Coalition to Protect OKD Miners Protests M&T Bank and Solicits Warren Buffett's Help to Resolve Ostrava Housing Crisis

July 31, 2018, 7:00 pm

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The Coalition has launched a series of rallies at the bank's headquarters, its popular New York City branch and at the offices of Berkshire Hathaway to protest M&T Bank's role as security agent for a housing fund which has left Czech coal miners homeless

NEW YORK, Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Coalition to Protect OKD Miners ("the Coalition"), an organization created to advocate on behalf of Czech coal miners, has put M&T Bank and its subsidiary Wilmington Trust on notice with protests conducted at M&T Bank's Headquarters in Buffalo, NY; M&T Bank's popular branch located at 11 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036. Meanwhile, rallies took place outside of Berkshire Hathaway's offices in Omaha, NE as demonstrators wore superman outfits asking Buffett, its Founder and CEO to be a superhero and "save the miners from homelessness". Berkshire Hathaway holds approximately 3.62 percent of outstanding shares of M&T Bank based on the end of year 2017 reporting period and has owned the stock in some form since 1991.

M&T Bank, through its subsidiary Wilmington Trust, acts as security agent for Fondy Bydleni, a Luxembourg-based housing fund which owns the Czech property firm RESIDOMO. RESIDOMO and Fondy Bydleni have refused to honor a contractual agreement to provide discounted housing units to Czech coal miners in the city of Ostrava, Czech Republic. The contract in question was originally made between KARBON Invest and the Czech government as part of KARBON Invest's bid to privatize the originally state-owned coal company, OKD. Specifically, the deal stated explicitly that the housing units of OKD Miners were to be preserved as reduced cost units. Working with KARBON Invest, Bakala subsequently obtained control of OKD using New World Resources N.V ("NWR), an international energy firm which he also controlled at the time. As a result, OKD thus became a subsidiary of NWR and the housing units became controlled by Bakala.

After allegedly plundering OKD by taking excessive profits for himself, Bakala sold the housing units to Fondy Bydleni by selling them 100% of RESIDOMO. Fondy Bydleni is backed primarily by Blackstone and by Round Hill Capital. Blackstone and Round Hill have thus far refused to honor the terms of the 2004 contract.

This entire matter is the subject of intense litigation as well as criminal investigation by authorities in the United States, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Poland and the EU. In the Czech Republic, the special investigation committee of the Czech Parliament is investigating the issue directly.

The coalition believes that M&T Bank, as the security agent, has the power to compel Fondy Bydleni to act through RESIDOMO to honor the terms of the 2004 contract. Moreover, the coalition believes that Warren Buffett, as a long-time shareholder of M&T Bank, can use his influence with management and his equity to make the bank act as a constructive player in this situation.

The Coalition, through this protest and future events, plans to make its case to all relevant entities to immediately resolve the housing crisis. The coalition has set up a website at www.StopBakala.org to communicate in greater depth regarding its activities.

The coalition issued the following statement:

"Warren Buffett, M&T Bank, Blackstone, RESIDOMO, and Round Hill Capital all have the ability to come together and figure out a mutually beneficial solution to the Ostrava housing crisis. We demand that the housing fund honors contractual arrangements already in place for the housing unit and comply with their legal obligations as well as their moral obligations. M&T Bank and Warren Buffett truly are ethical actors as they claim to be, they will bring all the stakeholders together expeditiously and figure out a solution where legal and ethical obligations are honored."

Contact
Dan Taylor
Coalition to Protect OKD Miners
+1-929-224-0939
contact@StopBakala.org

This press release was issued through EmailWire - a global newswire with press release distribution services: http://www.emailwire.com.

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WARC reveals insights from the Cannes Lions Creative Effectiveness campaigns 2018

July 31, 2018, 8:00 pm

≫ Next: Fukuoka International Airport Co. Signs Project Agreement for the Operation of Fukuoka Airport

≪ Previous: Coalition to Protect OKD Miners Protests M&T Bank and Solicits Warren Buffett's Help to Resolve Ostrava Housing Crisis

Product-led solutions, emotion and humour, e-commerce marketing and purpose with PR drive sales

LONDON, Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - WARC, the global authority on advertising and media effectiveness, has released the results of its analysis of the 169 campaigns entered into the Cannes Creative Effectiveness Lions this year.

The report analyses factors such as the lead media, media mix, creative strategy and metrics of the entries and winners of the Cannes Creative Effectiveness Lions, which rewards highly creative work, which drives commercial outcomes.

Major trends highlighted in this year's report are:

Solutions not campaigns

Judges rewarded initiatives by brands that solved specific problems. The Grand Prix winner, Savlon, found a practical solution that encourages schoolchildren to wash their hands with soap to help prevent disease - and created a new product idea that shifted the category. Saltwater Brewery's Edible Six Pack Rings saw the small brewery show an alternative to plastic packaging rings that can endanger wildlife. There is a clear tendency towards a more product-led approach to problem-solving where appropriate.

Emotion and humour: key drivers

Emotion and humour were very much in evidence among this year's winning cases with John Lewis, Pedigree and Snickers using emotional storytelling with lighthearted humour. TV - the lead channel among 22% of entrants, followed by online video (14%) - played a crucial role for both John Lewis and SickKids, demonstrating that video - in any format - is key to delivering emotional or humorous messages.

Graham Page, Managing Director, Offer and Innovation, Kantar Millward Brown, having deep-dived into the four themes, says: "This year's Creative Effectiveness Lions Winners are powerful illustrations that advertising with heart is more powerful than rational argument."

The growing need for online conversion

The impact of integrated and customised e-commerce on particular categories was evident among this year's winners. Cheetos, adidas and The New York Times drove people online and increased traffic following creative campaigns with a clear mission. That traffic, in turn, led to online conversions. Web traffic as a metric for shortlisted papers more than doubled since 2017, from 7% to 15%, demonstrating the increasing demands on marketing to link to brands' e-commerce-based objectives.

Purpose with PR achieves results

Brand purpose took a different tone, with fewer tear-jerking videos. Instead, there was a greater emphasis on highly creative, original ideas with PR baked in upfront. Citing PR as its lead channel, State Street's Fearless Girl made such a strong impression that it is now a permanent fixture. Many winning campaigns, including Tencent and Amnesty International, had sustainability or responsibility as their creative strategy and earned media after their campaign periods had ended. Highly creative, memorable ideas captured column inches: Pedigree's Child Replacement Programme took a new tactic and achieved an 825% increase in dog adoption enquiries and a 10.8% increase in sales.

Commenting on the judging process, Fernando Machado, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Burger King and Jury President of this year's Cannes Creative Effectiveness category said:
"We were looking for ideas or campaigns that really developed the business and which also created a cultural impact. Perhaps because I'm on the client side, I celebrate when products and brands win because that's what helps move our industry forward in terms of creative: it's key to the industry to show that creative drives results."

Summing up, David Tiltman, Head of Content, WARC, says: "This year's Cannes Creative Effectiveness Lions show how marketing is developing in several areas - there is a growing focus on product and a greater need to tie in to e-commerce. As in previous years, emotion and 'purpose' are common elements on the creative work, though we are increasingly seeing these tied with humour or with PR so that brands stand out from the crowd."

WARC's 'Insights from the Cannes Creative Effectiveness winners' report includes:

- In-depth analysis of campaign trends: lead media, creative strategy, campaign duration, budgets and metrics
- Lessons from the winners including a deep-dive into the four themes, the inside story of the 2018 Grand Prix and notes from the judging panel
- Winning case studies - objectives, insight, strategy, results and takeaways

Download a sample of the report and view jury insights on the winning campaigns video on https://content.warc.com/download-insights-from-the-2018-cannes-creative-effectiveness-winners.

As part of the launch of the 'Insights from the Creative Effectiveness winners' report, WARC will be holding a 'Lessons from Cannes' event in London (https://content.warc.com/warc-event-lessons-from-cannes-2018) on Friday 17 August. There will also be an event in New York and a webinar later on in August.

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.

WARC runs two global and two regional case study competitions: WARC Awards, WARC Media Awards, WARC Prize for Asian Strategy and WARC Prize for MENA Strategy.

WARC publishes three global rankings of advertising excellence: Gunn 100 (creativity), WARC 100 (effectiveness), Gunn Media 100 (media innovation) and publishes leading journals including Admap, Market Leader, the Journal of Advertising Research and the International Journal of the Market Research Society. In addition to its own content, WARC features advertising case studies and best practices from more than 50 respected industry sources, including ARF, Effies, Cannes Lions, ESOMAR and IPA.

Founded in 1985, WARC has offices in the UK, U.S. and Singapore. In June 2018 WARC was acquired by Ascential plc, the global specialist information company.

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

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Fukuoka International Airport Co. Signs Project Agreement for the Operation of Fukuoka Airport

July 31, 2018, 8:45 pm

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TOKYO, Aug 1, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fukuoka International Airport Co., Ltd. has signed a Project Agreement with Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for the operation of Fukuoka Airport. The company was established by the Fukuoka Airport HD Group, a consortium led by Fukuoka Airport Holdings, and comprising Nishi-Nippon Railroad, Mitsubishi Corporation, Changi Airports International and Kyushu Electric Power. The Project Agreement was signed on August 1, 2018. The consortium is now preparing to run Fukuoka Airport with effect from April 1, 2019.

In line with the original proposal, the consortium seeks to transform Fukuoka Airport into the airport of choice for passengers and airlines, and has set its sights on obtaining a five-star rating(1) from aviation consultancy SKYTRAX. In an effort to expand the airport's domestic and international flight networks, the consortium will work to attract airlines to Fukuoka Airport by offering simplified landing-fee structures and long-term discounts in order to secure flight routes. The consortium will also take steps to ensure that the airport provides travelers with more efficient services at check-in and security clearance.

The consortium will introduce a brand new concept to the airport. Travelers will be constantly surprised with ways to have fun with a wider selection of food and beverage outlets, and retail options, as well as on-site entertainment.

In addition, the consortium will continue to work with local businesses to revitalize the airport, and ensure safe and secure operations. At the same time, it will help to stimulate economic development in the immediate surroundings, and across Kyushu and the rest of Western Japan.

(1) Skytrax's World Airport Star Rating is a system that classifies airports by the quality of airport services, products and facilities, and is recognised as a global benchmark of airport standards. Airport Ratings range from 1-Star to the prestigious 5-Star.

About Mitsubishi Corporation

Mitsubishi Corporation (MC; TSE: 8058) is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates businesses across virtually every industry, including industrial finance, energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, and daily living essentials. MC's current activities have expanded far beyond its traditional trading operations to include investments and business management in diverse fields including natural resources development, manufacturing of industrial goods, retail, new energy, infrastructure, finance and new technology-related businesses.

With over 200 offices and subsidiaries in 90 countries and regions worldwide and a network of approximately 1,300 group companies, MC employs a multinational workforce of over 70,000 people.

For more information, visit https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/

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

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XIUS Unveils Machine Learning based Data Platform for MVNOs

July 31, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Tianyun International Newly R&D Pure Fruit Snack Food Received the "Certificate of Invention Patent" from the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China

≪ Previous: Fukuoka International Airport Co. Signs Project Agreement for the Operation of Fukuoka Airport

MVNOs Envisage Increased ARPU and Customized Customer Experience

HYDERABAD, INDIA, Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - XIUS, a leading supplier of mobile technology, mobile payments and enterprise offerings has unveiled its 'vData Core', a patent-pending telco grade platform. This platform, the first of its kind, incorporates Machine Learning (ML) at the core and equips Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to boost revenue and thrive.

Today, a majority of Communication Service Providers' (CSP) revenue is generated from data services. It is estimated that by 2021, the average data consumption will be 52 Exabytes per month with 70 percent of mobile data being video. This makes it necessary for CSPs to be well prepared in effectively monetizing the unimaginable surge in data usage.

With vData Core, XIUS will enable MVNOs to offer personalized data packages and enchant their end users with customized customer experience through Machine Learning and Network Function Virtualization (NFV). Additionally, vData Core's capacity optimization provides visibility into the entire infrastructure making it possible to meet changing service demands. MVNOs can leverage vData Core's capabilities to improve their operational efficiency, increase agility to market and deliver services to end users more effectively.

5G expects network slicing for various customers and classes of customer which MVNOs can now achieve through NFV. AI based slicing and crucial configuring of varied products, services and plans for each customer is made extremely simple by vData Core.

One of the key challenges faced by MVNOs is that a greater portion of Average Revenue per User (ARPU) is generated through data services but lack of innovation has led to flattened revenue and increased customer churn.

G V Kumar, CEO and Managing Director of XIUS said, "MVNOs have been fast to capitalize on the modern day consumer's data needs and understand that consumers often pick an operator based on data packages. It has also been proven that they can grow their business through customer-centricity. vData Core will enable MVNOs to understand their customer and innovate based on consumer needs. It will help them to efficiently manage and monetize data and ultimately enhance customer experience".

XIUS vData Core helps MVNOs beat competition with on-the-fly and quick launch of data plans, add-ons and combo packages. The Machine Learning (ML) driven auto-generation of personalized product / service offerings to individual subscribers improves customer loyalty and reduces churn. Over a period of time, with extended and vigilant use, it is likely to boost data ARPU by about 15 percent and transform product engagement by about 25 percent.

XIUS is offering highly attractive commercial models to interested customers.

About XIUS

XIUS is a mobile technology specialist focused on real-time transaction processing in Mobile Infrastructure & Services and Mobile Banking & Payments.

XIUS, a division of Megasoft Limited, brings together premium technology and outstanding value-added solutions for customers globally. Over 25 years of telecom expertise is proven by more than 230 deployments and customers that include Tier 1 mobile operators, MVNOs and large enterprises across 5 continents. Its strong belief in innovation reflects in the filing of 120 patents, with 35 awarded to date.

XIUS is adept in meeting its client expectations and their needs. The varied portfolio of MVNOs to which it has provided solutions and offers services comprise of rural-inclusive, digital, cable, banking, ethnic, M2M, youth, roaming, advertisement-based, retail and loyalty.

XIUS mobile infrastructure solutions process and manage in excess of 350 million calls / data sessions a day and the mobile payments solutions manage over US$ 1 billion worth of payment transactions monthly. To know more, please visit www.xius.com.

For more information, please contact marketing@xius.com.

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Tianyun International Newly R&D Pure Fruit Snack Food Received the "Certificate of Invention Patent" from the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China

July 31, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Lexus International Releases 2018 Mid-Year Sales Report

≪ Previous: XIUS Unveils Machine Learning based Data Platform for MVNOs

Photo1:The Group received the "Certificate of Invention Patent" issued by the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China; Photo2:The first batch of products to be launched in the Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao markets are about to be mass produced

First Batch of Products Will Be Soon Launched in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau

HONG KONG, Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Tianyun International Holdings Limited ("Tianyun International", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") (Stock code: 6836.HK), a leading seller and manufacturer of processed fruits products in China, is pleased to announce that a fat-free pure fruit snack food which is similar to ice cream of the Group's subsidiary Shandong Tiantong Food Co.,Ltd. ("Tiantong"), has received the "Certificate of Invention Patent" issued by the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China for its superior product technology. The patent period is 20 years. The outer package of the product has been designed and will enter the mass production stage soon. The first batch of products will be officially launched in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao markets in the near future.

The production process of this pure fruit snack food is different from fruit-flavoured ice cream that are commonly seen in the market. The new products do not contain any fat and can be transported and stored at room temperature. It is an revolutionary product that is convenient for transportation and storage, which contains original fruit taste and nutrition with a soft taste like ice cream after freezing. This group has obtained the "Certificate of Invention Patent", which proves that its production technology and equipment have been highly recognized at national level, laying a solid foundation for mass production and sales in the future.

According to industry reports, China has become the largest market for ice cream with the market scale over RMB100 billion.The Group's products are exquisitely packaged to fit the consumption habits of modern consumers; the de-seasonalised production strategy and operation mode can raise corporate core competitiveness. At present, the products are about to enter the mass production stage and expect to be launched in August 2018, It will then be launched in Hong Kong and Macao soon. The foods will provide consumers with a pure and refreshing taste during the summer vacation.

Mr. Yang Ziyuan, Chairman and CEO of the Group, said, "It is our great pleasure to receive the "Certificate of Invention Patent" from the State Intellectual Property Office of China which is a big affirmation for Group's R&D capabilities. The Group leverages on our upgraded brand strategies and R&D strengths to put extra effort in our new products development and processiong technology, continuously launch new products to satisfy consumers' willingness for new flavours and multiple tastes. In the future, in line with the highest aim of producing natural, healthy, nutritious and safe food products, the Group will continue to take advantage of the parallel development strategy of its own brand and OEM business to grasp the opportunities of rapid development of its own brand, as well as to further enhance its brand awareness. The Group will also develop new products, enhance the brand image and further consolidate its market leadership."

About Tianyun International Holding Limited (Stock Code: 6863.HK)
Tianyun International Holdings Limited (the "Company") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to
as the "Group") are principally engaged in (i) the production and sales of processed fruit packaged in metal containers, plastic cups and glass containers and ii) trading of fresh fruit. Processed fruit products are sold both on an OEM basis and under our own brands. On 7 July 2015, the Group was
successfully listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited which had further consolidated our leading position in China's processed fruit product industry.

The Group has been consistently committed to provide healthy and safe products to its customers. As one of the food enterprises with the most comprehensive list of overseas and local quality certifications, we have always been dedicated to following stringent international production standards and are accredited with BRC (A+), IFS Food (High), FDA, HALAL, SC, KOSHER, BSCI and ISO22000 etc in respect of our production facilities, quality control and management. The Group has also passed the internal food production standard reviews and audits from some of the UK and US supermarket chains.

At the same time, within China, as a "Equal production line; Equal standard; Equal quality" food production and export enterprise, the Group has been supplying products of equivalent quality to domestic and international markets. Since 2016, the Group's own brand processed fruit products have continued to obtain a high degree of market recognition, and have been awarded by a national institution the honour and qualification of "China Canned Product Quality Certification Label", become the first fruit processor in China's fruit processing industry to put the authorized "Zero Added Preservative Canned Products" label for its products sold in China.

For more information, please visit www.tianyuninternational.com

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Lexus International Releases 2018 Mid-Year Sales Report

July 31, 2018, 9:06 pm

≫ Next: Ascletis' NDA for Its All-oral HCV Treatment Accepted by CFDA

≪ Previous: Tianyun International Newly R&D Pure Fruit Snack Food Received the "Certificate of Invention Patent" from the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China

Toyota City, Japan, Aug 1, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Lexus International today announced it sold 327,838 vehicles worldwide in the first six months of 2018 (January to June). This sales performance represents a 7% increase compared to the same sales period last year (January to June 2017). The 2018CY sales performance so far reflects the effort to match increased consumer demand for utility vehicles with a corresponding increase in production, enabling consumers to find the right vehicle, at the right place, at the right time.

"2018 will be another key year for us as we continue to craft amazing experiences for all our guests across the world, through our vehicles as well as our world-class guest experience. This year, we saw the all-new seventh generation ES sedan and the new UX crossover join the Lexus lineup, and ready to attract a broader audience to the brand. Meanwhile, we are furthering the development of distinctive vehicles, which will inherit and expand on the dynamic design and performance pioneered by the LC and LS. I can't wait for our guests to experience what's next." said Lexus International President Yoshihiro Sawa.

As the segment earning substantial consumer attention, Lexus LUVs were strong performers in the 90-plus markets where Lexus is available, totaling 200,880 global sales during the first half of the year versus 126,957 passenger cars sold. This LUV sales drive was led by the premium compact NX (84,142 units sold globally, +138%) and the midsize RX (88,369 units, +83.5%). Globally, the lineup of Lexus luxury SUVs accounted for 61% of the brand's total sales during the first 6 months of 2018.

Despite record breaking LUV sales, success of the reborn flagship LS sedan cannot be understated with total sales of 17,490 (+1,184%). LS Hybrid was the standout performer, posting a +1,944% increase alongside LS gas (+407%) to prove the markets appreciation for takumi craftsmanship, stylish design and new forms of powerful efficiency.

Lexus launched in 1989 with a flagship sedan and a guest experience that helped define the premium automotive industry. In 1998, Lexus introduced the luxury crossover category with the launch of the Lexus RX. The luxury hybrid sales leader, Lexus delivered the world's first luxury hybrid and has since sold over 1 million hybrid vehicles.(1)

A global luxury automotive brand with an unwavering commitment to bold, uncompromising design, exceptional craftsmanship, and exhilarating performance, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of the next generation of global luxury guests, and is currently available in over 90 countries worldwide. Lexus associates/team members across the world are dedicated to crafting amazing experiences that are uniquely Lexus, and that excite and change the world.

(1) (1,263,055 units as of December 2017)

About LEXUS

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Lexus is the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury. The evolution of Lexus is reflected in the progressive designs of its new vehicles. The grille, dynamic light treatments, and sculptured lines create a distinctive look of luxury for Lexus. For more information, please visit www.lexus-int.com and www.lexus-int.com/news/.

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

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Ascletis' NDA for Its All-oral HCV Treatment Accepted by CFDA

July 31, 2018, 11:35 pm

≫ Next: Interim Results for 2018 Continues to Record a Significant Growth, Ausnutria Dairy Announces the Positive Profit Alert for Eight Consecutive Times

≪ Previous: Lexus International Releases 2018 Mid-Year Sales Report

Hangzhou and Shaoxing, China , Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Ascletis announced today it has received the acceptance letter from the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for Ravidasvir (RDV) new drug application (NDA). Ravidasvir in combination with Ganovo (RDV/DNV Regimen) is the first all-oral interferon-free HCV regimen developed by a domestic company in China. Phase II/III clinical trial has shown that RDV/DNV Regimen demonstrated a cure rate of 99 % ( SVR12) with a short treatment duration of 12 weeks in genotype 1 patients. In patients with baseline NS5A resistance mutations, RDV/DNV Regimen demonstrated a cure rate of 100% (SVR12).

"Ascletis was successfully listed this morning on Hong Kong Exchange as the first ever pre-revenue biotech. The NDA for our all-oral HCV regimen was accepted by CFDA in the afternoon." Jinzi J. Wu, Ph.D., Ascletis' founder, President and CEO, commented, "Two significant accomplishments on the same day reflect our unremitting effort to provide affordable and effective HCV cures to the patients and to fulfill our commitment to the investors."

Ganovo Regimen, Ascletis' first breakthrough HCV regimen, was approved on June 8 and launched on June 27, 19 days after the approval. The acceptance of the NDA for its all-oral HCV regimen enables Ascletis soon to provide two HCV treatment options for Chinese patients, strengthening its leading position in China's HCV field.

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Interim Results for 2018 Continues to Record a Significant Growth, Ausnutria Dairy Announces the Positive Profit Alert for Eight Consecutive Times

August 1, 2018, 12:45 am

≫ Next: Hedera Hashgraph Raises $100 Million to Further Develop Public Distributed Ledger Network and Dapp Ecosystem

≪ Previous: Ascletis' NDA for Its All-oral HCV Treatment Accepted by CFDA

Continuous Increase in the Sales of the Own-branded Milk Formula Products; Gradually Enhances Operation Efficiency

HONG KONG, Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd ("Ausnutria" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"; stock code: 1717.HK), a company engages in the research and development, production and distribution of all dairy products (including infant formula) and nutrition products with production facilities principally based in the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and the PRC, is pleased to announce that it is anticipated that the Group will record a profit attributable to the Shareholders (excluding the other income described below) of approximately RMB270.0 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018 (the "2018 Interim Period"), representing an increase of approximately RMB116.7 million or approximately 76.1% when compared with RMB153.3 million for the corresponding period of last year. The sales of the Group for the 2018 Interim Period is anticipated to increase by approximately 51.6% to approximately RMB2.58 billion, among which the sales of the Group's own-branded cow and goat milk formula products are anticipated to increase by approximately 80.5% and approximately 67.7% to approximately RMB1.17 billion and approximately RMB0.91 billion respectively, when compared with the 2017 Interim Period.

During the 2018 Interim Period, the Group recorded certain other income attributable to the gain on fair value changes of derivative financial instruments arising from the contingent consideration as a result of the Group's acquisition of the remaining 15% equity interest in a subsidiary; and a one-off gain arising from the re-measurement of the previously held interest in a joint venture as a result of the acquisition of its remaining 50% equity interest in the joint venture, of a total of approximately RMB61.8 million. Including the aforesaid other income, the reported profit attributable to Shareholders is anticipated to increase to approximately RMB331.8 million. The Group has continuously announced the positive alert for eight times from 2016 to the 2018 Interim Period.

The continuous improvement in the Group's financial performance was mainly attributable to the continuous increase in the sales of the Group's own-branded cow and goat milk formula products. Such increase was mainly contributed by the growing market recognition of the Group's own-branded formula milk products as a result of its persistent effort in building distribution channels and delivering quality consumer service; the rising worldwide awareness for the Group's own-branded goat milk formula products Kabrita for its quality and high nutrition value; the increase in production capacity following the acquisition of a factory in Australia and the commencement of production of two new factories in the Netherlands; and the progressive enhancement of the Group's management and operation efficiency.

Mr. Yan Weibin, Chairman of the Group, said "Ausnutria gradually implements its global strategy from upstream to the sales market. It has formed global expansion of a full industrial chain from formula milk powder to nutritional products, and has become an international company with a sales service network in China, North America, Europe, Russia and the Middle East. As to the core business, five factories in the Netherlands, two companies in Australia, and one factory in New Zealand have been reformed or completed and commenced production. The first factory in Changsha, the PRC, is in operation. Smart Factory in Changsha will be completed soon, and global 'Golden Milk Zone' layout is basically completed. As to the global business development, the Group has completed the acquisition of remaining 15% equity interest in HNC Group, and remaining 50% equity interest in Ozfarm Australia which has the number one maternal women's milk powder brand in Australia. Moreover, the Group will strategically introduce CITIC Agri Fund Management Co., Ltd. After CITIC Agri Fund becomes the single largest shareholder of the Group, this will broaden our shareholding structure, optimize the Group's asset and liability structure and enhance international competitiveness. In addition, the senior management increased stake in June this year fully demonstrates the core management's confidence in business performance and prospects of Ausnutria. In the future, the Group will follow the direction of nutrition and comprehensive health, seize the opportunities both in the PRC and overseas market, and enhance its sustainability, heading towards the 'Golden Decade' of Ausnutria."

About Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd.
Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd is a leading infant milk formula company with production facilities principally based in the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, and the PRC The Company is engaged in the worldwide production, research, and sales of infant formula, adult milk and other dairy and nutrition products. It owns several famous infant formula and milk powder brands, including Kabrita, Allnutria and Hyproca. Ausnutria's factories in the PRC were among that first batch of factories that had been granted with the National Infant Formula Enterprise Production Permit. The factory in the Netherlands is also one of the first infant milk formula manufacturers to obtain import licenses for overseas products under the new policy in the PRC.

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Hedera Hashgraph Raises $100 Million to Further Develop Public Distributed Ledger Network and Dapp Ecosystem

August 1, 2018, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Ascletis Successfully Listed on the Main Board of HKEX

≪ Previous: Interim Results for 2018 Continues to Record a Significant Growth, Ausnutria Dairy Announces the Positive Profit Alert for Eight Consecutive Times

Limited Accredited Investor Crowdsale to Open Today

DALLAS, TEXAS, Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Hedera Hashgraph, a next-generation distributed public ledger organization, announced today that it has raised $100 million from institutional and high net worth individual investors to further the development and use of the Hedera public distributed ledger platform and network. Hedera plans to launch the network and start giving early access to some partners within the next month, with numerous distributed applications already being developed for the platform.

"We are seeing tremendous demand for our fast, fair, and secure public network," said Mance Harmon, co-founder and CEO of Hedera. "With this funding, we will be able to accelerate development of key services to be provided by Hedera - including a cryptocurrency, file storage service, and smart contract platform - to help make it not only what we believe is the fastest and most secure public ledger available, but also the most feature-rich for developers looking to build highly decentralized apps."

"Hedera hashgraph is one of the most exciting projects in cryptocurrency from an engineering perspective. In addition, the experienced team and the advances they have made to date in developing a functioning network make them a standout in the distributed ledger market," said Ari Paul, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner of BlockTower Capital, and Hedera investor. "We are pleased to support them as they roll out the next phase of their development, and as interest grows around their network launch."

"As we come close to completing initial development of the Hedera network, we are pleased to be opening our crowdsale to the community - without whose support we would not be where we are today - under the same terms offered to institutional investors in this funding round," said Tom Trowbridge, President of Hedera. "These are the same terms under which management and employees have invested over $10 million in the most recent round. Separately, the majority of the tokens granted to the co-founders vest in four to six years. This clearly demonstrates our long-term belief in, and commitment to the growth of Hedera."

Hedera is building a strong, global community of developers and advocates who are attracted to the speed, security, and scalability benefits of the hashgraph technology. To date, almost 200 Hedera Hashgraph ambassadors have run more than 80 meetups in cities around the world, reaching more than 5,000 attendees.

"We are excited to be on the cusp of launching our network," said Dr. Leemon Baird, co-founder and Chief Scientist of Hedera. "We are grateful for the commitments of our investors and employees, as well as the strong support we continue to receive from the community. In addition, we want to acknowledge the incredible role the developer community has and will continue to play in our growth, and we will be providing opportunities for developers to earn tokens as we roll out the network throughout the year."

Crowdsale
Hedera today announced it will be conducting an accredited investor crowdsale, targeted at raising $20 million. The accredited investor verification process opens today and will close when the target is reached, or August 15th, whichever comes earlier. As a U.S.-based company, the offering will be conducted in accordance with SEC regulations as a private placement pursuant to Rule 506(c). Details can only be found by typing in hashgraph[dot]com, and no solicitations will be made over social networking channels such as Telegram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. For more information on the crowdsale, token distribution, and economics, please visit hashgraph[dot]com.

Hedera18 Developer Conference
Hedera18, the inaugural hashgraph developer conference, will be hosted in Dallas, TX from October 15-17th, 2018. A global hackathon will take place at the same time in Dallas, Tel Aviv, London, Singapore, and Sao Paulo. Visit https://www.hedera18.com for more details.

About Hedera
The Hedera hashgraph platform will offer a distributed public ledger that enables anyone to easily develop globally decentralized applications. Developers can build secure, fair, lightning-fast decentralized applications on top of the Hedera hashgraph platform. For more information, visit https://hashgraph.com, or follow us on Twitter at @hashgraph, Telegram at t.me/hashgraph, or Discord at https://hashgraph.com/discord. The Hedera whitepaper can be found at https://hashgraph.com/whitepaper.

For Media Enquiries
Joel Yee/ Prayaank Gupta
E: hashgraph@preciouscomms.com
T: +65 6303 0567

↧

Ascletis Successfully Listed on the Main Board of HKEX

August 1, 2018, 2:02 am

≫ Next: AIR Worldwide Releases New Reinsurance Catastrophe Modeling Software

≪ Previous: Hedera Hashgraph Raises $100 Million to Further Develop Public Distributed Ledger Network and Dapp Ecosystem

HONG KONG, Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Recently, following the official implementation of the revised listing rules by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), the Hong Kong capital market has been opened up further, welcoming listing applications from several biotechnology companies. In particular, Ascletis Pharma Inc., the first biotechnology company successfully lodging its listing application after the overhaul of the listing rules, was listed on the main board of the HKEX yesterday, running ahead of its industrial peers.

As the market benchmark, Ascletis come to front for its listing
Several celebrities such as Charles Li, Chief Executive of HKEX; Xie Shuang Cheng, Deputy Mayor of Hangzhou Municipal People's Government; Song Rui Lin, Executive President of PhiRDA, and Stephen Phillips, Director-General of Investment Promotion of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region all attended the listing ceremony of Ascletis to share the joy together.

It was learned that Ascletis has rapidly become a fully integrated anti-viral platform focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative, best-in-class drugs against HCV, HIV and HBV. Jinzi J. Wu, Ph.D., The founder of Ascletis said in the listing ceremony that over the past five years, Ascletis have stayed true to its original commitment and overcome many obstacles. It has already become the most high-profile new force in China's biotechnology industry by succeeding in building a complete value chain covering new drug development and commercialization for three areas, namely anti-viral, cancer and fatty liver disease, and launching the first domestically developed drug.

As the first listed biotechnology company after the listing rules overhaul, Ascletis has drawn wide market attention and gained positive response since the announcement of its global offering, owing to its unparalleled capabilities. According to publicly available information, HK$2,976.0 million was raised in this offering with an offer price of HK$14.00 per share. The Hong Kong public offering was significantly over-subscribed, while the international placing was over-subscribed as well.

Achieve remarkable achievements
Ascletis originates from a Latin word Asclepius, which refers to the god of medicine in ancient Greek mythology. Ascletis is sure worth this title.

According to Xinhua News, the launching conference for Ganovo (Danoprevir), the first direct-acting anti-viral agent (DAA) developed domestically in China, was held at the China National Convention Center recently. The launching of Ganovo has helped breaking the monopoly of Chinese HCV field by the international pharmaceutical giants. Bringing hope for cure for HCV patients in China

Ascletis announced that 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. As the first DAAdeveloped and launched successfully by a domestic company, 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.

What's more, Ascletis announced it has received the acceptance letter from the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for Ravidasvir new drug application (NDA). The acceptance of the NDA for its all-oral HCV regimen enables Ascletis soon to provide two HCV treatment options for Chinese patients, strengthening its leading position in China's HCV field.

Jinzi J. Wu, Ph.D. said that Ascletis was successfully listed on HKEX in the morning and the NDA for all-oral HCV regimen was accepted by CFDA in the afternoon, these two significant accomplishments on the same day reflect Ascletis' unremitting effort to provide affordable and effective HCV cures to the patients and to fulfill Ascletis commitment to the investors.

The successfully listed of Ascletis has injected new impetus to the Hong Kong capital market and attracted more biotechnology companies to seek a listing in Hong Kong.

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AIR Worldwide Releases New Reinsurance Catastrophe Modeling Software

August 1, 2018, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Curt Espeland to Address the Jefferies Industrials Conference

≪ Previous: Ascletis Successfully Listed on the Main Board of HKEX

BOSTON, Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Catastrophe risk modeling firm AIR Worldwide today announced that it has released Touchstone Re(TM), a new catastrophe modeling software application designed for estimating the loss potential of reinsurance contracts and portfolios, industry loss warranties, and insurance-linked securities. AIR Worldwide is a Verisk (Nasdaq:VRSK) business.

Touchstone Re, a successor to CATRADER(R), enables companies to model and price complex reinsurance structures, understand where their exposures are concentrated around the globe in a visually intuitive way, roll up their portfolios and view their overall risk aggregation, leverage AIR's Industry Exposure Database to benchmark their portfolio risk relative to the industry, and estimate loss potential when detailed exposure data may not be available.

"With over 20 years of experience with CATRADER and its predecessor products, we're excited to see the next generation features available now in Touchstone Re," said Nick Datt, vice president, enterprise risk management, Odyssey Reinsurance Company. "One feature that stood out to us is the ability to visualize complex reinsurance structures on-screen and easily modify them using the drag-and-drop tool. Our global teams are excited about this new functionality as well as the speed enhancements and look forward to incorporating Touchstone Re into a much more streamlined workflow for both treaty pricing and corporate rollup."

Touchstone Re represents the next step in establishing an ecosystem across AIR products. Organizations that also license Touchstone(R) will now be able to transfer loss results into Touchstone Re with just a few clicks, thus enabling users to access data quickly by line of business down to subarea resolution, without having to export it manually from one application and import it into another.

"Having experienced Touchstone Re as an early adopter, I'm truly looking forward to the release of the application," said Martin Hamrin, senior vice president, group underwriting analytics, Sirius International. "As a client that licenses both Touchstone and now Touchstone Re, the ability to transfer data seamlessly between the platforms is a welcome addition and will save our catastrophe modelers significant time."

"Touchstone Re not only incorporates the key functionality from CATRADER, it also includes a host of new features across core reinsurance pricing and portfolio management workflows while being a more scalable application with a fresh user interface and streamlined navigation," said Sudhir Potharaju, senior vice president, product, at AIR Worldwide. "Touchstone Re is not just a new user interface on an established application. By saving multiple loss perspectives simultaneously and running portfolio analyses up to 75 percent faster, Touchstone Re can save users significant time, leaving them free to interpret their results and make more informed risk management decisions."

In addition to releasing Touchstone Re, AIR updated its flagship catastrophe risk modeling platform, Touchstone, to include enhancements that enable users to perform new analytics, customize the software, and improve and simplify users' workflows. These enhancements include support for zone-based analytics for detailed loss modeling, improved management of Touchstone projects and data transfer between companies, an extensive refresh of the user interface, and the ability for clients to build and use custom models.

About AIR Worldwide
AIR Worldwide (AIR) provides risk modeling solutions that make individuals, businesses, and society more resilient to extreme events. In 1987, AIR Worldwide founded the catastrophe modeling industry and today models the risk from natural catastrophes, terrorism, pandemics, casualty catastrophes, and cyber incidents. Insurance, reinsurance, financial, corporate, and government clients rely on AIR's advanced science, software, and consulting services for catastrophe risk management, insurance-linked securities, longevity modeling, site-specific engineering analyses, and agricultural risk management. AIR Worldwide, a Verisk (Nasdaq:VRSK) business, is headquartered in Boston, with additional offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. For more information, please visit www.air-worldwide.com.

For more information, contact:
Kevin Long
AIR Worldwide
+1-617-267-6645
klong@air-worldwide.com

###

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

↧

Curt Espeland to Address the Jefferies Industrials Conference

August 1, 2018, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Lubrizol Features Estane(R) TRX TPU at NW Materials Show

≪ Previous: AIR Worldwide Releases New Reinsurance Catastrophe Modeling Software

KINGSPORT, Tenn., Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Media Advisory Issued August 1, 2018

Industrials Conference:
Curt Espeland, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN), will address the Jefferies Industrials Conference in New York City on August 7, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. ET.

Live Webcast:
Mr. Espeland's presentation will be webcast live on www.investors.eastman.com. Slides used by Mr. Espeland will be available at the time of the presentation and can also be accessed at www.investors.eastman.com.

Replay:
An audio replay of the presentation will be available at www.investors.eastman.com, events & presentations.

Investor Relations Contact:
Greg Riddle, Vice President, Investor Relations, Government Affairs & Corporate Communications
212-835-1620 / griddle@eastman.com

Media Contact:
Tracy Kilgore Addington, Corporate Communications Manager
423-224-0498 / tracy@eastman.com

###

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

↧

Lubrizol Features Estane(R) TRX TPU at NW Materials Show

August 1, 2018, 4:00 am

≫ Next: NEC: Northgate Public Services Acquires i2N Ltd to Expand its Justice Offering

≪ Previous: Curt Espeland to Address the Jefferies Industrials Conference

CLEVELAND, Ohio, Aug 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Lubrizol Corporation announces its Engineered Polymers business will exhibit at the 51st semi-annual NW Materials Show, August 15-16, 2018, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon.

At booth #901, Lubrizol will feature its broad, innovative portfolio of polymer solutions including Estane(R) TPU, Estane(R) TRX TPU, BounCell-X(TM) TPU, Pearlbond(TM) TPU, Pearlthane(TM) ECO TPU, Estane TPU for 3D printing, Estane(R) VSN TPU, Esdex(TM) TPU and X4zol-J(TM) fiber technology. Lubrizol provides a single, convenient and reliable source for proven technologies and innovations that work together to solve the industry's toughest application challenges in footwear (hot melt adhesives, textile coatings, midsoles, outsoles, coated yarns), apparel (fibers, breathable films, seam tapes), and even eyewear (frames).

Estane TRX TPU is an innovative polymer designed to replace rubber in outdoor, athletic and work shoe outsoles. This novel material provides outstanding benefits for consumers, designers and producers, and addresses the growing interest in alternatives to traditional rubber due to its labor and energy intensive, multi-step production process and high scrap rates. Estane TRX TPU combines the benefits of rubber-like traction with improved processing via thermoplastic injection molding. In addition, Estane TRX TPU offers superior abrasion resistance and clarity in comparison to rubber compounds.

"There is a strong demand from customers around the world to have better performing, durable, yet more sustainable solutions for footwear," says Kenneth Kim, global market development manager for sports & recreation, Lubrizol Engineered Polymers. He continues, "Estane TRX TPU is an innovative solution for outsoles for performance shoes, and can be combined with innovative cushioning technologies from Lubrizol, such as BounCell-X nitrogen-infused TPU foam and Estane TPU for 3D printed designs. The market is responding very favorably to the advantages offered by these novel technologies."

Complementing these are Pearlbond TPU solvent-free solutions for hot melt adhesives for component assembly, Pearlthane ECO* TPU, the renewable-source based (non-food competing) TPU for footwear components, and Esdex TPU resins for footwear upper constructions. With technology that covers applications from outsoles, cushioning and uppers to footwear assembly, Lubrizol is a total footwear solutions provider.

Driven by a passion for making it possible for brands to achieve new thresholds for performance, automation and sustainability, Lubrizol Engineered Polymers continually innovates to advance the inventive capacity of the footwear industry. For more information, see Lubrizol at the NW Materials Show, Booth #901, visit our website at www.lubrizol.com/engineered-polymers or contact engineeredpolymers@lubrizol.com.

About Lubrizol Engineered Polymers
Lubrizol Engineered Polymers offers one of the broadest portfolios of engineered polymers available today including resins that are bio-based*, recyclable**, light stable, flame retardant, adhesive, chemically resistant, optically clear and fast cycling. Our technology crosses many industries and applications, including surface protection, power and fluid systems, sports and recreation, wearable devices, electronics and automotive. For more information, visit www.lubrizol.com/engineered-polymers or contact engineeredpolymers@lubrizol.com.

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

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

*Bio-based content as certified in accordance with ASTM D-6866.
**Recyclability is based on access to a readily available standard recycling program that supports such materials. Products may not be available in all areas.

All marks are owned by The Lubrizol Corporation.

Media Contacts
Nick Galioto (Americas)
+1 216 447-7382
The Lubrizol Corporation

Lidia Valcarcel (EMEAI)
+34 93 579-9565
Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc.

Tracy Tang (APAC)
+86 213-8660422
Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc.

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

###

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

↧

NEC: Northgate Public Services Acquires i2N Ltd to Expand its Justice Offering

August 2, 2018, 3:04 am

≫ Next: MHI: Indian Diesel Engine Sales and Manufacturing Company MVDE Reaches Cumulative Production Total of 100,000 Units

≪ Previous: Lubrizol Features Estane(R) TRX TPU at NW Materials Show

TOKYO, Aug 2, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) and Northgate Public Services (NPS), a wholly owned NEC subsidiary, today announced that NPS acquired i2N, which supplies specialist software to the UK's Ministry of Justice's HM Prison and Probation Service and the Youth Justice Board. The deal will significantly increase NPS' offering across the entire criminal justice process.

NPS is the market leader for policing IT solutions in the UK with 15 forces currently using NPS' crime, custody and intelligence management system, CONNECT. Recent contract wins with West Midlands Police and the Metropolitan Police Service mean that over 50% of police officers in England will be using NPS technology.

The i2N acquisition presents an opportunity for greater visibility across the criminal justice system enabling users throughout the process to work collaboratively to deliver better outcomes and reduce reoffending.

Stephen Callaghan, chief executive officer of NPS, which is owned by the NEC Corporation, Japan, said, "We see a good synergy between NPS and i2N in the area of local authority youth offender management. NPS provides a range of product and services to 168 local authorities in the UK. This acquisition will boost our offer in the important justice sector whilst providing a strong opportunity for growth for i2N."

Jim O'Connor, CEO of i2N said, "Joining the NPS team opens up new and exciting markets for both businesses in the development of critical software that spans the entire justice sector."

Founded in 1999, i2N is ranked in the top 25 SME IT service providers on the government G-Cloud by Government Digital service and is a key supplier to the Ministry of Justice. In recent years, i2N has been expanding cloud ready platforms as Software as a Service (SaaS) via G-Cloud on the GOV.UK Digital Market Place.

Following completion of the transaction, i2N will continue to operate under their existing name and the key management team and all operational staff will remain in place. i2N will operate as a business unit within NPS' Safety Division with further integration into the business as customers' requirements for integrated software and services within the justice system develop.

About Northgate Public Services

Northgate Public Services (NPS) has a proven history of creating game changing software for the public sector. Our ability to put vital information into the hands of those that need it is the reason why 95% of local authorities use us to collect revenues and administer benefits. It's why 14 different police forces have chosen NPS' CONNECT software to improve decision making at the frontline, why 150 housing providers use NPS systems to manage their two million homes efficiently and why the NHS choose our technology to help them screen eight million babies for hearing loss. Based in the UK but working around the world, NPS' 2,300 employees help improve the services that matter most. NPS is part of the NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701), a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people worldwide. For more information, visit our CONNECT page: https://www.northgateps.com/connect.

About i2N

i2N is an SME providing IT services to the justice sector of UK Government. Operating in London and from offices in Suffolk. I2N has been providing Software-as-a Service (SaaS) products, bespoke development and managed services to the Ministry of Justice, HM Prisons and Probation and the Youth Justice Board for 20 years. All i2N products and customer developments follow the agile development method and utilise the GDS approved open-source development stack and are designed around microservices architecture to ensure ease of integration. All products and developments are supported by an accredited, secure cloud-hosting and ITIL based, SC-cleared Service Desk. https://wwwi2n.com

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

↧

MHI: Indian Diesel Engine Sales and Manufacturing Company MVDE Reaches Cumulative Production Total of 100,000 Units

August 1, 2018, 9:10 pm

≫ Next: Ingredion Incorporated Reports Second Quarter 2018 Results

≪ Previous: NEC: Northgate Public Services Acquires i2N Ltd to Expand its Justice Offering

- Achieved by Establishing Brand Reliability and Expanded Product Lineup -

TOKYO, Aug 2, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger, Ltd. (MHIET), a Group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), announces that its manufacturing and sales company for diesel engines in India, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries-VST Diesel Engines Pvt. Ltd. (MVDE), has achieved a cumulative production total of 100,000 units. This achievement was made possible by the brand reliability that MVDE has established over the 11 years since the company's founding, along with its broad product lineup and high quality on a par with engines made in Japan and offered at a locally-made price, which has earned praise from customers in North America, Europe, and India. MVDE will build on this success, and utilizing its global network, work to further increase production and expand sales.

MVDE was established in July 2007 as a joint venture with V.S.T. Tillers Tractors Ltd. (VTTL), a local agricultural machinery manufacturer. The company's head office and manufacturing plant are located in the heritage city of Mysore in southern India. MHIET holds a 96.8% stake in the company. To celebrate the production of its 100,000th unit, MVDE held a grand puja ceremony at the shipping area, with all employees in attendance.

Initially, MHI held a 90% stake in MVDE and VTTL 10%, and with technical assistance from MHI, the company produced small diesel engines with less than 2L displacement. In 2012, MHI increased its investment to the current holding ratio, establishing a strong financial structure capable of supporting large business negotiations, and the company began manufacturing and selling bigger diesel engines for use in construction machinery and other equipment. MVDE was transferred from MHI in July 2016 with the start of operations at MHIET. The enhanced cost competitiveness from the expanded rate of local production has supported strong demand for engines used in agricultural and construction equipment, leading the 100,000 unit achievement.

The joint venture partner VTTL was established in 1967, with its headquarters and factory in Bengaluru. Current, the company annually produces around 30,000 tillers, and 11,000 tractors.

Going forward, MHIET and its parent company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Forklift, Engine & Turbocharger Holdings, Ltd. (M-FET) will further strengthen MVDE's business structure of sales, procurement, manufacturing and after-sales service, and develop the company to be a center for the engine and energy business alongside those in Japan and Europe.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

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

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

↧

Ingredion Incorporated Reports Second Quarter 2018 Results

August 1, 2018, 11:30 pm

≫ Next: XIUS Unveils Machine Learning based Data Platform for MVNOs

≪ Previous: MHI: Indian Diesel Engine Sales and Manufacturing Company MVDE Reaches Cumulative Production Total of 100,000 Units

- Second quarter 2018 reported and adjusted EPS* were $1.57 and $1.66, down from second quarter 2017 reported and adjusted EPS of $1.78 and $1.89, respectively
- Year-to-date 2018 reported and adjusted EPS were $3.47 and $3.60, respectively, up from $3.46 of reported EPS and down from $3.77 of adjusted EPS in the year-ago period
- 2018 adjusted EPS expected to be in the range of $7.50-$7.80
- During the second quarter, the Company repurchased 1.25 million shares

WESTCHESTER, Ill., Aug 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries, today reported results for the second quarter 2018. The results, reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for 2018 and 2017, include items that are excluded from the non-GAAP financial measures that the Company presents.

"We continue to position Ingredion for long-term growth as a more agile company and are taking swift actions across our business in response to increasing inflationary pressures and current production imbalances in North America. We are moving aggressively to improve our cost structure, optimize our network capacity and drive operational execution," said Jim Zallie, Ingredion's president and chief executive officer. "Among these actions is the establishment of our $125 million Cost Smart program to deliver savings through cost of sales, including freight, and SG&A reductions, starting in the second half of 2018. This includes the cessation of wet-milling and production of high fructose corn syrup and industrial starches at our Stockton, CA facility by the end of 2018. In addition to our cost savings measures, we will be pursuing necessary pricing actions. We remain focused on delivering our long-term earnings algorithm by growing our Specialties portfolio to $2 billion in sales by 2022, and strengthening our business model built on global reach, local touch, innovation and differentiated value propositions aligned with market trends."

Zallie concluded, "In addition to these actions, we remain committed to strategically deploying cash to increase shareholder value. During the second quarter, we returned capital to shareholders through the repurchase of 1.25 million shares."

INGR 2Q 2018 earnings release FINAL COPY
http://hugin.info/147221/R/2208816/859329.pdf

###

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

↧

XIUS Unveils Machine Learning based Data Platform for MVNOs

August 2, 2018, 12:00 am

≫ Next: CENTRESTAGE ELITES 2018 to Feature Top Asian Designers

≪ Previous: Ingredion Incorporated Reports Second Quarter 2018 Results

MVNOs Envisage Increased ARPU and Customized Customer Experience

HYDERABAD, INDIA, Aug 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - XIUS, a leading supplier of mobile technology, mobile payments and enterprise offerings has unveiled its 'vData Core', a patent-pending telco grade platform. This platform, the first of its kind, incorporates Machine Learning (ML) at the core and equips Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to boost revenue and thrive.

Today, a majority of Communication Service Providers' (CSP) revenue is generated from data services. It is estimated that by 2021, the average data consumption will be 52 Exabytes per month with 70 percent of mobile data being video. This makes it necessary for CSPs to be well prepared in effectively monetizing the unimaginable surge in data usage.

With vData Core, XIUS will enable MVNOs to offer personalized data packages and enchant their end users with customized customer experience through Machine Learning and Network Function Virtualization (NFV). Additionally, vData Core's capacity optimization provides visibility into the entire infrastructure making it possible to meet changing service demands. MVNOs can leverage vData Core's capabilities to improve their operational efficiency, increase agility to market and deliver services to end users more effectively.

5G expects network slicing for various customers and classes of customer which MVNOs can now achieve through NFV. AI based slicing and crucial configuring of varied products, services and plans for each customer is made extremely simple by vData Core.

One of the key challenges faced by MVNOs is that a greater portion of Average Revenue per User (ARPU) is generated through data services but lack of innovation has led to flattened revenue and increased customer churn.

G V Kumar, CEO and Managing Director of XIUS said, "MVNOs have been fast to capitalize on the modern day consumer's data needs and understand that consumers often pick an operator based on data packages. It has also been proven that they can grow their business through customer-centricity. vData Core will enable MVNOs to understand their customer and innovate based on consumer needs. It will help them to efficiently manage and monetize data and ultimately enhance customer experience".

XIUS vData Core helps MVNOs beat competition with on-the-fly and quick launch of data plans, add-ons and combo packages. The Machine Learning (ML) driven auto-generation of personalized product / service offerings to individual subscribers improves customer loyalty and reduces churn. Over a period of time, with extended and vigilant use, it is likely to boost data ARPU by about 15 percent and transform product engagement by about 25 percent.

XIUS is offering highly attractive commercial models to interested customers.

About XIUS

XIUS is a mobile technology specialist focused on real-time transaction processing in Mobile Infrastructure & Services and Mobile Banking & Payments.

XIUS, a division of Megasoft Limited, brings together premium technology and outstanding value-added solutions for customers globally. Over 25 years of telecom expertise is proven by more than 230 deployments and customers that include Tier 1 mobile operators, MVNOs and large enterprises across 5 continents. Its strong belief in innovation reflects in the filing of 120 patents, with 35 awarded to date.

XIUS is adept in meeting its client expectations and their needs. The varied portfolio of MVNOs to which it has provided solutions and offers services comprise of rural-inclusive, digital, cable, banking, ethnic, M2M, youth, roaming, advertisement-based, retail and loyalty.

XIUS mobile infrastructure solutions process and manage in excess of 350 million calls / data sessions a day and the mobile payments solutions manage over US$ 1 billion worth of payment transactions monthly. To know more, please visit www.xius.com.

For more information, please contact marketing@xius.com.

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CENTRESTAGE ELITES 2018 to Feature Top Asian Designers

August 1, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Particle Sciences Receives Patent for Device to Deliver Medication to the Tympanic Membrane

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CENTRESTAGE 2017

FACETASM, IDISM and Ms MIN to Showcase Latest Fashion Collections

HONG KONG, Aug 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier fashion event, runs for its 3rd year in Hong Kong from 5 to 8 September. The opening gala show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, will see three of Asia's most celebrated fashion designer labels - FACETASM from Japan, IDISM from Hong Kong and Ms MIN from the Chinese mainland - showcasing their latest 2019 Spring/Summer (SS19) collections for an international audience of trendsetters. Organised by the HKTDC to consolidate Hong Kong's position as a fashion hub in Asia, CENTRESTAGE offers a platform for international, especially Asian, fashion brands and designers to launch and promote their designs.

Spotlight on Top Asian Fashion Designers

The first evening of CENTRESTAGE 2018 will put three top Asian brands and their newest collections under the spotlight, including award-winning Japanese avant-garde streetwear label FACETASM by Hiromichi Ochiai. FACETASM will present its latest collection at CENTRESTAGE ELITES, showcasing the designer's bold and eclectic designs.

Hong Kong brand IDISM will launch its newest line of ready-to-wear womenswear at CENTRESTAGE ELITES. Design duo Julio Ng and Cyrus Wong debuted IDISM in 2016 and have since participated in Paris Fashion Week several times. In 2017, the label was selected as one of Vogue's Talents, while also being dubbed "The Future of Asia" by YOHO! magazine. With the brand's philosophy based on being active, true to nature, attuned to the senses and following a distinctive lifestyle, IDISM was created for the spontaneous lifestyle of the contemporary city woman, which manifests true beauty coming from within.

At the same catwalk show, Chinese luxury womenswear label Ms MIN will reveal its newest collection. Its founder Min Liu, mentored by fashion mogul Sarah Rutson, has built a fashion empire around an aesthetic that seamlessly meshes modernity with classicism.

220+ Brands from around the World

As one of Asia's signature fashion events connecting brands, buyers, media and fashionistas, CENTRESTAGE 2018 will feature a record number of over 220 brands from around the world, presenting about 40 events including more than 20 fashion shows and parades during the event period. A series of insightful seminars and panels such as the Master Sharing Series and Trend Talk Series will be hosted by fashion design masters and industry experts, with a focus on upcoming fashion trends and the importance of sustainability in the industry.

YDC: A Runway for Young Designers to Take off

In addition to CENTRESTAGE ELITES, The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2018 (YDC) will be another highlight of this year's CENTRESTAGE. The judging panel will include Lawrence Leung, Chairman of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee and Michael Mok, General Manager of Merchandising/Head of Merchandising at JOYCE Boutique Ltd, while internationally renowned fashion designer Martine Rose will be the VIP judge.

YDC has successfully nurtured and promoted a new generation of Hong Kong fashion design talent since 1977. This year, 16 shortlisted candidates will compete for five awards including the New Talent Award and Best Footwear Design Award. Arto Wong, last year's Champion and New Talent Award winner, will release her capsule collection Zero to Unlimited at JOYCE this August and display it at CENTRESTAGE this September.

The event will also feature the latest works by other YDC 2017 winners, including Sonic Lam, who has partnered with Woolmark to develop a new outfit made with wool, and Jason Lee, winner of last year's Best Footwear Design Award, who will showcase his capsule collection I Go to School by Bus.

FASHIONALLY Shows: Launch Pads for Local Designers

Now in its 12th edition, FASHIONALLY Collection, a highlighted CENTRESTAGE show dedicated to Hong Kong designers, will welcome 10 local designer brands, including contemporary classic menswear label DEMO. and KEVIN HO, a modern womenswear label that participated in New York Fashion Week 2017. The FASHIONALLY Presentation at CENTRESTAGE will feature three new local designer labels launching their SS19 collections. Unlike at conventional runway shows, the three labels - Redemptive, Tak Lee and YLYstudio - will present their collection in a storytelling format on a theatre-style stage.

Hong Kong in Fashion

To spread the fashion buzz to the wider community, the Hong Kong in Fashion citywide campaign will be held from mid-August to the end of September in collaboration with over 100 partners, including fashion boutiques, fashion design institutes, restaurants and hotels. More than 90 events will be held across the city for public participation, including workshops, competitions, fashion parades and exhibitions.

CENTRESTAGE website: http://centrestage.com.hk
The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2018 (YDC) website: http://www.fashionally.com
High-resolution images can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/2LNePpL

Media Enquiries
For more information or to request interviews, please contact:
Sinclair at +852 2915 1234
Nikki McLucas, nikki@sinclaircomms.com, +852 6895 0534
Jessica Man, jessicam@sinclaircomms.com, +852 6083 0157
Wing Ng, wing@sinclaircomms.com, +852 6106 8605
Kelly Chan, kelly@sinclaircomms.com, +852 6825 4496

HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org
Selina Fan, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: selina.mi.fan@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

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Particle Sciences Receives Patent for Device to Deliver Medication to the Tympanic Membrane

August 2, 2018, 2:00 am

≫ Next: Eastman Publishes 2018 Sustainability Report

≪ Previous: CENTRESTAGE ELITES 2018 to Feature Top Asian Designers

CLEVELAND, Ohio, Aug 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Lubrizol Corporation announces its LifeSciences and Particle Sciences businesses, have received a Notice of Allowance on a device for the delivery of medication to the ear-drum.

According to Rob Lee, president, Particle Sciences, "This latest patent is a clear-cut demonstration of our staff going beyond formulation to help our clients deliver a complete solution. It stems from work we did several years back and adds to the increasing pool of proprietary and public domain approaches Particle Sciences can offer its clients. This patent is aimed at providing targeted dosing to the tympanic membrane. We will be looking to partner with our clients on further development and utilization of this invention."

Particle Sciences, a Lubrizol LifeSciences company, is a leading drug delivery CDMO, an integrated provider of drug development services and manufacturing, and is FDA registered and DEA licensed. Particle Sciences focuses on BCS II/III/IV molecules, biologics and highly potent compounds through a variety of technologies including emulsions, gels, micro and nanoparticulates, drug-eluting devices, solid solutions, lyophilization and others.

Through a full range of formulation, analytic and manufacturing services, Particle Sciences provides pharmaceutical companies with a complete and seamless development solution that minimizes the time and risk between discovery and the clinic. The company was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Visit www.particlesciences.com, email info@particlesciences.com, or contact us at (610) 861-4701 for information.

Particle Sciences is part of Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc.

About Lubrizol LifeSciences
Lubrizol LifeSciences is a preferred Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) partner for complex pharmaceuticals and high-end medical devices providing differentiated polymers and excipients, along with state-of-the-art design, development and manufacturing services to the healthcare industry.

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

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

Media Contact
Ben Patti
(216) 447-5827
Benjamin.patti@lubrizol.com
www.lubrizol.com/LifeSciences
www.particlesciences.com

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

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Eastman Publishes 2018 Sustainability Report

August 2, 2018, 3:30 am

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KINGSPORT, Tenn., Aug 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Eastman (NYSE:EMN) today announces the release of its 2018 sustainability report, Changing the trajectory. Building on the company's progress, the report provides a review of Eastman's sustainability strategy and goals as well as highlights from the past year. The interactive report is available online at www.eastman.com/sustainability.

"We know we must create far more value than the resources we use or the future is not sustainable, and as the purchasing power of the world continues to grow, we must innovate to deliver consumer choices that will sustain and protect our world," said David A. Golden, senior vice president, chief legal & sustainability officer, and corporate secretary. "In this report, we have outlined a sustainability strategy describing how we help change the trajectory and address some of the world's complex challenges."

Highlights include the company's focus on accelerating innovation, including examples where sustainability and innovation intersect to address global macro trends and enhance quality of life; continued focus on responsible management of natural resources; commitment to advancing ocean science; and strengthened collaborations to drive positive change through social innovation in the areas of education, environment, empowerment and economic development.

Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2017 revenues of approximately $9.5 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,000 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

Media Contact:
Amanda Allman
Eastman Corporate Communications
aallman@eastman.com | 423.229.1025

2018 report large cover
http://hugin.info/150386/R/2208952/859425.PNG

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

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