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Mobile App WhereIsWhere Launches in Singapore

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- In less than three clicks - discover exclusive retail offers helping you decide what to eat, shop and do
- Merchants at launch comprise over 1,500 location, shops and malls across Singapore: Old Chang Kee, Kopitiam, Sushi Express, Millenia Walk - and many more!

SINGAPORE, Jul 30, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Singapore's WhereIsWhere, a first-of-its-kind location-based discovery mobile app, is now available for consumers to download for free. Through the initial launch of WhereIsWhere's mobile app, consumers can now discover flash promotions, product and service offerings and activities within a kilometre from where they search, as well as timing-based offers around when they search.

At the initial app launch, WhereIsWhere is already working with over 1,500 retail locations on its app, island-wide - ranging from food and beverage chains including Old Chang Kee, Kopitiam, and Sushi Express and service providers such as Jean Yip to major shopping malls such as Millenia Walk. A number of additional retailers, malls and locations will be added to WhereIsWhere's app by September 2018.

"With Singapore's consumers spending hours each day on their smartphones, we are catering to their mobile-first needs. These consumers are inundated with content and information - we make their decisions simpler, easier, while bringing an element of discovery and excitement. WhereisWhere brings great places, experiences, promotions and storefronts within your vicinity, or at any point on the map, helping you to decide what to eat, shop and do," said Michael Leong, Industry Advisor, WhereIsWhere.

Navigate the map, discover offers, favourite brands for exclusive experiences and deals

According to Ernst & Young, on average Singaporeans spent over 12 hours a day, in 2017, on their digital devices. WhereIsWhere's interactive map and sophisticated filters - including favourite retailers, promotion timings, category lists, and sub-categories - makes searching for the nearest outlets offering products, services, time-based offers and experiences of interest easy and hassle-free, whenever, wherever they are. Consumers can even move their point of search to explore and discover new points of interest.

Once consumers spot what they want from merchants on the app, they can easily follow these merchants' latest flash promotions and offerings by clicking "Favourite". Doing so will drive curated push notifications and live updates from these merchants based on the consumer's choice of parameters. Consumers can also share the promotions they have discovered easily via a "Share" button.

Flash Promotions and Exclusive Offers

Terence Mak, CEO and founder of WhereIsWhere said: "Think of us as Google Maps, but for finding and connecting with deals and activities nearby. Not only do our users find plenty of options on what to see and do, but they can also follow their favourite brands and receive real-time offers and flash promotions. The retail sector is already betting big on WhereIsWhere's app to connect with consumers - since the launch of our discovery platform for Singapore retailers in end-February this year, we have surpassed 1,500 locations island-wide, and counting, and plans are already in place to launch WhereIsWhere in Asian markets beyond Singapore."

Among the first malls to be on board the platform, Millenia Walk is confident in driving brand awareness for its merchants and elevating consumers' retail experience to new heights through WhereIsWhere's location-based, real-time targeting capabilities. "Millenia Walk is constantly on the lookout for new technologies in line with delivering a specially curated shopping experience for Singapore consumers. We are excited to be among the first malls in Singapore to take a step forward in the retail digital revolution through WhereIsWhere," said Diane Aw, Head of Retail at Millenia Walk.

Consumers can download WhereIsWhere for free on Google Play and App Store.
- Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wiw.wiw
- App Store https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/whereiswhere/id1393828248?mt=8

Merchants can register with WhereIsWhere for free of charge. Registered merchants will be able to list their stores details and location on the app, as well as run promotions among relevant audiences which have opted to follow their brand.

About WhereIsWhere

WhereIsWhere is a location-based platform connecting retailers to consumers who are nearby. Through WhereIsWhere, users can easily discover what to eat, shop and do based on two key factors: where they are, and when they search. What this means for consumers is that we've simplified one of the hardest choices you will face: what to do at any given point in time. And for businesses - we bring a cost-effective and convenient way to create hyper-targeted promotional messages and marketing campaigns, driving traffic and sales.

WhereIsWhere was founded in Singapore in 2015. Our team comprises retail industry leaders who truly understand the challenges and opportunities facing retailers and consumers. For more information, visit whereiswhere.com.

Media Contact:
PRecious Communications for WhereIsWhere
Charlene Pe
+(65) 3151 4760
whereiswhere@preciouscomms.com

Press release (PDF): http://www.acnnewswire.com/clientreports/598/18730.pdf

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

Tanak Takes a Home Triumph for the Toyota Yaris WRC

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Podium Ceremony
Rally Finland: Day 4

Toyota City, Japan, Jul 30, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team is celebrating victory on home soil on Rally Finland after Ott Tanak sealed a hugely impressive win by setting the fastest time on the Power Stage. Jari-Matti Latvala clinched third place to give the team a fantastic double podium.

Tanak carried an advantage of 39 seconds into the final day of the rally, which consisted of two runs over the Laukaa and Ruuhimaki stages. After a careful approach to the first three stages, Tanak then claimed his 12th stage win of the weekend on the Power Stage (gaining five bonus points) to finish up 32.7s clear overall. He and co-driver Martin Jarveoja celebrated at the finish on the top of their car together with Team Chairman Akio Toyoda and Team Principal Tommi Makinen.

Latvala won the second and third stages of the day, helping to bring Toyota's total of fastest times for the event up to 18 out of 23 stages. It also brought him closer to the driver in second place, finishing up only 2.8s behind as he scored a podium finish at his home event. Esapekka Lappi charged up to fourth place with a superb performance on Saturday, but retired when he crashed on the first stage of Sunday morning.

The result moves the TOYOTA GAZOO World Rally Team to within one point of second place in the manufacturers' standings, and closes the gap to the top to 27 points. In the drivers' standings, Tanak remains third but has closed up to the top two drivers.

Akio Toyoda (Team Chairman)
"There is no happier feeling than to take victory in our home rally. I really appreciate all of our team members for bringing this excitement to us. I can sense that all our drivers seem to really enjoy driving on their home roads, even from my viewpoint beside the stages. The roads of Finland have helped us to make the Yaris WRC better for our drivers and help them really enjoy the driving. I really appreciate that I could enjoy this happiness in person and see the view from the top of the podium. Thanks to everyone in our team. I know Finland, where Tommi Makinen Racing is located, is also our TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team's home. However, it's the first time for me visiting here since we came back to the WRC. I never saw so many people supporting TOYOTA GAZOO Racing with their passion and enthusiasm. This helped give me the actual feeling that this place is our homeland. The special stages are also full of TGR's flags and the fans waving the national flags of Finland and Estonia with the chants of "I love TOYOTA! I love Yaris". The huge "Welcome to my home roads" billboards are hanging up in the roads. The burger shop staff are wearing T-shirts with the TGR logos. I have got to see how the hometown people welcomed us in our second year after 17 years' break from WRC. And I have got to see how wonderful it is to take the victory in our hometown rally. We also received numerous greetings and cheering from all over the world. I'd like to express our appreciation to all of the fans supporting TGR. We still have a long way to go in this season. I am looking forward to many more sights of countless Estonian, Finnish and Japanese national flags being flown. Our team will continue making our every effort to achieve this goal. We expect your consistent support. For now, we don't have a WRC event in Japan. When I looked up to the sky from the podium, I imagined another view of the three national flags mentioned above flying in our other home Japan. I strongly hope again that we could see this day.

Tommi Makinen (Team Principal)
"What a weekend, and what an end to the rally. It was an absolutely spectacular moment, especially with Ott managing to win the last stage. It has been an incredible drive from him. Jari-Matti's battle for second was fantastic too, going right down to the last stage. He had to settle for third in the end but I am generally very happy with the result here on our home event."

Jari-Matti Latvala (Driver car 7)
"I gave everything today to try and get second place. It was a great fight. It really helps with the confidence when you fight as hard as this and you can keep everything together and not make mistakes. To be back on the podium after quite a long time feels really good, and especially to do it here in Finland. Together with the victory for Ott, this was a really important result for the team."

Ott Tanak (Driver car 8)
"It has been a perfect weekend. Everything worked as we wanted. On Friday we had a really big job with our road position, and after that we could just increase our advantage. We had the perfect preparation and full support from the team. If you work together as one then these kind of results are achievable. To win in Finland is definitely special. It's kind of a home rally for me and it's the home rally for the team. To win in front of all this support is incredible."

Esapekka Lappi (Driver car 9)
"Unfortunately my rally ended pretty soon after we started this morning. The car felt really good, it was just my mistake. I went a little bit too wide, dropped a tyre into the ditch and hit a tree stump, which sent us spinning. The start of this rally was already tough for us, and although yesterday went much better, it has been a disappointing weekend for me. However, congratulations to the team, to Ott and to Jari-Matti for their results."

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

Wintermar Offshore Marine reports positive 1H2018 Results

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JAKARTA, Jul 30, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Wintermar Offshore Marine (WINS:JK) has reported 1H2018 gross profit of US$4.8 million, compared to a loss of US$1 million for 1H2017, driven by a 34% jump in Owned Vessels Revenue from better utilization of high tier vessels.

Rising revenue combined with good cost control led to margin expansion in 1H2018 compared to 1H2017, driven by a turnaround in the high tier vessel segment. After the past three years of cost cutting exercises, management has started to increase investment in our crew and operations team in order to maintain the high standards required by our clients as business activity improves. As a result, crew and maintenance expenses have been raised in anticipation of higher utilization in the second semester of this year.

Owned Vessels Division

High tier vessels continued to show strong utilization above 70%, which raised gross margins for the first half. However, low tier vessel utilization fell to 32% as the company stepped up efforts to sell the older low tier vessels, thus lowering our average utilization rate to 64% for the second quarter compared to 70% in 1Q2018.

As two contracts involving high tier vessels were completed in 2Q2018, there was a slight drop in revenue for the 2nd Quarter compared to the first. However, the level of tendering activity is still improving, with some projects scheduled to commence in 4Q2018 and we are confident that the recovery in the upstream market is in place.

Crew costs were higher by 6%YOY compared to 1H2017, in line with the higher utilisation for the period. Fuel cost increased again from the full quarter's impact of the "wet contract" where our charter rate includes fuel, which commenced in mid 1Q2018.

Chartering and Other Services

Although Chartering Division revenue and profit are still much below the levels of 1H2017, there was a quarter on quarter improvement in gross profit from the Chartering Division to US$100,000 in 2Q2018 compared to US$58,000 in 1Q2018.

Indirect Expenses and Operating Profit

Staff expenses were 8% higher in 1H2018 compared with the first half the previous year as we invested in building up our vessel teams to handle a higher level of fleet utilization. Overall indirect expenses were flat as the higher staff expenses were offset by lower professional fees and travel costs.

Operating profit for the first half of 2018 was US$963,830 compared to a loss of US$4.8 million in same period the previous year.

Other expenses and interest bearing debt

Despite a trend of rising interest rates over the year, interest expenses fell 20% YOY in 1H2018 to US$3.1 million owing to debt repayment according to schedule. Total long term debt declined from US$107.2 million as at December 2017 to US$75.9 million as the Company paid down US$31.3 million of debt over the past 6 months. Equity in earnings of Associates recorded a loss of US$1.4 million, and there was a net forex loss of US$180,000.

Net loss attributable to Shareholders narrowed to US$4.4 million for 1H2018 compared to US$7.4 million in 1H2017.

EBITDA

EBITDA of US$14.4 million for 1H2018 was 63% higher than 1H2017, reflecting better result from operations and cost structure.

In June, the Company sold two vessels back to its associated company for a total valuation of US$15.2 million, which was offset against the outstanding loan, thus bringing down the net gearing to 34% by end of June 2018. This transaction, which was reported in the previous newsletter, will help improve future cash flows and overall vessel utilization in the coming years.

Outlook for Offshore Support Vessels (OSV)

There is a growing consensus that oil supply will be tight which lends support to oil prices. Although shale oil production has been rising, it is compensated for by falling supply from Venezuela and Iran.

New offshore projects have been commissioned in the North Sea and Middle East, while in Indonesia, several projects have started operations again after having been suspended for over two years. There are requests for tenders for projects commencing in 4Q 2018 and onwards. All these factors have improved the demand for OSVs significantly.

Increasing rates of scrapping and lower numbers of new OSVs entering the market has created a better balance in the global Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV) market. This together with more drilling offshore drilling projects being commissioned has led to better prospects in global charter rates for PSVs and AHTS. Day rates for charter of OSVs in the North Sea and Middle East have already started to improve, while day rates in South East Asia have bottomed and likely to trend upwards. Some of the more well-known global OSV players are starting to form alliances and mergers, but in Asia, there are still companies undergoing liquidation or bankruptcy.

Although in Indonesia there has been a pause in the awarding of longer term vessel tenders in 2Q2018, there have been several spot tenders awarded in Indonesia and a higher level of tendering activity with commencement dates from 4Q2018 to next year.

Against this industry outlook, we are aiming to maintain a strong balance sheet by deleveraging where possible. We will also use the available cash flow to build up a stronger operational base for future growth opportunities in the coming year.

Total contracts on hand as at end June 2018 were US$69 million.

About Wintermar Offshore Marine Group

Wintermar Offshore Marine Group (WINS.JK), developed over 40 years with a track record of quality that is both a source of pride and responsibility that we are dedicated to upholding, sails a fleet of more than 70 Offshore Support Vessels ready for long term as well as spot charters. All operated by experienced Indonesian crew, tracked by satellite systems and monitored in real time by shore-based Vessel Teams.

In 2011, Wintermar became the first shipping company in Indonesia to be certified with an Integrated Management System by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, comprising ISO 9001:2008 (Quality), ISO14001:2004 (Environment) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety). For more information, please visit www.wintermar.com.

Contact:
Ms. Pek Swan Layanto, CFA Investor Relations PT Wintermar Offshore Marine Tbk Tel: +62-21 530 5201 Ext 401 Email: investor_relations@wintermar.com

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

Mobile App 'WhereIsWhere' Launches in Singapore!

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Monday, Singapore, July 30 - (ACN Newswire) - Singapore's WhereIsWhere, a first-of-its-kind location-based discovery mobile app, is now available for consumers to download free. Through the initial launch of WhereIsWhere's mobile app, consumers can now discover flash promotions, product and service offerings and activities within a kilometre from where they search, as well as timing-based offers around when they search.

Google Play : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wiw.wiw
- Apple Store https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/whereiswhere/id1393828248?mt=8 

WhereIsWhere is already working with over 1,500 retail locations on its app, island-wide - ranging from food and beverage chains including Old Chang Kee, Kopitiam, and Sushi Express and service providers such as Jean Yip to major shopping malls such as Millenia Walk. A number of additional retailers, malls and locations will be added to WhereIsWhere's app by September 2018. 

"With Singapore's consumers spending hours each day on their smartphones, we are catering to their mobile-first needs. These consumers are inundated with content and information - we make their decisions simpler, easier, while bringing an element of discovery and excitement. WhereisWhere brings great places, experiences, promotions and storefronts within your vicinity, or at any point on the map, helping you to decide what to eat, shop and do," said Michael Leong, Industry Advisor, WhereIsWhere

Navigate the map, discover offers, favourite brands for exclusive experiences and deals 

According to Ernst & Young, on average Singaporeans spent over 12 hours a day, in 2017, on their digital devices. WhereIsWhere's interactive map and sophisticated filters - including favourite retailers, promotion timings, category lists, and sub-categories - makes searching for the nearest outlets offering products, services, time-based offers and experiences of interest easy and hassle-free, whenever, wherever they are. Consumers can even move their point of search to explore and discover new points of interest. 

Once consumers spot what they want from merchants on the app, they can easily follow these merchants' latest flash promotions and offerings by clicking "Favourite". Doing so will drive curated push notifications and live updates from these merchants based on the consumer's choice of parameters. Consumers can also share the promotions they have discovered easily via a "Share" button. 

Flash Promotions and Exclusive Offers 

Terence Mak, CEO and founder of WhereIsWhere said: "Think of us as Google Maps, but for finding and connecting with deals and activities nearby. Not only do our users find plenty of options on what to see and do, but they can also follow their favourite brands and receive real-time offers and flash promotions. The retail sector is already betting big on WhereIsWhere's app to connect with consumers - since the launch of our discovery platform for Singapore retailers in end-February this year, we have surpassed 1,500 locations island-wide, and counting, and plans are already in place to launch WhereIsWhere in Asian markets beyond Singapore." 

Among the first malls to be on board the platform, Millenia Walk is confident in driving brand awareness for its merchants and elevating consumers' retail experience to new heights through WhereIsWhere's location-based, real-time targeting capabilities. "Millenia Walk is constantly on the lookout for new technologies in line with delivering a specially curated shopping experience for Singapore consumers. We are excited to be among the first malls in Singapore to take a step forward in the retail digital revolution through WhereIsWhere," said Diane Aw, Head of Retail at Millenia Walk. 

Merchants can register with WhereIsWhere for free of charge. Registered merchants will be able to list their stores details and location on the app, as well as run promotions among relevant audiences which have opted to follow their brand.

About WhereIsWhere 

WhereIsWhere is a location-based platform connecting retailers to consumers who are nearby. Through WhereIsWhere, users can easily discover what to eat, shop and do based on two key factors: where they are, and when they search. What this means for consumers is that we've simplified one of the hardest choices you will face: what to do at any given point in time. And for businesses - we bring a cost-effective and convenient way to create hyper-targeted promotional messages and marketing campaigns, driving traffic and sales. 

WhereIsWhere was founded in Singapore in 2015. Our team comprises retail industry leaders who truly understand the challenges and opportunities facing retailers and consumers. Visit www.whereiswhere.com

Media Contact:

PRecious  for WhereIsWhere 
Charlene Pe 
+(65) 3151 4760 
whereiswhere@preciouscomms.com 

Press release (PDF): http://www.acnnewswire.com/clientreports/598/18730.pdf 


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

360 Finance spin-off invests in Singapore Blockchain Startup DREP Foundation

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Newly launched 360 Innovation Capital draws support from Qihoo 360, 360 Finance and 360 AI Institute

SINGAPORE, Jul 30, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Singapore start-up DREP Foundation (DREP) has received an undisclosed investment sum from 360 Innovation Capital, an investment fund with strategic affiliation to 360 Finance, one of the biggest fintech companies in China. 360 Finance is a spin-off from Qihoo 360, China's largest Internet security company.

DREP Foundation is building a decentralized reputation ecosystem to introduce transparent and reliable reputation systems for both online and offline businesses to plug and play. DREP's suite of solutions, aside from quantifying reputation of users through a series of reputation system mechanisms such as up and down-voting, can also weed out click-bots and duplicate accounts.

360 Innovation Capital aims to support and advance blockchain innovations by providing promising startups with access to capital and knowledge. Their portfolio also includes aelf, EOS Gravity and Zeniex. The team behind the fund will support DREP Foundation with expertise in traditional finance, Internet security and blockchain technology, connecting the DREP Foundation team to valuable resources and networks.

Xiaolong Xu, co-founder at DREP Foundation said, "To be included in 360 Innovation Capital's portfolio adds another layer of validation for the work that we have done and are doing. Their diverse experience with blockchain projects across different industry verticals will prove invaluable to us in determining how we move forward. This is the beginning of an exciting journey of learning and collaborating with them."

Xu was the former Lead Developer at open-source blockchain project Qtum. https://qtum.org/en/

This investment follows a string of strategic partnership announcements for DREP Foundation over the last two months, with the likes of multi-layered transaction blockchain QuarkChain, Indian enterprise-grade big data solution Zebi and Vietnamese travel tech startup Triip.me, among others. The company earlier announced funding from Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin.

ABOUT DREP FOUNDATION
DREP Foundation is committed to building a performance-oriented technology infrastructure, supporting high transaction capacity for an ecosystem generating valuable reputation data. Focusing on two industry pain points: lack of user adoption and low transaction throughput, DREP Foundation aims to provide a highly scalable blockchain architecture, DREP Chain, for deployment of a reputation protocol that anyone can use. https://www.drep.org/.

ABOUT 360 INNOVATION CAPITAL
360 Innovation Capital is a blockchain venture fund that aims to promote advancement of blockchain projects through investment, technical auditing and financial expertise. They have strategically partnered with 360 Finance, 360 Cybersecurity Innovation Center and 360 Artificial Intelligence Institute. Blockchain and cryptocurrency projects in their portfolio will gain access to the fund's resources and networks. http://m.360inno.investments/.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Trestle Works for DREP Foundation
E: drep@trestle.sg


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

Blockpass Makes Investment in Key Partner Holdex, Offers Premium Compliant ICO Platform

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HONG KONG, Jul 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - User-centric digital identity verification platform Blockpass has announced an investment in partner Holdex and the offering of a production ready premium compliant ICO platform. The fully integrated, cloud-based platform will aid ICOs, Token Resellers and Token Distributors in ensuring seamless compliant interactions with investors.

Blockpass offers shared regulatory compliance services for humans, companies, objects and devices. As an identity system that supports verification of humans (KYC), objects (KYO) and connected devices (KYD), Blockpass will enable the development of new applications that rely on a trusted connection between multiple entities.

Holdex strives to make ICOs easy and affordable by building reliable, flexible and user friendly tools to support crypto crowdfunding campaigns. In doing so, Holdex ensures that campaigns will be the most secure and compliant by providing ICOs with top KYC and AML checks and reports.

By integrating Blockpass' seamless KYC verification process into the Holdex platform, the partnership allows for a premium, painless investor registration and due-diligence process. Blockpass will work with Holdex exclusively to launch the new cloud-based platform.

"This really is the next generation of ICO services," said Adam Vaziri, Blockpass CEO. "Partnering with Holdex to create this premium platform means that we can offer seamless and compliant onboarding, while ensuring that our partners have the best possible experience in setting up their token events."

"We just couldn't miss this strategic investment opportunity, as Holdex and Blockpass' visions correlate," said Vadim Zolotokrylin, Holdex CEO, CTO and Co-Founder. "For Holdex, having Blockpass as not just a provider, but as a deeply integrated partner on both a technology and corporate level means creating a superpower when we are talking about compliance. I am confident that this strategic deal will be the start of a new exciting chapter for Holdex platform and its customers."

Blockpass also recently launched its own Initial Token Distribution event, which will run from 31 May to 30 November, with 250 million PASS Tokens available. PASS Tokens act as discount vouchers for Blockpass' service offering, while growing the Blockpass customer base as the first "KYC Token" available on the market. The Blockpass Airdrop will be open for registration through partner Infinito Wallet until 12 August 2018, with 2 million PASS Tokens available.

Blockpass has announced a number of key collaborations recently, most notably with Edinburgh Napier University for the creation of the pioneering new blockchain research laboratory, the Blockpass Identity Lab. With five fully funded Studentships and led by Professor Bill Buchanan, the Blockpass Identity Lab will focus on the creation of world-leading knowledge and innovation around citizen-focused systems which enshrine the right to privacy.

PASS tokens are being sold to interested investors through a number of official token resellers . Official PASS token distributors include Blockrise (https://tokensale.blockrise.com), Insignal Services (https://insignalservices.co.uk), and Corematrix (https://blockpass.corematrix.co.uk).

PASS tokens are officially listing on a growing number of exchanges starting in the last two weeks of July. These exchanges include Lykke, HitBTC, Gatecoin and Cryptopia.

About Blockpass IDN
The goal of Blockpass IDN (http://www.blockpass.org/) is global realization of identity for the Internet of Everything. Through the use of blockchain technology and smart contracts, Blockpass is a production ready Regtech platform offering shared regulatory and compliance services for humans, businesses, objects and devices. As this identity system supports verification of humans (KYC), objects (KYO) and connected devices (KYD), it will enable the development of new applications that rely on a trusted connection between human, corporate, and device identities. Registered in Hong Kong, Blockpass IDN is a joint venture of Infinity Blockchain Labs and Chain of Things. Blockpass IDN licenses its technology from the non-profit Blockpass Foundation, registered in the Isle of Man.

For more information and updates, please visit and sign up to the following:
Promotional video: https://youtu.be/SvO2cw3e-SI
Website: http://www.blockpass.org
Medium: https://medium.com/@blockpass
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlockpassOrg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blockpassorg/
Telegram: https://t.me/blockpass

About Holdex
Holdex platform (https://holdex.io) enables ICO campaign setup without you having to code a single line or maintain the infrastructure. Our solution covers and supports the whole process from whitelisting, promo and referral campaign management to issuing and distributing your tokens.

Media contact: Caitlin Betts, +852 9733 4935, press@blockpass.org.

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

Growth twice rate of GDP, Full Year 2018 forecast revised up to 4.8%

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LONDON, Jul 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - UK advertising spend in Q1 2018 rose 5.9% year-on-year to reach GBP5.7bn - the 19th consecutive quarter of market growth, according to Advertising Association/WARC Expenditure Report data published today. The figure is 1.3 percentage points (pp) ahead of forecast.

Further key findings from the report indicate:
Q1 2018 was the strongest first quarter in three years
Print display ad revenue for national newsbrands rose for the first time in seven years
Radio (+12.5%) recorded its strongest growth in four years, while internet (+10.8%), out of home (+5.3%) and TV (+5.0%) were all positive during the quarter
Adspend growth forecasts for this year and next have been upgraded, by 0.6pp to 4.8% and 0.7pp to 4.5% respectively. If proved correct, this would conclude a decade of continuous growth, and result in investment of over GBP24bn in 2019.

Search now accounts for almost three in ten pounds spent on advertising in the UK, a share which has risen 1.8pp over the last year. Spend on search advertising has grown consistently since monitoring began in 2001.

Display formats, which account for just under two-thirds of all adspend in the UK, recorded a rise in investment of 4.7% in Q1 2018 - on a par with the rate recorded in the final quarter of 2017. Excluding direct mail, spend on display formats rose 6.0%. This was the strongest sector growth since the final quarter of 2015.

Stephen Woodford, Chief Executive at the Advertising Association said:

"Our latest advertising expenditure figures reflect the resilience of the wider UK economy, where consumer confidence is improved and the jobs market remains very strong. UK advertising continues to show steady growth with more businesses investing more spend in advertising. This investment boosts company profits and overall GDP, creates more jobs and helps our media sector to continue to invest in the creative content and technology that the public values.

"If Government can secure a good outcome from the Brexit negotiations and introduce a business-friendly immigration policy, we should continue to see sustained UK market growth and continued export success for advertising."

James McDonald, Data Editor at WARC commented:

"The UK's advertising market has now grown ahead of expectations in each of the last four quarters, and our projection for 2018 growth has been upgraded by a two percentage points since the start of the year on the back of sterling results across the media landscape.

"Online ad formats - particularly search and social media - continue to over perform, but traditional media are also proving their worth to advertisers. Notable among these are radio, TV, out of home and national newsbrands, with the latter carrying on from a good final quarter in 2017 to reverse a seven year downturn in display revenue."

The Advertising Association/WARC Expenditure Report is the definitive measure of advertising activity in the UK. It is the only source that uses advertising expenditure gathered from across the entire media landscape, rather than relying on estimated or modelled data.

Advertising Association
Matt Bourn, Director of Communications
matt.bourn@adassoc.org.uk T:+44 (0) 20 7340 1100

Matthew Evans, Communications Manager
matthew.evans@adassoc.org.uk T:+44 (0) 20 7340 1100

About the Advertising Association/WARC Expenditure Report

The Advertising Association/WARC quarterly Expenditure Report is the definitive guide to advertising expenditure in the UK. Impartial and independent of any media channel or agency affiliation, it is the only source of historical quarterly adspend data and forecasts for the different media for the coming eight quarters. With data from 1982, this comprehensive and detailed review of advertising spend includes the AA/WARC's own quarterly survey of all national newspapers, regional newspaper data collated in conjunction with Local Media Works and magazine statistics from WARC's own panels. Data for other media channels are compiled in conjunction with UK industry trade bodies and organisations, notably the Internet Advertising Bureau, Outsmart, Radiocentre and the Royal Mail.

All data are net of discounts and include agency commission, but exclude production costs. The survey was launched in 1981 and has produced data on a quarterly basis ever since.

About WARC

- Your global authority on advertising and media effectiveness

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

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Xinyi Solar Announces 2018 Interim Results

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Revenue of Core Businesses Increase by 27.4% to HK$4,052.9 Million;
Gross Profit of Solar Glass and Solar Farm Businesses Surge 48.4% and 25.7% respectively

HONG KONG, Jul 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Xinyi Solar Holdings Limited ("Xinyi Solar" or the "Group"; stock code: 968), the largest ultra-clear photovoltaic ("PV") raw glass manufacturer in the world, today announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2018 ("1H 2018").

Financial Review

Backed by the solid foundation and competitive advantages, the Group's managed to record a set of resilient results despite of the challenging market sentiment and the release of "2018 PV Power Generation Notice" dated 31 May 2018 ("May 31 Notice") during the period under review. The Group's total revenue amounted to HK$4,177.4 million. Revenue of its core businesses (i.e. solar glass and solar farm businesses) increased by 27.4% to HK$4,052.9 million. Gross profit of solar glass and solar farm businesses surged 48.4% and 25.7% respectively, but due to the offset by the decline in EPC services (i.e. non-core business), the Group's gross profit dropped slightly by 1.3% to HK$1,778.1 million. Net profit was HK$1,214.0 million. Gross and net profit margins grew to 42.6% and 29.1% respectively. It was mainly attributable to the improvement in gross profit margin of the solar glass segment and higher percentages of the Group's total revenue derived from the solar glass and solar farm businesses.

Basic earnings per share were 16.35 HK cents (1H 2017: 18.25 HK cents). As at 30 June 2018, the Group's financial position remained healthy, with cash and bank balances of HK$1,306.6 million (As at 31 December 2017: HK$1,380.6 million). The Board of Directors proposed payment of an interim dividend of 8.0 HK cents per share (1H 2017: 8.0 HK cents). Dividend payout ratio for 1H 2018 was 48.9%.

Business Review

Solar Glass Business - Capacity Change to Accommodate New Market Conditions

In recent years, the evolvement of solar power has gone through a much faster pace than other types of energy in many different countries as a result of the continuous and spectacular cost reduction. According to SolarPower Europe, the global PV installation was 99.1GW in 2017, up from 76.6GW in 2016, representing a year-on-year growth of 29%. The global PV market demand was dominated by China, which accounted for more than half of the total newly added capacity in 2017. The explosive growth of China's solar power demand for 2017 was largely contributed by the surging installations of distributed generation ("DG") system.

The market contraction in China resulting from the release of the May 31 notice will undoubtedly affect the global PV development and cause diversification of the global PV demand. Nine countries installed more than 1GW in 2017 compared to six countries in 2016, and the number of GW-scale countries keeps on counting in 2018. The subsequent decline in installation costs as a result of the drop in PV demand in China could help to boost the demand in overseas PV market, especially in some emerging countries.

Without quota restriction on DG projects, PV installation in China continued to remain robust in the first few months of 2018 prior to the policy change on 31 May 2018. The Group reported a 3.5% year-on-year increase in its sales volume of solar glass for 1H 2018 despite the contraction in sales in June. During the period under review, no new solar glass production capacity has been added by the Group. Its aggregate daily melting capacity has remained around 6,300 tonnes. The production volume growth is mainly driven by the capacity and efficiency ramp-up of the three ultra-clear PV raw glass production lines with an aggregate daily melting capacity of 2,900 tonnes added in the last quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017.

The Group will continue to add new solar glass production capacity in order to sharpen its competitive edge and resilience to adverse operating environment. Capacity expansion and the introduction of new production technology and knowhow can further enhance the benefits of economies of scale, overall production efficiency and cost competitiveness of the Group, thereby enabling it to expand the market share and reinforce market position as a leading solar glass manufacturer.

Solar Farm Business - Increased Contribution from Electricity Generation of Solar Farms and
Placing Significant Emphasis on Technological Innovation and Quality Enhancement

Over the past decade, China's PV installation has increased rapidly amid the favourable government policies. In order to foster the healthy development of the PV industry and reducing the reliance on the government subsidy, policy change has been made in June 2018 with the issuance of May 31 Notice. The sudden policy shift slowed down the installation pace and caused near-term market turmoil. Nevertheless, it can help the industry to sustain growth through technological innovation and quality enhancement, thus accelerating the country to achieve grid parity. Besides, the seventh batch of the Subsidy Catalogue was announced in June 2018. The Group has eight self-owned solar farm projects with an aggregate capacity of 724MW and a joint venture project with capacity of 100MW enlisted in this batch of the Subsidy Catalogue. Given the substantial and continuous decline in installation costs and riding on its experience in the solar value chain, the Group is confident that it can further advance and expand its solar farm business.

The revenue and profit contribution from the electricity generation of the Group's solar farms continued to show robust growth. Revenue and gross profit reported 28.8% and 25.7% increases year-on-year respectively for 1H 2018. As at 30 June 2018, the Group had grid-connected solar projects with a total capacity of 2,086MW, including 1,934MW utility-scale ground-mounted projects, 34MW commercial DG projects and 118MW self-used DG projects. In terms of ownership, 1,032MW are from projects held by wholly-owned subsidiaries while 954MW are from projects held by 75%-owned subsidiaries and 100MW is from a 50%-owned joint venture project.

For EPC services, since the inherent one-off and ad-hoc nature of this business, it seldom provides a predictable and stable revenue stream, the Group has never considered it as a key growth driver. No large-scale PV poverty alleviation project has been undertaken by the Group for 1H 2018. The revenue of EPC services was mainly derived from a non-wholly-owned subsidiary in relation to the residential and commercial DG projects carried out in Canada.

Additionally, Xinyi Solar had submitted an updated application for the spin-off and separate listing of the shares of its non-wholly-owned subsidiary on 10 April 2018, Xinyi Energy Holdings Limited ("Xinyi Energy"), on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("HKEX"), and the HKEX has confirmed on 21 May 2018 that the Group may proceed with the Spin-Off. Xinyi Energy has submitted a listing application on 19 June 2018.

Looking ahead, substantial drop in PV demand from China in the coming months is unavoidable, and this will create pressure along the supply chain. Nevertheless, there is no sign that China will cease its commitment and support to its solar industry. Instead, the purpose of the policy change is to rationalize solar development and mitigate the renewable energy fund deficit. The focus will shift from quantitative growth to qualitative growth, accompanied by increasing degree of electricity marketisation in the long run. With an internationally competitive and complete industrial chain, China will continue to take the lead in the global PV development.

The Group will continue to adopt flexible marketing strategies, diversify its customer bases, explore new markets and further strengthen the cost competitiveness of its products. To further expand the market share, the Group will continue its expansion plan of adding three new solar glass production lines with a daily melting capacity of 1,000 tonnes each in Malaysia. The first new production line is expected to be ready for commercial production by the end of 2018, and the development plan of the second and third new production lines will be adjusted in accordance with the market conditions. The Group is optimistic about the potential growth of the Group's solar glass business in the long run as industry consolidation will create more market opportunities in the future.

Mr. LEE Yin Yee, B.B.S., Chairman of Xinyi Solar, said, "As solar power remains one of the key renewable energy solutions for China to tackle pollution, Xinyi Solar is confident that the PV industry will grow strongly again after reform and innovation. Leveraging on our diversified production bases, innovative products, proven business strategies, effective operational management and advanced production techniques, we are well positioned to capture new business opportunities, rise above the rapidly changing and challenging market conditions and reinforce its market leader position in the solar value chain."

About Xinyi Solar Holdings Limited
Xinyi Solar Holdings Limited is engaged in the production and sales of solar glass products including ultra-clear PV raw glass, ultra-clear PV processed glass and back glass. Xinyi Solar has production complexes in China (Wuhu and Tianjin) and Malaysia. In addition, the Group has invested in several solar farm projects across different locations in China such as Anhui, Tianjin, Hubei, Henan and Fujian. The Group is a constituent of the Hang Seng Global Composite Index, Hang Seng Composite Index, Hang Seng Composite Industry Index - Industrials, Hang Seng Composite MidCap & SmallCap Index and Hang Seng SCHK High Dividend Low Volatility Index and MSCI China Index. Its single largest shareholder is Xinyi Glass Holdings (stock code: 868), which holds 29.5% of the number of the Group's shares in issue. For details, please visit http://www.xinyisolar.com.


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

Eisai and Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. Announce U.S. FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation for LENVIMA

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In Combination with KEYTRUDA as Therapy for Previously Treated Patients with Advanced and/or Metastatic non-MSI-H/pMMR Endometrial Carcinoma

TOKYO, Jul 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. and Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for LENVIMA (generic name: lenvatinib mesylate), the orally available kinase inhibitor discovered by Eisai, in combination with Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A.'s anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA (generic name: pembrolizumab) for the potential treatment of patients with advanced and/or metastatic non-microsatellite instability high (MSI-H)/proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) endometrial carcinoma (EC) who have progressed following at least one prior systemic therapy.

The LENVIMA/KEYTRUDA combination therapy is being jointly developed by Eisai and Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. as part of the strategic collaboration announced in March 2018. This is the third Breakthrough Therapy designation for LENVIMA and the second Breakthrough Therapy designation for LENVIMA in combination with KEYTRUDA following the Breakthrough Therapy designation for the combination for advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma announced in January 2018.

The Breakthrough Therapy designation is an FDA program intended to expedite development and review of medicines for serious or life-threatening conditions. In order to qualify for this designation, preliminary clinical evidence must demonstrate that the drug may provide substantial improvement over currently available therapy on at least one clinically significant endpoint. The benefits of this Breakthrough Therapy designation include more intensive guidance on an efficient clinical development program, access to senior FDA managers and experienced FDA staff to help accelerate review time, as well as eligibility for rolling review and potentially priority review.

This Breakthrough Therapy designation was based on interim results of the EC cohort in Study 111/KEYNOTE-146, which were presented in June 2018 at the 54th American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.(1),(2) Study 111/KEYNOTE-146 is a multi-center, open-label, single-arm Phase 1b/2 basket trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of LENVIMA in combination with KEYTRUDA in patients with selected solid tumors.

"This second Breakthrough Therapy designation for the LENVIMA/KEYTRUDA combination represents another step forward in our collaboration with Eisai and supports the continued evaluation of this combination in more than 11 types of cancer," said Dr. Roy Baynes, senior vice president and head of global clinical development, chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories. "We will continue to work closely with Eisai to build on the robust data for the LENVIMA/KEYTRUDA combination in advanced endometrial carcinoma in an effort to offer a new option for these patients and potentially help address a critical unmet need."

"We designed Study 111 to learn as much as we could about the LENVIMA/KEYTRUDA combination as efficiently as possible, driven by a sense of urgency to bring forward a potential new treatment option for patients in need," said Dr. Takashi Owa, Vice President and Chief Medicine Creation Officer, Oncology Business Group, Eisai. "We are encouraged by the continued activity seen in patients with endometrial carcinoma, and the latest Breakthrough Therapy designation for LENVIMA and KEYTRUDA has strengthened our commitment, as part of our human health care mission, to expedite the path to ultimately benefitting patients living with endometrial carcinoma as quickly as possible."

About Study 111/KEYNOTE-146

Study 111/KEYNOTE-146 is a multicenter, open-label, single-arm Phase 1b/2 basket trial evaluating the combination of LENVIMA (20 mg/day) with KEYTRUDA (200 mg intravenously every three weeks) in patients with selected solid tumors (renal cell carcinoma, EC, non-small cell lung cancer, urothelial cancer, squamous cell head and neck cancer, and melanoma). Patients were not preselected based on MSI or PD- L1 tumor biomarker status. The primary endpoint of the Phase 1b study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose of LENVIMA and KEYTRUDA in combination. The primary endpoint of the Phase 2 portion is investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR) at week 24 based on immune-related RECIST (irRECIST). The secondary efficacy endpoints included ORR, progression-free survival and duration of response for patients with complete or partial responses. Fifty-three patients with previously treated, metastatic EC were evaluated in the EC cohort. Currently, the Phase 2 part is ongoing as an EC cohort expansion. This study is being conducted under an existing strategic collaboration between the two companies.

A randomized, international, two-arm Phase 3 study in recurrent EC is underway (Study 309/KEYNOTE- 775; NCT03517449; please visit clinicaltrials.gov for more information).

About Endometrial Carcinoma

Endometrial cancer begins in the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium), and nearly all cancers of the uterus are endometrial carcinomas.(3) In 2018, it is estimated there will be approximately 63,230 new cases of uterine cancer, and there will be approximately 11,350 deaths from uterine cancer (with the figures for endometrial cancer being slightly lower than this combined estimate).(4) Stages of endometrial cancer range from stage 1 through 4.(5) The five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with stage 1A endometrial cancer is 88% and drops to 15% for those diagnosed with stage 4B.(6)

About the Eisai and Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. Strategic Collaboration

In March 2018, Eisai and Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth N.J., U.S.A., through an affiliate, entered into a strategic collaboration for the worldwide co-development and co-commercialization of LENVIMA. Under the agreement, the companies will develop and commercialize LENVIMA jointly, both as monotherapy and in combination with Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth N.J., U.S.A.'s anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA. In addition to ongoing clinical studies of the combination, the companies will jointly initiate new clinical studies evaluating the combination to support 11 potential indications in six types of cancer (bladder cancer, endometrial cancer, head and neck cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer), as well as a basket trial targeting six additional cancer types. The combination of LENVIMA and KEYTRUDA is investigational. The efficacy and safety of this combination has not been established. The LENVIMA/KEYTRUDA combination is not approved in any cancer types today.

About LENVIMA (lenvatinib mesylate)

LENVIMA, discovered and developed in-house by Eisai, is an orally administered receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor with a novel binding mode that selectively inhibits the kinase activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4) in addition to other proangiogenic and oncogenic pathway-related RTKs (including the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor PDGFRalpha; KIT; and RET) involved in tumor proliferation.

Currently, Eisai has obtained approval for LENVIMA as a treatment for refractory thyroid cancer in over 50 countries, including the United States, Japan, and in Europe. Additionally, Eisai has obtained approval for the agent in combination with everolimus as a treatment for renal cell carcinoma (second-line) in over 40 countries, including the United States and in Europe. In Europe, the agent was launched under the brand name Kisplyx for renal cell carcinoma.

Furthermore, LENVIMA is approved in Japan for use in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Eisai has submitted applications for an indication covering hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States and Europe (July 2017), China (October 2017) as well as Taiwan (December 2017).

About KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab)

KEYTRUDA is an anti-PD-1 therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body's immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells.

About Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A.

For more than a century, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A., a leading global biopharmaceutical company known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and communities around the world - including cancer, cardio-metabolic diseases, emerging animal diseases, Alzheimer's disease and infectious diseases including HIV and Ebola. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

(1) Makker V, et al. Lenvatinib + pembrolizumab in patients with advanced endometrial cancer: Update results. ASCO Meeting Abstract, 2018; #5596
(2) Makker V, et al. Biomarker results and preclinical rationale for combination lenvatinib and pembrolizumab in advanced endometrial carcinoma. ASCO Meeting Abstract, 2018; #5597
(3) American Cancer Society. What Is Endometrial Cancer.
(4) American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Endometrial Cancer.
(5) American Cancer Society. Endometrial Cancer Stages.
(6) American Cancer Society. Endometrial Cancer Survival Rates, by Stage.

About Eisai

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

Contact:
Media Inquiries: Eisai Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department +81-(0)3-3817-5120

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

Eisai Signs Collaboration Agreement for Anti-Obesity Agent Lorcaserin in China to CY Biotech

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TOKYO, Jul 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today that it has entered into an agreement to grant exclusive development and marketing rights for its anti-obesity agent lorcaserin hydrochloride (generic name, product name in the United States: BELVIQ, product name for once-daily formulation in the United States: BELVIQ XR, "lorcaserin") in China (including Hong Kong and Macao) to CY Biotech.

Under this agreement, Eisai will supply CYB with lorcaserin. Eisai will receive a one-time contractual payment and milestone payments dependent upon acquisition of regulatory approval. In addition, Eisai has the option rights to co-promote lorcaserin with CYB in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macao), as well as the option rights to market lorcaserin in Hong Kong and Macao.

Lorcaserin is a novel chemical entity that is believed to decrease food consumption and promote satiety by selectively activating serotonin 2C receptors in the brain. Lorcaserin was approved in June 2012 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related co-morbid condition, and was launched in the United States in June 2013. Lorcaserin was approved in Mexico in July 2016 and in Brazil in December 2016, with the same indication as for the United States. In Taiwan, lorcaserin was developed by CYB, who obtained approval in July 2017 and launched lorcaserin in Taiwan in October 2017.

By entering into this agreement with CYB, which already has a track record in developing and marketing lorcaserin in Taiwan, Eisai is aiming to accelerate the delivery of lorcaserin to patients in these regions.

About lorcaserin hydrochloride (product name in the United States: BELVIQ, product name for once-daily formulation in the United States: BELVIQ XR, "lorcaserin")

Discovered and developed by Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc., lorcaserin is a novel chemical entity that is believed to decrease food consumption and promote satiety by selectively activating serotonin 2C receptors in the brain. Activation of these receptors may help a person eat less and feel full after eating smaller amounts of food. Lorcaserin was approved in June 2012 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related co-morbid condition, and was launched in the United States under the brand name BELVIQ in June 2013 after receiving a final scheduling designation from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In addition, lorcaserin has been made available in South Korea via a third-party distributor from 2015. Lorcaserin was approved in Mexico in July 2016 and in Brazil in December 2016, with the same indication as for the United States. Furthermore, BELVIQ XR, a once-daily formulation of lorcaserin aiming to increase convenience of administration for patients, was approved in the United States in July 2016. In January 2017, Eisai acquired all of Arena's rights to develop and market lorcaserin.

The most common adverse reactions observed in multiple Phase III clinical studies on lorcaserin were headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth and constipation in patients without diabetes, and hypoglycemia, headache, back pain, cough and fatigue in patients with diabetes.

A cardiovascular outcomes trial conducted in multiple countries, including the United States, with 12,000 patients found that long-term treatment with lorcaserin does not increase incidence of MACE (Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events including myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular death), and the primary safety objective of the trial was met. In addition, regarding the incidence of MACE+ (consisting of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, hospitalization due to unstable angina, heart failure or coronary revascularization) which was the primary efficacy endpoint, although statistical superiority to placebo was not met, the results successfully confirmed statistical non-inferiority for lorcaserin. In this trial, lorcaserin also demonstrated an improvement in multiple cardiovascular risk factors including blood pressure, lipids, blood glucose and renal function as well as a reduction in conversion to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients without diabetes. Furthermore, in additional subgroup analyses, on a background of lifestyle modification, it was observed that lorcaserin improved long-term weight loss compared to placebo, including in subpopulations with T2DM and obstructive sleep apnea.

About CY Biotech Company Ltd.

CY Biotech Company Ltd. (CYB) is a pharmaceutical company established in April 2011 with its headquarters in Taiwan. In 2012, CYB launched a wholly-owned subsidiary Chuang Yi Trading Limited in Shanghai. CYB obtained the exclusive rights for marketing and distributing lorcaserin in Taiwan and has been marketing lorcaserin in Taiwan since 2017. Aiming to be an innovative leader in self-paid pharmaceutical and health products with a wide range of indications, CYB is striving to improve the Quality of Life (QOL) of patients in Greater China.

About Eisai

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

Contact:
Media Inquiries: Public Relations Department Eisai Co., Ltd. +81-(0)3-3817-5120

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

Toyota Doubles-Down on Zero Emissions Heavy-Duty Trucks

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Second Version of Fuel Cell Heavy Truck
Project Portal 2.0 Revealed During Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars

Toyota City, Japan, Jul 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota took the next great leap towards the future of zero-emission trucking, unveiling the second iteration of its hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 truck before a crowd of media and industry leaders during the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars in Northern Michigan.

The new truck, known internally as "Beta," expands on the capabilities of Toyota's first Project Portal test vehicle by increasing the estimated range to more than 300 miles per fill. The truck also enhances versatility and maneuverability with the addition of a sleeper cab and a unique fuel cabinet combination that further increases cab space without increasing wheelbase.

Since it first began operation in April 2017, the Project Portal "Alpha" truck has logged nearly 10,000 miles of testing and real-world drayage operations in and around the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles while emitting nothing but water vapor. The Beta vehicle will begin drayage operations in the fall, increasing the Ports' zero emission trucking capacity and further reducing the environmental impact of drayage operations.

Lessons LearnedIncreased Range, Improved Process

Project Portal 2.0 builds on the lessons learned from the launch of the Alpha vehicle in 2017. The first heavy-duty truck was the result of a true skunkworks effort within Toyota that moved from initial concept to a fully-capable drayage truck driving silently out of a Michigan garage in just over a year. Engineers and technicians worked long hours to reconfigure the wire harnesses, electronics and other components of two off-the-lot Mirai fuel cell electric cars to create one of the world's first OEM-built zero-emission heavy trucks.

The results of their work continue to impress. With a gross combined weight capacity of 80,000 lbs. and a driving range of more than 200 miles per fill, the 670-plus horsepower Alpha truck produces 1,325 pound-feet of torque from two Mirai fuel cell stacks and a 12kWh battery. Project Portal Beta maintains these torque and horsepower numbers while also extending the range of the vehicle and pushing forward on other key performance metrics.

"By evaluating the first truck in our test facilities and on the actual roads in the LA area, we made a list of improvements for the Beta truck build process and performance enhancements," said Andrew Lund, Chief Engineer for the project. He continued, "We needed to move beyond a proof of concept, which the first truck accomplished, to something that is not only better than the original but is also more commercially viable."

A Step Toward the Future, Reflections From the Past

The story of Project Portal's inception and evolution follows the long tradition of Toyota innovation that dates to the company's entry into the automotive space. The first Toyota (then Toyoda) sedan, the A1, was produced in much the same manner as the original Project Portal truck- through experimentation, trial and error, and a lot of sweat. Once completed in 1935, the A1 was tested by the company's founder, Kiichiro Toyoda, and then refined into their first commercially available car, the Toyoda AA. Likewise, through the lessons learned with the first truck, Project Portal 2.0 is more refined, functional, and capable. Also, just as the AA started Toyota on a path as an automotive leader, Project Portal is expanding Toyota's already robust environmental leadership to the next level. Going forward, Toyota remains committed to supporting the development of a consumer-facing hydrogen infrastructure to realize the potential of fuel cell vehicles.

A Drop of H2 in the Bucket

Over 16,000 pollution-emitting trucks are working in Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, a number that is estimated to balloon to 32,000 by 2030. More than 43,000 drayage trucks are in operation at ports across the United States, contributing significant amounts of carcinogens, diesel particulate matter (DPM) and other pollutants into the air of port communities and surrounding neighborhoods.

"Our goal with the first truck was to see if it could be accomplished, and we did that," said Senior Manager for Toyota's North American Electrified Vehicle & Technologies Office Craig Scott, "This time we're looking at commercial viability. We want to help make a difference...a significant difference when it comes to the air quality not only in the LA area but across the U.S. and around the globe."

More Than Just Trucks

This announcement is a continuation of Toyota's Environmental Challenge 2050 efforts to eliminate CO2 emissions from its Toyota Logistics facility at the Port of Long Beach. Toyota has previously announced the construction of the Tri-Gen facility which will be the first megawatt-sized carbonate fuel cell power generation plant with hydrogen fueling in the world. The 100% renewable plant will use agricultural waste to generate water, electricity, and hydrogen that will support Toyota Logistics Services' (TLS) operations at the Port of Long Beach.

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

Toyota Motor Corporation and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to Provide Capital Again with Target of JPY50 Billion

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SPARX Group to Establish "Mirai Creation Fund II."

Toyota City, Japan, Jul 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - SPARX Group Co., Ltd. has established the "Mirai Creation Fund II." The two seed LPs for the "Mirai Creation Fund I," Toyota Motor Corporation and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), are to participate again as initial investors in Fund II. In addition to the three categories of Intelligent Technology (e.g. artificial intelligence), robotics, and technologies for a hydrogen-powered society that Fund I (formed in November 2015) focused on, the Mirai Creation Fund II mandate also includes electrification and new materials.

An outline of the new fund is listed below.

1. Basic principles
- Providing capital to companies with technologies that can shape the society of the future to accelerate innovation.
- Building a portfolio of innovative companies, the strategy aims to generate a "new power" that will shape the future and impact our world.

2. Target functions
- The fund aims to invest in companies and projects to boost innovation within the following five (5) core technology areas: 1) Intelligent Technology (e.g. artificial intelligence), 2) robotics, 3) technologies for a hydrogen-powered society, including companies and projects related to the manufacture, supply, and utilization of hydrogen, 4) electrification, and 5) new materials.

3. Summary
- With SPARX as the fund manager and with an initial contribution from Toyota, SMBC, and SPARX totaling approximately JPY14.3 billion, Mirai Creation Fund II investment activities are scheduled to begin in August.
- The fund will be open to new LPs until around the end of March 2019, targeting a total of JPY50 billion in commitments.

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

Restructuring of the Jingmei Hospital Challenged the Fundamentals of China Resources Phoenix Healthcare

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Diagram 1: Current IOT Model of Jingmei Hospital
Diagram 2: Business Model after Restructured Jingmei Hospital
HONG KONG, Jul 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Lately, China Resources Phoenix Healthcare or CR Phoenix (01515.HK) released a public announcement to participate in the restructuring of Beijing Jingmei Group General Hospital and its subordinate medical or elderly care institutions (collectively, "Jingmei Hospital"). Jingmei Hospital is a flagship hospital managed by CR Phoenix under its premier IOT model (Investment-Operation-Transfer), a principal business model of CR Phoenix, by which CR Phoenix usually manages those not-for-profit hospital without obtaining the hospital ownership. The restructuring of Jingmei Hospital aroused great concern within Chinese healthcare industry and is expected to generate substantial effects on development of IOT model in the new policy environment.

A Brief History of Jingmei Hospital

Jingmei Hosptial is one of the largest not-for-profit medical centers in the western suburban area of Beijing Metropolitan. In May 2011, Phoenix Healthcare (predecessor of CR Phoenix) and Beijing Jingmei Group Co. Ltd. ("Jingmei Group") concluded an agreement on investment and management of Beijing Jingmei Group General Hospital and supplementary agreements after rounds of discussions, marking the accession of Jingmei Hospital to the hospital management system of CR Phoenix through the IOT model originated by CR Phoenix in early 2010s.

In the current IOT model, CR Phoenix has the absolute power of business management or control over Jingmei Hospital, capable of implementing daily operation management in all respects, and charges a performance-based management fee. Besides, CR Phoenix gains supply chain earnings by control over procurement of such medical materials as drugs and consumables on behalf of Jingmei Hospital.

A lot of progress has taken place after Jingmei Hospital entered into the management system of Phoenix Healthcare, as what is referred to in the announcement of CR Phoenix: the hospital's revenue has kept a rapid growth and comprehensive quality standards have been remarkably improved, indicating that the IOT model, as an alternative solution to public hospital restructuring, has achieved tremendous staged success. However, the IOT model is not the end of the game. As planned by the former Phoenix Healthcare leaders, each hospital managed under the IOT model should eventually evolve to become an owned for-profit hospital with a clear and compliant business model (understanding that IOT is often questioned by its excessive profits extraction practices from not-for-profit hospital in terms of management fees and supply chain profits).

Moreover, recent tightened policies have also revamped the landscape for the IOT model. In the middle of this, CR Phoenix released an announcement on July 20: CR Healthcare Investment (China) Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of CR Phoenix, Jingmei Group and China Reform Guotong (Zhejiang) Investment Fund Partnership ("China Reform Guotong"), a state-owned subsidies fund, entered into a framework agreement, according to which the three parties will form a joint venture as the sponsor company to restructure Jingmei Hospital and the sponsor company will serve as the sponsor (owner of a not-for-profit entity) of Jingmei Hospital, which remains its not-for-profit nature. Upon the restructuring, Jingmei Group shall hold 40% of equity of the sponsor company and serve as the largest shareholder; CR Phoenix and China Reform Guotong shall separately hold 35% and 25% of equity in the sponsor company. In addition, the above three parties shall form a hospital management company to implement operation management on Jingmei Hospital. This model will replace the current IOT model of Jingmei Hospital (also replacing the hospital manager from CR Phoenix to the hospital management company jointly held by the above three parties). The announcement refers to this restructuring as "transition from the IOT model to sponsorship right model" and elaborates on benefits of restructuring of Jingmei Hospital at great length.

Doubts on the Restructuring of Jingmei Hospital

By a quick comparison between the two models, it seems that CR Phoenix gets no benefit in hospital operation by agreeing the new model:

Doubt one: CR Phoenix may lose control over Jingmei Hospital

The IOT model is mainly concerned with gaining the power of business management or control over a hospital through agreed contractual arrangement given that the hospital's ownership not being altered. Only by gaining the control over the hospital can one effectively run and manage the hospital, promote its operation efficiency and hence earn in real means, on which the success of the IOT model is based. Under the current IOT model, Jingmei Hospital is completely controlled and managed by CR Phoenix; whereas, upon this restructuring, Jingmei Group will reserve its position as the largest shareholder in the sponsor company and even get involved in the hospital's operation management through the management company. In view of the current equity ratio of the sponsor company and pending equity structure of the management company, CR Phoenix shall find it difficult to continue to deploy complete control over operation and management of Jingmei Hospital under the new sponsorship right model. In other words, CR Phoenix might be deprived from the foundation for creating benefits as a hospital manager.

Doubt two: Restructuring may have a substantial negative impact on the financials of CR Phoenix

Before the restructuring, the hospital's operating results exclusively belong to CR Phoenix under the IOT model; whereas, the restructured sponsorship right model shall require such profits to be shared by three parties, indicating that CR Phoenix may lose as high as 65% of profits in the hospital. It is a large sum indeed. According to financial data disclosed in the 2017 Report of CR Phoenix, it is estimated that Jingmei Hospital contributed around RMB 100 - 150 million (management fees plus supply chain profit) to CR Phoenix's entire profits in 2017, accounting for one third of total profits in the year. By ballpark estimates, CR Phoenix will need to pay as much as RMB 100 million every year as consideration for the restructuring, which may have a material negative impact on the total profits as well as valuation basis of the listed company.

Hence, except for minority interest in the sponsor company of the non-profit hospital, this deal does not bring any other actual "benefit" for CR Phoenix and even threats its control over its core assets -- Jingmei Hospital and will result in direct economic loss. Why did CR Phoenix agree to this unfair "deal"? Does it to do so on purpose or does it have no choice but to accept such requests from Jingmei Group? Is there anything in the shadow?

In doubt, something stands out in the review of previous announcements of CR Phoenix...

Restructuring of Jingmei Hospital in 2014

It is found in review of announcements of CR Phoenix that restructuring of Jingmei Hospital is not something new. In December 2014, Phoenix Healthcare (predecessor of CR Phoenix) announced to enter into a cooperation framework agreement with Jingmei Group, according to which, the two contracting parties agreed to found a joint venture to restructure Jingmei Hospital as a whole and enable the hospital to become a for-profit hospital and CR Phoenix and Jingmei Group would separately hold 70% and 30% of equity in the joint venture. Upon the completion of restructuring, the former IOT agreement between CR Phoenix and Jingmei Group would be no longer in effect.

It's no doubts that the 2014 version of the restructuring plan of Jingmei Hospital obviously favors CR Phoenix far more than the current version. First of all, the 2014 version directly restructured the hospital to a for-profit hospital, which is a radical advancement into a well-defined and compliant hospital business model to greatly enhance the hospital's value as originally planned in designing the IOT model; Secondly, upon restructuring, CR Phoenix became the absolute majority shareholder of Jingmei Hospital while Jingmei Group basically had no say in the daily operation.

The hospital's financials were incorporated into the consolidated statements of the listed company and it was no longer necessary to separately found a hospital management company to extract profits in terms of problematic management fees and supply chain profits.

At present, however, after the aggressive CR Group (controlling shareholder of CR Phoenix) steps in, the current version of restructuring of Jingmei Hospital shows an astonishing downside compared with the 2014 version, which fails to accomplish the two outcome in the 2014 version: for-profit hospital restructuring and absolute control over hospital operation (equity ratio is a half lower than the 70% in the 2014 version). Upon the completion of current restructuring, Jingmei Group will remain the single largest shareholder and even directly get involved in business management of Jingmei Hospital through hospital management company - which is the last thing a smoothly-ran IOT model wants to see. By the way, bear in mind that CR Group has no precedent that it is not a controlling shareholder in a hospital restructuring.

Thus, it seems likely that restructuring of Jingmei Hospital is not a negotiated outcome but CR Phoenix must be forced to accept the restructuring plan for some reasons.

Jingmei Group is the Big Winner

Why did CR Phoenix compromise for its successful IOT contract? In history, Jingmei Group is more "closely associated" with Jingmei Hospital than CR Phoenix is, but Jingmei Group's greatest bargaining power seems to be the innate defect of the IOT model--the uncertainty in the legitimacy of the IOT model, in particular brought by the recent policies.

Who is Jingmei Group? In the wake of the decline of the coal industry, Jingmei Group, a one time-honored mining state-owned enterprise in Beijing, has kept trying strategic transformation and as far as medical and elderly care industry is concerned, Jingmei Group has the advantage of many inherent resources like Jingmei Hospital and vocational healthcare facilities, and everyone knows that healthcare is a rising industry. If Jingmei Group decides to concentrate on the healthcare industry and makes full use of its existing healthcare resources to transform, expand and strengthen its healthcare industry in development, its move of taking back control over the fat profit Jingmei Hospital from CR Phoenix is well justified.

Unfortunately to CR Phoenix, that is true. Jingmei Group decides to evolve into a foe in the healthcare field but it also does not want to openly fight with CR Phoenix, another state-controlled company. According to coverage of Sohu Health (health.sohu.com) in June 2018, Jingmei Group convened a meeting on the Kengmuchang Branch Hospital (a rehabilitation hospital of Jingmei Hospital), declaring medical and elderly care industry to be a key development industry of Jingmei Group in transformation and reform. In furtherance, "based on the objective of building a Grade III Class A hospital and general strategy of Jingmei Hospital, project planning and design shall integrate healthcare resources in the Group including partnering CR Phoenix to reduce the following operation and maintenance cost in the rehabilitation hospital and guarantee maximum investment benefit of the new hospital with effort," said a senior leader from Jingmei Group. In order to achieve this, they need an excuse and an elaborated structure.

It turns out that Jingmei Group has successfully taken advantage of the weakness of the IOT model and threats to withdraw from the IOT contract should CR Phoenix turn down the elaborated three-party proposal: establishing a joint venture sponsor company and hospital management company through cooperation of three parties to take back powers of business management and control of Jingmei Hospital previously transferred to CR Phoenix through the IOT contacts, and lay out a channel for gaining hospital earnings, in the meanwhile, introducing a third party financial investor for funds rather than continuing to ask for funds from CR Phoenix. In light of the subtle role of China Reform Guotong, Jingmei Group is getting rid of control of CR Phoenix and gaining as much economic benefit as possible. In the end, it seems Jingmei Group not only escaped the IOT contracts by rendering a minority interest the sponsorship without changing the not-for-profit nature, but recaptured certain control over the Jingmei Hospital by becoming a permanent member of the hospital management company, which is totally unacceptable in the spirits of IOT modal, but this elaborated three-party arrangement did set up a platform in case that Jingmei Group would like to engage in healthcare business independently.

Where will the IOT Model Go in the Future?

As evidenced by the derailed changes in the restructuring of the Jingmei Hospital, the certainty and sustainability of the IOT model is once again under challenge, probably the most serious one since its debut - the termination costs are minimal compared with the huge economic interests taken away by the IOT contract.

In the first place, after years' trial and adjustments, national policies and laws have kept tightening, for example, Basic Healthcare Promotion Law (Draft) has strictly restricted non-profit hospitals from distributing any profits in any disguised form to its owner/sponsor or seeking any profits through a controlled supply procurement, which provides the IOT hospital another excuse to claim the IOT contract void. Secondly, in this March, CR Phoenix "came into a conflict" with Beijing Yanhua Hospital, another core hospital managed under the IOT model, due to excessive illegal profits made from the supply chain agreement and in this case, Yanhua hospital has threatened to terminate the supply chain management contract. Actually, Jingmei Hospital and Yanhua Hospital are the most important two IOT hospitals in CR Phoenix's system and contribute to more than half of the profits of CR Phoenix. Under such pressures, imaging that once Jingmei Group threatens to terminate the IOT contract by law or by contract (very little liquidated damages), CR Phoenix will have no choice but to accept the restructuring plan to avoid more severe economic loss - a total crackdown of the IOT contract.

Facing stress both inside and outside, the IOT model is experiencing its biggest challenge as to its certainty and sustainability. In this regard, CR Phoenix pops up the "prescription" that "transition from the IOT model to sponsorship right model", which is the outcome of no-choice. As discussed, the Jingmei Hospital restructuring case is not a good start, with too much control and profits being compromised by this restructuring. If this pattern continues or is followed by other IOT member hospitals, the successful and profitable IOT model will come to an end and the fundamentals of CR Phoenix will be at great risk (IOT hospitals contribute to more than 75% profits of CR Phoenix).

Maybe it is a bit overly worried but at current stage, but restructuring of Jingmei Hospital is not promising, and will increase volatility of CR Phoenix stock price.



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

Plover Bay Technologies Announces 2018 Interim Results

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Strong growth in recurring revenues and improvements in operations underlie robust cash flows

HONG KONG, Jul 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Plover Bay Technologies Limited (the "Group", SEHK stock code: 1523), a world leading SD-WAN technology company, today announced its financial and business performance for the period ended 30 June 2018 ("1H18").

The Group reports a revenue for the first half of 2018 of approximately US$19.7 million, gross profit of approximately US$12.4 million, net income of approximately $4.7 million and diluted earnings per share of approximately US$0.45 cents. In addition, the Group declares an interim dividend of HK 2.92 cents, representing a payout ratio of approximately 80%.

Revenue increased approximately 10.9% year-on-year. The main driver of revenue growth was a 35.1% growth in warranty and support services which is a highly recurring revenue base. During the period, sales to North America and EMEA also increased approximately 22.1% and 25.1%, respectively, showing a steady growth of SD-WAN in our key markets.

Net profit margin also improved to 24.0% (from 23.2% in 1H17). Improvements in net profit margin was driven by a 4.1 pp increase in gross margin thanks to improvements in our sourcing and procurement capabilities and rising revenue contribution from the warranty and support services segment. This was partially offset by "operating expense / revenue ratio" rising slightly to 34.1% (from 33.1% in 1H17) as we stepped up our marketing and promotional activities. During the period, we began hosting partner training events in both the US and Europe and also increased marketing support to our distribution channel in order to further promote our brand and products.

Finally, cash flow from operations showed a strong improvement to approximately US$11.3 million in the current period, compared to approximately US$1.2 million during the same period last year. The strong cash flow can be attributed to measures taken to improve collection of trade receivables and tighten inventory controls. As at 30 June 2018, the Group is in a strong net cash position of approximately US$21.1 million and a gearing ratio of approximately 3.6%.

Mr. Keith Chau, CEO of the Group said "we had a great first half with decent revenue growth highlighted by strong recurring revenue growth from warranty and support services. We also had margin expansion and improving cash flows which was the direct results of our efforts to strengthen our procurement capabilities, our trade receivables and inventory management."

"More importantly, we see keen interest from leading companies and brands to embed our disruptive SD-WAN technologies into their products so that their customers can enjoy the benefits of unbreakable and high-speed wireless connectivity. We will also launch a new SD-WAN service to provide prepackaged mobile data from different telecom service providers to maximize the benefits of SpeedFusion. This will not only enhance the coverage area and service quality of managed service providers, it will also simplify end customer deployments into a hassle-free experience. We are also expanding our product range into the Internet of Things space with products that will help end-customers simplify their smart office deployments, automate administrative functions and save costs. We are confident that these developments will become important pillars of our business as the market for wireless SD-WAN and IoT continues to expand. We are confident that these developments will become important pillars of our business as the market for wireless SD-WAN and IoT continues to expand." Mr. Keith Chau added.

About Plover Bay Technologies Limited
Plover Bay Technologies (stock code: 1523) is a world-leading Internet connectivity technology company. The Group is primarily engaged in developing and commercialising SD-WAN solutions under its own brands - 'Peplink' and 'Pepwave.' The Group also grants software licences and provides support services in connection with its SD-WAN solutions. The Group sells its own branded products to an extensive global network of more than 500 resellers in approximately 70 countries.

For more details, please visit: www.ploverbay.com

Enquiries:
Phone: +852 2990 7667
Email: ir@ploverbay.com


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

HKTDC Food Expo, Tea Fair, Home Delights, ICMCM Open in August

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The 29th Food Expo, the 10th Hong Kong International Tea Fair, the third Beauty & Wellness Expo, the fifth Home Delights Expo and the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products will open on 16 August at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, introduces the highlights of the events at a press conference today.
Guests participating in the press conference today
In its 29th edition, the Food Expo will feature a record number of more than 1,560 exhibitors from over 20 countries and regions, bringing a wide range of international food and drinks to food lovers and trade buyers.
Beauty & Wellness Expo Debuts "Stylish K-Beauty" Theme

HONG KONG, Jul 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by HKTDC, the 29th Food Expo, the 10th Hong Kong International Tea Fair, the third Beauty & Wellness Expo and the fifth Home Delights Expo open on 16 Aug at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM), jointly organised by HKTDC and the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association Ltd, will also be held on 16-17 Aug. Last year, the four fairs attracted nearly 500,000 visitors. Gathering a total of more than 2,000 exhibitors this year, the four fairs will showcase a wide variety of delicacies and innovative products to provide an all-round shopping and sourcing experience for consumers and trade buyers.

At today's press conference, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau introduced details of the five events. "The annual Food Expo is a grand feast for food lovers, and this year it will feature products from more than 20 countries and regions. For the concurrent Beauty & Wellness Expo, we are honoured to cooperate with the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) to set up the K-Beauty Expo Hong Kong pavilion for the first time, showing public visitors the latest Korean beauty products. Targeting industry players and trade buyers, the Food Expo's Trade Hall, the International Tea Fair and the ICMCM will provide a platform for sourcing and networking, creating business opportunities among different sectors. In addition to bringing an international gourmet feast to visitors, we hope to enhance the cultural exchange between Hong Kong and other regions as well."

Food Expo: Serving up Global Delicacies (16-20 Aug)

In its 29th edition, the Food Expo will feature a record number of more than 1,560 exhibitors from over 20 countries and regions. It comprises a Gourmet Zone, Public Hall and Trade Hall, bringing a wide range of international food and drinks to food lovers and trade buyers.

Being the highlight of the expo, the Gourmet Zone will gather more than 70 exhibitors to showcase delicacies from around the globe under four themes: Asian Cuisine, Western Delicacy, Sweet Delight and Green Palate. Open from 16-19 Aug, the zone will feature high-end products such as black truffle, crafted beer made in Hong Kong, plant-based Omnipork and award-winning low-fat cheese from the Netherlands.

The Public Hall (16-20 Aug) will gather about 600 exhibitors and feature five group pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Canada, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. The highlighted Premium Food Zone will feature more than 30 renowned brands including Chewy International, Kee Wah Bakery, Maxim's Group, Nissin Foods, On Kee Dry Seafood, Tai Pan, Vita Green, Sau Tao, Appolo and Aji-No-Chinmi. To promote local produce, the Hong Kong Vegetable Marketing Organisation and Fish Marketing Organisation will participate in the expo to introduce high-quality local products. Other special products available include the "made-in-Hong Kong" crispy fish skin, soya sauce crab from Korea and healthy chicken breast chips.

The Trade Hall will showcase international flavours from more than 900 exhibitors, with 12 group pavilions as well as the themed Halal Food Zone and Chinese Medicine Zone. Targeting trade buyers, it will provide a platform for business opportunities as well as market information exchange. It will open exclusively to industry professionals on 16-17 Aug, before opening its doors to public ticket-holders on the last day (18 Aug), enabling exhibitors to test the response from consumers and raise brand awareness. There will be seminars with industry experts to discuss such topics as business opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative, halal food certification, innovative food technology, as well as food testing and certification, giving trade buyers the latest market information.

Public visitors can attend a number of exciting events. These include cooking demonstrations by more than 10 star chefs, such as Hui Mei Tak, Executive Chef of Pak Loh Chiu Chow Restaurant; Bong Jun Choi, Executive Chef of Chinese Operations, City of Dreams Manila; Claudio Favero, Chef De Cuisine, Sabatini Ristorante Italiano, Royal Garden Hotel; Catherine Lai, Founder and Executive Chef of Kam Mun Jong; Will Leung, Sous Chef of French cuisine JUNON Restaurant; Atsushi Takahashi, Executive Chef of Kashiwaya Hong Kong; Edward Voon, Executive Chef of Le Pan; and Wong Wing Keung, Executive Chinese Chef of Yee Tung Heen.

Other events include the launch of the 2018-2019 Wan Chai a La Carte food and culture map, a seminar on herbal tea, product demonstrations and lucky draws. In sessions jointly organised by the HKTDC, the Food and Health Bureau and the Committee on Reduction of Salt and Sugar in Food, several star chefs will demonstrate "less salt, less sugar" recipes to promote healthy living. There will also be a "Hong Kong's Action on Salt and Sugar Reduction" seminar to help visitors adopt healthy eating habits. Tech-savvy visitors can also join the launch event of augmented reality (AR) app "TastAR", which allows users to view 3D images of gourmet dishes overlaid through the app.

Beauty & Wellness Expo: Presenting Stylish K-Beauty Products (16-20 Aug)

The third Beauty & Wellness Expo will bring together more than 100 exhibitors, featuring a wide selection of skin care, hair care and home-electronic beauty and wellness products. For the first time, the HKTDC will cooperate with Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) to launch a brand-new "K-Beauty Expo Hong Kong" pavilion, under the theme of "Stylish K-Beauty". KINTEX will bring 30 Korean exhibitors to present their latest beauty products, including the "black peeling pad" black charcoal exfoliating wipe mask from the hot Korean brand RiRe All Kill, men's skincare products from the popular brand Miviento, USB rechargeable eyelash curlers and organic skincare products suitable for users with sensitive skin.

There will be exciting activities such as product demonstrations, sharing sessions on summertime make-up tips and the latest hair-styling tips. Yoko Tsang, a dietary therapist and beauty expert, will conduct a cooking demonstration of fish maw, while the beauty key opinion leader Snowwhitewhite will share knowledge on skincare and make-up.

Home Delights Expo: Featuring Stylish Brands and Smart Bidding (16-20 Aug)

The popular Home Delights Expo will return in its fifth edition, featuring 180 exhibitors with a range of quality electric and kitchen appliances as well as household products. They include the IHC thermostat patented cooking pot and a filter bottle certified by the German technical inspection association TUV. A highlight of the fair, the Avenue of Delights, will host 45 exhibitors featuring various renowned names including STAUB, CLP, Dyson, Kenwood, German Pool, OTO, Tiger, Philips and Towngas.

Visitors can bid for featured household appliances and products at the popular Smart Bidding event. Orange Tam, founder of Juppuk, a company providing a home tidy-up service, will share tips on reducing unnecessary household items and storage.

Tea Fair: Trading platform for Tea Business (16-18 Aug)

The 10th Hong Kong International Tea Fair will open exclusively to trade buyers on the first two days before welcoming public ticket-holders on the last day. The three-day fair will feature more than 240 exhibitors from seven countries and regions, with the debut launch of the Taiwan pavilion this year. One of the highlighted products is an oolong tea produced exclusively in Taiwan. It is unique in that a tea green leafhopper must bite the tea leaves to produce a unique aromatic honey-like sweetness. The fair will also feature other products such as a pair of Qing Dynasty covered bowls, a perfectly preserved 1950s Red Label Tea Cake and the Japanese Kyo-Hojicha Paste that can be mixed with other food ingredients for flavouring.

The International KamCha Competition 2018 Hong Kong Style Milk Tea - 10th Anniversary Special, organised by the Association of Coffee and Tea of Hong Kong, will hold its International Final at the Tea Fair on 18 Aug. Representatives from Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Melbourne and Toronto will compete for the KamCha title. Combining technology and traditional skills, an artificial-intelligence (AI) robotic arm will give a brewing demonstration on the spot. The International Yuan Yang Final will be staged on-site as well, with local participants competing for the winning title.

The highlighted Hong Kong International Tea Competition 2018 will see exhibitors compete for various awards, such as "The Best Aroma Award" and "The Best Taste Award" among seven tea categories. Visitors will be able to taste the award-winning teas free of charge on 18 Aug when the fair opens to public ticket-holders. Other activities include a series of tea forums delivered by industry experts on such topics as antique teaware and cooking with tea. Venerable Chang Lin will discuss "Tea and Zen" to provide an extraordinary experience for tea lovers. Events dedicated for trade buyers include tea tasting sessions, tea art performances, a seminar on "Capturing the Tea Business from the 'Y' and 'Z' Generation" as well as a buyer forum.

ICMCM: Unveiling the Latest Development of Ben Cao (16-17 Aug)

Organised by the HKTDC and Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA), the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM) is open for free registration by industry players wishing to obtain the latest market insights. In commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the birth of Li Shizhen, author of Compendium of Materia Medica, the conference will share the development of Ben Cao (a pharmacopoeia of Chinese herbal medicine) and its potential expansion. There will be 17 distinguished speakers from renowned institutions in Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the US. These include Hong Kong Baptist University, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Seoul National University, St Petersburg State University and the American Society of Pharmacognosy.

On 18 Aug, public ticket-holders can take part in the Chinese Medicine Health Public Forum sessions where professional practitioners will discuss Chinese medicine dietary therapy for skin problems, anaemia and blood pressure control, diabetes, gastroenteritis, respiratory care and seasonal healthcare diets.

Lead the Scene, Let's Go Green!

To encourage visitors and exhibitors to reduce waste, the HKTDC will continue to cooperate with "Food For Good" and "Food Angel" to collect and recycle packaged edible food and food waste at the fairground, and invite exhibitors to donate food to needy communities after the fair. The HKTDC also encourages exhibitors and visitors to follow green tips such as sorting recyclable waste into recycle bins placed at the fairground. Visitors can also bring their own utensils, food boxes, water bottles and shopping bags.

Morning Admission Ticket to Attract More Public Visitors

This year, the HKTDC introduces the Morning Admission Ticket at HK$10 per person for ticket-holders visiting before noon on 16, 17 and 20 Aug. There will also be Night Admission Ticket at HK$10 for ticket-holders to enter after 6pm on 16-19 Aug, with a top-up fee of HK$15 for admission to the Gourmet Zone on the same day. Tickets are available for sale from 2 Aug at designated 7-Eleven and Circle K convenience stores, as well as Hong Kong Ticketing (www.hkticketing.com), while e-tickets will be available on Tap & Go Mobile Wallet and Octopus App (Octopus card or O! ePay). For ticketing details, please visit the HKTDC Food Expo website.

Fair Websites
Food Expo hkfoodexpo.hktdc.com
Home Delights Expo homedelights.hktdc.com
Beauty & Wellness Expo hkbeautyexpo.hktdc.com
Tea Fair hkteafair.hktdc.com
International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products icmcm.hktdc.com
Photos download: https://bit.ly/2LLHqeW

Media Enquiries

This press release is released by Strategic Public Relations Group (SPRG) on behalf of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Please feel free to contact the persons below for any further questions.

Strategic Public Relations Group (SPRG)
Andico Tsui, Tel: +852) 2114 4346 / 6902 3831, Email: andico.tsui@sprg.com.hk
Sonya Lai, Tel: +852 2114 4984 / 6671 3008, Email:sonya.lai@sprg.com.hk

HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department
Katherine Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4537, Email: katherine.cm.chan@hktdc.org
Angel Tang, Tel:(852) 2584 4544, Email: angel.hc.tang@hktdc.org

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

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

Ascletis-developed Ganovo Acquired Extraordinary Achievement

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Ganovo Phase III Clinical Study Won the Top Award at the Infectious Disease National Congress of Chinese Medical Association

HONG KONG, Jul 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Ascletis announced on July 30, 2018 that the Ganovo phase III clinical study won the top clinical research award at the 15th National Congress of Chinese Society of the Infectious Disease of the China Medical Association. Professor Wei Lai, the Director of the Institute of Hepatology of Peking University, also the principal investigator of Ganovo's clinical trial, was pleased to accept this award based on a unanimous vote by a professional reviewing committee convened by top national experts. The awarded paper won the highest scientific merits out of 577 conference papers submitted this year. Ganovo regimen demonstrated excellent results of a cure rate of 97 percent (SVR12) in genotype 1 non-cirrhotic patients, within a 12-week treatment duration.

Professor Wei Lai said, "This award showcased the outstanding recognition to Ganovo from the China Medical Association (CMA) and KOL's endorsement to China-driven self-innovation encouraged by the fast growth of the China bio-tech industry in recent years. As the first Direct-acting Anti-viral Agent (DAA) developed and launched successfully by a domestic company in China, Ganovo has shown excellent efficacy, better safety and tolerability. I sincerely hope Ganovo will make a larger impact and significant contribution to the elimination of HCV disease in China."

The National Congress of Chinese Society of the Infectious Disease is the largest and most influential academic conference in China. It attracted more than 2,000experts and doctors who participated in the conference this year from July 26-29. The award further reinforces the medical community's confidence in Ganovo's excellent efficacy, better safety and tolerability, strong commitment to high quality drugs, and service to Chinese patients delivered by Ascletis as a local innovative biotech company.

The Launching Conference for Gonovo, China's Indigenous Anti-hepatitis C Virus Innovative Drug was Held in Beijing

The launching conference for Ganovo (Danoprevir sodium tablets), China's indigenous anti-hepatitis C innovative drug was held at the China National Convention Center days ago. Such move has helped breaking the monopoly of Chinese the hepatitis C small molecular antiviral drugs by the international pharmaceutical giants.

Such drug has been developed by Ascletis Pharmaceutical (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., a company dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative drugs against hepatitis C virus (HCV), AIDS (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Ascletis currently has five programs of antiviral drug discovery and development.

On June 8th, the Ascletis-developed Ganovo, China's first anti-hepatitis C class 1 innovative drug was launched with the approval by the China Food & Drug Administration. On June 27th, just 19 days later, Dr. Li Lanjuan, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, director of State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases and initiator of Shulan Healthcare, issued the first Ganovo prescription. According to the follow-up examinations, the hepatitis C virus RNA has not been detected during the one-month treatment of the patient.

At the launching conference for Ganovo product, Dou Xiaoguang, a professor at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, introduced the development process and characteristics of Ganovo (Danoprevir sodium tablets). She mentioned that the efficacy, resistance barrier and safety of Danoprevir are more advantageous than the Generation I, bringing hope for cure for hepatitis C patients in China.

Dr. Wu Jinzi, the specially-appointed expert of "the Recruitment Program of Global Experts", told reporters that the vision of the Ascletis is to become a world-class biotechnology company dedicated to meet the untapped medical needs in the three major areas of antiviral, cancer and fatty liver disease.

--- the source of the second part of the article is Xinhua News


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

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield sells four shopping centres in Spain

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Paris, Amsterdam, Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - On July 31, 2018, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) disposed of 4 regional shopping centres in Spain to Morzal Properties Iberia S.L. The total transaction cost is EUR489 Mn and represents a net initial yield of 5.6%[1].

The shopping centres included in the sale are:

- El Faro, in Badajoz in the Southwest of Spain, with 66,300 m2 of GLA;
- Bahia Sur, in the Bahia de Cadiz area (Andalusia), with 59,300 m2 of GLA;
- Los Arcos, in Sevilla, with 44,000 m2 of GLA;
- Vallsur, in Valladolid, with 36,000 m2 of GLA.

Following this transaction, URW's Spanish portfolio consists of 6 Flagship shopping destinations, such as La Maquinista (Barcelona), La Vaguada and Parquesur (both in Madrid), two regional shopping centres and a number of development projects with an Expected Cost at completion of EUR800 Mn, including the Benidorm (near Alicante) greenfield shopping centre project and the extension of Garbera (San Sebastian).

This transaction is part of the EUR3 Bn of disposals to be made by URW as part of its previously announced European asset rotation programme.

For further information, please contact:
Investor Relations
Samuel Warwood
Maarten Otte
+33 1 76 77 58 02
Maarten.otte@urw.com

Media Relations
Nathalie Feld
+33 1 76 77 57 94
Nathalie.feld@ext.urw.com

About Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is the premier global developer and operator of flagship shopping destinations. With a portfolio valued at EUR62 Bn as at 31 December 2017, of which 88% in retail, 7% in offices and 6% in convention & exhibition venues, the Group owns and operates 102 shopping centres, of which 56 are flagships in the most dynamic cities in Europe and the United States. Its centres welcome 1.2 billion visits per year. Present in 2 continents and in 13 countries, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield provides a unique platform for retailers and brand events, and offers an exceptional and constantly renewed experience for customers.

With the support of its 3,700 professionals and an unparalleled track-record and know-how, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is ideally positioned to generate superior value and develop world-class projects. The Group has the largest development pipeline in the industry, worth EUR13 Bn.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield distinguishes itself by its Better Places 2030 agenda, that sets its ambition to create better places that respect the highest environmental standards and contribute to better cities.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield stapled shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Paris (Euronext ticker: URW). A secondary listing has been established in Australia through Chess Depositary Interests. The Group benefits from an A rating from Standard & Poor's and from an A2 rating from Moody's.

For more information, please visit www.urw.com

[1] The net initial yield is the sum of the expected net rental income for the next 12 months divided by the total acquisition cost.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield sells four shopping centres in Spain
http://hugin.info/136618/R/2208203/858877.pdf

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

DNP to License Episode Six's Next-generation Payments Software Technology to Fuel Japan-based Payments Program

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Partnership Introduces New Ledger and Transaction Management Capabilities to Asia

AUSTIN, TX, Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Next-generation payments software technology provider, Episode Six, today announced that Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP), one of the world's largest comprehensive printing companies, will license its software for use in a new and innovative Japan-based payments program. With this partnership, advanced ledger and transaction management capabilities offered through Episode Six are being introduced to the broader Asian market, spearheaded by DNP's adoption.

"We took an interest in Episode Six's solution, which can meet the growing needs of the Japanese market and react to the rapid changes in the payments space in a flexible manner," said Masaki Kasai, General Manager of Marketing & Settlement Platform Division, Information Innovation Operations, DNP. "Through the capabilities presented by Episode Six, we are looking to contribute to fintech innovation not only in Japan but also in other Asian countries."

Built on an open source code framework created from scratch, the Episode Six software platform offers a comprehensive set of APIs, facilitating easy development, connection and integration. The platform will be integrated into DNP's existing stacks and work within its current system infrastructure enabling DNP to design, develop, issue and manage custom, consumer-centric payments products.

"Our versatile and open ledger system allows for the creation of both local and global customized payments products, all from a single platform," said Episode Six CEO and co-founder, John Mitchell. "For an industry leader such as DNP, this translates into the easy development of targeted solutions that meet current customers' payments needs, while fueling its new payments program to reach a larger share of the Japanese market."

This announcement comes one year after Episode Six opened its Tokyo office and hired industry veteran Oko Okamoto as general manager of that office. The company's expanded presence in Japan showcases its desire to continue to meet the growing demand for fintech solutions across the country.

In addition to having a presence in Tokyo, Episode Six also has offices in Austin, TX and Hong Kong. For more on Episode Six and its rapidly growing future-proofed payments software technology, visit www.episodesix.com.

About Episode Six

Episode Six develops next generation software ledger technology for financial and technology companies, enabling them to serve their customers better. Episode Six was founded by payments pioneers with the mission of redefining what is possible in the payments industry, an industry that is increasingly burdened with inflexible legacy technology, which severely limits product evolution and innovation. Episode Six's proprietary, innovative software platform technology was built from scratch using open source code and advanced technology and was architected to be future-proofed. It provides unparalleled product customization and on-demand product management capabilities. It is portable and compatible for use anywhere in the world with easy installation, integration and connection facilitated by an extensive and comprehensive set of APIs. Episode Six makes it possible for companies of all sizes to effortlessly design products that consumers want and need. For more information, visit www.EpisodeSix.com.

Media Contact
Michelle Mead
Caliber Corporate Advisers
michelle@calibercorporate.com
(888) 550-6385 ext. 7

SOURCE: Episode Six

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

NEC Enhances Traffic Management Solution for 5G

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- Improving the throughput of high speed networks that support data transfer rates of more than 5Gbps -

TOKYO, Aug 1, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) today announced the launch of an enhanced Traffic Management Solution (TMS) for 5G that improves the throughput of high speed networks that support data transfer rates of more than 5Gbps. TMS increases the quality of experience for end users and enables Communication Service Providers (CSPs) to efficiently operate networks by providing them with sophisticated control over communications traffic.

The full commercial launch of 5G requires greater throughput from core networks as well as wireless networks in order to realize high-speed, high-capacity communications. After the deployment of 5G, there will be a mixture of networks with different communication speeds, such as 4G and 5G. Therefore, it is necessary to assure network stability at the time of a terminal's handover between different types of networks.

NEC's enhanced TMS features advanced component software that increases the performance and accuracy of analytics. Moreover, Dynamic TCP Optimization, a function that enables control in response to changing network conditions, has extended its scope to the ultrahigh-speed range of 5Gbps or more.

Trials of NEC's enhanced TMS in a 5G test environment have improved 5G communications quality by increasing throughput by approximately 24% in the ultrahigh-speed range of 5Gbps or more; reducing download time during the handover from 4G to 5G by approximately 27%; and reducing the time to reach the maximum speed during the handover from 4G to 5G by approximately 64%.

Moreover, since it can be used as-is after the deployment of 5G, NEC's enhanced TMS improves communication quality in 4G environments as well.

"NEC contributes to a better experience for end users and more efficient network operations for CSPs by continuing to enhance TMS," said Kazuhiro Tagawa, General Manager, Network Solutions Division, NEC Corporation. "Our TMS has been adopted by over 20 CSPs worldwide and we look forward to seeing it drive the further advancement of 5G."

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

ASMPT To Invest In SMART Factory Software Solutions

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HONG KONG, Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - ASM Pacific Technology Limited ("ASMPT") is pleased to announce its strategic investment in a software developer Critical Manufacturing, S.A. ("Critical Manufacturing"), which is headquartered in Porto, Portugal. Critical Manufacturing is a leading software developer and publisher of state-of-the art manufacturing execution systems (MES). As an experienced software solutions provider of state-of-the-art MES platforms, Critical Manufacturing has significant expertise in the integration and networking of machines and systems, as well as IT systems and cloud solutions. This strategic investment would accelerate ASMPT's efforts to build a portfolio of Industry 4.0 solutions and will boost ASMPT's software competence in enabling smart factories.

Gunter Lauber, CEO of ASMPT SMT Solutions Segment and serving concurrently as an Executive Committee member responsible for ASMPT's software solutions, explains the rationale behind this strategic investment: "We want to focus more on comprehensive software solutions to help customers improve their quality, flexibility and efficiency with smart factories. Initiatives like The Hermes Standard and ADAMOS already represent major steps in this direction, but we want to speed up our integration and smart manufacturing capabilities and extend our reach beyond hardware solutions."

Francisco Almada Lobo, CEO of Critical Manufacturing commented: "We are extremely pleased to be integrated into ASMPT and have access to its vast resources and customer/support networks. We share the same vision and a common focus on delivering the most advanced Industry 4.0 solutions the enable the digital world. Our combined knowledge and resources will accelerate our roadmap to bring strong business value and competitive advantage to our current customers and innovative manufacturers across our industry segments"

Note:
In 2017, through the joint venture ADAMOS (ADAptive Manufacturing Open Solutions), ASMPT, DMG MORI, Durr, Software AG, as well as Zeiss have established a strategic alliance for Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This was Germany's first alliance of well-known industrial and software companies established to promote ADAMOS as a global standard.

About ASM Pacific Technology Limited
As a global technology and market leader, ASMPT (HKEX stock code: 0522), develops and provides leading edge solutions and materials for the semiconductor assembly and packaging industries. Its surface mount technology solutions are deployed in a wide range of end-user markets including electronics, mobile communications, automotive, industrial, LED and alternative energy. Our continuous investments in research and development help to provide our customers with innovative and cost-efficient solutions and systems that enable them to achieve higher productivity, greater reliability and enhanced quality.

Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1989, ASMPT is currently one of the constituent stocks on the Hang Seng Composite MidCap Index under the Hang Seng Composite Size Indexes, the Hang Seng Composite Information Technology Industry Index under Hang Seng Composite Industry Indexes, the Hang Seng Hong Kong 35 Index and the Hang Seng Global Composite Index. To learn more about ASMPT, please visit our website at www.asmpacific.com.

For media enquiries:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Mandy Go / Antonio Yu / Rachel Ko
Tel: 2864 4812 / 2114 4319 / 2114 2370
Fax: 2527 1196
Email: mandy.go@sprg.com.hk / antonio.yu@sprg.com.hk / rachel.ko@sprg.com.hk



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