place in selected Ministop convenience stores. This initiative will be Japan's first example of palm vein authentication-type cardless payments at actual retail stores.

As a number of payment methods have been created using smart devices in recent years, AEON Credit Service has been weighing credit card payment methods that customers can use with more convenience and security. Now, from a number of biometric authentication technologies that can identify a person from a part the individual's body, the company has decided to use Fujitsu's palm vein authentication technology for its payment scheme given that it offers high authentication accuracy, and also because it is contactless and sanitary. This will enable people to go shopping "empty handed" as credit cards and smart devices will be unnecessary.

Customers use this service by registering in advance, adding their palm vein pattern to their AEON card information. When paying at a register, customers can pay with their registered AEON card by inputting their birthdate and then scanning the palm of their hand over the reader. Customers can use their AEON card with greater convenience, without the bother of taking the card out of their wallet or purse.

Authentication using palm veins has high authentication accuracy as there are many veins within the palm of the hand, and their arrangement is complex, providing outstanding personal identification capabilities. Furthermore, because the information is within the body, this method can both reliably authenticate a person, with little chance of outside interference, and can be used safely, due to the difficulty of falsification. AEON Credit Service and Fujitsu will be conducting a field trial for AEON Group employees at a number of Ministop locations beginning in September 2018. Based on the results of the field trial, the companies plan to roll out the technology for use in store locations for the various AEON Group companies. AEON Credit Service and Fujitsu will continue to enhance services to meet the wide ranging needs of customers using new technology.

Reference: Since being adopted for use identifying people at bank ATMs in 2004, the Fujitsu palm vein authentication technology being made available in this trial is now used by over 70 million people in about 60 countries around the world for a broad range of applications, from security, such as for corporate PC access and room entry management, to the current trend of going cardless for convenience applications.

About AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd.

AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries are a comprehensive financial group that grew out of AEON Group's retail operations through integration of the commercial and financial sectors. Centering on the Company, which is a bank holding company, the Group currently consists of 34 consolidated subsidiaries and one equity-method affiliate in 12 Asian countries including Japan. The Group is constructing a dense network throughout countries of Asia, especially Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia. In addition to its approximately 700 sales bases in Japan and overseas, the network also includes AEON Group stores and affiliated merchants, with which the Group has built strong cooperative relationships.

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:
AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd. Corporate Planning Department E-mail: afs_ccg@aeon.co.jp Fujitsu Limited Public and Investor Relations Tel: +81-3-3215-5259 URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

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

Toyota Mobility Foundation Publishes the "Building Mobility Systems Suitable to Local Communities" Guidebook

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- TMF provides guidance for how to utilize private cars to supplement public transportation in local communities -

TOKYO, Jul 12, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Since 2016, the Toyota Mobility Foundation has been working with local communities to establish mobility systems in the mountainous communities of Japan. They are partnering on projects in the Ueyama district of Mimasaka City in the Okayama prefecture and in the Asuke district of Toyota City in the Aichi prefecture.

However, mobility challenges are not limited to these specific communities. Many areas of Japan are having challenges in securing means of transportation for residents due to reduced public transportation options.

Under these circumstances, the Japanese government has introduced a new type of mobility system as a transportation option that has been garnering a lot of public attention. It enables citizens to utilize their private cars to supplement public transportation for other residents in their local communities at a reduced cost.

Currently, many local governments are working to introduce this system. While some cases of implementation have led to regional revitalization and reduction of fiscal burden, others are facing complications such as slow adoption. When the Toyota Mobility Foundation interviewed several local governments that experienced successful implementation, an identifying factor of success was local ownership of the system and willingness for all members of the community to work together as one team.

In this guidebook, TMF introduces a 10-step approach to establish a community team to implement this system. It outlines the roles and responsibilities expected across the various stakeholders such as local government, autonomous organizations, and residents. TMF also shares case studies to help local governments and non-profit staff who are working on mobility systems suitable for their local communities.

To make the guidebook as practical as possible, TMF sought advice from experts and practitioners in the field as supervisors. Dr. Yoshida, an associate professor of Fukushima University, supports local traffic policy across Japan. The Japanese non-profit organization zenkoku ido Net, which means "nationwide network of community transportation service," conducts surveys and recommends activities and measures for mobility support.

About the Toyota Mobility Foundation

The Toyota Mobility Foundation was established in August 2014 to support the development of a more mobile society. The Foundation aims to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. It utilizes Toyota's expertise in technology, safety, and the environment, working in partnership with universities, government, non-profit organizations, research institutions and other organizations to address mobility issues around the world. Programs include resolving urban transportation problems, expanding the utilization of personal mobility, and developing solutions for next generation mobility. Learn more at www.toyotamobilityfoundation.org.

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

JCPenney Unveils a New State of Arizona(R) this Back-to-School Season

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- Company's top private brand refreshed with new teen-inspired fashions
- YouTube stars Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight to serve as brand ambassadors

Plano, TX, Jul 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The first day of school is around the corner and JCPenney [NYSE: JCP] is uniquely positioned to help teens and kids find cool, relevant styles at an incredible value with Arizona Jean Co.(R), the Company's leading private brand. Leveraging feedback from teen focus groups, JCPenney has completely remixed this heritage denim brand by incorporating more fast-fashion and trend-right pieces into the collection, revitalizing the in-store presentation and introducing new social channels aimed at engaging teens. To further entice Gen Z customers to discover the great style and value offered through Arizona, JCPenney has launched an exclusive partnership with popular teen influencers Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight, who will serve as Arizona brand ambassadors.

"Back-to-school is one of the most important times of the year for retail, and JCPenney is ready to win this season with our popular Arizona brand. One in three JCPenney customers buys Arizona, making it our largest private brand and a key traffic driver," said Jodie Johnson, senior vice president and head of merchandising for JCPenney. "We're really emphasizing the teen shopper in this brand refresh because we know that once the teen embraces Arizona, her younger siblings - and Mom - will follow. With exciting updates to Arizona, along with our new partnership with Brooklyn and Bailey, we are elevating our credibility with teens as a destination for fashionable looks at a great price."

Teens come into focus for Arizona
Arizona has always been known for its extensive assortment of quality denim offered in an array of fits, washes and finishes. This back-to-school season, JCPenney is seizing the opportunity to connect with a new generation of consumers by capturing feedback directly from the source. Over the past year, the Company hosted focus groups with real teen shoppers to gather their thoughts and opinions on fashion trends, what they wear to school and what details they look for when shopping for clothes and accessories. These insights were quickly applied to reflect more fashion within the brand and influenced changes to the silhouettes, fabrics and prints, as well as the overall shopping experience.

Prominently anchored with an all-new logo, the Arizona shop inside JCPenney stores now boasts a more inspirational shopping environment with updated lifestyle graphics and signage, as well as mannequin displays calling out top trends across multiple product categories in a one-stop shop. The Arizona presentation within juniors apparel enables teen girls to put an entire outfit together with complementary tops, jeans, shoes, handbags, accessories and fashion jewelry - readily available in one location.

The retailer is encouraging teens to express their individual style by showing how they wear Arizona fashion using #AZYouAre on social media. Recognizing the opportunity to share content that's socially meaningful, JCPenney launched dedicated Arizona Instagram and YouTube channels to connect followers with its youth-focused brand, and unveiled a mobile-first design for the Arizona landing page at JCPenney.com.

Double the fun with Brooklyn and Bailey
JCPenney has partnered with popular social media influencers Brooklyn and Bailey to promote Arizona's new look and inspire teens for the new school year. With over five million YouTube subscribers and over three million Instagram followers, the identical twin teenagers post about fashion, beauty, friends and family to their loyal fan base.

Beginning tomorrow, shoppers will find life-size cut outs of both Brooklyn and Bailey in JCPenney stores across the country, along with signage calling out each girl's favorite pieces from the current Arizona collection. "Brooklyn's Pick" and "Bailey's Pick" will be updated seasonally in stores and at JCPenney.com so teens will be able to stay up to date on top trends from their favorite YouTube stars. As Arizona brand ambassadors, the teens will also host meet-and-greet events for fans inside select JCPenney stores in late July.

Later this month, Brooklyn and Bailey will unveil two custom-designed backpacks with curated Arizona product on their popular YouTube channel. Each backpack includes a custom-designed t-shirt, a dry shampoo pen from The Salon by InStyle(R), mini samples from Sephora inside JCPenney and a piece of Arizona jewelry that represents each girl's unique aesthetic. The backpacks will be available beginning July 30 at JCPenney.com and through the JCPenney app for $25 each.

"We love the Arizona brand because it represents the everyday teen. We're just average girls, like all of our followers, so partnering with JCPenney on Arizona, a brand that has something for everyone, was such an authentic fit," said Brooklyn and Bailey. "We are super excited to show all of our fans the amazing, affordable styles they can find from Arizona."

Giving back with Arizona
This back-to-school season, JCPenney is building on its signature partnership with the YMCA and helping to give teens across the country access to Y programming and resources that assist with college readiness. To encourage teens to support the Y, JCPenney will launch a compelling social content series on the @ArizonaJeanCo Instagram and YouTube channels on Aug. 1, showcasing the real life stories of four teens that have benefitted from their involvement in the Y.

JCPenney will donate $1 to the Y for every Instagram post that uses #AZYouGive from Aug. 1-31, up to $100,000. Additionally, from Aug. 1-15, in-store back-to-school shoppers can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar and the difference will be donated to the Y. Customers can also donate a dollar amount of their choice to the Y at the register using a barcode found on all back-to-school marketing collateral and in the JCPenney app from Aug. 1-15.

To download the news release, video, store b-roll and back-to-school related images, please visit:
https://bit.ly/2Nb4AIH

JCPenney Corporate Communications & Public Relations:
(972) 431-3400 or jcpnews@jcp.com
Follow @jcpnews on Twitter for the latest announcements and Company information.

About JCPenney:
J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP), one of the nation's largest apparel and home retailers, combines an expansive footprint of over 860 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico with a powerful e-commerce site, jcp.com, to deliver style and value for all hard-working American families. At every touchpoint, customers will discover stylish merchandise at incredible value from an extensive portfolio of private, exclusive and national brands. Reinforcing this shopping experience is the customer service and warrior spirit of approximately 98,000 associates across the globe, all driving toward the Company's mission to help customers find what they love for less time, money and effort. For additional information, please visit jcp.com.

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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: J. C. Penney Company, Inc. via Globenewswire

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

Ingredion Announces $125 Million Cost Savings Program to Drive Further Operational Efficiency; Announces Preliminary Second Quarter EPS and Revises Adjusted EPS Guidance

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- The Company accelerates Cost Smart savings program by establishing a $125 million target by year-end 2021 through reduction of Cost of Sales and SG&A expenses.
- Cost Smart supply chain initiatives encompass future network optimization and today the Company announces the cessation of wet-milling at its Stockton, California facility by the end of 2018.
- The Company currently anticipates second quarter earnings per share ("EPS") and Adjusted EPS* of $1.51 to $1.59 and $1.63 to $1.68, respectively due to lower than expected North America performance.
- The Company revises its 2018 adjusted EPS Guidance to $7.50 to $7.80 from $7.90 to $8.20. Its revised expectation for adjusted cash flow provided by operating activities* ("adjusted cash flow") is $800 million - $850 million, excluding one-time tax benefits.

WESTCHESTER, Ill., Jul 13, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Today, Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries accelerated its Cost Smart program, designed to improve profitability and deliver increased value to shareholders. The Company introduced this cost savings initiative, in its First Quarter 2018 Earnings Call on May 3, to further streamline its global business. The Company is setting forth Cost Smart targets to include an anticipated $75 million Cost of Sales savings, including global network optimization and $50 million in anticipated SG&A savings by year-end 2021. The Company expects restructuring costs to be incurred earlier in the program and expects savings to be realized beginning in 2018 and building momentum toward the targets through 2021.

As part of today's announcement, the Company will cease wet-milling operations at its Stockton, California facility and establish a shipping distribution station by year-end 2018. After the transition, the Company will begin using the facility to distribute finished products to customers in the Western United States, in particular California. Currently, the facility produces high fructose corn syrup and industrial starch.

"We're taking this necessary action to balance our capacity versus sweetener demand, focus future resource investment toward our specialty growth initiatives, and continue to deliver on our customer experience commitments," said Jim Zallie, Ingredion president and chief executive officer.

*Adjusted diluted earnings per share ("adjusted EPS") and adjusted cash flow provided by operating activities are non-GAAP financial measures.
See the Supplemental Financial Information entitled "Non-GAAP Information" included in this press release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

Today's actions to optimize the North America network by cessation of wet-milling at its Stockton facility are expected to save $6 million - $9 million and will reduce its fixed cost footprint.

The Company has driven a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence for the last five years, which has improved efficiencies throughout its global operations. Recently, the Company extended cost savings initiatives to support functions, which included streamlining its finance organization and establishing a shared service center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Cost Smart SG&A initiatives are underway with the goal of establishing global centers of excellence. Cost Smart supply chain initiatives will address manufacturing, freight and procurement, as well as, future opportunities to optimize the Company's global manufacturing network.

"Establishing firm Cost Smart targets will ensure the most effective use of our resources to better navigate future cost pressures and ensure long-term shareholder value creation," said Jim Gray, Ingredion executive vice president and chief financial officer. "We remain steadfast in our efforts to operate efficiently and simplify our global business while mitigating the impacts of inflation."

The Company currently expects EPS and adjusted EPS of $1.51 to $1.59 and $1.63 to $1.68, respectively for the second quarter of 2018. For the full-year, the Company anticipates adjusted EPS of $7.50 to $7.80 in 2018, versus the previously anticipated $7.90 to $8.20. In North America, the Company experienced lower than expected sweetener volumes sold into beverages and higher than expected manufacturing costs. Its expectation for adjusted cash flow is $800 million - $850 million, excluding one-time tax benefits. Going forward, the Company remains on target to grow its specialty portfolio business to $2 billion in annual sales by 2022, comprising 32 to 35 percent of net revenue.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, is a leading global ingredient solutions provider serving customers in more than 120 countries. With annual net sales of nearly $6 billion, the company turns 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. With 27 Ingredion Idea Labs(R) innovation centers around the world and more than 11,000 employees, the Company develops ingredient solutions to meet consumers' evolving needs by making crackers crunchy, yogurt creamy, candy sweet, paper stronger, and adding fiber to nutrition bars. For more information, visit Ingredion.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for such statements.

Forward-looking statements include, among other things, any statements regarding the Company's prospects or future financial condition, earnings, revenues, tax rates, capital expenditures, expenses or other financial items, any statements concerning the Company's prospects or future operations, including management's plans or strategies and objectives therefor and any assumptions, expectations or beliefs underlying the foregoing.

These statements can sometimes be identified by the use of forward looking words such as "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "assume", "believe," "plan," "project," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "continue," "pro forma," "forecast," "outlook," "propels," "opportunities," "potential" or other similar expressions or the negative thereof. All statements other than statements of historical facts in this release or referred to in this release are "forward-looking statements."

These statements are based on current circumstances or expectations, but are subject to certain inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are beyond our control. Although we believe our expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, investors are cautioned that no assurance can be given that our expectations will prove correct.

Actual results and developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed in or implied by these statements, based on various factors, including the effects of global economic conditions, including, particularly, economic, currency and political conditions in South America and economic conditions in Europe, and their impact on our sales volumes and pricing of our products, our ability to collect our receivables from customers and our ability to raise funds at reasonable rates; fluctuations in worldwide markets for corn and other commodities, and the associated risks of hedging against such fluctuations; fluctuations in the markets and prices for our co-products, particularly corn oil; fluctuations in aggregate industry supply and market demand; the behavior of financial markets, including foreign currency fluctuations and fluctuations in interest and exchange rates; volatility and turmoil in the capital markets; the commercial and consumer credit environment; general political, economic, business, market and weather conditions in the various geographic regions and countries in which we buy our raw materials or manufacture or sell our products; future financial performance of major industries which we serve, including, without limitation, the food, beverage, paper and corrugating, and brewing industries; energy costs and availability, freight and shipping costs, and changes in regulatory controls regarding quotas, tariffs, duties, taxes and income tax rates; particularly recently enacted United States tax reform; operating difficulties; availability of raw materials, including potato starch, tapioca, gum Arabic and the specific varieties of corn upon which some of our products are based; our ability to develop or acquire new products and services at rates or of qualities sufficient to meet expectations; energy issues in Pakistan; boiler reliability; our ability to effectively integrate and operate acquired businesses; our ability to achieve budgets and to realize expected synergies; our ability to complete planned maintenance and investment projects successfully and on budget; labor disputes; genetic and biotechnology issues; changing consumption preferences including those relating to high fructose corn syrup; increased competitive and/or customer pressure in the corn-refining industry; and the outbreak or continuation of serious communicable disease or hostilities including acts of terrorism.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. If we do update or correct one or more of these statements, investors and others should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections. For a further description of these and other risks, see "Risk Factors" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K.

CONTACTS:
Investors: Heather Kos, 708-551-2592
Media: Becca Hary, 708-551-2602

Press Release 07.12.18 FINAL http://hugin.info/147221/R/2205057/856539.pdf

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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

Toyota Celebrates Teamwork and Inclusivity at the Special Olympics Unified Cup

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Partnership Reinforces Mobility Company's Belief in a Barrier-Free World

TOKYO, Jul 13, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Next week, Toyota will further demonstrate its global commitment to inclusion as the presenting sponsor of the 2018 Special Olympics Unified Cup in Chicago, held from July 17-20. Both Special Olympics and Toyota share the same goal in creating a society without discrimination through sports and a commitment to a sustainable society through mobility.

Toyota has a long history with sports that goes back over 80 years, when the company first opened for business and at the same time organized a track and field team. Since then, the principles learned through participating in sports--teamwork and continuous improvement--have guided the company both internally and externally.

These values also carry over into Toyota's evolution, as it has moved from producing looms, to cars, and now, a wide range of mobility solutions. As a company dedicated to helping people move across town, across a room, and through life, Toyota believes in an inclusive, barrier-free world, where everyone is free to be the best we can be. This desire to inspire others and challenge currently-held values for the company's first-ever global initiative, "Start Your Impossible", which was launched last year and highlights humility, hard work, and overcoming challenges--all themes that carry over into team sports.

Special Olympics is focused on creating an inclusive community around the world through sport. Through their "unified sports", everyone, regardless of intellectual disabilities, plays together while understanding and respecting each individual's character and differences.

"During my school days, I was completely devoted to field hockey and learned the importance of fighting as part of "one team"," said Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation. "In Special Olympics, sport is not the only challenge; even daily life can be a battle to people with intellectual disabilities and those who support them in everyday life. A truly inclusive society, like the one being represented by 'Unified Sports,' is one where people with intellectual disabilities are not just supported by those charged with helping them, but where people with and without disabilities live side by side, grow up together, and learn from each other. It is this type of society that Toyota wants to contribute to. Our partnership with Special Olympics has given Toyota a teammate, and we will challenge this quest together."

Regionally, Toyota has been involved with local Special Olympics chapters since 1986 and sponsored the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. In 2017, Toyota entered in to an agreement with Special Olympics International to become a Global Gold Partner through 2022. In addition, Toyota is also a Global Unified Sports Partner through 2020, and a Special Olympics Unified Cup Partner for the duration of the Chicago games.

"Special Olympics is excited to partner with Toyota and showcase the power of inclusion through sport on the global stage," said CEO Mary Davis. "The Special Olympics Unified Cup presented by Toyota will unite athletes from all over the world and demonstrate that when we train and compete together, we break down barriers and change the game for inclusion."

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968, and celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, the Special Olympics movement has grown to more than 5 million athletes and Unified partners in more than 170 countries. With the support of more than 1 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32 Olympic-type sports and over 108,000 games and competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is supported by individuals, foundations and partners, including Bank of America, the Christmas Records Trust, The Coca-Cola Company, ESPN, Essilor Vision Foundation, the Golisano Foundation, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, Lions Clubs International, Microsoft, Safilo Group, TOYOTA, United Airlines, and The Walt Disney Company. Click here for a full list of partners. Engage with us on: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and our blog on Medium. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org.

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

Scientists Discover the Tuberal Nucleus' Role in Controlling Appetite and Body Weight

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Figure 1: There are more activated SST neurons in the tuberal nucleus of mice which have fasted, compared to mice which were fed.
Figure 2: There are more activated SST neurons in the tuberal nucleus of mice which were injected with ghrelin, compared to a control group of mice which were injected with saline.
Dr Fu Yu (L); Dr Sarah Luo (R)
Major finding on the tuberal nucleus broadens our understanding of the brain's role in regulating metabolism and food intake, and offers a new avenue of research that can help combat obesity

SINGAPORE, Jul 13, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Researchers at A*STAR's Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC) have identified a new region of the mouse brain called the Tuberal Nucleus (TN), which affects appetite and body weight. It is notable that the TN is of a similar structure to the Nucleus Tuberalis Lateralis (NTL) in the human brain, of which the function is unknown. A*STAR researchers' discovery of the role of TN in affecting appetite and body weight is a major finding for the understanding of appetite changes in humans, and potential treatment and prevention of eating disorders such as obesity. SBIC's research findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Science on 6 July 2018.

Past research has shown a strong correlation between neurodegenerative diseases and eating disorders. While neurodegenerative disease patients often show changes in appetite and metabolism, the neural mechanisms involved are not known. Specific pathological changes in NTL have been found in patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, but the functional consequence is unknown. The notion of NTL's role in regulating food intake has never been tested either.

Until SBIC's in-depth study and subsequent discovery, the roles of the mouse TN or human NTL, located in the hypothalamus of the brain, remained a mystery.

Dr Fu Yu and his research team from SBIC found that somatostatin (SST) neurons in the tuberal nucleus (TN) played a crucial role in regulating feeding in mice. In the team's experiments, mice either fasted overnight, or were injected with ghrelin - a gut hormone which triggers hunger sensations. Results showed that these procedures led to a spike in SST neuron activity, indicating that these neurons were activated by hunger and likely involved in feeding regulation.

Figure 1: There are more activated SST neurons in the tuberal nucleus of mice which have fasted, compared to mice which were fed. https://bit.ly/2LcAmod
Figure 2: There are more activated SST neurons in the tuberal nucleus of mice which were injected with ghrelin, compared to a control group of mice which were injected with saline. https://bit.ly/2L2ivTZ

Overnight fasting or an injection of the hunger hormone ghrelin showed an increased activity in SST neurons in the tuberal nucleus, as represented by the increase in white arrows in Figure 1 and 2.

To validate its findings, the team used the methods of chemogenetics and optogenetics that acted as biological switches to precisely manipulate SST neuron activity in the TN of another group of mice.

These experiments demonstrated that activating SST neurons promoted food intake, suppressing SST neurons reduced food intake, and removal of SST neurons reduced body weight gain. The optogenetic experiment also showed that SST neurons could control various brain regions known to influence feeding regulation, such as the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST).

Prof Patrick J. Cozzone, Executive Director of SBIC said, "We are excited by these findings which will have far-reaching implications for human health. The success of this research study underscores the importance of multi-disciplinary and collaborative research to achieve major discoveries in modern biomedical sciences."

Dr Fu Yu, group leader of SBIC's research team, said "Our study showed that the homologous structure of human NTL does exist in mice, and revealed the first function of tuberal nucleus, hence providing fresh evidence on how the brain controls appetite and body weight. The discovery of the tuberal nucleus' function is a game-changer in the study of neural regulation of metabolism and food intake, and opens up a possible pathway towards managing eating disorders such as obesity, a global epidemic and a major cause of health problems such as diabetes."

Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases in Singapore, and imposes a heavy economic and health burden on society. SBIC's research findings on how the brain regulates metabolism and food intake will complement A*STAR's research and development efforts in addressing the related conditions of obesity and diabetes.

Moving forward, the team plans to study the genetic profile of SST neurons in TN and their impact on metabolic disregulations in neurodegenerative diseases. This could lead to new therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases.

For more information on the research, please refer to the paper "Regulating of feeding by somatostatin neurons in the tuberal nucleus", published online by peer-reviewed journal Science on 6 July 2018.

Link to online version: http://science.sciencemag.org/content/361/6397/76

For more information on SBIC's research team, please refer to Annex A.

For media queries, please contact:
Ms Lynn Hong
Assistant Head, Corporate Communications
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Tel: +65 6419 6597
Email: hongxl@hq.a-star.edu.sg

About A*STAR's Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC)

The Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC) under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), is a leading preclinical bioimaging platform in the world. With a multidisciplinary team of biologists, physiologists, chemists, physicists, electrical/electronic engineers, computer scientists, and clinicians, SBIC investigates human diseases which are major public health issues using molecular physiology and advanced bioimaging tools, in a translational and pivotal mode with the medical community and industrial partners. SBIC also works on strategic bioimaging projects, including the development of novel imaging probes. As a national consortium, SBIC aims to harness existing imaging expertise and capabilities in Singapore, bringing together substantial strengths in the physical sciences and engineering with those in the biomedical and clinical sciences. Through an array of focused collaborations and joint appointments, SBIC fosters and supports the growth of multidisciplinary research activities in the field of bioimaging across local research institutes, universities and hospitals, in order to accelerate the development of biomedical research discoveries. SBIC has a unique capacity to promote rapid transfers of results in animal and human imaging research into the clinical environment, to the immediate benefit of patients. It also ensures the development of financially sound and sustainable contractual research with industrial partners (pharma, food & nutrition, and personal care). SBIC currently operates five joint laboratories with industrial partners under the form of public-private partnerships. For more information about SBIC, please visit www.sbic.a-star.edu.sg.

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector agency that spearheads economic oriented research to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative technology. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit society.

As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by contributing to societal benefits such as improving outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability.

We play a key role in nurturing and developing a diversity of talent and leaders in our Agency and research entities, the wider research community and industry. A*STAR's R&D activities span biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg.

ANNEX A

About SBIC's Research Team

The success of this research study is a result of the combined efforts of SBIC's scientific talents in neurosciences, physiology, molecular biology and advanced neuroimaging. The research study is led by Dr Fu Yu, a recipient of the A*STAR Investigatorship, which aims to nurture promising young researchers, and provide them with the opportunity to conduct independent research at A*STAR, and groom next-generation scientific leaders. Dr Fu's team comprises 12 researchers which includes Dr Sarah Luo, who is the first author of the article in the journal Science, and a scholar at A*STAR.

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

Elanders AB: Quarterly Report January - June 2018

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Molndal, SWEDEN, Jul 13, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Quarterly Report January - June 2018

First six months
- Net sales increased by 14 percent to MSEK 5,035 (4,403), whereof 11 percentage units were organic growth.
- EBITA amounted to MSEK 199 (214).
- The operating result amounted to MSEK 167 (182).
- The result before tax amounted to MSEK 120 (143).
- The net result amounted to MSEK 76 (107) or SEK 2.10 (3.02) per share. The result includes a one-off deferred tax cost of around MSEK 11, when deferred tax assets were reevaluated using the new corporate tax rate in Sweden.
- Operating cash flow increased to MSEK 92 (-113).

Second quarter
- Net sales increased to MSEK 2,613 (2,264), which was an increase of 15 percent, whereof 10 percentage units were organic growth.
- EBITA increased to MSEK 116 (108), which was an improvement in the result by 7 percent.
- The operating result increased to MSEK 100 (93).
- The result before tax increased to MSEK 74 (73).
- The net result amounted to MSEK 42 (54) or SEK 1.15 (1.52) per share. The result includes a one-off deferred tax cost of around MSEK 11, when deferred tax assets were reevaluated using the new corporate tax rate in Sweden.
- Operating cash flow increased to MSEK 127 (47).

Further information can be found on Elanders' website www.elanders.com or requested via e-mail info@elanders.com.

Questions concerning this report can be addressed to:

Magnus Nilsson
President and CEO
Phone: +46 31 750 07 50

Andreas Wikner
Chief Financial Officer
Phone: +46 31 750 07 50

Elanders AB (publ)
(Company ID 556008-1621)
Flojelbergsgatan 1 C
431 35 Molndal, Sweden
Phone: +46 31 750 00 00

This information is information that Elanders AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 08:00 CET on 13 July 2018.

Attachment
2018-07-13 Elanders Press release Q2 2018 https://bit.ly/2mfucsH

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

TEPCO Fuel and Power & MHPS Launch Digital Solution Service to Improve Asset Value of Clean Coal Power Plants

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- Highly reliable Predictive Anomaly Detection Achieved through Alliance between Energy Provider and OEM -

TOKYO, Jul 13, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - TEPCO Fuel & Power, Inc. (TEPCO FP) and Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) have begun providing a digital solution service for the Pagbilao Power Station(1) operated by TeaM Energy Corporation in the Philippines. TEPCO FP and MHPS have been working towards commercialization of operations and maintenance (O&M) solutions services for power plants since concluding a basic business partnership agreement aimed at enhancing the efficiency of thermal power plants in September, 2016.

In April 2017, TEPCO FP and MHPS installed their jointly developed anomaly detection model at the Pagbilao Power Station. The system shares information over an IoT(2) platform that enables early detection of anomalies in whole plant equipment. The initiative was highly assessed, and led to the first contract of its kind. The collaboration is a product of TEPCO FP's expertise in O&M and MHPS' capabilities in design, manufacturing, construction, and service solutions. This highly reliable Predictive Anomaly Detection system is expected to improve plant availability and lower O&M costs at the Pagbilao Power Station.

In the future, TEPCO FP and MHPS aim to jointly develop a comprehensive O&M solutions service business targeting coal-fired power plants in Southeast Asia, where they can utilize their respective business foundations. Furthermore, by broadly opening up this initiative to power generation operators in Japan and around the world, TEPCO FP and MHPS will work as "team Japan" to enhance the asset value of power plants, reduce the use of fossil fuels, curb CO2 emissions, and to provide to the conservation of the global environment.

Pagbilao is a coal-fired power station built in Quezon Province, in the south of Luzon Island, by TeaM Energy Corporation, a company jointly operated by Marubeni Corporation and JERA Co., Inc. The plant's output is 367.5 MW x 2units. Operation commenced in June 1996.

Internet of Things - Beyond just information and communication technologies such as computers, communication between various everyday devices ("things") over the internet, allowing for such functions as automatic recognition, automatic control, and remote monitoring.

About Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) was formed on February 1 2014, integrating the thermal power generation systems businesses of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Hitachi, Ltd. in a quest to further enhance their social response capabilities in all respects. These include the technological strength to create new products of outstanding quality and reliability, the comprehensive strength in engineering to oversee projects in regions across the globe, and finely honed sales and after-sale servicing capabilities. MHPS aims to come out a winner in global competition and achieve a solid position as a world leader in thermal power generation systems and environmental technologies. For more information, please visit www.mhps.com.

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

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

Hong Kong Fashion Week Unveils the Next Wave in Technology

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During the seminar, "The Next Wave in Fashion Technology", Dr Li Li, Associate Professor, Institute of Textiles and Clothing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, addressed the topic of "Intelligent Manufacturing and its Medical Application of Wearable Electronic Textile Products".
Dr Andrew Zhu, CEO, TOZI Technology Company Limited, shed lights on, "Intelligent 3D Human Modelling - Making Shopping Well-fitting Clothes Easy and Fun".
Industry experts gather to chart the future of fashion

HONG KONG, Jul 13, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by HKTDC, the 25th Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer (9-12 July) featured a seminar titled "The Next Wave in Fashion Technology" at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

During the seminar, Dr Li Li, Associate Professor at the Institute of Textiles and Clothing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, analysed the topic "Intelligent Manufacturing and its Medical Application of Wearable Electronic Textile Products" while Dr Andrew Zhu, CEO of TOZI Technology Company Limited, spoke about "Intelligent 3D Human Modelling - Making Shopping Well-fitting Clothes Easy and Fun".

Intelligent Manufacturing and its Medical Application of Wearable Electronic Textile Products

Dr Li Li co-ordinated the "A Novel Approach in Thermal Functional Textile with Conductive Materials" project which won a Silver Award at the 42nd International Exhibition of Invention of Geneva, Switzerland in 2014. She explained that she had crossed over from a background in knitwear design into technical design and textile studies. The challenge, said Dr Li, was to design and develop electronic textile fabrics that are as washable, comfortable, light and soft - and fashionable - as traditional fabrics. These fabrics - or conductive yarns - could then be applied across a range of uses and needs including heath care and medical uses, outdoor apparel, and even for keeping people warm on their way to work.

During the seminar Dr Li also explained the following developments:

- To date "heated garments" mainly means placing heating pads inside the fabric, but technology has improved the heating part of the fabric, making it more elastic, more comfortable, and more controllable in terms of both the temperature and where the heat is directed.

- When the conductive element becomes part of the actual fabric, rather than a part that is place inside the fabric, the possibilities for both design and use are expanded. These types of clothing can then be applied for everyday use, such as evening wear and underwear, and for specific purposes - such as for use by Winter Olympic athletes who need to stay warm.

- These new fabrics are not only soft, thin and light, they are washable. Combining conductive yarns with regular yarns also opens up choices in terms of both colours and styles.

- Temperature levels can either be controlled by a button placed somewhere on the garment or via Bluetooth from mobile phones

- This technology also lends itself towards the development of "medicine release" garments, where the user can control dosages throughout the day.

Intelligent 3D Human Modelling - Making Shopping Well-fitting Clothes Easy and Fun

Dr Andrew Zhu - a graduate (MPhil and Doctor's degree) from the Institute of Textile and Clothing at Hong Kong Polytechnic University - explained how TOZI had looked into the booming online shopping trend but had found that there was a return rate of more than 30 per cent when it came to clothes purchased. Hence the company turned its attention to "intelligent 3D human modeling technology". This technology requires two mobile photos to be taken - and then it can calculate accurate body measurements immediately, meaning custom-made clothes can now be purchased.

During the seminar Dr Zhu further explained how this technology:

- Tries to solve the main problem with online clothing purchases - which is fitting - by getting the measurements precise.
- Makes the process more convenient than using scanners, which are expensive to purchase and require the shopper to travel to where this service is offered.
- Is adaptable, accurate and simple - and can read the body contours under clothes.
- Can customise a 3D body model based on the contours under the clothes in the two 2D mobile photos supplied.
- Has developed apps to help clients maintain health and body shape, choose their own fabric and bespoke clothes, and that recommends clothes to suit individuals.

The Fashion Week for Spring/Summer concluded successfully yesterday. Around 11,000 buyers from 65 countries and regions attended the four-day fair (9-12 July).

Fair Website
Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer: http://www.hktdc.com/hkfashionweekss/
Photo Download: https://bit.ly/2uk4uYh

About HKTDC

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

Contact:
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

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

Dascoin Blockchain Speed Improved By 100%

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Twice As Fast - Among the World's Fastest Blockchains

LONDON, Jul 14, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - DasCoin, the Currency of Trust and the store of value within DasEcosystem, has achieved a remarkable milestone by implementing Graphene technology to provide the DasCoin Blockchain with a 50% blocktime speed reduction.

This incredibly fast new speed of three seconds per block ranks the DasCoin Blockchain amongst the fastest on the planet. With an expectation that higher volume will be required through the ecosystem's future payment solution and the wider use of DasNet, scalability and speed are key strategic goals for the DasCoin development team.

The blockchain will further strive to stay the fastest, most reliable and securest settlement system available, providing a first-class service to its global community of users. Michael Mathias, CEO of DasCoin said: "This is an incredible achievement for DasCoin and our expert team of developers and was made possible by our choice of deploying Graphene technology in our Blockchain. We are striving to position ourselves as the Currency of Trust for the new digital economy and today's announcement positions us to capture a leading position in the blockchain-enabled payment solutions sector."

Thanks to the superior governance system of the underlying blockchain technology called Graphene, it is possible to tune critical operational parameters of the blockchain in near-real time. In contrast to other technologies, these changes can execute and go live in the entire blockchain system even without the need for every participant and server to upgrade the software. This allows the Graphene technology to modify system-critical parameters like the maximum block size in as little as 30 minutes.

Prior to today's technology implementation, the DasCoin Blockchain had set a new standard with six-second blocktime tranasctions.

About DasCoin: DasCoin is a better way to store and exchange value and is the next step in the evolution of money.

DasCoin is the blockchain-based currency at the center of an innovative digital asset system that seeks to optimize the strengths and eliminate the weaknesses of existing currency systems. It is fast, efficient, balanced, secure and scalable.

DasCoin is focused on creating a digital currency that delivers superior performance through greater operational efficiency, increased transaction capacity, wider distribution, better governance and greater regulatory compliance. Protected by industry leading security protocols and a permissioned blockchain, DasCoin is a pioneer in the sector with the goal of becoming the world's first mainstream digital currency.

www.dascoin.com

The DasCoin codebase can be viewed on GitHub (https://github.com/techsolutions-ltd/dascoin-blockchain) and visit DasCoin Explorer (https://dascoinexplorer.com/) to see blocks built in real time.

Media Contact:
Ben.maynard@bm.com / +44 (0)20 7300 6262

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

Former Ripple VP Brian Rankin assumes Senior Advisory Role as MF Chain's VP of Banking Integrations

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CHARLESTOWN, St. Kitts and Nevis, Jul 14, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Modern Finance Chain (MF Chain), a public smart contract platform with merchant payment integration and multi-blockchain support, announced today that, effective immediately, former Ripple VP Brian Rankin is taking the role of a VP of Banking Integrations in the capacity of a Senior Advisor.

Brian Rankin, technology operations and client services specialist in blockchain and distributed ledgers and a former VP of Clients Services at Ripple (XRP), led the original Ripple 21-person international team that includes project management, business architecture, integration engineering, and customer success. He built Ripple's professional services team from the ground up, leading enterprise delivery of blockchain solutions to Tier-1/2/3 multinational banks across NAM, EMEA, and APAC.

Rankin was also a Head of the Global Payments Steering Group (GPSG), a consortium composed of Tier-1 Multinational banks focused on redefining an international cross-border payments network as an alternative to the SWIFT payments network. The group, under his leadership, leveraged blockchain technologies to reduce correspondent banking relationships and allow near-real-time cryptographically validated settlements.

As the VP in Ripple, Rankin established delivery best practices and built a customer-oriented PMO, created SOW and MSA templates based on blockchain LOE, and best practices for technical, legal, compliance, infosec, and functional standard requirements in the financial services sector. He also partnered with Sales and Business Development Divisions to implement deals with strategic FinTech partners including Accenture, CGI, and Deloitte.

"MF Chain will greatly benefit from Rankin's extended experience in integration of blockchain solutions in FinTech industry," says Craig Neil, MF Chain CEO, and adds that "Brian's key qualifications and expertise in implementations of distributed ledgers in traditional FinTech operations will further ensure timely and effective integration of a wide array of MF Chain's financial products."

About MF Chain

Modern Finance Chain (MF Chain) is a smart contract platform that supports multi-blockchain integration and enterprise level private blockchains. MF Chain is also integrating a multi-currency payment processor that allows seamless and direct atomic and crypto-fiat swaps while rewarding both merchants and customers. Please visit https://mfchain.com.

Contact:
Raj Dinero
+1-515-679-0489
Modern Finance Chain


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

TRIBRID BTS Project registered as Indonesian JCM Project

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Kalimantan, Indonesia TRIBRID BTS, one of twenty, TRIBRID Project, 2018.
Presentation of TRIBRID System with BTS, twenty for TRIBRID Project, 2018.
Japan's TRIBRID BTS Systems aim for an 80% cut in base station carbon footprints

JAKARTA, Jul 16, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The TRIBRID Project in Indonesia by KDDI and NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) of Japan, was accepted and registered on July 10 as an Official Project at the 8th Japan-Indonesia JCM Joint Committee in Jakarta. (https://www.jcm.go.jp/id-jp)

The JCM (Joint Crediting Mechanism) is an initiative of the Japanese Government launched in 2013 to facilitate the funding and diffusion of leading low carbon technologies and related systems across the developing countries. (http://gec.jp/jcm/)

With the Indonesian Project, TRIBRID BTS Systems are installed at 20 conventional mobile BTS (Base Transceiver Station) sites with an aim to demonstrating that overall greenhouse gas emissions at the BTS sites could be reduced by up to 80%. (http://www.nedo.go.jp/content/100870080.pdf)

On June 21, 2018, the TRIBRID Project was also designated as a commemorative project marking the 60th Anniversary of Japan-Indonesia Diplomatic Relations (https://www.60jpid.com)

TRIBRID BTS Project Details

In Indonesia, BTSs are proliferating as mobile phones come rapidly into widespread use, but many lack access to commercial-use power service and are subject to power outages. Diesel electric power generators installed to ensure stable power supply consume fuel and impact the environment.

TRIBRID BTSs make efficient use of power by alternating commercial-use power, solar power and late-night battery charging, depending on time of day and weather conditions. KDDI built the first TRIBRID BTS in Japan in December 2009. Since then, the number of TRIBRID BTSs has expanded to 100 nationwide.

In Jan 2015, KDDI introduced TRIBRID BTSs to Indonesia as an initiative of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)(1). By Jan 2018, NEDO had implemented 20 TRIBRID BTSs in Indonesia(2) and was moving ahead with the Demonstration Project. On July 10, 2018, the TRIBRID Project, jointly run by KDDI and NEDO, was approved and registered as an Official Project by the Japan-Indonesia JCM Joint Committee.

The TRIBRID Project involves verifying electric load control at TRIBRID BTSs and managing commercial services, power generated by solar panels, power stored in lithium ion batteries and the power supplied by diesel generators, as set up in Indonesia. While cutting diesel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, TRIBRID Technology also makes it possible to ensure the long-term stability of the telecoms environment.

Since all parts of a TRIBRID System are procured within Indonesia, the TRIBRID Project contributes to Indonesia's industrial development. Progress will come in optimizing the TRIBRID System for a wide range of environments, such as tropical rain forest locations through the monsoon season. By its conclusion in February 2019, the Project aims to demonstrate the conservation equivalent of up to 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions.

Moving forward, NEDO and KDDI will cooperate with the Indonesian Ministry of Industry to further spread the use within Indonesia of patented TRIBRID Technologies used in Japan. By converting 5-10% of the base stations in Indonesia that lack commercial-use power sources or are otherwise susceptible to power supply instability, they aim to improve energy conservation by the equivalent of 70,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

To effectively address the issues of climate change and global warming and encourage low-carbon growth around the world, the Government of Japan proposed the JCM (Joint Crediting Mechanism) as a solution, facilitating the spread of leading low carbon technologies, products, systems, services and infrastructure, and contributing to sustainable development in developing countries(3).

1) 'KDDI tackles global warming with international TRIBRID base stations' : http://news.kddi.com/kddi/corporate/english/newsrelease/2015/01/14/885.html

2) 'NEDO Program to Facilitate Private Sector Promotion of Low-carbon Technology Overseas' : http://www.nedo.go.jp/english/other_20161111.html

3) JCM / Joint Credit Mechanism : reducing greenhouse gases, splitting the benefits between countries: http://gec.jp/jcm/ and https://www.carbon-markets.go.jp/eng/.

Please contact:
Kobayashi, Ishida, Kisanuki
NEDO International Affairs Department
Global Environment Technology Promotion Division
Telephone: +81-44-520-5185

This release is an abridged version:
http://news.kddi.com/kddi/corporate/english/newsrelease/2018/07/11/3263.html

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

Pearlstick(TM) TPU for Best Performance Contact Adhesives in Footwear and DIY Applications

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CLEVELAND, Ohio, Jul 16, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Lubrizol Corporation's Engineered Polymers business announces the performance upgrade of its Pearlstick(TM) thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for adhesives. Pearlstick TPU is an alternative to polychloroprene resins for footwear and DIY end applications.

Adhesives formulators apply Pearlstick 45-80/16 TPU and other similar Pearlstick products as a preferred alternative to polychloroprene resins, providing equal or even better performance. The Pearlstick solution brings about improved processing and cost-efficiency thanks to its very long open time and contact bonding at room temperature during the formulation of adhesives. Pearlstick TPU is a more sustainable and safer solution as it can be formulated based on more environmentally-friendly solvents, avoiding, for example, toluene or cycloheptane.

As it relates to the processing, Lubrizol TPU for adhesives can be applied on just one substrate - there is no need to apply it to both sides to achieve final bonding, as in the case of polychloroprene. Pearlstick TPU grades offer a wider range of adhesion possibilities to various materials. They also provide a very low crystallization rate, good heat resistance and peel strength.

"Our customers are looking to manufacture contact adhesives that offer a cost-effective adhesive solution with formulation flexibility. Lubrizol's Pearlstick TPU offers high-performing features and a robust and consolidated technology to satisfy these needs", states Jesus Santamaria, Regional Business Director EMEAI Engineered Polymers.

About Lubrizol Engineered Polymers
With more than 55 years of experience and a worldwide network that includes formulation design, manufacturing, R&D and cutting-edge technologies, Lubrizol Engineered Polymers offers one of the broadest portfolios of engineered polymers available today including resins that are bio-based*, recyclable**, light stable, flame retardant, adhesive, chemically resistant, optically clear and fast cycling. Our technology crosses many industries and applications, including surface protection, power and fluid systems, sports and recreation, wearable devices, electronics and automotive. For more information, visit www.lubrizol.com/engineered-polymers or contact engineeredpolymers@lubrizol.com.

About The Lubrizol Corporation
The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a market-driven global company that combines complex, specialty chemicals to optimize the quality, performance and value of customers' products while reducing their environmental impact. It is a leader at combining market insights with chemistry and application capabilities to deliver valuable solutions to customers in the global transportation, industrial and consumer markets. Lubrizol improves lives by acting as an essential partner in our customers' success, delivering efficiency, reliability or wellness to their end users. Technologies include lubricant additives for engine oils, driveline and other transportation-related fluids, industrial lubricants, as well as additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, Lubrizol makes ingredients and additives for home care, personal care and skin care products and specialty materials encompassing polymer and coatings technologies, along with polymer-based pharmaceutical and medical device solutions.

With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, Lubrizol owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 8,700 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2017 were $6.3 billion. For more information, visit Lubrizol.com.

*Bio-based content as certified in accordance with ASTM D-6866.

**Recyclability is based on access to a readily available standard recycling program that supports such materials. Products may not be available in all areas.

All marks are owned by The Lubrizol Corporation.

Media Contacts
Michael Priola
+1 216 447-5697
The Lubrizol Corporation

Lidia Valcarcel
+34 93 579-9565

Web Sites
www.lubrizol.com/engineered-polymers
www.lubrizol.com

###

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

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

Novotech Partners with Asian Eye Institute for Accelerated Ophthalmic Drug and Devices Clinical Trials

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Mr. Benjamin K. Liboro, President of Asian Eye Institute, Inc. (left) and Dr Yooni Kim, Executive Director, Asia Operations Novotech
SYDNEY, Jul 17, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Asia-Pacific specialist CRO Novotech announced today it has partnered with the Asian Eye Institute, Inc (AEI), a private eye center in the Philippines, to facilitate high-quality and rapid feasibility, start-up and recruitment processes for its ophthalmology clients.

The AEI has conducted over 100 clinical trials and investigator-led research and has become one of the leading sites in Asia for research in ophthalmic drug and devices.

Under the terms of the MOU, the AEI will provide its professional and clinical trial expertise to Novotech managed studies including feasibility, principal investigator selection, patient recruitment and execution of ophthalmology studies.

Novotech works in partnership with leading medical institutions across Asia to accelerate quality clinical research. The AEI partnership is designed to give Novotech clients faster start-up times and access to the AEI patient database, and leading principal investigators.

The AEI treats 60,000 patients each year at clinics across the Philippines. Specialist services include:
- general ophthalmology
- conventional and Victus Femtolaser cataract surgery
- pediatric ophthalmology
- orthoptics
- adult and pediatric strabismus management
- glaucoma, vitreous, and retinal disease management
- corneal and external eye diseases
- refractive correction

In addition, the AEI:
-- Ethics Review Board holds a level 3 accreditation from the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board
-- has certification for ISO 9001:2008, 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007
-- is accredited by the Accreditation Canada International
-- is recognized member of the ASEAN Association of Eye Hospital (AAEH) and World Association of Eye Hospitals (WAEH).
-- is the only WAEH member in the Philippines
-- browse www.asianeyeinstitute.com

Novotech Executive Director, Asia Operations Dr. Yooni Kim said the Philippines with a population of 107 million is well established as a premier clinical research location.

"The MOU means Novotech will also have dedicated clinical experts within the AEI to support and prioritise rapid clinical processes for Novotech biopharma clients," Dr. Kim said.

"Novotech is the Asia-Pacific CRO, so is committed to establishing ongoing engagement with leading medical institutions in each country across the Asia-Pacific region. We have offices and teams on the ground as well as MOUs and long-term relationships with major hospitals that directly benefit our clients."

"Our in-country relationships enable a more comprehensive understanding of local regulatory changes, access to leading PIs, strong site connections, and productive patient populations to deliver success for our clients within timelines and budgets."

Novotech was established in 1996, headquartered in Australia with offices in 11 countries across the region, and MOUs with major health providers.

About Novotech - https://novotech-cro.com/welcome
Headquartered in Sydney, Novotech is internationally recognised as the leading regional full-service contract research organisation (CRO). With a focus on clinical monitoring, Novotech has been instrumental in the success of hundreds of Phase I - IV clinical trials in the Asia Pacific region.

Novotech provides clinical development services across all clinical trial phases and therapeutic areas including: feasibility assessments; ethics committee and regulatory submissions, data management, statistical analysis, medical monitoring, safety services, central lab services, report write-up to ICH requirements, project and vendor management. Novotech's strong Asia Pacific presence includes running clinical trials in all key regional markets. Novotech also has worldwide reach through the company's network of strategic partners.

For RFP enquiries: Please fill out the form available at www.novotech-cro.com/contact-us-0

Media Contact
Susan Fitzpatrick-Napier
communications@novotech-cro.com
AU: +61 2 8218 2144
USA: +1 415 951 3228
Asia: +65 3159 3427

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

Boomstarter.Network Attracts Funding from DTI, Backers of Telegram and Dropbox, in Ongoing Sale

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SINGAPORE, Jul 17, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Boomstarter.Network, a blockchain-based startup funding platform, raises more than $1M in early financing as venture funds and private companies join its ongoing tokensale.

The fintech company is tokenising its existing business of generating pre-orders for startups that has been operational since launch in 2012. Boomstarter.Network is a leading provider of crowdfunding services for tech and business-oriented startups in Eastern Europe.

Boomstarter.Network is now set to use blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies to go global and remove significant limitations that restrict the growth of this market worldwide.

The world's major crowdfunding platforms offer access only to entrepreneurs from a limited number of industrialized countries and are notorious for their long waiting times to send and withdraw money. They do not provide backers with any non-material means of supporting startups either.

In contrast, Boomstarter.Network will welcome startups from anywhere across the globe and connect them with backers to generate pre-orders of their products at early stages. This will ensure that entrepreneurs receive funds quickly and focus on product development, instead of struggling with transaction delays and excessive banking paperwork.

For those backers that do not wish to spend their own money, Boomstarter.Network will also offer tools allowing to safely mine cryptocurrencies and use them as a means of payment to pre-order products from startups on the platform.

Contributors to Boomstarter.Network tokensale include DTI, a hedge fund providing professional investment services and asset management. It is a global trading company with a special focus on high-tech market.

Earlier in 2018, the hedge fund expanded its portfolio by taking part in the initial public offering by the cloud storage company Dropbox Inc. and in the private sale of Telegram messenger, says Alex Butmanov, managing partner of DTI.

"There is a very strong chance that Boomstarter.Network can expand globally, building on company's years of experience in this market. Our research shows that a large part of those involved in crowdfunding do not wish to be hampered by excessive regulations any more. Crowdfunding without borders will be a very efficient tool for testing demand for future products," says Mr Butmanov.

Investing in ICOs, in emerging projects that leverage blockchain technology and in IPOs is a substantial part of the fund's activities, as Eugeniy Galiakhmetov, founder of DTI, explains.

"My faith in Boomstarter.Network is based on its MVP over the six years that the company has been in business. It is the support of thousands of entrepreneurs who have successfully raised funds on this platform. This business is closely related to Storiqa, the crypto-based marketplace that successfully ran their tokensale and is now developing their product. Boomstarter.Network has all that it takes to replicate that success," says Galiakhmetov.

"We are honoured to fall under the spotlight of experts from DTI, and we are thrilled to have passed the $1 million mark this early into our tokensale," says Maria Dokshina, CEO of Boomstarter.Network.

Since its launch in 2012, Boomstarter.Network has helped thousands of entrepreneurs in Eastern Europe to raise millions of dollars in pre-orders for their products. This type of funding is known as reward-based crowdfunding. Boomstarter.Network is now headquartered in Singapore with a plan to expand globally using cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology to help entrepreneurs start their pre-ordering campaigns from wherever they are based in the world.

To discuss details with the project creators directly, please join their community on Telegram: https://t.me/boomstarternetwork

For the latest updates from Boomstarter.Network, follow them on Twitter https://twitter.com/BoomBoomNetwork, Medium https://medium.com/boomstarter-network and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoomstarterNetwork/

Media contact: pr@boomstarter.network

Supporting link: https://boomstarter.network

Source: Boomstarter.Network


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

NEC and dotData Use AI to Accelerate Data Science for the SMBC Group

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- Enhancing operations for one of Japan's leading financial groups -

TOKYO, Jul 17, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) and dotData, Inc., a Silicon Valley venture in the automation of data science, today announced the provision and full operation of "dotData"(1) platform for the Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMBC Group) in order to strengthen the Group's analytical capabilities.

In recent years, the need for big data analytics has been growing rapidly. However, there is also an increasing shortage of data scientists to handle this need. In order to address this issue, dotData automates data science processes through artificial intelligence (AI).

dotData platform is now commercially available globally. NEC has obtained an exclusive license from dotData to provide this software across Japan.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, NEC and the dotData team have actively worked to incorporate AI into banking operations in order to create new service offerings since 2016.

Following this success, the SMBC Group is now expanding the provision of dotData platform throughout five Group companies, thereby capitalizing on the experience and know-how gained through the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation deployment.

Specifically, the SMBC Group aims to utilize dotData platform in order to address a variety of business issues, including the marketing of various financial products, such as credit cards and housing loans. Moreover, dotData platform eliminates most of the manual steps in a data science process, allowing data scientists to focus on higher value creation initiatives and tackle more business challenges.

"When I was first introduced to dotData platform that automates the data science process, I found this technology could tackle the problem of a data scientist shortage, and dominate the global market," said Katsunori Tanizaki, SMBC Group CIO & CDIO.

"Later, after we verified that the technology could yield significant results using real data, we decided to introduce it to additional companies in the SMBC Group. We are delighted that a commercial version has now been released," he concluded.

"We are very excited to announce this great success with the SMBC Group, and that dotData is commercially ready for our enterprise clients," said Ryohei Fujimaki, founder of dotData. "We are proud to see the SMBC Group developing new data science models every day, and consider this an important step forward for dotData, as we commit to the promotion of data-driven business innovations for the SMBC Group and all of our clients."

"I would like to congratulate the production release of SMBC's dotData platform, which is a very important first step not only for SMBC and dotData but for 'citizen data scientists," said Hideto Mori, vice president, NEC Corporation.

"It is currently believed that many data scientists using R, Python and other technologies should be deployed in order to leverage analytics to achieve business results. However, dotData will overturn this belief and open data science technology to business persons and make them citizen data scientists. This impact seems similar to the one of cloud computing, which destroyed the superiority of large enterprises owning mainframes and high end servers, and opened these computer resources to SOHO users. In that sense, today should be commemorated as the turning point of analytics," he concluded.

Going forward, NEC and dotData, Inc. aim to continue contributing to the value of the SMBC Group by promoting new business innovations based on advanced analytics, and scaling data science practices across the organization with speed and agility.

(1) dotData:
NEC establishes a startup in Silicon Valley for automating data analytics
https://www.nec.com/en/press/201804/global_20180426_01.html

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

Northern New Energy Holdings Limited Proposes to Change the English Name to "Zhonghua Gas Holdings Limited"

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Targets to Diversify the Business Scope, Extend the Development of the Business to Trading or Supply of LNG & Set its Market Footprint in Greater China Region


HONG KONG, Jul 17, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Northern New Energy Holdings Limited ("Northern New Energy" / the "Company"; stock code: 8246) today announces to propose to change its English name to "Zhonghua Gas Holdings Limited" and, to adopt "Zhonghua Gas Holdings Limited" as the new dual foreign name in Chinese of the Company, which will be subject to the approval by the shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting. The new company name will vividly reflect its mission, its development blueprint as well as further enhance its positioning in the market.

The Group will continue to focus on developing its new energy business and intend to expand its market footprint into the whole of the People's Republic of China, even extending to the Greater China Region. The Group intends to extend its business scopes to develop the trading or supply of liquefied natural gas ("LNG") and ultimately develop into a leading diversified and integrated new energy service provider in the Greater China Region.

Since the second half of 2015, the Group has been aggressively developing the new energy business in Tianjin, during which, the Group initiated the business from building and upgrading the professional team, establishing professional services work flow, to completing new energy engineering projects one after one, as well as providing new energy technology development and consultancy services which required strong and professional technology requirements. Through providing excellent professional services, the Group has established a strong reputation in Tianjin within two years. In order to further expand the business scopes, the Group acquired an enterprise operating LNG as its core business in the first quarter this year. The move helped the Group diversifying the businesses to cover sale of natural gas; gas pipeline engineering; sale, installation and maintenance of gas transmission equipment; development, consultation, service and transfer of heat supply technology and development of new energy technology.

Northern New Energy Holdings Limited
Northern New Energy Holdings Limited is principally engaged in new energy operations and R&D of related technologies, as well as construction engineering business since 2015. The Group also operates restaurants, provides management services, and sells processed food and seafood. The Group also further diversified its business to cover also property investment.

Media Contacts:
Angel Yeung
Jovian Communications Ltd
Tel: +852 2581 0168
Email: news@joviancomm.com


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

HMS Networks AB (publ) acquires German company Beck IPC GmbH

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Halmstad, SWEDEN, Jul 18, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - HMS Industrial Networks AB, a wholly owned subsidiary of HMS Networks AB (publ), has acquired all shares in the German company Beck IPC GmbH - a leading provider in the embedded communications market with solutions for embedded control, M2M communication and the Industrial Internet of Things, IIoT. The base technology IPC@CHIP(R) is the core of Beck IPC's product offering for industrial OEMs. Beck's portfolio also includes the comprehensive com.tom(R) edge gateway series with the associated cloud portal, targeting IIoT applications within factory and process automation.

The purchase price amounts to EUR 5 million on a cash-free/debt-free basis and is paid in cash. Depending on Beck IPC GmbH reaching certain defined financial targets, an additional EUR 2 million may become payable in 2020. Beck IPC GmbH is expected to have net sales of EUR 6-7 million in 2018. The acquisition will have a limited impact on HMS's earnings per share in 2018.

"Beck IPC's knowledge, hardware and software products for IIoT, especially within the embedded offering, are important building blocks to strengthen our strategy within IIoT," says Staffan Dahlstrom, CEO of HMS Networks AB.

"We are excited to be joining HMS. Thanks to our complementing technologies we will be able to offer innovative, cutting-edge solutions within IIoT, and HMS's worldwide sales organization will ensure a global market reach," says Thomas Schumacher, Managing Director of Beck IPC GmbH.

For more information, please contact:
Staffan Dahlstrom, CEO HMS, +46 709-17 29 01
Joakim Nideborn, CFO HMS, +46 707-72 29 83

This information is such that HMS Networks AB (publ) is required to disclose in accordance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation, the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act and the Swedish Securities Market Act. The information was submitted for publication at 16:00 CET on July 17, 2018.

HMS Networks AB (publ) is the leading independent supplier of solutions for industrial communication. HMS develops and manufactures solutions for connecting automation devices and systems to industrial networks and IIoT under the Anybus(R), IXXAT(R) and eWON(R) brands. Communication solutions for building automation are offered through the subsidiary Intesis. Development and manufacturing take place at the headquarters in Halmstad, Ravensburg, Nivelles and Igualada. Local sales and support are handled by branch offices in Japan, China, Germany, USA, Italy, France, Belgium, Singapore, Spain, India, UK, Sweden, Finland and Denmark, as well as through an extensive network of distributors. HMS employs over 500 people and reported sales of 119 million EUR in 2017. HMS is listed on the NASDAQ OMX in Stockholm, category Mid Cap, Information Technology.

Attachment
PRM - HMS acquires German company Beck IPC GmbH (ENG)
https://bit.ly/2zJcg3e

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

NIRAKU Targets to Launch a Yokocho Food Alleyway in Shenzhen UpperHills during March 2019

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HONG KONG, Jul 18, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - NIRAKU GC HOLDINGS, INC. ("NIRAKU" or the "Group"; stock code: 1245), one of the largest and leading pachinko hall operators in Japan, has today announced that it has entered a Master Lease Agreement with Shum Yip Land Company Limited through NPJ China Yokocho Co., Ltd. to open a Yokocho food alleyway within a newly-opened city complex, UpperHills in Shenzhen.

Managed by NPJ China Yokocho Co., Ltd., the subsidiary of the joint venture between the Group and PJ Visionary Pte. Ltd., a company incorporated in Singapore, the Shenzhen UpperHills Yokocho aims to showcase a variety of delicious Japanese culinary delights as well as elements of Japanese culture and its renowned high quality of service to the world.

Famous food and beverage brands have been invited to feature in the 16 new and exciting restaurants, cafes and sake bars. Each of the restaurants in the UpperHills Yokocho has a unique concept. Notable here is the well-established sake manufacturer, Gekkeikan Sake, which was founded in Japan in 1637. Gekkeikan Sake is to operate the sake bar and coordinating respected sake manufacturers from Japan to exhibit and sell their products with the bar as a central location.

With a total area of 3,000 sq m in the top class city complex, the UpperHills Yokocho is conveniently situated at the heart of Shenzhen city and close to Shenzhen government headquarters. Moreover, it is adjacent to the beauty of nature offered by Lotus Hill Park, Beacon Hill Park and Central Park. The Group aims to promote and enhance cultural exchanges between China and Japan, as well as providing the people of China an opportunity to experience Japan's rich culture and hospitality close to home via the Japanese gourmet experience at Shenzhen UpperHills Yokocho.

About NIRAKU GC HOLDINGS, INC.
Founded in 1950, NIRAKU GC HOLDINGS, INC. was the fourth largest pachinko hall operator in Japan in terms of gross revenue in 2013, according to Entertainment Business Institute. With a history of operating pachinko halls for over 60 years, the Group is strategically located in Northeast Honshu, Japan, and has stood by its corporate slogan of "Happy Time Creation", placing a primary focus on the customer experience and goodwill. The Group operates a total of 55 pachinko halls as at the date of this press release. With most of its halls geographically placed in suburban areas, the Group benefits from lower land costs, a more stable customer base and less competition from other forms of entertainment.

Media Enquiries:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Vicky Lee +852 2864 4834 vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk
Tika Lum +852 2864 4806 tika.lum@sprg.com.hk
Website: www.sprg.com.hk


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