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MHPS Continues Global Turbine Leadership

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YOKOHAMA, Japan, Aug 8, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) today announced their continued leadership of the global market for gas turbines. Through the 2nd quarter of 2018, MHPS leads the industry with 40% of the total market and has led at the halfway point of a calendar year. In the highly competitive market segment of F-Class and larger, MHPS had 56% market share, mainly due to large orders of their industry leading JAC gas turbine.

The industry continues to embrace MHPS' proven and reliable products as it shifts from older F-Class technology to more efficient and affordable Advanced-Class gas turbine technology. MHPS has the world's largest installed fleet of Advanced-Class gas turbines, leading the industry with a reliability of 99.3% and efficiency greater than 64%.

Industry estimates predict that full-year orders will be about 30 GW in 2018. To date, MHPS has already secured 7.8 GW of orders, meaning they have already captured more than 25% of the expected annual orders with more to come in the second half of the year.

About Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd.

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

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

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

Showa Denko Announces 1H 2018 Forecast and Results, Revises FY2018 Forecast

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TOKYO, Aug 8, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Showa Denko (SDK ; TSE:4004) hereby announces that there is a difference between the forecast of consolidated financial results for the first half (January 1 - June 30) of 2018 announced on May 9, 2018 and actual financial results for the same period announced today. In addition, SDK revises forecast of consolidated financial results for FY2018, taking the latest business trends into consideration.

1. Difference between the forecast of consolidated financial results for the first half (January 1 - June 30) of 2018 and actual financial results for the same period

[Difference between the forecast and actual results]
(Millions of yen, excepting net income attributable to owners of the parent per share)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net sales  Operating  Ordinary  Net income    
        Net income attributable the parent per share (y)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Prev forecast (A)  (May 9, 2018)
  452,000   68,000    64,500    43,000   294.81
Actual results (B) (Aug 8, 2018)
  455,845   78,084    77,791    58,132   398.56
(B) - (A)
    3,845   10,084    13,291    15,132
Percentage of change 
     0.9%    14.8%     20.6%     35.2%
Ref: Results for H1 2017
  372,193   35,027    22,238     7,837    54.98
-----------------------------------------------------------
Reasons for the difference between the forecast and actual results

Net sales exceeded the previous forecast. In the Petrochemicals segment, prices of products including ethylene were higher than expected because of a rise in the price of raw naphtha. In the Inorganics segment, the condition of global graphite electrode market was stronger than expected.

Operating income in the Inorganics segment was higher than the previous forecast because market prices of graphite electrodes were higher than expected. Operating incomes in the Petrochemicals, Aluminum, and Others segments were also higher than those in the previous forecast due mainly to strong demand for products.

As a result, actual 1H 2018 ordinary income and net income attributable to owners of the parent also exceeded the previous forecast.

2. Revised forecast of consolidated financial results for FY2018 (January - December)
(Millions of yen, excepting net income attributable to owners of the parent per share)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net sales  Operating  Ordinary  Net income    
        Net income attributable the parent per share (y)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Previous forecast (A) (May 9, 2018)
  935,000   137,000   131,500   85,000   577.45
Revised forecast (B) (Aug 8, 2018)
  985,000   170,000   167,000  115,000   781.27
(B) - (A) 
   50,000    33,000    35,500   30,000
Percentage of change 
     5.3%     24.1%     27.0%    35.3%
Ref: Results for  FY 2017
  780,387    77,818    63,962   33,470    234.84
-----------------------------------------------------------
Reasons for the revision of consolidated performance forecast

Net sales in the Inorganics segment will exceed those in the previous forecast because the global market prices of graphite electrodes are expected to be higher than those in the previous forecast. Net sales in the Petrochemicals segment will exceed those in the previous forecast due mainly to the rise in prices of major products including ethylene.

Overall operating income will exceed the previous forecast. Though operating income in the Electronics segment will be lower than the previous forecast, operating income in the Inorganics segment will be much higher than the previous forecast due to the rises in prices of graphite electrodes in the global market. Operating income in the Others segment will also be higher than the previous forecast.

As a result, ordinary income and net income attributable to owners of the parent for full-year 2018 will also be higher than the previous forecast.

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY), a major manufacturer of chemical products, serves a wide range of fields from heavy industry to electronics and computer industries. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial, high-performance and high-purity gases and chemicals for semicon and other industries, and the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory and graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. The Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high-bright LEDs and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

Contact:
Contact: Public Relations Office Phone: 81-3-5470-3235

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

Showa Denko Announces 2Q 2018 Consolidated Financial Results

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TOKYO, Aug 8, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004) today announced its 2Q 2018 consolidated financial results.

- 2018 Second Quarter Consolidated Financial Statements and summary
http://www.sdk.co.jp/assets/files/english/ir/library/fss2018-2q.pdf

The Company also issued the following supporting release:

- SDK Announces Difference between 1H 2018 Forecast and Results, Revises FY 2018 Forecast
www.sdk.co.jp/assets/files/english/news/2018/20180808_sdknewrelease_e.pdf

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY), a major manufacturer of chemical products, serves a wide range of fields from heavy industry to electronics and computer industries. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial, high-performance and high-purity gases and chemicals for semicon and other industries, and the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory and graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. The Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high-bright LEDs and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

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

Coalition to Protect OKD Miners Protests Zdenek Bakala's Hilton Head Estate

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The Coalition has launched protests at controversial Czech billionaire's residence to hold him accountable for perpetrating what they call the "fraud of the century" which in turn gave birth to the Ostrava Housing Crisis

HILTON HEAD, Aug 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Coalition to Protect OKD Miners ("the Coalition"), an organization created to advocate on behalf of Czech coal miners, has launched protests at the Hilton Head, SC estate of Zdenek Bakala. Protesters, dressed as coal miners, descended on Bakala's estate to demand Bakala make amends for his past alleged wrongdoings.

The protest at Bakala's estate marks the fourth such demonstration that the coalition has undertaken in the past week. Previously, the coalition set up rallies outside the M&T Bank branch in New York and M&T Bank Headquarters in Buffalo to protest M&T Bank's role as security agent for a housing fund which has left Czech coal miners at risk of homelessness (via its subsidiary Wilmington Trust) and also outside the Berkshire Hathaway headquarters (as a shareholder of M&T Bank). The main aim of the coalition is to urge a resolution of the Ostrava Housing Crisis.

The coalition accuses Mr. Bakala of cheating workers, taxpayers and investors alike with vast financial scams. Among the most serious of the allegations was that Bakala indirectly purchased the Czech coal company, OKD, from the Czech government at a below-market rate due to corrupt deal-making. OKD was made a subsidiary of New World Resources N.V. ("NWR"), a publicly traded international energy firm which he also controlled at the time.

He subsequently is alleged to have plundered OKD by taking excessive profits and dividends. Numerous investors lost money betting on OKD -- through buying NWR stock -- based on allegedly false promises made by Bakala. When the company started to fail, the Coalition alleges that Bakala swiftly sold off housing units, promised contractually to miners at discounted pricing, to Fondy Bydleni, a Luxembourg housing fund which owns the Czech property firm RESIDOMO and backed by Blackstone and Round Hill Capital. The housing fund has refused to honor the reduced price housing unit contract leaving the coal miners at risk of losing their homes. Moreover, investors in NWR's Initial Public Offering and those who subsequently bought NWR stock on the London and Warsaw exchanges took substantial losses which, according to the coalition, are due to Bakala's purposefully misleading statements to investors and his failure to provide necessary disclosures.

More details and documentation of the aforementioned allegations can be found at the coalition's website www.StopBakala.org.

Bakala is currently facing civil 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 has accused Bakala of attempting to off-shore his assets from the Czech Republic, including his famed Forum Karlin property, to avoid liabilities.

The coalition issued the following statement.

"The Coalition will hold Bakala and those who associate with him accountable for acts of fraud against investors, taxpayers and workers. While his victims suffer, Bakala enjoys the jet-setting lifestyle between his vineyard in South Africa, his villa in Switzerland and his estate in Hilton Head at their expense. We will continue to hold peaceful protests so that Bakala and his associates are reminded of the crimes they have committed and the victims harmed. We will not rest until the stakeholders involved put a solution together to solve Ostrava Housing Crisis and until Bakala is held accountable both civilly and criminally."

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

This press release was issued through EmailWire.Com, a global newswire with press release distribution services. For more information, go to http://www.emailwire.com

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

Trillium Challenges World's Top Hackers to "Pass GO"

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Invites hackers to attack cybersecurity platform during Black Hat 2018 / DEFCON26

Las Vegas-DEFCON, Aug 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Trillium Secure, Inc. (Trillium) the global leader in cybersecurity protection and secure data lifecycle management for vehicles and fleets, today puts out a challenge to the world's top security researchers to hack Trillium SecureGO(TM) in-vehicle network cybersecurity defense.

SecureGO is one component of the company's multi-layered Trillium Secure(TM) subscription service that defends against cyber-attacks and ensures the safety, privacy and integrity of vehicular data throughout its lifecycle. Trillium Secure includes SecureGO (in-vehicle defense), SecureIXS(TM) (firewall defense), SecureOTA(TM) (over-the-air defense) and SecureSKYE(TM) (cloud-based machine learning defense and remote management). Learn more at: https://trilliumsecure.com

"Our engineers and penetration testers attack SecureGO, SecureIXS, SecureOTA and SecureSKYE daily. It is time, once again, to challenge the world's top hackers to penetrate SecureGO's cyber-defense," said David M. Uze, Trillium Secure founder and CEO. "The 'DEFCON26 Pass-GO Challenge' kicks off our quarterly challenge to hack SecureGO. For the latest 'Pass-GO Challenge' instructions, terms and conditions please visit: https://trilliumsecure.com/hackme/

If any security researcher successfully hacks all three layers of the 'DEFCON26 Pass-GO Challenge', Trillium is offering a one week, expenses paid trip to Tokyo. Second and third runners-up will receive cash bounties.

Next quarter's Trillium Pass-GO Hacking Challenge will be announced on October 3, 2018 at https://trilliumsecure.com/media/#blog.

About Trillium Secure, Inc.
Trillium delivers comprehensive cybersecurity protection and secure data lifecycle management for vehicles and fleets. Its Trillium Secure subscription service utilizes multi-layered cybersecurity technology that hardens connected and autonomous vehicles and fleets against cyber-attacks. Trillium also offers an authenticated operational and threat management data solution for fleet vehicles that preserves privacy, confidentiality and anonymity of data while at rest and in motion. Trillium serves fleet operators, rideshare services, automotive manufacturers, aerospace and defense organizations, insurance companies, mobile carriers and telematics integrators with its proprietary multi-layered, patented & patent pending solutions and services. Value-added service providers trust secure, authentic data from Trillium for car sharing, digital forensics, preventive maintenance, telematics, usage-based insurance and other services. Trillium design centers and fleet security operation sites are located in Sunnyvale, Ann Arbor, Ho Chi Minh City and Tokyo. Trillium will open a European design center in the third quarter of this year. For more information visit www.trilliumsecure.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Press Contact: Howard Leyda
Email: Howard.Leyda@TrilliumSecure.com


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

Hi Sun Tech Announces 2018 Interim Results; Adjusted Net Profit Reaches HK$265 Million

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- Adjusted Segmental EBITDA From Payment Processing Solutions Increases 125 %, Maintaining Strong Growth;
- All Segments Continue to Innovate, Steadily Developing an Unparalleled "Payment + Finance" Edge


HONG KONG, Aug 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - A leading payment & finance solutions provider in China - Hi Sun Technology (China) Limited (the "Company"; 818.HK) announced the unaudited condensed consolidated interim results of the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Group") for the six months ended 30 June 2018 (the "Reporting Period").

During the Reporting Period, the consolidated revenue of the Group reached HK$1,945.1 million, representing an increase of 81% when compared with HK$1,075.1 million for the same period last year. The operating profit was HK$28.7 million, a decrease of 79% as compared with HK$138.2 million for the same period last year. Profit for the period was HK$69.8 million, which decreased by 67% when compared with the HK$209.8 million for the same period last year. Basic earnings per share for profit attributable to equity holders of the Company decreased by 71% to HK$0.02.

The Company recorded a one-off gain of approximately HK$63.3 million resulting from the disposal of a subsidiary of the Company in the corresponding period of 2017, and the non-cash share option expenses of approximately HK$195.3 million under the payment processing solutions segment during the Reporting Period. Excluding the above-mentioned one-off financial impacts, the Group's business performance showed a trend for continuous growth. Adjusted segmental EBITDA of the Group's core business was HK$386.8 million, an increase of 124%, compared with HK$172.8 million for the same period last year. Adjusted profit for the period reached HK$265.1 million, representing an increase of 81% when compared with HK$146.6 million for the same period last year.

Paralleled Technical Improvement and Innovative Channel Help Drive Both the Traditional Payment and Fintech Businesses to Record Growth
During the Reporting Period, the Group's payment processing business continued its significant strategic direction of the Group and contributed source of revenue and profit. The Group's segmental revenue and adjusted segmental operating profit achieved growth for three consecutive years, excluding the one-off financial impact. Segmental turnover was HK$1,490.7 million, an increase of 101% compared with HK$742.8 million for the same period last year. Adjusted segmental EBITDA was HK$387.7 million, a 125% increase compared with HK$172.1 million for the same period last year.

The upgraded product features and innovative channels of the Group were stimulated by the continuous advancement in payment technology towards mobilization, intelligence and diversification, together with an increasing demand for payment service from micro merchants. By the end of June 2018, VBill (or "SXF", ) , a subsidiary of the Group primarily engaged in payment processing business, saw the accumulated active domestic merchants in Mainland China over 2.8 million (1H2017: approximately 2 million). During the Reporting Period, the accumulated transaction volume exceeded RMB685 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of over 46%. Monthly transaction volume hit a new high in the second quarter of 2018, exceeding RMB120 billion per month on average.

During the Reporting Period, through its innovative Xinlianmeng channel, the Group entered into contracts with over 500,000 sales personnels in China, which provided strong momentum for the expansion of micro merchants in second and third tier cities, and convincingly to become a significant driving force for the payment processing business to continue to flourish in the second half of 2018.

Additionally, the Group's fintech business has expanded nationwide, with a total loan granted amounted to RMB200 million. Meanwhile, the Group has launched its supply chain financial asset management platform and ascertained common intention to cooperation with a number of banks. The platform enables effective tackling of accounts receivable challenges faced by SMEs in logistics industry with regard to confirming accounts receivable, transfers, financing, etc.

Information Security Chips and Solutions Business Continued to Expand While All Segments Relentlessly Innovated

With financial technology becoming more complex and emerging, the demand for security chips has hit a new high. During the Reporting Period, the Group's Information Security Chips and Solutions business continued to expand. Segmental turnover was HK$173.0 million, during which the sales volume approximated that for the entire year of 2017. Sales of mag-stripe card security decoder chips remained stable, while sales of security micro-controllers increased dramatically. Other research projects are also progressing smoothly, combining with cost reduction initiatives rolled out by the Group to solidify its advantage in the industry.

Hi Sun pursued continuous innovation on its other fundamental businesses. For its Financial Solutions business - to help strengthen its presence in the traditional customer market, such as large state-owned banks, joint stock commercial banks and their overseas sub-branches. Meanwhile, the Group simultaneously invested in two aspects: (1) expanding medium and small-sized customer sectors such as city commercial banks, and (2) exploring the financial services market for non-banking clients. During the period, the Group was successfully shortlisted in certain financial related non-banking clients' IT service provider catalogues. In its platform operation solutions, the Group successfully renewed the operational supporting services contracts with China Mobile including the E-commerce Base, the IVR Base and the Animation Base. In addition, the Group invested various resources in expanding its payment and e-commerce products, and technology services projects. The Group would continue the establishment of market layout and the input of development resources over a short time, thereby extending business scope from the telecommunications industry to new areas including online healthcare, online education, etc.

The Group commented, "With the gradual implementation of regulatory policy for online payments including the disconnection of direct clearing business from the third-party payment companies and banks, as well as the establishment of centralized deposit account by The People's Bank of China, the Group is convinced that the payment industry will return to the business itself, while maintaining rapid growth. In this environment, the Group intends to take an active approach towards its business layout and continue its work to deepen its technological innovation and operational capabilities to consolidate the Group's own industry leading position. The Group will also capture the industry opportunities arising from the "New Regulation" (the Guiding Opinions on Regulating the Asset Management Business of Financial Institutions), and take advantage of the synergies and core technologies in fintech and service industry chain to generate higher returns for its shareholders, clients, and the society."

About Hi Sun Technology (China) Limited
Hi Sun Technology (China) Limited ("Hi Sun Tech," stock code: 818.HK) is a leading integrated solutions provider of payments, finance, and telecommunications in China. Hi Sun Tech is principally engaged in the provision of payment processing solutions, financial solutions, platform operation solutions, as well as sales of information security chips and solutions, and electronic power meters and solutions.

For investor enquiries
Please email to ir@hisun.com.hk

*For identification purpose only


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

Lubrizol Launches Solsperse(TM) W200 Hyperdispersant for Water-Borne Coatings

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CLEVELAND, Ohio, Aug 9, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Lubrizol Corporation announces the commercial availability of Solsperse(TM) W200, a new dispersant from the Solsperse(TM) W-Series family of water-borne dispersant technology.

Solsperse W200 is specifically designed to provide rapid dispersion of organic pigments and high-performance carbon blacks into water-borne coatings systems. Solsperse W200 also brings superior color development to organic pigments and offers outstanding "jetness" in many of the most difficult carbon black pigments.

"Solsperse W200 delivers a step-change in performance when it comes to rapid wetting of organics and carbon blacks, with long term stability and excellent rheology control," shares Dan Latas, global market manager, Lubrizol Performance Coatings. "The time savings in dispersing, ease of flow and the high level of color development offer many benefits to coatings formulators and manufacturers that were previously very challenging, if not unachievable. Initially launched in Europe, Latin America and parts of Asia, Solsperse W200 will soon be available globally."

Solsperse W200 joins Solsperse(TM) W100 and Solsperse(TM) WV400 in the Solsperse W-Series of advanced water-borne dispersants. Each product in the Solsperse W-Series portfolio, which is designed to bring step-change dispersant performance, brings unique benefits for water-borne coatings.

About Lubrizol Performance Coatings

Lubrizol is a market-driven innovator of specialty chemicals that solve today's challenges in the paints and coatings, printing and packaging, paper and textiles, plastics and composites, and digital print markets. More than just a supplier, we are a collaborator with extensive experience in surface protection, dispersion, adhesion, and barrier properties that enables us to enhance the performance, simplicity, and sustainability benefits of our customers' products. With a commitment to collaboration, applied science, and demonstrated value, our team of experts is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations for both the simplest and toughest requirements. Count on Lubrizol to make the difference.

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
Mike Heil
216-447-5176
Website: www.lubrizol.com

###

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

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

MHPS to Participate in Vietnam's Nghi Son-2 Thermal Power Project

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- Order Received for 2 Sets of Steam Turbine Power Generation Systems -

- MHPS to provide equipment for 1,330MW plant in Northern Vietnam
- Order for high-efficiency power generation systems
- Plant due for completion in 2022, will support Vietnam's economic growth

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Aug 9, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) has received an order for two sets of steam turbine power generation systems for Nghi Son-2 thermal power project in Thanh Hoa province, Northern Vietnam, led by Marubeni Corporation and Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO).

The new plant will have a total generation capacity of 1,330 megawatts (MW), and will help to drive Vietnam's economic growth and enhance its global competitiveness. The plant is due to be completed and commence operations in 2022.

Nghi Son-2 is being built in the Nghi Son Economic Zone, approximately 200 kilometers south of Hanoi. The project is operated by a special purpose company jointly financed by Marubeni and KEPCO. MHPS received the new order through Korea's Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction, which has been subcontracted by the special purpose company to carry out engineering and procurement.

For Nghi Son-2 project, MHPS will also provide two generators and ancillary equipment in addition to two high-efficiency steam turbines.

Under Vietnam's Revised Power Development Plan VII (PDP 7), announced by the Government in 2016, the country is planning to build new thermal power plants with a total capacity of approximately 55,000 MW between 2016 and 2030. PDP 7 calls for infrastructure facilities of outstanding quality and environmental protection, with a focus on high-efficiency thermal power plants. The latest order continues the trend and highlights MHPS' strong reputation and proven track record in Vietnam.

Going forward, MHPS will continue to provide thermal power generation systems that respond to Vietnam's robust power demand through MHPS Representative Office in Hanoi. MHPS will contribute to environmental conservation by advancing low-carbon energy with high-efficiency power generation systems.

About Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd.

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

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

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

Sponsors Recommend Novotech for CRO Leadership Award

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CRO Leadership Award
SYDNEY, Aug 9, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Asia-Pacific specialist CRO Novotech has been awarded the "Exceeded Customer Expectations" Award by Life Science Leader magazine based on findings from sponsor companies that utilise outsourcing services. In particular, Novotech was recognised for its local market/regulatory knowledge and for meeting timelines. https://www.croleadershipawards.com/

As part of a 2018 review of the CRO industry from the biopharma perspective, Life Science Leader selected Novotech as a leader in a number of key categories including:
- Local market/regulatory knowledge
- Operational Excellence
- Scientific knowledge
- Therapeutic experience
- Study design expertise
- Responsiveness
- Data quality
- Meeting overall project timelines

According to Life Science Leader:

"The vetting process for selecting outsourcing partners is time consuming and complex.

To support the process, Life Science Leader developed the CRO Leadership Awards in 2012.

We think sponsor company opinions are important and credible - that's why the awards are based on customer feedback.

Winning CROs are chosen through impartial market research based on feedback from sponsor companies that utilize outsourcing services.

Primary market research by Industry Standard Research (ISR) is the basis of the awards.

Sponsors provide ratings of CROs based on recent outsourced projects. This experiential feedback is analyzed by sponsor company size to reveal leading CROs in different performance categories."

Novotech CEO Dr John Moller said he was pleased Novotech was recognised by the industry for its expertise, especially for Asia-Pacific local market/regulatory knowledge.

"Novotech, known as the Asia-Pacific CRO, has offices and teams on the ground as well as MOUs and long-term relationships with major hospitals that directly benefit our clients."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watts Miners Reports Sales Figure over $80 Million for July

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Watts Miners, the latest big name to enter the crypto mining space, has received an encouraging response from the cryptocurrency enthusiasts around the world. The company has recorded a sales volume in excess of $80 Million for the just concluded month of July.

NEW YORK, NY, Aug 9, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Watts Miners (www.wminers.com) is pleased to announce that the company has ended the month of July with an impressive sales volume of more than $80 Million. The company recently entered the global crypto space by launching three highly cost-efficient cryptocurrency mining rigs that have already made a serious impact on the market. Unlike most of its competitors, Watts Miners offers a 100% 'Return-on-Investment' guarantee within a month to all their customers.

Though cryptocurrency mining has become quite popular these days, most of the established miners are built to satisfy the needs of the large mining farms. Watts Miners, on the other hand, have come up with mining rigs that make crypto mining effortless for the common people. Built specifically for residential use, the units come pre-configured and the users can just plug in and start mining.

Within its relatively small lifespan in the market, Watts Miners has already made the heads turn with the extraordinary hash rate power of their miners. Watts Rack, the most powerful miner from the company, is capable of delivering hash rate powers of 1000 TH/s for Bitcoin, 200 GH/s for Litecoin, 28 GH/s for Ethereum, 6.8 TH/s for Dash, and 1200 KH/s for Monero. Coupled with very low power consumption, the power their miners have now become the identity of Watts Miners in the industry.

Watts Miners comprises of a team of experts that have been actively associated to the crypto world since its very early days. The team has worked for months to thoroughly evaluate, prototype, and pressure test their three mining rigs under extreme conditions. These miners have been created utilizing the ASIC chip technology, and can be used to mine Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Monero, and Dash.

Mentioned below are some other key attributes of Watts Miners that have been appreciated by the users.
- Operating Temperature of ten to forty-five degrees centigrade
- Maximum noise level of 45db
- Suitable for living spaces because of the low noise level
- Durability of more than 70,000 hours of working
- High level of safety
- Delivery and custom fees covered by the seller

"Our experts have spent months to perfect our products and their efforts are now paying off," said a senior spokesperson from Watts Miners. "We have ended July with sales worth more than $80 Million and hope this figure will only go up in the months to come."

To find out more about Watts Miners and their advanced range of products, please visit https://wminers.com/products/

About Watts Miners: Watts Miners is a manufacturer of high-quality cryptocurrency miners that deliver extremely high hash power without consuming a lot of power. Their team comprises of several top-level professionals from renowned organizations such as Samsung, Microsoft, IBM, and many others. Headquartered in New York, the company currently has manufacturing facilities in USA, Germany, China and Russia.

Contact:
Website: http://www.wminers.com/
Email: info@wminers.com

This press release was issued through EmailWire.com - a global newswire with press release distribution services. For more information, go to http://www.emailwire.com.

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

Lubrizol Introduces Solsperse(TM) W300 Hyperdispersant For Water-Borne Construction Coatings

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CLEVELAND, Ohio, Aug 9, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Lubrizol Corporation announces the commercial availability of Solsperse(TM) W300 water-borne hyperdispersant for use in performance coatings for building and construction applications.

Solsperse W300 is an APE-free polymeric dispersant, specifically recommended for the dispersion of inorganic pigments and fillers in highly-filled white roof coatings, waterproofing coatings and tint bases used in the building and construction market. Its broad compatibility with various resins and fillers gives formulators the flexibility to optimize and enhance final coating performance.

"Solsperse W300 provides formulators the freedom to enhance coating performance for critical roofing and waterproofing applications without the concern of compatibility, formula stability and dispersion efficiency," shares Pete Donati, segment manager, Lubrizol Performance Coatings.

Solsperse W300 delivers typical dispersant requirements such as excellent dispersion, colorant compatibility, opacity and stable viscosity. In addition, the unique chemistry of Solsperse W300 has less impact on film properties, especially water resistance, making it ideal for use in roofing and waterproofing coatings.

Solsperse W300 joins Solsperse(TM) W100, Solsperse(TM) W200 and Solsperse(TM) WV400 in the Solsperse W-Series of advanced water-borne dispersants. Each product in the Solsperse W-Series portfolio, which is designed to bring step-change dispersant performance, brings unique benefits for water-borne coatings.

About Lubrizol Performance Coatings

Lubrizol is a market-driven innovator of specialty chemicals that solve today's challenges in the paints and coatings, printing and packaging, paper and textiles, plastics and composites, and digital print markets. More than just a supplier, we are a collaborator with extensive experience in surface protection, dispersion, adhesion, and barrier properties that enables us to enhance the performance, simplicity, and sustainability benefits of our customers' products. With a commitment to collaboration, applied science, and demonstrated value, our team of experts is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations for both the simplest and toughest requirements. Count on Lubrizol to make the difference.

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
Mike Heil
216-447-5176
Website: www.lubrizol.com

###

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

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

Toyota Kicks-off Fifth Leg of '5 Continents Drive' to learn from African roads with goal of making 'Ever-better Cars'

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Toyota City, Japan, Aug 9, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - In late August, Toyota will kick off the fifth leg of the 5 Continents Drive Project(1) in Africa, the fourth continent in the project. Following Australia in 2014, the Americas(2) in 2015 and 2016, and Europe in 2017, this year project members will head to Africa, which boasts the second largest surface area and population of any continent in the world.

This time, members from SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION, Hino Motors Ltd., and TOYOTA AUTO BODY Co., Ltd. will also join the project. By experiencing the unique culture, climate, and harsh conditions in which vehicles are used, the project seeks to enable participants to better understand customer needs, and to consider what sort of cars will be most suited to the Africa of tomorrow.

Message from Akio Toyoda (Toyota Motor Corporation President):

"Our 5 Continents Drive Project was born from the idea that, 'in order to make ever-better cars, we need to better understand the world's roads.'

Since the project commenced in 2014, 480 employees have driven for 350 days over 89,000 kilometers across three continents: Australia, the Americas (both North and South America), and Europe.

Team members of the 5 Continents Drive Project left their usual work behind and, taking hold of the steering wheels themselves, 'conversed' with a variety of different roads around the world. At times, these included roads in severe natural environments.

The members then returned to their workplaces with a vast amount of newly acquired real world knowledge, continuing to pursue the question: "How can we make ever-better cars that will put a smile on the faces of our customers?" This project has increased the number of such colleagues, and I have great hopes for them.

This year, we embark on the challenge presented by African roads. I have previously felt when driving across Africa, cars are not merely a means of transport; instead, they are indispensable to both enable people to go about their daily routines and also protect their lives. What type of "cherished vehicle" do people genuinely desire? What sort of happiness do cars give them?

Every day, as the team members square their focus on handling African roads and vehicles, they will consider in what ways--and to what extent--cars are necessary. I have great hopes that they will discover first-hand the power that cars possess, and return home with new discoveries about making ever-better cars.

For this stage of the 5 Continents Drive, we welcome members from Suzuki, Hino, and Toyota Auto Body to drive the African continent with us. Each company has its own field of specialty, developed over a number of years. Driving the same roads and confronting the difficulties as a united team, we will be able to learn things we never knew from each other--and I believe that this will enable us to more fully understand the roads of Africa.

I want to create ever-better cars. I want to ensure that cars are fun and loved. My wish is that members who share these ambitions will learn a great deal on African roads, and return safe and sound.

It excites me to think that we will then proceed on the path to creating ever-better cars together."

Akio Toyoda, President, Toyota Motor Corporation

(1) The 5 Continents Drive is being carried out under the umbrella of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. Toyota employees from Japan and local affiliates take the wheels of the cars themselves and drive the roads used daily by our customers, with the aim of developing human resources that can flourish in the making of "ever-better cars". The project sees the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 as a milestone, and will endeavor to continue its activities until this major event takes place.
(2) For the purpose of the 5 Continents Drive Project, North America and Latin America are categorized as one continent ("the Americas").

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

WARC Media Awards 2018 - Final juries named

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- Best use of data
- Effective use of tech
- Effective use of partnerships & sponsorships

LONDON, Aug 9, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - WARC, the global authority on advertising and media effectiveness, has named the final three judging panels for its Media Awards 2018, an international awards scheme that rewards communications planning which has made a positive impact on business results.

Now in its third year, this case study competition examines the insight, strategy and analytics that power effective media investment. All jury panels are made-up of senior industry executives from both the client-side and agency-side.

The Best Use of Data category recognises the role of data in an effective communications strategy and will be led by Nicole Kane, Global Media Director, McDonald's who oversees the company's global partnerships, strategy, and agency relationships.

Returning as jury chair, Nicole says: "I'm excited to chair this group for the second year in a row, as all of us are working to understand how we can better use data to fuel insights. Based on the high calibre, and wide range of experience of my fellow judges, I anticipate great debate on this year's award submissions."

The Effective Use of Tech category rewards communications that have effectively used or combined emerging platforms or technology in the media mix. This year, it will be chaired by Andres Polo, Vice President, Digital Marketing, Visa, Latin America and the Caribbean Region. Andres is responsible for driving the evolution of global consumer digital, social media and mobile strategies.

The Effective Use of Partnerships & Sponsorships category looks for how collaborations with third parties, including native advertising and sponsorships, have helped brands meet business goals. It will be chaired by Jerry Daykin, Head of Global Digital Media Partnerships, Diageo. He comments: "For me the WARC Media Awards strike an important balance of truly celebrating the rich creative possibilities of media, but doing so with a clear view to how that creativity is driving effectiveness and business results."

The jury members are:

Best use of data jury

- Nicole Kane - Global Media Director, McDonald's - jury chair
- Marco Bertozzi - VP of Sales Europe, Spotify
- Lars Bjorge - EVP, Head of Acquisition, TBWA\Asia
- Youmna Borghol - Head of Data, Choueiri Group
- Nnamdi David - Media Strategy Director, MullenLowe Mediahub
- Paul de la Nougerede - Commercial Product Director, Telegraph Media Group
- Ian Forrester - Global SVP of Insight and Solutions, Unruly
- Saskia Jones - Data Strategy Director, BBH London
- Rachel Kennedy - Professor of Marketing Science and Associate Director (Product Development), Ehrenberg-Bass Institute
- Belinda Lush - Group Strategy Director, Colenso BBDO
- Nikki Mendonca - Global President, Accenture Interactive Operations
- Nick Pugh - Head of Effectiveness, Ebiquity
- Ollie Shayer - Manager, Global Media Strategy and Planning Team, Booking.com
- Charli Ursell - Senior Director of Digital Planning & Data, PHD UAE

Effective use of tech jury

- Andres Polo - VP, Digital Marketing, Visa, Latin America & Caribbean Region - jury chair
- Winston Binch - Chief Digital Officer, Deutsch North America
- Bohb Blair - Global Chief Experience Officer, Starcom
- Andrea Chiapponi - Chief Commercial Officer B.U. Large Accounts, Italiaonline
- Matthias Eylers - Strategy Director & Partner, +KNAUSS
- Michael Lee - Chief Strategy Officer, VCCP
- Helen Lin - President, Digital Investment & Global Partnerships, Publicis Media
- Allan McLoughlinm - Chief Strategy Officer, Mekanism
- Matt Prentis - Group Innovation Director, PHD Global Business
- Ben Sutherland - Chief Digital Officer, Diageo
- Jeremy Sy - Partner, Southeast Asia & Global Practice Lead, Innovation, Kantar Consulting
- Stephen Tompkins - Vice President, Media Activation, APAC, Essence
- Sonja Wessel - Senior Manager of International Market Communications, Deutsche Telekom

Effective use of partnerships & sponsorships jury

- Jerry Daykin - Head of Global Digital Media Partnerships, Diageo - jury chair
- Laurel Boyd - SVP and Director of the R+D Lab, MullenLowe Mediahub
- Nick Burcher - Director of Digital, MediaCom
- Garry Dods - Founder & MD, WeAreFearless
- Samantha L. Fay - Senior Vice President, Global Brand Strategy, Guinness World Records
- Rhian Mason - Content Strategy Director, IPG Mediabrands
- Hannah Mirza - Global Head of Partnerships, MediaCom
- David Robertson - Senior Director, Global Brand Insight, Universal Music Group
- Simon Sassine - Senior Manager, Marketing Subsidiaries & Special Projects, Qatar Airways Connections Strategy Director, Huge
- Leigh Thomas - Director, Global Accounts Team, Facebook
- Dallas Wiles - Chief Commercial Officer, JCDecaux

Full biographies are available on www.warc.com/MediaAwards/data-judges.info#nicole-kane alongside the Effective Channel Integration jury, which has already been announced.

The WARC Media Awards are free to enter and are discipline-neutral and channel-agnostic. Papers submitted as effectiveness case studies are welcomed from any territory and communications discipline.

The winners of the Grands Prix and Special Awards across all four categories of WARC's Media Awards - Effective Channel Integration, Effective Use of Tech, Best Use of Data, and Effective Use of Partnerships & Sponsorships - will share a prize fund of $40,000.

The closing date for entries is 19 September 2018. More information and details about how to enter can be found on www.warc.com/mediaawards.prize

About jury chair - Best Use of Data category:

Nicole Kane, Global Media Director, McDonald's
Nicole oversees global partnerships, strategy, and agency relationships. An omnichannel strategist inspired by data, she has worked at global media agencies such as OMD and Starcom across CPG, QSR, Retail, Technology, and Travel. In 2014, she forecasted the role data and analytics would play transforming the marketing landscape and went to Civis Analytics to further hone her people-based marketing capabilities. She's been at McDonald's for three years and is excited to help McDonald's make delicious feel good moments easy for everyone.

About jury chair - Effective Use of Tech category:

Andres Polo, VP, Digital Marketing, Visa, Latin America and Caribbean Region
Andres is responsible for driving the evolution of global consumer digital, social media and mobile strategies. He also leads the cross functional collaboration among global, regional and country marketing teams with key internal stakeholders (IT, legal, products, sponsorships and corporate communications) and external audiences such as media and other relevant influencers.

About jury chair - Effective Use of Partnerships & Sponsorships category:

Jerry Daykin, Head of Global Digital Media Partnerships, Diageo
Jerry was appointed to lead and strengthen Diageo's relationships with a range of key global media partners, joining their global digital centre of excellence and supporting their wider digital transformation drive. Prior to that Jerry was leading global partnerships agency-side at Carat, working with a number of clients but in particular the Cadbury/Mondelez business where he previously led social media marketing on the client side. He's a regular writer and blogger with contributions to WARC, The Drum, The Guardian and his own active LinkedIn blog which aims to bring some Digital Sense back to marketing discussions.

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

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

JCPenney Launches Baby Shops in 500 Stores

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Retailer expands baby categories and assortment to capture available market share

Plano, TX, Aug 9, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - As one of the leading destinations for baby apparel, JCPenney [NYSE: JCP] is expanding its baby selection to reflect new merchandise categories that will help parents shop for their bundle of joy in one convenient location. The Company has historically offered cribs, high chairs, strollers and car seats at JCPenney.com, however shoppers will soon find these items in 500 JCPenney stores starting Aug. 30, along with bottles, pacifiers, diaper bags, bouncer seats and activity centers from respected brands including Avent(R), Graco(R), Fisher Price(R), Dr. Brown's(R), Tommee Tippee(R) and Halo(R).

"The baby care business is expected to reach over $13 billion by 2021* and we are seizing this opportunity to pursue available market share and aggressively go after the baby customer with these new shops," said James Starke, senior vice president and head of merchandising for JCPenney. "We've strategically chosen these 500 JCPenney locations because the majority of the stores are near a specialty baby retailer that has recently closed its doors."

The new shops will feature updated graphics and signage and will be located adjacent to baby apparel, featuring an expanded assortment of Carter's(R) clothing along with Gerber(R) and Okie Dokie(R) playwear and sleepwear. Most of the product displayed will be stocked at the store so parents can take home their new car seat, stroller, swing or activity center the same day. Nursery furniture such as cribs and crib mattresses are available to take home the same day in select stores, while the remaining stores will arrange to have those purchases shipped directly to the customer's home. Coordinating dressers, changing tables and gliders are available at JCPenney.com.

The baby shops inside JCPenney will also feature an expanded Okie Dokie assortment with new product categories from the popular JCPenney private brand. Earlier this year, Okie Dokie baby apparel debuted a major design refresh boasting playful patterns, modern looks, chic details and easy-to-style outfits for kids and babies. Along with items from top brands such as Carter's and Nojo(R), parents can now outfit their little one's nursery with coordinating Okie Dokie crib sheets, bed skirts, blankets, accessories, gift items and more - all featuring the same fresh, on-trend aesthetic as the new playwear.

"JCPenney appreciates the importance of having a broad assortment of baby products online but we also know that there are certain items that parents - especially first-time parents - want to see in person. They want to test out the stroller, feel the crib sheets and compare bottle sizes in person. Our competition is underestimating the importance of a physical in-store baby shop and that is where JCPenney is going to differentiate," added Starke.

The new baby shops will launch just in time for the retailer's annual "Baby Sale" later this month and will be promoted via a dedicated 12-page direct mail piece, showcasing the new baby product categories available in JCPenney stores. Customers can continue to find an even larger selection of baby products at JCPenney.com along with maternity wear, nursing bras and more.

For current store images of the new baby shops, please visit: https://bit.ly/2OUwla0

*Statista https://bit.ly/2Mf7Upn

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

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

###

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

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

Notification of Transactions by Managers and Their Closely Associated Persons

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Helsinki, Finland, Aug 9, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Rapala VMC Corporation
Managers' transactions
August 9, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
NOTIFICATION OF TRANSACTIONS BY MANAGERS AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS

Notification under the EU Market Abuse Regulation, article 19

Person subject to the notification requirement
Name: d'Alancon Audemard, Louis
Position: Board member/ deputy member

Issuer
Name: Rapala VMC Corporation
LEI: 7437009TB42O2AB3JW91

Initial notification
Reference number: 7437009TB42O2AB3JW91_20180809113453_3

Transaction details
Transaction date: 2018-08-06
Venue: NASDAQ HELSINKI LTD (XHEL)
Instrument: Share
ISIN: FI0009007355
Nature of the transaction: Acquisition
Volume: 652
Unit price: 3.70000
Volume: 348
Unit price: 3.69000
Aggregated transactions
Volume: 1 000
Volume weighted average price: 3.69652

Transaction date: 2018-08-07
Venue: NASDAQ HELSINKI LTD (XHEL)
Instrument: Share
ISIN: FI0009007355
Nature of the transaction: Acquisition
Volume: 230
Unit price: 3.68000
Aggregated transactions
Volume: 230
Volume weighted average price: 3.68000

Transaction date: 2018-08-08
Venue: NASDAQ HELSINKI LTD (XHEL)
Instrument: Share
ISIN: FI0009007355
Nature of the transaction: Acquisition
Volume: 770
Unit price: 3.68000
Volume: 200
Unit price: 3.70000
Aggregated transactions
Volume: 970
Volume weighted average price: 3.68412

For further information, please contact: Company Counsel, Olli Aho, tel. +358 9 7562 540

Distribution: NASDAQ Helsinki and Main Media

Rapala VMC Corporation ("the Group") is a leading fishing tackle company and the global market leader in fishing lures, treble hooks and fishing related knives and tools. The Group also has a strong global position in other fishing categories and it is one of the leading distributors of outdoor, hunting and winter sport products in the Nordic countries. The Group has the largest distribution network in the industry. The main manufacturing facilities are located in Finland, France, Estonia, Russia, Indonesia and the UK. The Group brand portfolio includes the leading brand in the industry, Rapala, and other global brands like VMC, Sufix, Storm, Blue Fox, Luhr Jensen, Williamson, Dynamite Baits, Mora Ice, StrikeMaster, Marttiini and Peltonen. The Group, with net sales of EUR 253 million in 2017, employs some 2,600 people in 42 countries. Rapala VMC Corporation's share is listed and traded on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange since 1998.

Attachment
Rapala VMC Corporation Managers' transactions August, 9 2018
https://bit.ly/2nrEKFn

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

Fujitsu Successfully Triples the Output Power of Gallium-Nitride Transistors

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Figure 1: The mechanism of crystal damage and the newly developed crystal structure
Figure 2: Newly developed GaN HEMT transistor structure and a comparison of output power against conventional technology
Expands radar observation range by 2.3 times

TOKYO, Aug 10, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. today announced that they have developed a crystal structure that both increases current and voltage in gallium-nitride (GaN)(1) high electron mobility transistors (HEMT)(2), effectively tripling the output power of transistors used for transmitters in the microwave band. The GaN HEMT technology can serve as a power amplifier for equipment such as weather radar - by applying the developed technology to this area, it is expected that the observation range of the radar will be expanded by 2.3 times, enabling early detection of cumulonimbus clouds that can develop into torrential rainstorms.

To expand the observation range of equipment like radar, it is essential to increase the output power of the transistors used in power amplifiers. With conventional technology, however, applying high voltage could easily damage the crystals that compose a transistor. Therefore, it was technically difficult to increase current and voltage simultaneously, which is required to realize high-output power GaN HEMTs.

Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories have now developed a crystal structure that improves operating voltage by dispersing the applied voltage to the transistor, and thereby prevents crystal damage (patent pending). This technology has enabled Fujitsu to successfully achieve the world's highest power density at 19.9 watts per millimeter of gate width for GaN HEMT employing indium-aluminum-gallium nitride (InAlGaN) barrier layer.

This research was partially supported by Innovative Science and Technology Initiative for Security, established by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) of the Japanese Ministry of Defense.

Details of this technology will be announced at the International Symposium on Growth of III-Nitrides (ISGN-7), an international conference about nitride semiconductor crystal growth, held in Warsaw, Poland, from August 5-10.

Development Background

In recent years, GaN HEMTs have been widely used as high-frequency power amplifiers in long-distance radio wave applications, such as radars and wireless communications. It is also expected that they will be used for weather radars to accurately observe localized torrential rainfall, as well as in millimeter-waveband wireless communications for fifth-generation mobile communications (5G). The outreach of microwaves from the microwave and millimeter-wave bands used for radar and wireless communications can be extended by increasing the output power of the high-frequency GaN HEMT power amplifiers used for transmitter. This allows for expanded radar observation range as well as longer distance and higher capacity communications.

Fujitsu Laboratories has been conducting research on GaN HEMTs since the early 2000's, and currently provides the aluminum-gallium nitride (AlGaN) HEMTs used in a variety of areas(3). Recently, Fujitsu Laboratories has been conducting research on indium-aluminum-gallium nitride (InAlGaN) HEMTs as a new generation GaN HEMT technology, which enables high current operation as high-density electrons become available. Accordingly, Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories have developed a crystal structure that achieves both high current and high voltage simultaneously.

Issues

In order to improve the output power of a transistor, it is required to realize both high current and high voltage operation. Research is ongoing for indium-aluminum-gallium nitride (InAlGaN) HEMTs for the next generation GaN HEMT that would contribute to increased current, as InAlGaN HEMTs can increase electron density within the transistor. When high voltage is applied, however, an excessive amount of voltage becomes concentrated on a part of the electron supply layer, damaging the crystals within transistors. Consequently, these transistors had a serious issue whereby their operating voltage could not be increased (Figure 1).

About the Newly Developed Technology

Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories have succeeded in developing a transistor that can provide both high current and high voltage by inserting a high-resistance AlGaN spacer layer between the electron supply layer and the electron channel layer.

For conventional InAlGaN HEMTs, all of the applied voltage between the gate and drain electrodes were applied to the electron supply layer, and numerous electrons having high kinetic energy were generated in the electron supply layer. Subsequently, these electrons would violently strike the atoms which compose the crystal structure, causing damage. As a result of this phenomenon, there was a limit to the maximum operating voltage of the transistor.

By inserting the newly developed high-resistant AlGaN spacer layer, the voltage within the transistor can be dispersed across both the electron supply layer and the AlGaN spacer layer. By mitigating the concentration of voltage, the kinetic energy increase of the electrons within the crystal is suppressed and damage to the electron supply layer can be prevented, leading to an improved operating voltage of up to 100 volts. This operation voltage corresponds to over 300,000 volts if the distance between the source electrode and gate electrode is one centimeter.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuGalliumNitrideTransistors1.jpg
Figure 1: The mechanism of crystal damage and the newly developed crystal structure

Effects

By inserting this newly developed AlGaN spacer layer in InAlGaN HEMTs, Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories have achieved both high current and high voltage operation, which was conventionally difficult to achieve. Furthermore, by applying the single-crystal diamond substrate bonding technology(4) Fujitsu developed in 2017, the heat generation within the transistor can be efficiently dissipated through diamond substrate, enabling stable operations. When GaN HEMTs with this crystal structure were measured in actual tests, they successfully achieved the world's highest output power of 19.9 watts per millimeter of gate width, which is three times higher than the output power of conventional AlGaN/GaN HEMTs.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuGalliumNitrideTransistors2.jpg
Figure 2: Newly developed GaN HEMT transistor structure and a comparison of output power against conventional technology

Future Plans

Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories will conduct an evaluation of the heat resistance and output performance of GaN HEMT power amplifiers using this technology, with the goal of commercializing high output power, high frequency GaN HEMT power amplifiers for use in applications such as radar systems, including weather radar, and 5G wireless communication systems by fiscal 2020.

(1) Gallium nitride (GaN)
A wide band-gap semiconductor material that features a higher breakdown-voltage (threshold) than conventional semiconductor materials, such as silicon (Si)- or gallium-arsenide (GaAs).
(2) High electron mobility transistor (HEMT)
A field-effect transistor that takes advantage of operation of the electron layer at the boundary between different semiconductor materials that is relatively rapid compared to that within conventional semiconductors. Fujitsu led the industry with its development of HEMT technology in 1980, and the technology now underpins much of today's fundamental IT infrastructure, including satellite transceivers, wireless equipment, GPS-based navigation systems, and broadband wireless networking systems.
(3) Currently provides the aluminum-gallium nitride (AlGaN) HEMTs used in a variety of areas
Globally, Fujitsu has filed for approximately 900 patent applications related to GaN HEMT.
(4) Single-crystal diamond substrate bonding technology

About Fujitsu Laboratories

Founded in 1968 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. is one of the premier research centers in the world. With a global network of laboratories in Japan, China, the United States and Europe, the organization conducts a wide range of basic and applied research in the areas of Next-generation Services, Computer Servers, Networks, Electronic Devices and Advanced Materials. For more information, please see: http://www.fujitsu.com/jp/group/labs/en/.

About Fujitsu Ltd

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

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

Contact:
Fujitsu Limited Public and Investor Relations Tel: +81-3-3215-5259 URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

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

ShareInvestor.com-The Executive Talk: Do Day Dream PCL (SET:DDD)

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BANGKOK, Aug 10, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Do Day Dream PCL (SET:DDD) Chief Financial Officer, Khun Piyawat Ratchapolsitte discusses the company's strategy and outlook in The Executive Talk (TET) by ShareInvestor.com.

TET: Please explain the history of DDD.

DDD: The founder, Dr. Sarawut Pornpatanark had a desire to do something different from the family business and launched DDD in 2010. Initially we were focused on OEM manufacturing for smaller domestic brands that were focused on selling on the internet and throughout social networks. We took this period to gather experience before launching our own brand, Namulife Snail White, in 2013.

The first product was the facial moisturising cream and we were marketing and selling the product via online channels such as Facebook, Instagram and Line. Even though we started small, in our first year we achieved THB 90 million in sales. What we noticed from our experience doing OEM manufacturing was that some of our customers at one point were popular but subsequently disappeared after three to six months and so we targeted to become more mainstream. This step was taken in 2014 by expanding to modern trade channel such as Boots, Watson and sales have been impressive and our product is still the best selling facial moisturiser in Watsons for four consecutive years.

TET: Please explain DDD's business model today.

DDD: From this we gradually expanded our product line as we want our brand to be in every step of our customers self-nourishment, thus we launched body lotion, facial cleaners, facial sheet mask, shower scream and sun cream covering five product categories which accounts for 80% of the market. Our aim is to launch three to four new products each year which will drive our sales. Our brand is positioned as a premium mass brand for urban mid to upper income and our customers today are women who are urban, first jobbers and our target is to become the core step of nourishment for our customers. We design and manufacture the products in house with our own research and development team.

Our long term aim is to become larger in Thailand's market landscape and to be the leading company. In order to achieve this one brand is not sufficient because it cannot be the answer for all customers. Snail White currently answers the questions for our female customers but not the male customers nor the mass market. Instead of diluting the Snail White brand new we will be developing new brands or acquiring existing wants so that we will have an encompassing brand portfolio to answer the questions for all customers.

TET: How do you communicate to customers?

DDD: Currently our target customers are females, middle income, first jobbers in the age range of 25 to 35. They have a desire to move up from using mass brands to a more premium mass brand. In the first two years everything was online because it was the most effective way to reach our customers. If you remember, at the time snail secretion was a very new concept to the market and we had to spend a lot of time educating people the benefits of this ingredient. Utilising the online platforms was the most cost effective marketing strategy because then the celebrities did not charge of reviews, this has changed now, but we still find it to be a very useful channel.

As the company became more mainstream we expanded our marketing efforts to make the brand more mainstream and began utilising the Out-Of-Home Media. Because our target customers are working in offices and most likely have to travel two hours in their cars everyday, we focused on billboards along the tollways and the other key success factor from this is that we are able to capture the inbound tourists as well. We utilise both OOH Media within the city and on the way to the city from the airport, and within the airport itself. When you arrive in Bangkok you will see our our signboard which intrigues the travelers, and as they travel to the city there will be another billboard, and when they visit one of the modern trade stores within the city they may purchase our products and become long term customers.

TET: How will DDD expand into other markets in the region?

DDD: We had positive news earlier this year as China's FDA (CFDA) approved three products for mainstream distribution and we hope to have a total of ten products approved. This opens doors for us in China however we understand that there will be difficulties because the market size is 20x bigger than Thailand and we will have to focus on where our customers are because if one were to expand nationwide the costs related to listing fees and marketing would be incredibly high.

The more tangible option is to target inbound tourists to Thailand of which 30 million are from China. We estimate that 20% of our sales in Thailand is to tourists and this is still a small figure, and we believe that Thailand can still capture additional benefits from Chinese tourists. So we still see the market opportunity to continue growing. Also there are opportunities with other countries in the region and we are exploring them and have to ensure that our products are adapted to the local market preferences in each respective market.

TET: Will DDD look to expand with new products and/or acquisitions?

DDD: In order for us to achieve our plan of being in every persons household requires both organic and inorganic growth. Organically we will expand our product lines at a rate of three to four new products per year in Thailand and throughout the region. Last year we launched a sachet format of 7ml packs to begin selling in the convenience stores such as 7-11, Family Mart, Tesco Express and sales have again been impressive. So by doing the smaller product at a cheaper price point has proven to be effective. Inorganically we will look for acquisitions such as the recent acquisition of Oxe'Cure which gives DDD a foothold in the dermatological premium mass market segment. This provides us with multiple advantages with a wider product coverage, leveraging our distribution network, utilising our factory capacity and access to a fast growing market segment.

Our viewpoint with acquisitions is that they have to complement and add to our portfolio but to also ensure that the additions remain independent with their own message to the market. In the end the decisions will naturally depend upon the return to shareholders because if we can build a brand ourselves at a better return then we shall.

TET: What differentiates DDD from its competitors?

DDD: As a company we are local players and understand the local market very well, we do not believe that there is a one single formula for every person. Global players utilise one formula and sell their products throughout the world, but as a smaller player with deep knowledge, for us to be successful we ensure that our products match our customer preferences.

For example, snail secretion products were initially brought into Thailand via Korean brands, but Korea's climate is very different from Thailand, the air is colder and dryer and thus when women applied their product, perhaps within five minutes from walking outside it may feel sticky and oil. So we solved this problem with our products by making the product lighter and improved the absorption whilst keeping the benefits of the snail secretion.

TET: What misperception may investors have about DDD?

DDD: In the first quarter of 2018 our revenues grew 5% and profits grew 80%. The market may not be satisfied with the topline growth but we still maintain our targets of 30% revenue growth for the full year. But this does not happen upon a quarterly basis as it depends upon the launch timings of our new products, towards the end to the first quarter we launched Snailwhite Gold and that positively impacted revenue and it should last throughout the year and as we launch additional products throughout the year we expect for our targets to be achieved.

Another may be the emphasis placed upon the China market, yes it has a lot of potential, but we are still a small company and there is still a huge growth opportunity within Thailand itself. Right now we have 8 products while the market leader has 80, so in terms of product variety with our current strategy of launching new products annually we can close the gap with the market leader.

Finally, last year we had minimal distribution in the traditional trade market which has an estimated 400,000 stores nationwide. Our aim is to increase this from 0% to 5% of the market with our latest product launch, the 7ml sachet, and collaboration with Sino-Pacific for distribution.

TET: What are the biggest risks facing your business?

DDD: Domestically we are performing very well, however expanding internationally will have its own sets of challenges and unknowns. In China we already have the CFDA approval but we are looking for the right distributor, and throughout other countries in the region we will have to find strong partners and minimise the risks associated with these partnerships to ensure the long term success of DDD. Also in regards to Magic Skin, there has been no impact to us domestically but the news has made wholesalers and international customers wary on purchasing products from Thailand.

TET: Where do you see DDD in five years from now?

DDD: We aim to be the number one in Thailand, especially in the facial market, and to expand our products and brands to truly become a multi-brand multi-product company covering all market segments. We are still a young company and will continue to be compact and dynamic to the market needs and gaining market share in Thailand which is still a large home market for us.

About The Executive Talk Interview Series

The Executive Talk Interview Series is presented by ShareInvestor, Asia's leading financial internet media and technology company, the largest investor relations network in the region.
To learn more, please visit www.ShareInvestorThailand.com.
For enquiries, please email admin.th@shareinvestor.com.


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

Toyota Yaris WRC Returns to Asphalt Roads in Germany

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Yaris WRC Car 8
Rallye Deutschland: Preview

Toyota City, Japan, Aug 10, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Following on from victory on its home gravel roads of Finland, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team travels to Germany with the aim of another strong performance on the varied asphalt stages of Rallye Deutschland (August 16-19). This is the first event on asphalt since Corsica in April, providing drivers Jari-Matti Latvala, Ott Tanak and Esapekka Lappi with the chance to demonstrate the continuing progress of the Toyota Yaris WRC.

The terrain on Rallye Deutschland is so diverse that it can be considered as three asphalt rallies in one: the twisting roads through the vineyards overlooking the Mosel river close to Trier, the fearsome Baumholder military training area with many different challenging surfaces, and the fast and narrow country lanes around the service park at the Bostalsee lake in the Saarland region. Tyre choice and car set-up can be further complicated by the often changeable weather conditions.

This year, the town of St Wendel hosts the start and the finish of the rally, including a super special stage to begin the event on Thursday evening. Friday begins with two stages around the vineyards before a spectator stage on the way back to the service park, with all three stages repeated in the afternoon. There are eight stages on Saturday, combining the famed Panzerplatte tracks on Baumholder with country lanes to the south. Sunday begins with a return to the vineyards for two runs over Grafschaft followed by the Bosenberg Power Stage close to the finish.

Quotes

Tommi Makinen (Team Principal)
"We go to Rallye Deutschland with a good feeling. I believe that our pre-event test went very well. Generally, the Yaris WRC has shown good performance on asphalt so far, and we hope to continue that progress on this rally. Using the experience that we gained last year, there are things we have been able to improve in certain areas. Ott won in Germany last year so we know that he can be strong there, while both Jari-Matti and Esapekka won stages for us. As both of them found last year when they had punctures, the Baumholder roads can be very tough. Some other stages can be quite narrow and with dirt on the surface, it can be easy to make mistakes."

Jari-Matti Latvala (Driver car 7)
"After Rally Finland I am feeling relaxed and I have a good feeling about Rallye Deutschland. I hope we can continue where we left off and maintain a good rhythm until the end of the year. I think our car should be good in Germany: last year we were already quite competitive there. I really enjoy the small country roads through the fields, which are narrow but fast, and the military area which also has some nice sections. We just have to be prepared for everything when it comes to the weather, because it can be very changeable."

Ott Tanak (Driver car 8)
"We will go to Germany with a high target after our win in Finland. I want to take it event-by-event, try to get the maximum out of each rally and see whether we can get back into the championship fight. I enjoy Germany every year. I like the challenge of having many different kind of roads. We will need to keep an eye on the weather because when I won the rally last year, the tyre choice made a big difference. The Yaris WRC has been performing pretty well on asphalt so I hope we will have everything we need to fight for the top. We are feeling confident."

Esapekka Lappi (Driver car 9)
"Rallye Deutschland is always such a challenging rally. Usually there is some rain and you often get different conditions during each day. This can make things tricky because there is a lot of corner-cutting and a lot of dirt on the road. It has been difficult for me in the past, but I actually really like the challenge. I'm looking forward to being back on asphalt, too. In Corsica we achieved a nice setup with the car and the speed was good. Germany is quite a different rally but hopefully we can repeat that."

What happened last year?
Juho Hanninen finished one place away from the podium in fourth place for Toyota after taking two stage wins on a rally he had not competed on for six years. This including winning the notorious Panzerplatte stage, the longest of the rally. Jari-Matti Latvala also took two stage wins and finished in seventh place, while Esapekka Lappi finished a tough event with a stage win of his own on the final day.

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

Neo Telemedia Announces 2018 Interim Results

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Turnover Surges by 397.9% to HK$1.45 Billion Against Same Period Last Year

HONG KONG, Aug 10, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Neo Telemedia Limited ("Neo Telemedia" or the "Company;" stock code: 8167, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2018.

During the period under review, benefiting from the substantial growth of trading of telecommunication products business, the Group's turnover surged by approximately 397.9% year-on-year to HK$1,452,139,000. Gross profit improved by 81.8% to HK$141,845,000 compared with same period last year. Profit attributable to owners of the Company was HK$9,483,000, while basic earnings per share were HK 0.1 cents.

On quarterly basis, the Group's turnover was HK$835,696,000 for the three months ended 30 June 2018, representing a year-on-year increase of 480.5%. Gross profit and profit attributable to owners of the Company were HK$87,447,000 and HK$18,361,000, respectively.

The Group is committed to maintaining all its financial indicators at a healthy and reasonable level. As at 30 June 2018, the Group had cash and cash equivalents of approximately HK$44,336,000 and a current ratio of approximately 1.8 times.

Sale of telecommunication products and services

During the period under review, the sale of telecommunication products and services segment reported strong performance. The segment diversified its product offerings and sold mobile phones of different brands, as such, its revenue increased by 470.6% to HK$1,400,622,000. Sale of telecommunication products and services covers trading of telecommunication products, provision of Internet data center ("IDC"), WIFI, system integration and value-added Internet services, and software development in the PRC and Hong Kong.

Internet finance platform business

During the period under review, the Group continued to expand the customer base of its Internet finance platforms. The revenue of approximately HK$39,714,000 received by the Group represented service or commission income contributions from operation of these platforms.

Prospects

Looking forward, the Group will continue to expand its IDC business. Construction of the IDCs in Huizhou and Heshan City will be completed and expected to begin operation in 2019. The Group expects these IDCs to contribute more and more revenue to it in coming years.

Moreover, the Group will continue to explore potential investment opportunities in IDC, Internet of Things, cloud computing and related businesses. With the PRC government launching favorable policies in support of development of these fast growing sectors, the management is optimistic that the Group will be able to reward shareholders with better results in the foreseeable future.


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

Northern New Energy Holdings Limited Announces Interim Results

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Profit Attributable to the Owners Increased to HK$21.3 million

HONG KONG, Aug 11, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Northern New Energy Holdings Limited ("Northern New Energy" / the "Company"; stock code: 8246) today announces the interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2018 ("the Current Period"). The Group adopted the dual-track development business strategy for its two business segments - the New energy business and the Catering business. It continued to gradually expand the New energy business, while strived to strengthen the Catering business.

Revenue of the Group for the Current Period amounted to approximately HK$141.6 million, representing a significant increase of approximately 111.2% from approximately HK$65.1 million for the six months ended 30 June 2017 ("the Corresponding Period"). Net profit and total comprehensive income attributable to the owners of the Company recorded an increased by approximately 800.4% to approximately HK$21.3 million for the Current Period. The increase was mainly due to seasonality effect of the New Energy business and the profit for the Current Period has resumed to the similar level for the six months ended 30 June 2016. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the Current Period were both HK$0.6 cents, as compared to HK$0.1 cent in the Corresponding Period.

For the Current Period, the Group continued to provide diversified and integrated new energy services in Tainjin, the PRC, of which it provided technological development and consultancy services in relation to heat supply and coal-to-natural gas conversion solutions to customers in Tianjin, coupled with trading of new energy related industrial products. It has completed contracts for construction of outdoor pipeline network and engineering projects including upgrade for de-sulfurization of boiler tower, which contributed significant revenue and profit for the Group in the second quarter.

Furthermore, the Group kicked off the acquisition and cooperation move to further boost its business scopes and service quality. In February 2018, the Group completed the acquisition of 81.8% stake of Tianjin Jin Re Natural Gas Sales Company Limited and has started delivering contribution to the Group since completion of the acquisition. The Group during the Current Period obtained a dangerous chemicals business operation license and is ready to launch the trading or supply of LNG business. The Group at present has been actively applying for the necessary license and permit which would enable it to start the comprehensive LNG business immediately and realize the goal of business diversification for the New Energy business.

Looking ahead, the Group believes that the government's commitment in New Energy state policy will present enormous development opportunities and lay solid foundation for sustainable growth for the technology and the business. The Group will continue to keep eyes to explore suitable acquisition opportunities and forge partnerships with strong industry players in order to enlarge the client base and market share, and further boost the revenue and profitability.

The Group announced on 17 July 2018 to propose to change its English name to "Zhonghua Gas Holdings Limited" to reflect its focus on developing its new energy business and intends to expand its market footprint into whole China, even extending to the Greater China Region. The Group also plans to seek for LNG suppliers, including overseas suppliers, to extend its business scopes to develop the trading or supply of LNG. It is the Group's intention to ultimately develop it into a leading diversified and integrated new energy service provider in the Greater China Region.

As for the Catering business, the Group will review and adjust its business strategy to optimize its business performance. Even competition of the Catering business remains keen, the Group will develop the business steadily. It expects to enhance the operational efficiency and boost the profitability through continuous business integration. Meanwhile, the Group will continue to identify premium investment properties so as to balance secure stable rental income and bring better investment returns to shareholders.

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

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


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