2007'05.17.Thu
Louis Vuitton Hosts My Blueberry Nights Party at The Cannes Festival
May 17, 2007
CANNES, France, May 17 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Following
the screening of the movie "My Blueberry Nights"
which opened the 60th Cannes Film Festival, StudioCanal, in
collaboration with Louis Vuitton, celebrated the movie
during a party organized in a exceptional setting, in
presence of its Director, Mr Wong Kar Wai, Yves Carcelle,
President of Louis Vuitton, Pietro Beccari, Communication
and Marketing Director and Antoine Arnault, Communication
Director and also Jude Law and Norah Jones.
( Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070517/257645-a )
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http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070517/257645-b )
( Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070517/257645-c )
( Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070517/257645-d )
( Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070517/257645-e )
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http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070517/257645-f )
( Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070517/257645-g )
( Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070517/257645-h )
Others celebrities such as Andie MacDowell, Aishwarya
Rai, Faye Dunaway joined the event.
For more information, please contact:
Service de Presse, Isabelle Capece
Tel: +33-1-55-80-35-96
Fax: +33-1-55-80-37-35
PR
2007'05.17.Thu
Leading Chinese Video Sharing Site Youku.com to Host Online Competition for 'Chinese Idol' and 'Miss Wuhan' Beauty Pageant
May 17, 2007
BEIJING, China, May 17 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Youku.com
(formerly Yoqoo.com), a leading Chinese video-sharing
website, is helping "Chinese Idol" and "Miss
Wuhan" beauty pageant to expand from traditional media
to the virtual world.
Beijing-based Youku was invited by Jiangsu Satellite TV
based in East China to host an online competition for its
"Chinese Idol" program. The provincial Satellite
TV has launched the "Chinese Idol" program in May
-- known among Chinese as "Jue Dui Chang Xiang",
or literally "absolute singing competence
contest".
"Chinese Idol" is among one of the most
popular reality TV programs in China. It has opened entry
competitions across the country in 10 cities, namely
Nanjing where the host TV station is based, Shanghai,
Beijing, Xi'an, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Harbin, Chongqing,
Chengdu, and Shenzhen.
For the first time ever among China's mushrooming idol
contests, Youku, the exclusive online video partner
of"Chinese Idol", set an independent online
contest platform. At the Youku contest platform, the fans
can vote for their "Stars" online and votes will
be tabulated on a real-time basis. This online contest
platform is expected to select two semi-finalists to join
the national competition together with winners from the
other 10 contest cities.
"The online competition we provide fulfils an
interactive engagement between TV networks and their
audience,"said Victor Koo, founder and CEO of Youku
(pronounced as "you cool" in English).
The cooperation between traditional media and new media
makes the contest open to everyone. Theoretically anyone
from anywhere, not necessarily within China, is able to
participate".
Wuhan TV, a city TV station in central China's Hubei
Province, also recognized business opportunities Youku
could provide. It has invited Youku to jointly hold this
year's Miss Wuhan Beauty Pageant. Through Youku
competitionplatform, the local TV station became
"national" or even a bit
"international", and it is attracting more
attention by opening the final voting to nationwide
netizens.
Youku, beta launched in June 2006, has accumulated
within 10 months more than a million user-uploaded video
clips. Internet users keep uploading videos about almost
everything. Now Youku is greeted by more than 30 million
unique visitors per month who upload more than 10,000
videos per day.
About Youku.com
Youku.com is a leading video sharing site and premier
online video brand in China. It is one of the top
destinations for people to watch and share short-form
videos in Greater China including Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Youku was founded by Victor Koo, former president of Sohu
and funded by Sutter Hill Ventures, Farallon Capital and
Chengwei Ventures.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Zhuan Yirong
Youku.com
Tel: +86-10-8460-8998
Email: Pr@youku.com
2007'05.17.Thu
Corning to Meet with Investors
May 17, 2007
Company to Reiterate Second-Quarter Guidance, Update LCD
Glass Market Expectations
CORNING, N.Y., May 17 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Corning
Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) Vice Chairman and Chief Financial
Officer James B. Flaws will participate in a "fireside
chat" with investors at the Deutsche Bank Technology
Conference in San Francisco on May 16. Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer Wendell P. Weeks will also participate in
a similar discussion with investors at the JP Morgan
Technology and Telecommunications Conference in Boston on
May 21. Flaws and Weeks will address questions posed by
investors and discuss the company's expectations for
continued growth and profitability in 2007 at both
meetings. The company will confirm its previously disclosed
second-quarter guidance.
(Logo: http://www.xprn.com.cn/xprn/sa/200612081746.jpg
)
Corning executives will also update the company's
liquid crystal display (LCD) glass market growth
expectations for 2008. The company now expects the 2006 to
2008 cumulative annual growth rate for LCD glass demand to
be about 32 percent, versus its previous estimate of 30
percent. The company's estimate for LCD glass market volume
growth for 2007 remains unchanged at 35 to 40 percent. The
higher growth forecast for 2008 is the result of stronger
LCD TV penetration expectations. Corning now anticipates
the penetration rate of LCD TVs to be about 47 percent in
2008, versus its previous estimate of 45 percent.
Corning's fireside chats with investors at the Deutsche
Bank Technology Conference and the JP Morgan Technology and
Telecommunications Conference will be available via webcast
by accessing the IR events calendar on Corning's Web site at
http://www.corning.com/investor_relations .
About Corning Incorporated
Corning Incorporated ( http://www.corning.com ) is the
world leader in specialty glass and ceramics. Drawing on
more than 150 years of materials science and process
engineering knowledge, Corning creates and makes keystone
components that enable high-technology systems for consumer
electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications
and life sciences. Our products include glass substrates
for LCD televisions, computer monitors and laptops; ceramic
substrates and filters for mobile emission control systems;
optical fiber, cable, hardware & equipment for
telecommunications networks; optical biosensors for drug
discovery; and other advanced optics and specialty glass
solutions for a number of industries including
semiconductor, aerospace, defense, astronomy and
metrology.
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements
that involve a variety of business risks and other
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially. These risks and uncertainties include the
possibility of changes in global economic and political
conditions; currency fluctuations; product demand and
industry capacity; competition; manufacturing efficiencies;
cost reductions; availability of critical components and
materials; new product commercialization; changes in the
mix of sales between premium and non-premium products; new
plant start-up costs; possible disruption in commercial
activities due to terrorist activity, armed conflict,
political instability or major health concerns; adequacy of
insurance; equity company activities; acquisition and
divestiture activities; the level of excess or obsolete
inventory; the rate of technology change; the ability to
enforce patents; product and components performance issues;
stock price fluctuations; and adverse litigation or
regulatory developments. Additional risk factors are
identified in Corning's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only
as of the day that they are made, and Corning undertakes no
obligation to update them in light of new information or
future events.
For more information, please contact:
Media Relations:
Corning China
Lydia Lu
Tel: +86-21-5467-4666-1900
Email: lulr@corning.com
Corning US
M. Elizabeth Dann
Tel: +1-607-974-4989
Email: dannme@corning.com
Investor Relations:
Kenneth C. Sofio
Tel: +1-607-974-7705
Email: sofiokc@corning.com
2007'05.17.Thu
IHG's Patrick Imbardelli named Asia Pacific Hotelier of 2006
May 17, 2007
SINGAPORE, May 17 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- A. Patrick
Imbardelli, Chief Executive of IHG (InterContinental Hotels
Group) Asia Pacific, has been named "Hotelier of the
Year 2006" at the 10th Asia Pacific Hotel Investment
Conference, organised and hosted by Jones Lang LaSalle
Hotels.
(Photo: http://www.xprn.com.cn/xprn/sa/200705171100.JPG
)
(Photo: http://www.xprn.com.cn/xprn/sa/200705171151.jpg
)
(Logo: http://www.xprn.com.cn/xprn/sa/200702131431.jpg
)
Photo 1: A. Patrick Imbardelli, Chief Executive, IHG
Asia Pacific
Photo 2: A. Patrick Imbardelli, Chief Executive, IHG
Asia Pacific (left) received the award from Peter Barge,
Chairman, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels & CEO Asia Pacific
Jones Lang LaSalle
The eighth recipient to receive the prestigious award,
Mr. Imbardelli has been leading many high-profile
developments for the group since he took on his role at IHG
Asia Pacific in 2003.
IHG today has grown to 188 hotels in the region, with
105 more in the development pipeline. The company is now
the largest international hotel group in Greater China,
well on track to achieving its goal of having 125 hotels
opened by 2008. The recently formed IHG ANA Hotels Group
Japan -- a joint venture with All Nippon Airways -- makes
IHG the biggest international hotel operator in Japan, the
second largest hotel market in the world. IHG is also
growing in India, another strategic business tourism market
within the region.
IHG's family of brands have crossed major milestones in
profitability and distribution growth under Mr. Imbardelli's
leadership, delivering consistent value to hotel owners.
Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts is now the most recognised
brand in China, while Crowne Plaza & Resorts is one of
the fastest growing hotel brands in Asia Pacific.
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts continues to build on
its legacy as a leading premium brand, and the recent
introduction of the franchise model for Holiday Inn Express
in China is yet another strategic move in a key market for
IHG.
A veteran hotelier, Mr Imbardelli has over 24 years of
experience in the hotel and tourism industry. A member of
the Young Presidents' Organisation, he has held key
appointments in industry bodies and other advisory boards,
including the Global Hoteliers Society. Both the Fred
Hollows Foundation and the Variety Club International have
recognized him for contributions to the disadvantaged and
underprivileged children in Australia and Southeast Asia.
Each year, the Asia Pacific Hotel Investment Conference
honours an Asia Pacific Hotelier who has had the greatest
impact on the region's hospitality industry. The Hotelier
of the Year award was first presented at the 3rd Asia
Pacific Hotel Investment Conference in 2000. Mr Imbardelli
joins the list of past winners including:
-- Mr. Kwek Leng Beng, Executive Chairman of Hong
Leong Group
-- Dr. Hari Harilela, Chairman of The Harilela Group
-- Mr. Richard Hartman, Managing Director of
InterContinental
Hotels Group
-- Mr. Gwee Liang Kheng, President and Chief Executive
Officer of
publicly listed company Hotel Plaza Limited, and
also President and
CEO of United Overseas Land
-- Mr. David Baffsky, Chairman of ACCOR Asia Pacific
-- Dr. Lo Ka Shui, GBS JP, Deputy Chairman and
Managing Director of
Great Eagle Holdings and Chairman of the Langham
Hotels International
Group
-- Mr. Giovanni Angelini, Chief Executive Officer and
Managing Director
of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Held annually in Singapore, the Asia Pacific Hotel
Investment Conference is widely recognized as the premier
forum for the Asia Pacific hospitality industry. A
"By-Invitation Only" event, the conference brings
together senior decision-makers of hotel owning and
operating companies as well as investors. The 10th Asia
Pacific Hotel Investment Conference has the sponsorship
support of Accor Asia Pacific, Baker and McKenzie, Hilton
International, IHG, Marriott International, Shangri-La
Hotels and Resorts, Starwood Hotels and Resorts and The
Registry Collection.
Notes to Editors:
About Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, the first and leading global
hotel investment services firm, is uniquely positioned to
provide both the depth and breadth of advice required by
hotel investors and hotel companies, through a robust and
integrated local network. In 2006, Jones Lang LaSalle
Hotels provided sale and purchase advice on 186 hotel
transactions globally; representing a combined value of
US$9.3 billion, a total of 43,272 hotel rooms in 78 cities.
In addition advisory and valuation services were provided on
589 assignments globally for 136,270 rooms across
approximately 280 cities. The global team comprises 187
hotel specialists, operating from 23 offices in 14
countries. The firm's advice is supported by a dedicated
global research team, which produced over 45 publications
in 2006 in addition to bespoke client research. Jones Lang
LaSalle Hotels' services span the hospitality spectrum,
from luxury single assets and large portfolios to select
service and budget hotels, resorts and pubs. Their
services include investment sales, mergers and
acquisitions, capital raising, valuation and appraisal,
asset management, strategic planning, operator selection,
management contract negotiation, consulting, industry
research and project development services. Jones Lang
LaSalle Hotels' clients have access to the resources of its
parent company, Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE: JLL).
http://www.joneslanglasallehotels.com .
About IHG
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom
(LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)) is the world's largest hotel
group by number of rooms. InterContinental Hotels Group
owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various
subsidiaries, over 3,700 hotels and 558,000 guest rooms in
nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The
Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected
hotel brands including InterContinental(R) Hotels &
Resorts, Crowne Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Holiday
Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express(R),
Staybridge Suites(R), Candlewood Suites(R) and Hotel
Indigo(TM), and also manages the world's largest hotel
loyalty programme, Priority Club(R) Rewards.
InterContinental Hotels Group offers information and
online reservations for all its hotel brands at
http://www.ihg.com and information for the Priority Club
Rewards programme at http://www.priorityclub.com .
For the latest news from InterContinental Hotels Group,
visit our online Press Office at http://www.ihg.com/media .
For more information, please contact:
Sharona Tao
IHG
Tel: +86-21-2893-3309
Fax: +86-21-2893-3399
Email: sharona.tao@ihg.com
2007'05.17.Thu
Raritan's Paragon II KVM Switch Improves Blade Server Management in Data Centers
May 17, 2007
- Supports IBM BladeCenter; Delivers Industry's Best Video
Performance and New Video Redirect and Multi-Video Output
Features -
SOMERSET, N.J., May 17 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Raritan
today announced support for IBM BladeCenter(R) servers in
its next release of Paragon(R) II, the market-leading Cat5
KVM switch. This release provides many features that
optimize collaborative troubleshooting that thereby
increase data center efficiency and productivity.
With support for IBM BladeCenter, Paragon II 4.2 users
can now manage the industry's most widely deployed blade
server. Ideal for IT teams and other users that need
secure access from a user station (monitor, keyboard, and
mouse) to multiple blades and other data center equipment,
Paragon II provides anytime, non-blocked access, high video
resolution and a rich suite of management features.
Release 4.2 also delivers two new productivity features
that leverage Paragon II's stellar video resolution (1920 x
1440) -- which is rated the best* in the industry and
essential in environments requiring hours of intense screen
viewing.
With "Video Redirect," Paragon II can
redirect a server's video output to any user station within
a multi-switch Paragon II system. With "Multiple
Video" -- also known as "Port Following
Switch" -- up to four user stations can simultaneously
view the video output of a server with multiple video ports.
Customers also can use Multiple Video to direct the video
of multiple servers to a set of user stations. Both new
video features provide flexibility ideal for real-time
execution of applications in work environments -- ranging
from network operation centers to broadcast control rooms.
The new Paragon II KVM switch also supports Cortron(R)
keyboards -- which are the leading choice for many
military, mobile and outdoor applications in relatively
harsh environments. Additionally, Paragon II 4.2 now
supports the Kensington(R) Expert Mouse and Turbo Mouse
Trackball, which are popular with Macintosh(R) users.
"Paragon II Release 4.2 delivers important
features requested by customers in the government,
broadcast and IT management sectors," said Derek
Finch, Product Manager at Raritan. "However, all
technology users that need secure KVM access to IT
resources will benefit by a boost in efficiency of overall
operations, administration and maintenance. Our solution
is designed to deliver the industry's best video quality,
manageability, response and security -- no matter if you're
controlling a handful of servers or thousands."
About Paragon II
Paragon is the industry's first Cat5 KVM switch.
Today, Raritan's next-generation Paragon II is used to
manage thousands of data centers by providing secure,
real-time, non-blocked, BIOS-level access to servers.
Designed to perform intensive multiple-user-to-many-server
keyboard/video/mouse (KVM) matrix switching, Paragon II
provides up to 64 simultaneous users secure, non-blocked
access for controlling and managing IT equipment -- even if
the network goes down. Paragon's flexible and scalable
modular architecture supports the cascading and stacking of
Paragon II switches, so that thousands of servers can be
managed from one user station. A rich suite of management
features includes: logging and audit trails, system-wide
reset from a user station, and a single, consolidated view
of all Paragon-connected devices.
KVM-over-IP access can be added with the optional
Paragon II user station (UST-IP). Multiple Paragon II
switches can be managed by Raritan's CommandCenter(R)
Secure Gateway, which provides a unique one-screen view of
all IT equipment and one-click BIOS-level access to target
devices.
About Raritan (Raritan.com)
Raritan, based in Somerset, N.J., is a leading provider
of management solutions that simplify IT operations. Based
on KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switches, serial console
servers, management software, power management and remote
connectivity, our secure solutions drive data center and
branch office efficiency and productivity in more than
50,000 locations around the world. Raritan also serves the
OEM market by developing advanced, hardware-based,
remote-management components based on KVM-over-IP and IPMI
technologies. Founded in 1985, Raritan today has 38
offices worldwide, and its products are distributed in 76
countries. For more information, please visit
Raritan-AP.com.
All marks are the property of their respective owners.
* The Tolly Group conducted a test of the Paragon II
Cat5 KVM switch and Enhanced User Station (P2-EUST) against
Avocent's AMX 5020 KVM switch and AMX5130 User Station,
which showed that Raritan delivered overall better video
quality at the longest cable length at high resolution --
1920x1440 up to 1,000ft at a refresh rate of 60Hz.
For more information, please contact:
Coco Chang
Raritan
Tel: +65-6725-9870
Email: Coco.Chang@raritan.com
2007'05.17.Thu
Louis Vuitton 60th Cannes Film Festival 2007
May 17, 2007
CANNES, France, May 17 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The house
of Louis Vuitton participates in Wong Kar-Wai's new film
which has been presented at today's opening of the 60th
Cannes Festival tonight.
( Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070517/256229 )
Mr. Wong Kar-Wai as well as actor Jack Huston was
dressed up in Louis Vuitton while walking on the red
carpet.
Following this screening, StudioCanal throwed in
collaboration with Louis Vuitton the party for the film
"My Blueberry Nights" in an exceptional setting
in presence of Yves Carcelle, President of Louis Vuitton
and many guests.
For more information, please contact:
Isabella Capece
Tel: +33-1-55-80-35-96
Fax: +33-1-55-80-37-35
2007'05.17.Thu
Saflex(R) Q Series Advanced Acoustic Interlayer Offers Innovative NVH Solution
May 17, 2007
Noise Vibration and Harshness Engineers now have a new tool
to reduce noise in automotive vehicle cabins
ST. LOUIS, May 17 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Saflex(R), a
unit of Solutia Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SOLUQ), the world
leader in the production and sale of polyvinyl butyral (PVB)
interlayers for laminated glazing systems, today announced
the commercial availability of Saflex Q series advanced
acoustic interlayer at the Noise and Vibration Conference
in Saint Charles, Illinois. Saflex Q series is an advanced
acoustic interlayer for producing laminated glass that
provides exceptional acoustic benefits useful to Noise
Vibration and Harshness (NVH) engineers. It is a
light-weight, cost-effective, drop-in NVH solution that
does not require retooling.
"Automotive manufacturers (OEMs) are in constant
pursuit of NVH solutions that help reduce the transmission
of road and wind noise, as well as structure-borne noise,
into the passenger cabin," said Rich Daniels, vice
president of innovation and growth for Solutia's Saflex
business. "Customers equate quiet with quality,
according to a recent J.D. Power report, and the Saflex Q
series advanced acoustic interlayer addresses noise
transmission through the vehicle's glass - the weak point
in the noise path. It reduces noise by up to six decibels
in the critical `human voice recognition' sound
range."
Saflex Q series advanced acoustic interlayer is a
combination of three Saflex interlayers: one layer of a
special, next-generation formulation of acoustic PVB
sandwiched between two layers of traditional PVB, which are
then laminated between two sheets of glass. Saflex Q series
can be used in any vehicle glazing position, including the
windscreen, sidelites, backlites and roofs. This translates
to a noticeably quieter and more comfortable driving
experience for consumers.
"By using Saflex Q series acoustic interlayer in
windshields, OEMs can reduce the glass thickness of the
windshield, saving up to 4 pounds. In other glass
positions, glazing made with Saflex Q series weighs
approximately 11 percent less than comparable performance
tempered glass. All of which contribute to an NVH solution
that provides important overall vehicle weight
reduction," added Daniels.
In addition to its acoustic benefits, Saflex Q series
also provides long-term edge stability equivalent to the
standard Saflex interlayer. This provides OEMs with design
flexibility because, with the outstanding edge stability
offered with Saflex Q series, acoustic windows can have a
sleek appearance because the need for special edge sealing
is eliminated.
"The market for acoustic interlayers continues to
grow at about 20 percent annually," said Tim Feast,
vice president, business management for Saflex. "Once
reserved for the luxury vehicle segment, acoustic glazing
is now used on vehicles in a full range of price points,
which indicates that consumer demand for a quieter vehicle
cabin is on the rise."
A number of factors are driving this trend. As people
spend more time in their vehicles, they want their
passenger cabin to be a comfort zone where they are
shielded from the oftentimes harsh external road and wind
noise, and where they can enjoy a premium sound system or a
conversation that is not compromised by the intrusion of
outside noise.
Saflex Q series advanced acoustic interlayer is
currently available in several product offerings including
Clear and Gradient Automotive with a 32-gauge thickness;
and a 30-gauge product offered for side-laminates. The
Blue Gradient shadeband interlayer will be available in
fall 2007; Grey and Green Gradient colored shadebands will
follow later in the year.
About Saflex(R), a unit of Solutia Inc. With 80 years
of experience in developing glass interlayers, Saflex is
the world's largest producer and seller of PVB interlayers,
and is known as the global leader in PVB innovation, quality
and reliability. When laminated between layers of glass,
PVB interlayers greatly enhance the performance
characteristics of glass, providing benefits such as
security, solar protection, sound attenuation and safety.
Laminated glass made with Saflex PVB is used extensively in
both the automotive and architectural markets. For more
information, visit http://www.saflex.com .
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking
statements, which can be identified by the use of words
such as "believes," "expects,"
"may," "will," "intends,"
"plans," "estimates" or
"anticipates," or other comparable terminology,
or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. These
statements are based on management's current expectations
and assumptions about the industries in which Solutia
operates. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of
future performance and are subject to significant risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual results or achievements
to be materially different from the future results or
achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking
statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are
not limited to, those described in Solutia's most recent
Annual Report on Form 10-K, under "Item 1A Risk
Factors," Solutia's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,
and in filings with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in connection
with the Chapter 11 case of Solutia Inc. and 14 of its U.S.
subsidiaries. These reports can be accessed through the
"Investors" section of Solutia's website at
http://www.solutia.com . The bankruptcy court filings can
be accessed by visiting http://www.trumbullgroup.com .
Solutia disclaims any intent or obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statements in response to new
information, unforeseen events, changed circumstances or
any other occurrence.
Corporate Profile
Solutia ( http://www.Solutia.com ) uses world-class
skills in applied chemistry to create value-added solutions
for customers, whose products improve the lives of consumers
every day. Solutia is a world leader in performance films
for laminated safety glass and after-market applications;
specialties such as water treatment chemicals, heat
transfer fluids and aviation hydraulic fluid and an
integrated family of nylon products including
high-performance polymers and fibers, and chemicals for the
rubber industry.
Solutia ... Solutions for a Better Life.
For more information, please contact:
Media: Dan Jenkins
Tel: +1-314-674-8552
Investors: Tim Spihlman
Tel: +1-314-674-5206
Pat Radice
starrconstand, Detroit
Tel: +1-248-321-4651
2007'05.17.Thu
Lincoln Institute Names China Program Director to be Based in Beijing
May 17, 2007
Rapid urbanization, Fiscal Policy Transformation to be
Focus for Economist Joyce Man
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 17 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- In a
major boost in its presence in China, the Lincoln Institute
of Land Policy named Joyce Y. Man of Indiana University to
be a senior fellow and director of the Institute's China
Program, to be based in Beijing.
Man, 44, a specialist in urban and regional economics
and public finance, is associate professor at the School of
Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. She
will begin as director of the China Program July 1, said
Gregory K. Ingram, president of the Lincoln Institute of
Land Policy.
"For the last four years we have helped China come
to terms with rapid urbanization, the conversion of
farmland, and the beginning steps of a property tax
system," Ingram said. "With Joyce Man as a
full-time presence in Beijing, we look forward to
continuing our advisory and training role for sound
policies for China."
The Lincoln Institute's Program on the People's
Republic of China
http://www.lincolninst.edu/aboutlincoln/prc.asp, part of
the International Studies department that also includes the
Program in the Caribbean and Latin America, has been led by
Ingram and Chengri Ding from the University of Maryland at
College Park.
The Lincoln Institute does research and convenes
scholars and practitioners on land planning and development
issues both in the United States and abroad. China, with a
population of 1.3 billion and undergoing explosive economic
growth, has seen the migration of some 200 million people
from rural to rapidly expanding urban areas. The form that
urbanization takes, along with car ownership and energy
generation, are critical issues for China and the world.
"I am honored to be in Beijing for the Lincoln
Institute and continue this important relationship between
China and the United States," said Man, who received
her Ph.D in economics from Johns Hopkins University, and a
B.A. in English from the Beijing Foreign Studies
University. "There is no more pressing concern for
China than a sensible and sustainable urban land
policy."
In addition to her appointment at the Indiana
University School of Public and environmental Affairs, Man
was a visiting professor at the Renmin University of China,
also known as People's University, in Beijing. She has also
been a visiting professor at Tongji University in Shanghai.
She is co-editor of the book Tax Increment Finance and
Economic Development: Uses, Structures and Impact (State
University of New York Press, 2001) and has authored
numerous articles in such journals as Urban Studies,
National Tax Journal, Public Finance Review, and the
Journal of Urban Economics among many others. She served as
co-editor of the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management,
editorial board member of the International Journal of
Economic Development and as a member of the Property Tax
Committee of the National Tax Association-Tax Institute of
America.
For more information, please contact:
Anthony Flint
Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
Tel: +1-617-661-3016 x116
2007'05.17.Thu
Pace of Strategic M&A and LBOs to Continue, Claims Market Makers Survey of M&A, Private Equity and Corporate Executives
May 17, 2007
- Debt market expected to sustain mega-buyouts
- SBOs will continue to be most popular exit route
- Shareholder activism and hedge funds contributing to
ongoing boom
NEW YORK, May 17 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- mergermarket,
the M&A intelligence and research service, is pleased
to announce the findings of its annual Market Makers
survey. The study, published in conjunction with Fried,
Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, is the result of
150 interviews with prominent private equity professionals,
M&A bankers, and corporate CEOs in both the US and
Europe, designed to gauge expectations and opinions on the
leading issues facing the M&A and private equity
industries.
The survey yielded several surprising findings. While
the availability of cheap debt is regularly cited as a
contributing factor in the ongoing private equity boom,
only 3% of respondents consider such availability a
"principle driver" of mega-buyouts. Other
trends, such as the popularity of consortium bids and the
opportunity for superior returns compared to smaller
companies, were considered more influential drivers.
Respondents thus are likely to expect continued mega-buyout
activity regardless of any turn in the credit cycle.
Furthermore, respondents clearly favor secondary
buyouts as the exit strategy of choice for today's LBOs,
contrasting with the popular notion that a strategic sale
or IPO exit signals a "successful" buyout.
Additional findings from the survey include the
following:
-- 56% of respondents expect large cap strategic
M&A activity to
continue to increase in 2007
-- Nearly 50% of respondents see shareholder activism
as a
catalyst for M&A activity
-- Respondents believe hedge funds are increasing the
competition for M&A targets
-- 70% of respondents claim the debt market is
expected to
sustain leveraged buyouts in 2007, and 73% of
respondents do
not anticipate major defaults by private equity
portfolio
companies in 2007
-- Respondents expect Energy and Financial Services
industries
to be the leading sectors for large
transformational M&A in
2007; Healthcare, Business Services, and Energy are
expected
to be the most attractive sectors for LBOs
-- Respondents believe the increased use of
consortium/club
deals is the leading concern for private equity
fund Limited
Partners
The report, available at
http://www.friedfrank.com/reprints/070501_marketmakers.pdf
, also includes feature articles on the continued momentum
of strategic M&A; the drivers behind the current LBO
boom; and the development of mega-funds in private equity.
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP is a
leading international law firm with more than 600 attorneys
in offices in New York, Washington, D.C., London, Paris,
Frankfurt and Hong Kong. Fried Frank lawyers regularly
represent major investment banking firms, private equity
houses and hedge funds, as well as many of the largest
companies in the world. The firm offers legal counsel on
M&A, private equity, asset management, capital markets
and corporate finance matters, white-collar criminal
defense and civil litigation, securities regulation,
compliance and enforcement, government contracts,
environmental law and litigation, real estate, tax,
bankruptcy, antitrust, benefits and compensation,
intellectual property and technology, international trade,
and trusts and estates. The firm has an association with
Huen Wong & Co. in Hong Kong. More information on
Fried Frank can be found at http://www.friedfrank.com.
mergermarket is part of The Mergermarket Group which
has over 400 employees worldwide and regional head offices
in New York, London and Hong Kong.
mergermarket is an unparalleled mergers and
acquisitions (M&A) intelligence tool. In any market,
the life blood of advisers is deal flow. mergermarket is
unique in the provision of origination intelligence to the
investment banking, legal, private equity, acquisition
finance, public relations (PR) and corporate markets.
With an unrivalled network of analysts covering M&A
in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, mergermarket
generates proprietary intelligence and delivers it together
with daily aggregated content, on its mergermarket.com
platform and by real-time email alerts to subscribers.
This wealth of intelligence, together with a series of
deal databases, individual and house league tables,
profiles and editorial have proven time and time again that
this product can and does generate real revenues for
clients. This is apparent when you see that mergermarket
is used by over 1000 of the world's foremost advisory firms
to assist in their origination process.
Visit them at: http://www.mergermarket.com
For more information, please contact:
Paula Zirinsky
Tel: +1-212-859-8818
Email: paula.zirinsky@friedfrank.com
Matt Cobey
Tel: +1-212-859-4052
Email: matthew.cobey@friedfrank.com
Daniel Billings, mergermarket
Tel: +1-212-686-6305
Email: daniel.billings@mergermarket.com
2007'05.17.Thu
O2Micro Plans To Appeal Jury Verdict in Patent Trial Against MPS
May 17, 2007
GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman, May 17 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/
-- O2Micro(R) International Limited (Nasdaq: OIIM; SEHK:
0457), a leading supplier of innovative power management,
and security components and systems, announced that it
plans to appeal a jury verdict recently rendered in favor
of defendants Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. (MPS) and
Asustek Computer, Inc., related to one of O2Micro's
inverter controller patents, U.S. patent number 6,396,722
(the '722 patent), in the United States District Court for
the Northern District of California. The jury verdict
indicated a finding that the defendants infringed claims 12
and 14 of the '722 patent under the doctrine of equivalents,
but that claims 1, 2, 9 and 18 were not infringed and that
each of the asserted claims was invalid due to obviousness
and an on-sale bar.
O2Micro announced that it plans to seek judgment as a
matter of law to overturn the jury verdict, and, if the
verdict were to result in a judgment, plans to appeal the
judgment to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeal.
O2Micro noted that the other claims of the '722 patent,
including claims 3-8, 10-11, 13, 15-17, and 19, were not at
issue in this case, and no challenge to validity of those
claims has been made in this lawsuit.
About O2Micro
Founded in April 1995, O2Micro develops and markets
innovative power management, and security components and
systems for the Computer, Consumer, Industrial, and
Communications markets. Products include Intelligent
Lighting, Battery Management, Power Management,
SmartCardBus(R) and Security products, such as VPN/Firewall
system solutions.
O2Micro International maintains an extensive portfolio
of intellectual property with 7,223 patent claims granted,
and over 8,000 more pending. The company maintains offices
worldwide. Additional company and product information can
be found on the company website at www.o2micro.com.
O2Micro, the O2Micro logo, SmartCardBus, and
combinations thereof are registered trademarks of O2Micro.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
Statements made in this release that are not
historical, including statements regarding O2Micro's or
management's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations,
representations, projections, plans or predictions of the
future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
You can identify these forward-looking statements by
terminology such as "may," "will,"
"expects," "should," "could,"
"plans," "intends,"
"believes," "predicts," or
"continue" or the negative of these terms and
other comparable terminology. These forward-looking
statements include, without limitation, statements
regarding future litigation activities, results and plans.
Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that may
cause actual results to differ materially from those set
forth in these statements. Factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially include risks and
uncertainties such as reduced demand for products of
electronic equipment manufacturers which include O2Micro's
products due to adverse economic conditions in general or
specifically affecting O2Micro's markets, technical
difficulties and delays in the developments process, and
adverse orders, rulings, judgments, verdicts, delays or
adverse administrative proceeding results. You are also
referred to the Form F-1 in connection with the company's
initial public offering in August 2000, Form F-3 filed in
November 2001 and October 2005, and the annual reports on
Form 20-F, which identify important risk factors that could
cause actual results to differ from those contained in the
forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking information, whether
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements which apply only as of the date
hereof.
For your information, please contact:
Mitchell Benus
Director of Investor Relations
O2Micro
Tel: +1-408-332-1749
Email: mitchell.benus@o2micro.com
2007'05.17.Thu
Xinhua FTSE Launches Sector Indices for A200 Benchmark
May 16, 2007
HONG KONG and BEIJING, May 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Xinhua FTSE Index (XFI), the leading China index provider,
today announced the launch of Xinhua FTSE 200 Sector
Indices on A shares, which include 38 sectors classified
according to the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB).
The new indices will be distributed from today with the
base date at June 18, 2001.
The new indices have been designed to provide investors
with a new benchmark tool for attribution analysis, and as a
basis for index-linked investment products such as ETFs.
Based upon the Xinhua FTSE 200 Index, the largest 200 A
share companies listed on both Shanghai and Shenzhen market
by market capitalisation, the new indices are calculated in
accordance with ICB, a globally recognised classification
standard developed by FTSE Group and Dow Jones Indexes. The
total net market cap is RMB 2,787,942 million as of April
30, 2007.
Commenting on the creation of the new index, Mr. Norman
Yen, Managing Director of Xinhua FTSE Index said: "The
launch of the FTSE Xinhua 200 sector indices will allow
Chinese and QFII investors an additional way to track the
maturation and performance of the China equity market. The
introduction of these indices reflect not only the
increasing demand from our clients for a way to track the
growing Chinese industries, but also XFI's continued
commitment and leadership in responding to the changing
market demand both internationally and domestically."
The indices are reviewed quarterly in January, April,
July and October and are calculated in Renminbi (CNY) and
HKD for end of day index values. Total Return Indices are
published at the end of each trading day.
For details of the constituent list, index value and
the Ground Rules, please visit: http://www.xinhuaftse.com
.
Notes to Editors
About Xinhua FTSE Index
Established in late 2000, Xinhua FTSE Index (XFI), a
joint venture between Xinhua Finance Limited and FTSE, came
into being to facilitate the creation of real-time indices
for the Chinese market. The indices can be used as a basis
for the trading of derivatives, index-tracking funds,
Exchange Traded Funds and as performance benchmarks. The
combination of FTSE's expertise in international indexing
with Xinhua Finance's strong presence and capabilities in
China creates a level of expertise in the Chinese market
that is unprecedented. Providing the combined coverage for
the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, all of the Xinhua FTSE
indices are designed according to internationally proven
index methodology to ensure products are transparent, clear
and consistent. For daily data and further information,
please visit http://www.ftsexinhua.com .
About FTSE Group
FTSE Group is a world-leader in the creation and
management of indices. With offices in London, Frankfurt,
Hong Kong, Madrid, Paris, New York, San Francisco, and
Tokyo, FTSE Group services clients in 77 countries
worldwide. It calculates and manages the FTSE Global
Equity Index series, which includes world-recognised
indices ranging from the FTSE All-World Index, the
FTSE4Good series and the FTSEurofirst Index series, as well
as domestic indices such as the prestigious FTSE 100. The
company has collaborative arrangements with the Athens,
AMEX, Cyprus, Euronext, Johannesburg London, Madrid,
Malaysia, NASDAQ and Taiwan exchanges, as well as Nomura
Securities, Hang Seng and Xinhua Finance of China, FTSE
recently signed an agreement with Dow Jones Indexes to
develop a single sector classification system for global
investors.
FTSE indices are used extensively by investors
world-wide for investment analysis, performance
measurement, asset allocation, portfolio hedging and for
creating a wide range of index tracking funds. Independent
committees of senior fund managers, derivatives experts,
actuaries and other experienced practitioners review all
changes to the indices to ensure that they are made
objectively and without bias. Real-time FTSE indices are
calculated on systems managed by Reuters. Prices and FX
rates used are supplied by Reuters.
About Xinhua Finance Limited
Xinhua Finance Limited is China's premier financial
information and media service company and is listed on the
Mothers Board of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (symbol: 9399)
(OTC ADRs: XHFNY). Bridging China's financial markets and
the world, Xinhua Finance serves financial institutions,
corporations and re-distributors through five focused and
complementary service lines: Indices, Ratings, Financial
News, Investor Relations, and Distribution. Founded in
November 1999, the Company is headquartered in Shanghai,
with offices and news bureaus spanning 14 countries
worldwide.
For more information, please contact:
Beijing
Jean LI
Xinhua FTSE Beijing office
Tel: +86-10-5864-5276
Email: jean.li@xinhuaftse.com
Shanghai
Joy Tsang
Xinhua Finance
Tel: +86-21-6113-5999
Email: joy.tsang@xinhuafinance.com
Hong Kong
Meredith Blakemore
FTSE Asia Pacific
Tel: +852-2230-5801
Email: meredith.blakemore@ftse.com
Tokyo
Stewart Ueno
FTSE Japan
Tel: +81-3-3581-3444
Email: stewart.ueno@ftse.com
New York
Lynne Sims
FTSE Americas
Tel: +1-212-641-6168
Email: lynne.sims@ftse.com
London
Sandra Steel
FTSE Group
Tel: +44-20-7866-1821
Email: media@ftse.com
2007'05.17.Thu
Motorola Wireless Networks Now Extend into Buildings
May 16, 2007
SAN JOSE, Calif., May 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced it is
expanding its MOTOwi4(TM) solutions to provide and extend
wireless and networking coverage to indoor spaces. With the
new wi4 Indoor solution, Enterprise wireless LAN (WLAN),
service providers, governments and enterprises now have
their choice of connectivity solutions to meet their
wireless coverage needs both indoors and outdoors.
( Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020307/MOTLOGO
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020415/MOTNOTAGLOGO
)
"Now, only Motorola can provide the expertise to
deliver mobility both indoor and outdoors, providing people
with access to required information wherever they may be --
even when they are moving. That's true enterprise
mobility," said Kathy Paladino, president of Motorola
Enterprise Mobility business.
Motorola understands that one size does not fit all,
and offers the MOTOwi4 solutions to provide a choice for
broadband access needs. MOTOwi4 is a broad portfolio of
complementary solutions that allows for the delivery and
management of wireless broadband connectivity virtually
everywhere and all the time, and across all of the
necessary Internet Protocol (IP) access technologies.
Bring Wireless Networks to the Great Indoors with
Wi-Fi
Motorola's Enterprise WLAN solutions enable seamless
mobility within buildings and across campuses. Products in
the Enterprise WLAN portfolio include thin, full-function
and mesh access points, wireless switches and radio
frequency (RF) switches that can manage up to 3,000 access
points. In addition to Wi-Fi hardware, Enterprise WLAN
offers a comprehensive mobility and network management
solution and wireless network security suite that includes
wireless intrusion protection to help ensure and enforce
regulatory compliance.
Based on industry standards, the Enterprise WLAN
portfolio consists of high-performance and scalable
enterprise-class products that consolidate management of
multiple RF technologies, offer deployment flexibility, and
provide enhanced mobility services such as asset tracking
and "toll quality" voice.
"The breadth and depth of the Enterprise WLAN
portfolio provides indoor mobility solutions and
opportunities across all market segments -- carpeted
offices, healthcare, warehousing and distribution,
manufacturing, education, retail and government. With the
sky literally the limit for outdoor, Motorola's
comprehensive wireless solutions makes end-to-end now
end-to-endless," said Paladino.
The Great Indoors Meets the Great Outdoors
The wi4 Indoor portfolio, including Enterprise WLAN and
Broadband over Powerline (BPL) solutions, complement the
existing MOTOwi4 portfolio -- comprised of wi4 WiMAX, wi4
Fixed and wi4 Mesh. Wi4 BPL uses the widespread access of
the power grid to deliver IP connectivity through
electrical lines, transforming a building's internal
electrical system into a powerful communications network.
Wi4 WiMAX solutions enable service providers to enter new
markets or blend their traditional lines of business and
position themselves to deliver full suites of voice, video,
data, and wireless broadband service to fixed, portable and
mobile users. Wi4 Fixed point-to-point solutions provide
broadband connectivity across virtually any environment.
Wi4 Fixed point-to-multipoint solutions deliver high-speed
wireless connectivity for every environment from rural to
dense urban. Motorola's wi4 Mesh family of products creates
fixed and mobile metro-wide and community-wide coverage for
offering public, private, and dedicated public safety
connectivity.
Visit Motorola at Interop 2007 in Las Vegas, from May
22 to 24 at
booth #1937.
About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation and
leadership in wireless and broadband communications.
Inspired by our vision of seamless mobility, the people of
Motorola are committed to helping you connect simply and
seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment
that you want and need. We do this by designing and
delivering "must have" products, "must
do" experiences and powerful networks -- along with a
full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company
with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US
$42.9 billion in 2006. For more information about our
company, our people and our innovations, please visit
http://www.motorola.com .
MOTOROLA and the stylized M Logo are registered in the
US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or
service names are the property of their respective owners.
For more information, please contact:
Ed Tan, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions
Tel: +1-408-421-5132
Email: ed.tan@motorola.com
2007'05.17.Thu
ANADIGICS Power Amplifier Enables Samsung's Ultra-Slim 3G EVDO Handset
May 16, 2007
The SPH-m610 is designed for Sprint's Power Vision(SM) EVDO
Network
WARREN, N.J., May 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- ANADIGICS,
Inc. (Nasdaq: ANAD) today announced that they are shipping
production volumes of ANADIGICS AWT6307 HELP(TM) 3G CDMA
EVDO power amplifier (PA) module to Samsung for its
SPH-m610 mobile phone available through Sprint. The
SPH-m610 is the thinnest clamshell wireless handset
currently available in the United States.
Measuring less than half-inch in depth, the sleek
handset features a large, crisp QVGA internal display, 2.0
megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth(R) capable,
speakerphone, advanced voice recognition and an external
MicroSD(TM) memory card slot. The SPH-m610 enables
customers to access the latest news, music and
entertainment content at broadband-like speeds and play
back favorite tunes in MP3, AAC or AAC+ formats. The
attractive m610 provides quick and easy access to
Sprint-exclusive content including Sprint Movies, the first
service for mobile phones in the United States to stream
full-length movies.
"We are delighted that Samsung Electronics has
selected ANADIGICS' HELP2(TM) 3G CDMA EVDO power amplifier
for the SPH-m610 mobile phone. The m610 delivers an
innovative package of excellent video, music and memory
capabilities," said Dr. Bami Bastani, President &
CEO of ANADIGICS. "Our differentiating HELP2(TM)
technology enables handset manufacturers to design feature
rich 3G mobile devices with improved talk-time, making them
ideal for today's popular ultra-thin handsets."
The AWT6307 uses ANADIGICS' patented InGaP-Plus(TM)
technology, which combines HBT and pHEMT devices on the
same die, to enable state-of-the-art reliability,
temperature stability, and ruggedness. Through selectable
bias modes, the AWT6307 achieves optimal efficiency across
different output power levels, specifically at low- and
mid-range power levels where the PA typically operates,
thereby dramatically increasing handset talk-time and
standby-time.
The AWT6307 meets the increasing demands for higher
efficiency and smaller footprint CDMA EVDO handsets. The
self contained 3 mm x 3 mm x 1 mm modules are designed for
applications that require European Union's Restrictions of
Hazardous Substances (RoHS) solutions.
The ANADIGICS AWT6307 PA is available now. For
additional information, contact ANADIGICS by phone (908)
668-5000 or FAX (908) 668-5132 or visit the Company's Web
site at www.anadigics.com.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in
semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital
convergence technologies with 2006 parent company sales of
US$63.4 billion and net income of US$8.5 billion. Employing
approximately 138,000 people in 124 offices in 56 countries,
the company consists of five main business units: Digital
Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business,
Telecommunication Network Business, and Digital Appliance
Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global
brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of
digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For
more information, please visit www.samsung.com.
About ANADIGICS, Inc.
ANADIGICS, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANAD) is a leading provider of
semiconductor solutions in the rapidly growing broadband
wireless and wireline communications markets. The Company's
products include power amplifiers, tuner integrated
circuits, active splitters, line amplifiers, and other
components, which can be sold individually or packaged as
integrated radio frequency and front end modules.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for historical information contained herein,
this press release contains projections and other
forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). These
projections and forward-looking statements reflect the
Company's current views with respect to future events and
financial performance and can generally be identified as
such because the context of the statement will include
words such as "believe", "anticipate",
"expect", or words of similar import. Similarly,
statements that describe our future plans, objectives,
estimates or goals are forward-looking statements. No
assurances can be given, however, that these events will
occur or that these projections will be achieved and actual
results and developments could differ materially from those
projected as a result of certain factors. Important factors
that could cause actual results and developments to be
materially different from those expressed or implied by
such projections and forward-looking statements include
those factors detailed from time to time in our reports
filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,
including our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2006.
For more information, please contact:
Press Contact:
Chuck Manners
Godfrey
Tel: +1-717-393-3831
Fax: +1-717-393-1403
Email: chuck@godfrey.com
Corporate Contact:
Jennifer Palella
ANADIGICS, Inc.
Tel: +1-908-668-5000
Fax: +1-908-412-5978
Email: jpalella@anadigics.com
Investors Relations:
Thomas Shields
ANADIGICS, Inc.
Tel: +1-908-412-5995
Email: tshields@anadigics.com
2007'05.17.Thu
The Real China Revealed: An in-depth Consumer Survey of 2nd +ACY- 3rd Tier Cities
May 16, 2007
Research Finds Consumers in Smaller Cities Share Common
Social Attitudes, but Differ in Shopping Behaviors and
Media Consumption
MNCs Should Look for High-growth Opportunities+ADs- Chinese
Brands Face Growing Competition
SHANGHAI, May 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Consumers in
China's smaller cities are surprisingly similar to their
big-city counterparts, with a significant percentage
describing themselves as self-confident, ambitious, risk
taking, and open to new experiences, according to new
research released today by Ogilvy China and MindShare
China.
+ACI-Tier 2 and 3 cities in China, where incomes are
rising rapidly, represent a huge potential market. Many
multinational companies continue to focus their marketing
dollars on the Tier 1 cities, but only 33.5+ACU- of all
retail sales in China currently come from the 24 largest
cities. And competition for consumer spending in those top
cities has become increasingly tough,+ACI- said project
designer Kunal Sinha, executive director of Ogilvy China's
Discovery research program.
Mr. Sinha presented his research at the 'Radical
Practical - China Marketing 2.0' conference in Shanghai,
co-sponsored by Ogilvy China and the China Business
Network.
+ACI-The strong purchasing power in smaller towns will
become the engine for continuing market expansion. But
there is very little brand, consumer or media data
available about this massive and critical market: this
project is one of the initiatives to dig deeper into China
and help address marketing issues,+ACI- said Arjun Ghosh,
National Director of MindShare Insights China, partners
with Ogilvy Discovery in executing this research.
+ACI-The Real China Revealed+ACI- concluded that among
other important findings, Chinese consumers in Tier 2 and 3
cities are just as eager to experience new products and
brands as those in the wealthiest cities. The research
suggests that consumers in smaller cities are more than
ready to try new products.
The research also found some foreign brands are making
significant headway in 2nd and 3rd tier cities. While
Chinese brands are currently market leaders in these
cities, they should expect to face heavier competition from
multinationals as they step up marketing in these areas.
While revealing similarities, the survey also found
people in 2nd and 3rd tier cities differed in their
behaviors in areas such as in-store shopping practices,
media consumption, as well as future purchasing plans.
The Real China Revealed: Recommendations
What Brands Should Do
The study provides valuable lessons for both Chinese
and multinational companies.
-- National versus local campaigns
Data suggest marketers can use a combination of a
national brand
campaign and tailored promotional activities at the
local level.
As the data show Chinese consumers are similar in
some of their key
social attitudes -- eg they are confident,
ambitious, risk-taking and
willing to try new things -- marketers can use this
knowledge to
develop national brand-building campaigns that tap
into these shared
values.
In addition, recognizing that consumers respond to
different influences
in-store, marketers can tailor their
retail/promotional techniques
according to tiers.
-- Multinational companies and multinational brands
It will be a tough challenge for MNCs: Our study
shows that lower tier
consumers are somewhat less willing to pay premium
for foreign brands.
But MNCs have the budgets and marketing +ACY- brand
building savvy to take
on the currently dominant Chinese brands in lower
tiers. Many major
MNCs are gearing up or are already in action setting
up distribution
and staff (2 key challenges) in lower tier markets.
-- Local companies and local brands
The data shows that in some categories (electronics,
mobile phones)
foreign brands have already made strong headway into
2nd and 3rd tier
markets and are beginning to take share in other
categories
(automobiles). Therefore Chinese brands need to
plan strategically
about how to retain and build marketshare in these
cities. Local
brands that look beyond the short term and invest
heavily in brand
building ahead of the curve will make it very
difficult for foreign
brands to challenge their home turf.
About 'The Real China Revealed'
'The Real China Revealed' is one of the most
comprehensive surveys of lower tier consumers ever
conducted in China. The research was conducted over three
months in 22 cities in China, including in-depth interviews
in 3,419 household, at 295 retail outlets and 530 exit
interviews. The research examined consumers' lifestyles,
attitudes, as well as preferences toward foreign and local
brands, future purchase plans, the influence of children on
buying decisions, use of TV, newspapers and the internet,
and other shopping habits. The survey also surveyed
consumer behaviors for individual categories, such as
vehicles, durable goods, personal products, insurance and
banking services, and fast food brands.
About Ogilvy Group China
Ogilvy Group China is the largest marketing
communications network in China. It offers the full range
of marketing communication disciplines including
advertising, direct marketing, interactive media, database
management, public relations, graphic design, and related
marketing disciplines. As Brand Stewards, the agency works
to leverage the brands of its clients by combining local
know-how with a worldwide network, creating powerful
campaigns that address local market needs while still
reinforcing the same universal brand identity. Ogilvy
+ACY- Mather integrates these communications disciplines
using its proprietary 360 Degree Brand Stewardship process,
which holds that every point of contact builds the brand.
Ogilvy +ACY- Mather Worldwide ( http://www.ogilvy.com )
is one of the largest marketing communications network in
the world, operating 497 offices in 125 countries. Ogilvy
+ACY- Mather Worldwide is a member of WPP plc (Nasdaq:
WPPGY), one of the world's leading advertising and
communications services groups.
About MindShare China
MindShare is the leading media investment and planning
agency in China. Our company vision is to be a dynamic
community applying local insight, restless imagination and
global excellence to deliver and inspire.
We help our clients to understand, navigate and manage
the evolving and fragmenting media landscape.
Part of the WPP group, MindShare was created in 1997 as
the first truly global full-service media company. It is
now a team of 5,300 people in 66 countries around the
world. In China, MindShare is the largest media agency
(RECMA July 2006) and operates out of 9 offices across the
nation and employs more than 700 media and communications
professionals.
We offer core services in strategic media planning,
negotiation and execution.
Our specialist services address the specific needs of
our clients, and include econometric modeling, research and
insights, digital solutions, sports and entertainment
sponsorship consultancy, and brand-driven creative
campaigns.
MindShare has been recognised as the number 1 media
agency in the world (Advertising Age's Global Media Agency
of the Year for two years' running (2003 and 2004). In
Asia Pacific region MindShare has also received Media
Magazines Media Agency of the Year Awards in 2004 +ACY-
2005, and also topped the R3 China Agency Image Study.
For more information, contact:
Belinda Rabano
Ogilvy +ACY- Mather Asia Pacific
Tel: 1360-107-8488
Email: Belinda.rabano+AEA-ogilvy.com
Dalton Dorne
Ogilvy +ACY- Mather China
Tel: 1350-125-6900
Email: dalton.dorne+AEA-ogilvy.com
Ina Zhao
MindShare Insights
Tel: 1350-123-1952
Email: Ina.Zhao+AEA-mindshareworld.com
2007'05.17.Thu
Sheraton Makes Its Debut In Shenzhen
May 16, 2007
SHENZHEN, China, May 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Sheraton
Shenzhen Futian Hotel opened its doors in the very center of
Shenzhen, the first special economic zone in China. The
opening of Sheraton Shenzhen further signals the brand's
aggressive growth plan of Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) in China and in the Pearl River
Delta.
Located at the Great China International Exchange
Square, between Shenzhen Civic Center and Shenzhen
Convention Center, the Sheraton Shenzhen is a new landmark
of the rapidly growing Futian CBD. The Exchange Square, a
multi-purpose spectacular landmark building, is designed by
Archurban Architects Planners. Interior designed by John
& Lee, the hotel creates classic yet contemporary
touches.
"With the rapid economic growth of Shenzhen city
and development of Shenzhen's central business district in
Futian, the arrival of Sheraton Shenzhen will definitely
provide new perspectives and experiences for our
Guests", said Tomas Hansson, the hotel's General
Manager. "We are introducing attentive services and
exciting products in this hotel, to ensure our guests will
experience a warm and comforting stay, which speaks to the
core essence of the Sheraton brand promise."
Comprising two wings of 28 stories, the 418 guestrooms
and suites provide ultimate comfort and luxury while
commanding a dramatic view of the city. Each guest room
includes Sheraton signature Sweet Sleeper(R) beds, a 32''
plasma screen with satellite TV programs, wireless &
broadband internet access, separate bath and shower and
lavish amenities. Suites ranging from 70 sqm to 230 sqm and
consist of a living room with executive working area, one
bedroom and a spacious bathroom.
With easy walking distance access to the Shenzhen
International Convention Center, the hotel is designed to
host events from exclusive board meetings to executive
conferences, glorious conventions and exhibitions, as well
as splendid galas and weddings. More than 5,000 sqm of
function space is available, including a state-of-the-art
business center, grand ballroom, 23 individual function
rooms and 4 VIP rooms. Stylish and fully equipped with
built-in technology, the conference facilities include
simultaneous translation system and state of the art
audio/video equipment and high-speed broadband and wireless
internet access and computer rental.
The Sheraton Shenzhen Futian features 6 food and
beverage outlets offering a variety of cuisines from around
the world. "The Exchange", an all day dining
restaurant offers a mix of international cuisine, Asian and
Western dishes. "Mezzo" Italian restaurant
presents dishes with an Italian flair, while authentic
Cantonese cuisine is available at the "Celestial
Court" Chinese restaurant. Cocktails, coffee and tea
and small dishes are available throughout the day at
"Afterwardz" Lobby Lounge. "Havana"
offers live entertainment while indulging visitors with a
selection of fine cigars, liquors and Sheraton wine of the
world.
The hotel also features indoor and outdoor pool, a
well-equipped gymnasium, as well as sauna and steam room.
For more information or reservations, please call the
hotel at (86 755) 8383 8888, or email at
shenzhen.sheraton@sheraton.com, or visit
http://www.sheraton.com/shenzhen
About Starwood
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of
the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with
approximately 850 properties in more than 95 countries and
145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.
Starwood(R) Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator
and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following
internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury
Collection(R), Sheraton(R), Westin(R), Four Points(R) by
Sheraton, W(R), Le M¨¦ridien(R) and the recently announced
aloftSM and ELEMENTSM Hotels. Starwood Hotels also owns
Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier
developers and operators of high quality vacation interval
ownership resorts. For more information, please visit
http://www.starwoodhotels.com .
For more information, please contact:
Crystal Wu
Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: +86-755-8383-8888 x6198
Direct: +86-755-8282-6198
Fax: +86-755-8383-8998
Email: Crystal.Wu@sheraton.com
2007'05.17.Thu
Promoting Energy Efficiency and Cutting Emissions in Rural China
May 16, 2007
A Successful Partnership Between UNDP, UNIDO, Chinese
Government and GEF to Reduce Energy Consumption and Carbon
Emissions in China's Rural Enterprises
HANGZHOU, China, May 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The
United Nations and the Chinese Government unveiled today a
sustainable model to save energy and cut emissions in heavy
polluting rural enterprises to help protect the environment.
The successful model is hoped to be replicated to upgrade
millions of Township and Village Enterprises (TVEs) in
China and small medium enterprises (SMEs) globally.
(Logo:
http://www.xprn.com.cn/xprn/sa/20061107113358-34.jpg )
The six-year project was designed to test out effective
models to promote energy efficiency and clean development in
TVE's major polluting sectors of cement, brick, coking, and
metal casting, notably responsible for one sixth of China's
total carbon emissions. Through a barrier removal framework
to facilitate access to finance, new technology and
markets, the pilot project has successfully upgraded the
outdated production methods and inefficient technologies of
the rural enterprises to be both environmentally friendly
and economically competitive.
To date, the project has reduced carbon dioxide
emissions by 300,000 tons per year in nine pilot
demonstration sites in Shaanxi, Shanxi, Sichuan, and
Zhejiang. The pilot sites were catalytic in spurring the
replication in an additional 118 TVEs, thereby helping to
save an additional 2 million tons per year of carbon
dioxide emissions, while 400 more TVEs have visited the
pilots to learn of the model.
"Increasing efforts in energy conservation and
emissions reduction are urgently required to respond to
global climate change," said Khalid Malik, UN Resident
Coordinator and UN Development Programme Resident
Representative in China.
"While TVEs account for 30% of China's GDP and
play a critical role in poverty alleviation by generating
income and creating millions of jobs for the rural poor,
they are also characterized by high levels of energy
consumption, inefficiency and pollution. With the right
incentives and access to finance, we demonstrated that
transformation can occur," said Malik.
In particular, the project set up an entrustment loan
financing scheme that has provided funding opportunities to
encourage rural enterprises to invest their revenues into
energy efficient technologies, helping to attract new
investments of over US$150 million in the demonstration and
118 replication TVEs.
Furthermore, the project also contributes to improving
the livelihood of the local communities. For example, in a
pilot cement factory, the waste heat generated during the
production process is used to create electricity for its
own operations, while transferring the unused electricity
to the local power grid.
The results of the US$18.5 million project were
introduced at the International Forum on Energy Efficiency
in SMEs opened today in Hangzhou, where delegates from 10
countries will participate in an 8-day tour to study the
successful results of the program.
The Ministry of Agriculture, UNDP, United Nations
Industrial and Development Organization (UNIDO) and the
Global Environment Facility (GEF) are partners to the
project, which will come to a successful end in August.
The number of TVEs stands at around 23 million in
China, providing roughly 143 million rural jobs. However,
they are also believed to be responsible for over 50% of
all pollutants nationally.
UNDP fosters human development to empower women and men
to build better lives in China. As the UN's development
network, UNDP draws on a world of experience to assist
China in developing its own solutions to the country's
development challenges. Through partnerships and
innovation, UNDP works to achieve the Millennium
Development Goals and an equitable Xiao Kang society by
reducing poverty, strengthening the rule of law, promoting
environmental sustainability, and fighting HIV/AIDS.
http://www.undp.org.cn
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Zhang Wei, Communications Officer,
UNDP China
Tel: +86-10-8532-0715
Email: wei.zhang@undp.org
2007'05.17.Thu
HKDA Awards 07 Asia-Pacific Design Biennale Calls for Top-notch Entries from the Region which Embody Professionalism in Design
May 16, 2007
HONG KONG, May 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The HKDA
Awards 07, Asia Pacific Design Biennale and one of the most
prestigious awards in the profession, now calls for
top-notch entries from the region. With a keen devotion to
promoting and recognizing works of excellence in design for
over 30 years, HKDA aims at enhancing professionalism in
design this year, as in its theme - "Design. No Junk
Food." Award entries are welcome in four main
categories: Graphic, product, new media and spatial, with a
total of 24 sub-categories.
HKDA Awards has earned wide recognition in the business
in Asia. HKDA has the honour to have invited Bank of China
(Hong Kong), Hong Kong Design Institute and Leisure and
Cultural Services Department as co-organisers of HKDA
Awards 07, and a new record is expected.
Mr. Eddy Yu, Chairman of HKDA remarked, "With its
three decades of history, HKDA Awards is widely
acknowledged by design peers as one of the most prestigious
multi-disciplinary design awards in the Asia-Pacific region.
In its celebration of 35th anniversary this year, HKDA
targets at enhancing 'professionalism". We would like
to show our gratitude to our co-organisers for their support
and collaboration, for achieving our goals and raising the
public"s awareness in the strategic value of design
professionalism."
As in previous years, HKDA Awards 07 invites design
gurus from various disciplines across the globe. The
judging panel this year includes Kirsten Dietz, Vince
Frost, Natasha Jen, Kashiwa Sato and Sandy Choi in Graphic
category; Pinky Lai, Michael Young and Alan Yip in Product
category; Matali Crasset, Fumita Akihito and Norman Chan in
Spatial category; Heike Brockmann¡¢Lars Cortsen and Robert
Lindstrom in New Media category.
The entries are all original artworks from
Asia-pacific. A new category named "Beyond the
Boundary" is added this year, which accepts creations
beyond the existing parameters of commercially commissioned
projects. The deadline of submission is 2 June 2007. Award
results will be announced at the Award Presentation Dinner
to be held in Hong Kong on 5 October 2007. All winning
entries will be showcased at the Hong Kong Central Library
from 5-14 October 2007 and published in the HKDA Awards 07
catalogue.
For more details regarding HKDA Awards 07, judges'
biographies, awards categories and entry details, please
refer to official HKDA website at
http://www.hongkongda.com/awards07
For more information, please contact:
Edith Wong, Bbluesky
Tel: +852-2234-6424/ +852-6290-3801
Email: edith@bbluesky.com
Angel Poon, Bbluesky
Tel: +852-2234-6424/ +852-9229-4800
Email: angel@bbluesky.com
2007'05.17.Thu
KONE Delivers Elevators to Bangkok's Tallest Residential Building
May 16, 2007
SINGAPORE, May 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- KONE has won
an order for the supply and installation of all the
elevators in a prestige condominium development in Bangkok,
Thailand, called the MET. When completed, the MET will be
the tallest residential building in Bangkok. The
installation of the elevators will start in September 2007
and is estimated to be completed by the end of 2008.
The delivered units include 21 KONE MiniSpace(TM) and
two KONE MonoSpace(R) elevators, which are powered by the
environmentally-friendly KONE EcoDisc(TM) hoisting
machines. When installed, the KONE MiniSpace(TM) elevators
will travel at a speed of 5.0 m/s and 6.0 m/s.
The MET is located in the Central Business District
(CBD) of Bangkok. The 66-story development offers luxury
apartments for high quality life-style living and a variety
of leisure facilities. In 2006, the MET was granted the best
of the tall building category award by The World's Property
Market, MIPIM.
The developer of the MET is Pebble Bay (Thailand) Co.,
Ltd. The company belongs to the Singapore based Hotel
Properties Limited (HPL), which is an international company
renowned for developing and managing world-class hotels,
properties and businesses. It is recognized globally for
its exacting standards of excellence, innovation, and
attention to detail with an extensive portfolio of hotel,
lifestyle, retail and residential interests that span ten
countries.
Sender:
KONE Corporation
Pekka Kemppainen
Executive Vice President,
Area Director, Asia-Pacific
Minna Mars
Senior Vice President,
Corporate Communications & IR
Further information on the MET:
http://www.met-bangkok.com (The MET)
http://www.hotelprop.com (the developer)
KONE is one of the world's leading elevator and
escalator companies. It provides its customers with
industry-leading elevators and escalators, with innovative
solutions for their maintenance and modernization. KONE
also provides maintenance of automatic building doors. In
2006, KONE had annual net sales of EUR 3.6 billion and
approximately 29,000 employees. Its class B shares are
listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange in Finland.
http://www.kone.com
For more information, please contact:
Minna Mars, SVP,
Corporate Communications & IR,
KONE Corporation
Tel: +358-204-75-4501
2007'05.17.Thu
W.P. Stewart & Co., Ltd. Holds Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
May 16, 2007
HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- W.P.
Stewart & Co., Ltd. today held its Annual General
Meeting of shareholders in Hamilton, Bermuda.
A slate of eight (8) directors composed of William P.
Stewart, Henry B. Smith, John C. Russell, Angus S. King,
Jr., Alfred J. Mulder, Heinrich Spangler, Jan J. Spiering
and Richard D. Spurling was elected to the Board of
Directors. A proposal that the maximum number of directors
be maintained at twelve (12) and that the directors of the
Company be authorized to appoint new directors either to
fill vacancies occurring in the Board of Directors or to
act as additional directors (up to the maximum of twelve)
was also approved.
During the Annual General Meeting, William P. Stewart,
the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
thanked retiring Board members Dominik M.F. Brunner and
Jeremy W. Sillem for their service to the Company.
Mr. Stewart commented, "I am grateful to Mr.
Brunner and Mr. Sillem for their objective guidance and
support. Their depth of experience, both with private and
public companies, has been of great assistance to us and I
wish each of them every success in the future."
In other action, the shareholders also:
1. re-appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the
Company's independent
auditors for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2007
and until the close
of the Annual General Meeting of the Company for
2008 and to authorize
the Board of Directors (acting by its Audit
Committee) to fix the
auditors' remuneration; and
2. ratified and approved the issuance or the commitment
to issue by the
Company of 1,035,301 of its common shares, in the
aggregate, to certain
of its officers and other employees during the year
ended 31 December
2006 and early 2007 (all of which shares are or will
be subject to
vesting requirements) and the commitment by the
Company to issue in
the future up to an additional 505,000 common
shares, in the aggregate,
to certain of its officers and employees (all of
which additional
issuances are subject to the satisfaction of certain
conditions
relating to the Company's profitability, investment
performance or
both).
W.P. Stewart & Co., Ltd. is an asset management
company that has provided research intensive equity
management services to clients throughout the world since
1975. The Company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda
and has additional operations or affiliates in the United
States, Europe and Asia.
The Company's shares are listed for trading on the New
York Stock Exchange (NYSE: WPL) and on the Bermuda Stock
Exchange (BSX: WPS).
For more information, please visit the Company's
website at http://www.wpstewart.com , or call W.P. Stewart
Investor Relations (Fred M. Ryan) at 1-888-695-4092
(toll-free within the United States) or +441-295-8585
(outside the United States) or e-mail to
IRINFO@wpstewart.com.
For more information, please contact:
Fred Ryan
Tel: +1-441-295-8585
2007'05.17.Thu
Steinway & Sons and Peter Lyngdorf Join Forces to Create the World's Finest Audio Visual Systems
May 16, 2007
NEW YORK, May 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Steinway &
Sons, renowned for creating the world's finest pianos, and
Peter Lyngdorf, Europe's preeminent developer and
manufacturer of high performance digital sound systems,
have forged a collaboration, under the auspices of Steinway
Lyngdorf, and have entered into a multi-year international
license agreement to produce the finest, high performance
audio visual products and systems for distribution
throughout the world. The announcement was made jointly by
Bruce Stevens, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Steinway & Sons, and Steen Lohse, Chairman of Steinway
Lyngdorf. The financial terms and conditions were not
disclosed.
"We have sought for some time to expand the
Steinway & Sons brand into the high performance digital
sound system market," said Steinway & Sons
Executive Vice President, Frank Mazurco. "In Peter
Lyngdorf, one of the audio industry's most respected
innovators and pioneers, we have found a kindred spirit in
terms of an uncompromising commitment to excellence,
incomparable craftsmanship and quality. Steinway Lyngdorf
creates products that are truly worthy of the Steinway
name, offering unsurpassed performance, exceptional value
and, most importantly, an extraordinary experience for
discerning clientele the world over."
"I have been on a quest my entire life to realize
the vision of developing innovative systems which set an
unequaled standard of excellence for the industry and that
have no peer in terms of performance and experience. We
intend for Steinway Lyngdorf to create a new paradigm in
the audio visual industry, and we believe that The Model-D
Music System will indeed set a new precedent," said
Mr. Lyngdorf.
"We are proud to have been selected by Steinway
& Sons to bring audio visual systems to market which
combine unparalleled performance with a fine furniture
sensibility, and effortless simplicity in terms of
usability. I am confident that the systems developed and
manufactured by Steinway Lyngdorf will profoundly
revolutionize and transform the audio visual marketplace as
we know it today," said Mr. Lohse.
The Steinway & Sons Model-D Music System, the first
to be developed and manufactured by Steinway Lyngdorf, is
the culmination of painstaking research and development in
both electronics and in the acoustic performance of
amplifiers and loudspeakers. The Model-D Music System
incorporates an advanced version of Mr. Lyngdorf's
revolutionary RoomPerfect(TM) technology, which enables the
system to be adapted to the acoustic characteristics of any
environment in order to ensure unsurpassed audio
performance. At the time of installation, a highly trained
Steinway Lyngdorf service specialist will utilize
RoomPerfect(TM) to "voice" the System to provide
optimal audio performance. Steinway Lyngdorf expects to
manufacture less than one-hundred of these handcrafted
systems in 2007. The Model-D will be available for
shipment and installation in early Fall 2007, and will have
an MSRP of $150,000.00.
Steinway Lyngdorf is completing development of its
sales channels, which will include select Steinway &
Sons dealers, custom installers and strategic partners, and
is also establishing a comprehensive training and
certification program. The Company is also completing
development of an internal specialist global network which
will be responsible for system installations and after
sales service.
About Steinway & Sons:
Since 1853, Steinway pianos have set an uncompromising
standard for sound, touch, beauty, and investment value.
Handcrafting each Steinway requires up to one full year --
creating an instrument of rare quality and global renown.
Not surprisingly, Steinway remains the choice of 9 out of
10 concert artists, and countless pianists, composers, and
performers around the world. Headquartered in Astoria, New
York, Steinway pianos are sold by nearly 200 authorized
dealers worldwide. Steinway & Sons is a subsidiary of
Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. (NYSE: LVB), which also
owns Conn-Selmer, the nation's leading manufacturer of
orchestra and band instruments. For further information,
please visit the Steinway website ( http://www.steinway.com
).
About Steinway Lyngdorf:
Headquartered in Hojbjerg, Denmark, and founded by
Peter Lyngdorf in December 2005, Steinway Lyngdorf
represents Mr. Lyngdorf's consuming passion to create the
finest products in the audio/visual industry, without any
compromises and without precedence. The Company designs
and manufactures innovative high performance digital audio
visual systems, under the Steinway & Sons brand, that
embody a unique convergence of art and design,
craftsmanship and technology, quality and value which
results in the creation of "masterpiece systems"
that transform the medium into an experience and the
audience into a participant. Steinway Lyngdorf is creating
a new paradigm in the audio visual industry, and The Model-D
Music System is the standard bearer. For further
information, please visit the Steinway Lyngdorf website (
http://www.steinwaylyngdorf.com ).
About Peter Lyngdorf:
Mr. Lyngdorf, an innovative technology visionary and
one of Europe's most successful entrepreneurs, has been a
leading force in the audio industry for more than thirty
years, and was the first to pioneer room-correction
technology. His company, Lyngdorf Audio, the technology
and market leader in the development and manufacture of
high performance digital sound systems, operates the
largest and most sophisticated research and development
facilities in Europe. Mr. Lyngdorf was also the original
financier of Toccata Technology ApS, which is credited with
creating the world's first true digital amplifier, the
legendary Millennium, in 1998, which technology was
subsequently sold to Texas Instruments. Mr. Lyngdorf also
founded, and is the majority shareholder of, AudioNord
International, Europe's most successful audio specialist
group, encompassing Hi-Fi Klubben, Scandinavia's largest
HiFi importer and retailer and Dali A/S, a global high
performance loudspeaker manufacturer.
For more information, please contact:
Steinway Lyngdorf Press Contact:
Evins Communications, Ltd.
Meegan Insley, Senior
Vice President:
Tel: +1-212-377-3590
Email: Meegan.Insley@evins.com
Patrick Paris, Supervisor:
Tel: +1-212-377-3572
Email: Patrick.Paris@evins.com
Steinway & Sons Press Contact:
Leo Spellman, Sr. Director of Communications
Steinway & Sons, Inc.
Tel: +1-718-204-3116
Fax: +1-718-545-1154
2007'05.17.Thu
SRS Labs and Arima Communications Enable the 'WOW' Factor on Mobile Phones
May 15, 2007
Arima Communications Licenses SRS Labs' WOW HD Technology
to Enhance Audio for Multimedia Phones; First Phone is O2's
Xda Flame
SANTA ANA, Calif., May 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- SRS
Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRSL), a leading provider of surround
sound, audio and voice technologies, today announced that
Arima Communications, an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM)
based in Taiwan, has licensed SRS WOW HD(TM) audio and bass
enhancement technology for a variety of new high end
Windows Mobile phones, starting with the O2 Xda Flame which
is branded and distributed by O2 Asia Pacific & Middle
East (O2 AP & ME). Under terms of this agreement, Arima
is now licensed to implement SRS WOW HD audio solutions as
part of their handset designs to streamline the licensing
process for customers while providing industry-leading
SRS-branded audio solutions to wireless handset makers and
service providers worldwide.
( Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070322/LATH036LOGO )
"SRS Labs is the perfect choice to become our
audio technology partner because Arima will settle for
nothing less than the best stereo imaging and bass
performance for our multimedia-savvy consumers," said
Jason Chen, Assistant Director of Software Design, Arima
Communications. "SRS WOW HD is a pivotal feature
enabling the Flame to deliver a full multimedia experience.
Great video demands great audio." The O2 Xda Flame
also features NVIDIA's GoForce(R) GPU for visually-rich
Mobile TV broadcasting and a TV-out connector.
SRS WOW HD provides a richer, more natural sound for
audio and restores clarity often lost in the mixing and
compression process.
"We're excited to work with a market leader like
Arima Communications," said Michael Franzi, vice
president of sales - licensing, SRS Labs. "Arima's
dedication to delivering the best possible multimedia
experience and subsequent adoption of SRS WOW HD is an
important design partnership for SRS Labs, which will
further elevate the SRS WOW HD brand in the 21 million
unit-a-year global Window's Mobile phone market. We look
forward to broadening our relationship with Arima and
marketing this 'total solution' through joint marketing
efforts and innovative technology and product
advancements."
Arima Communications specializes in the research,
development, manufacturing and marketing of mobile
communications products. The company produces multi-band
GSM, GPRS, 3G and smart phones. It also develops high-end
Pocket PC phone, like the design developed for the O2 Xda
Flame.
SRS WOW HD improves the audio performance of compressed
audio, providing optimized bass response, high frequency
definition and clarity, an expanded audio field and more
natural sound that increases the listeners involvement in
the multi-media experience. The technology is used to not
only deliver superior sound over stereo earphones but is
also a key ingredient used to tune each handset's speaker
or speakers to achieve maximum sound quality, dynamic range
and imaging. To date, more than 500 million hardware and
software products that include the SRS WOW family of audio
technologies have shipped or have been downloaded. The
technology continues to be the top choice for manufacturers
due to flexibility, ease of integration, better overall
performance and cost savings benefits.
The O2 Xda Flame is currently being shipped throughout
Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, UAE and other parts
of Asia.
About SRS Labs, Inc.
SRS Labs develops advanced audio and communications
technology that optimizes and improves the listening
experience through techniques based on the latest research
into the human auditory system. With over one billion
products shipped worldwide, SRS Labs is a leader in audio.
Incorporated in products ranging from HDTVs and mobile
phones to PCs and automotive entertainment, SRS Labs audio
and speech signal processing provides the best possible
sound on every form factor and in every environment. SRS
Labs surround sound solutions enable the professional
broadcast and recording industries with high-performance
production, back-haul, storage, and transmission
capability. SRS Labs supports manufacturers worldwide with
offices in the US, China, Europe, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
About Arima Communications Corp.
Arima Communications Corp. (abbr. Arima Communications,
TSEC listed number: 8101.TW), established in August 1999, is
the leading professional handset ODM company certificated by
worldwide first tier handset branding companies, which
commission Arima Communications to design and produce
mobile phones. Arima Communications specializes in mobile
communications products. Currently, the main product lines
are the feature phones and smart phones in GSM / GPRS and
3G / HSPA. Arima Communications oriented as a total
solution provider, is capable of providing its customers
the full plans of market research, product design, product
development, manufacture, product certification, global
logistics and after-sales service in global presence up to
heaps of countries.
Arima Communications not only equips with the solid
ability to product development, but also controls the core
technology of wireless communications. As a result, Arima
Communications has been successful in wireless
communications field for decades. Apart from key
technologies in communications protocol, audio & video
multi-media application, user interface, and application
software, and etc., Arima Communications is developing the
advanced technologies and products in 3G feature phones and
smart phones actively. For more information about the
company, please visit http://www.arimacomm.com.tw .
Except for historical information contained in this
release, statements in this release, including those by Mr.
Franzi, may constitute forward-looking statements regarding
our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets,
intentions or beliefs about future events that are based on
management's belief, as well as assumptions made by, and
information currently available to, management. While the
Company believes that its expectations are based upon
reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurances that the
Company's goals and strategy will be realized. Numerous
factors, including risks and uncertainties, may affect the
Company's actual results and may cause results to differ
materially from those expressed in forward-looking
statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Some of
these factors include the acceptance of new SRS Labs'
products and technologies, the impact of competitive
products and pricing, the timely development and release of
technologies by the Company, general business and economic
conditions, especially in Asia, and other factors detailed
in the Company's Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed
with the SEC. SRS Labs specifically disclaims any
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
statement whether as a result of new information, future
developments or otherwise.
For more information, please contact:
Media: Cyndee Pelino, Marketing Manager
SRS Labs, Inc.
Tel: +1-949-442-5518
Email: cyndeep@srslabs.com
Spokesman: Mr. Stephen Hung
Tel: +886-2-8227-5341
2007'05.17.Thu
Atmel Releases New CryptoMemory Development Kit
May 15, 2007
Eliminates the Need for Developers to Understand
Cryptographic Processes and Algorithms
SAN JOSE, California, May 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML), announced today the
release of the AT88SC-DK1 development kit for its
CryptoMemory(R), an advanced cryptographic family of memory
products.
Current CryptoMemory development requires developers to
understand details of the cryptography and associated
cryptographic algorithms of the CryptoMemory device in
order to perform mutual authentication, data encryption,
and generation of encrypted Message Authentication Codes
(MAC) for secure communication with the device. AT88SC-DK1
simplifies the application development process by providing
a library that completely implements host cryptographic
operations required for secure communication with
CryptoMemory devices.
The AT88SC-DK1 provides evaluation and demonstration
capabilities when used in conjunction with Atmel's STK500,
an AVR(R) processor embedded development environment. This
development kit serves Atmel's AT88SCxxxxC family of
cryptographic memories, covering EEPROM densities from 1
Kbit to 256 Kbits.
The kit includes a daughter board, to adapt
CryptoMemory to any existing embedded development
environment with a two-wire interface, and a development
library containing a low function count API. The
development library is delivered as a highly-decoupled
binary cryptographic core and a source code interface for
easy integration.
Availability and Pricing
The AT88SC-DK1 development kit is available now from
Atmel sales offices and is priced at US $49.95 each.
About Atmel
Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and
manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic,
mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF)
components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest
intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is
able to provide the electronics industry with complete
system solutions. Atmel is focused on consumer,
industrial, security, communications, computing and
automotive markets.
NOTE: Atmel(R), logo and combinations thereof, AVR(R),
CryptoMemory(R) and others are registered trademarks or
trademarks of Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other
terms and product names may be the trademarks of others.
Information
Atmel's CryptoMemory product information may be
retrieved at: http://www.atmel.com/products/SecureMem/
For more information, please contact:
Sharon Harnisch
Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: +1-719-540-1723
Email: sharnisch@cso.atmel.com
Veronique Sablereau
Corporate Communications Manager - Europe
Tel: +33-1-30-60-70-68
Email: veronique.sablereau@atmel.com
2007'05.17.Thu
Xinhua Finance Announces Management Changes, Strengthened Executive Team and Streamlined Structure
May 15, 2007
SHANGHAI, China, May 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Xinhua
Finance Limited (TSE: 9399) (OTC ADRs: XHFNY)
("XFL"), today announced the promotion of several
executives in connection with the creation of a shared
services group designed to consolidate and simplify certain
operational and reporting structures between XFL and its
subsidiary Xinhua Finance Media ("XFMedia")
(Nasdaq: XFML).
(Logo: http://www.xprn.com.cn/xprn/sa/200611140926.gif
)
The shared services group is made up of executives from
both XFL and XFMedia, and centralizes support for strategy,
investor relations, corporate communications, legal
services and branding for XFL and XFMedia. This group
reports to Fredy Bush, who is CEO of both companies.
XFL, founded in 1999, is a financial information
company focusing on China which serves financial
institutions, corporations and re-distributors through five
focused and complementary service lines: Indices, Ratings,
Financial News, Investor Relations, and Distribution.
XFMedia is a China based financial and entertainment media
company. Through its five synergistic business groups,
Advertising, Broadcast, Print, Production and Research,
XFMedia offers a total solution empowering clients at every
stage of the media process.
The two Xinhua Finance businesses operate with highly
complementary objectives: XFL continually improves the
quality and scope of its financial content, while XFMedia
focuses on distributing that content to a target audience
of high net worth individuals in China via television,
radio, newspapers, magazines and other distribution
channels.
Fredy Bush, Chief Executive commented, "We are
keenly aware of the need for our corporate structure and
executive team to stay one step ahead of the rapid
development of our businesses. Our sharp focus and clear
strategy allows us to think and plan ahead. The Xinhua
Finance companies now have more than 10,000 investors
globally, in excess of $1.5 billion in market capital and
have completed $400 million in M&A transactions. The
shared services group is important to the group's efficient
expansion going forward and represents our commitment to
sustainable growth."
John McLean, who has served as XFL General Counsel
since 2004, will continue to head up the legal department
for the group as part of the shared services team.
Given his in-depth knowledge of both XFL and XFMedia,
Shelly Singhal has been appointed Executive Director,
Corporate Development, and will serve as a part of the
shared services group with responsibility for capital
markets activities, transactions, and mergers and
acquisitions.
Andrew Chang has been appointed Chief Financial Officer
of XFMedia. Andrew joined the finance department of XFL in
2003. He played a key role working closely with Shelly
Singhal in the development of the XFMedia business as
Managing Director of Finance. Zhu Shan remains in his
position as Chief Operating Officer of XFMedia.
At XFL, David Wang assumes the role of Chief Financial
Officer after serving as Managing Director, Corporate
Finance since joining XFL in 2006. He replaces Gordon
Lau, who is leaving XFL to pursue other interests. David
will assume the role on July 1st and is working closely
with Gordon to facilitate a smooth transition. During his
tenure with XFL, David worked with Gordon on several
financing transactions, including XFL's $100 million high
yield bond financing. Dan Connell continues in his role as
XFL Chief Operating Officer.
Fredy Bush added, "These changes in responsibility
will better leverage our executive skill set and help build
a management infrastructure strong enough to support our
ambitious growth plans. Personally, I am very excited to
be able to sharpen my focus on what I do best: strategic
and tactical planning, leadership and China market
development. John, Shelly, David, Dan, Andrew, and Zhu
Shan have made valuable contributions to our success and
these enhancements to our corporate structure will increase
their opportunities to do so in the future. I extend my
sincere appreciation to Gordon Lau for his invaluable
contribution to the successful development of Xinhua
Finance, and wish him the best in his future
endeavors."
Notes to Editors
Biographies of the two new CFOs
Mr. David Wang, CFO, Xinhua Finance Limited
Mr. Wang joined Xinhua Finance Limited in October 2006
as Managing Director, Corporate Finance. Prior to that, Mr.
Wang had served as a financial advisor to the Company since
February 2006 and took a key role in leading a number of
major financing transactions for the company, including its
syndicated loan and high yield bond financing, as well as
the NASDAQ IPO of its subsidiary Xinhua Finance Media
Limited.
Prior to joining Xinhua Finance, Mr. Wang served as CFO
and board member of Kentucky Electric Steel, Vice President
of Libra Securities, and an Associate with the leveraged
finance investment banking division of U.S Bancorp
Investments, Inc.
Mr. Wang graduated from the Wharton School at the
University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Andrew Chang, CFO, Xinhua Finance Media Limited
Mr. Chang joined our parent Xinhua Finance Limited
(XFL) in 2003 and had taken senior positions at Corporate
Finance Department until November 2006 when he transferred
to Xinhua Finance Media (XFMedia). He successfully managed
and completed various acquisitions, fund raisings, and
other strategic financial initiatives for both XFL and
XFMedia, including their IPOs on the Tokyo Stock Exchange
and the NASDAQ respectively.
Prior to joining Xinhua Finance, Mr. Chang had over 10
years of investment banking experience in the US, Hong
Kong, China and Japan including working at such prestigious
investment banks as GE Capital, ABN AMRO, and Nomura.
Mr. Chang graduated from University of California at
Berkeley.
About the companies
Xinhua Finance Limited
Xinhua Finance Limited is China's premier financial
information and media service provider and is listed on the
Mothers Board of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (symbol: 9399)
(OTC ADRs: XHFNY). Bridging China's financial markets and
the world, Xinhua Finance serves financial institutions,
corporations and re-distributors through five focused and
complementary service lines: Indices, Ratings, Financial
News, Investor Relations, and Distribution. Founded in
November 1999, the Company is headquartered in Shanghai,
with offices and news bureaus spanning 14 countries
worldwide. For more information, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinance.com .
About Xinhua Finance Media Limited
Xinhua Finance Media ("XFMedia"; NASDAQ:
XFML) is China's leading diversified financial and
entertainment media company targeting high net worth
individuals nationwide. The company reaches its target
audience via TV, radio, newspapers, magazines and other
distribution channels. Through its five synergistic
business groups, Advertising, Broadcast, Print, Production
and Research, XFMedia offers a total solution empowering
clients at every stage of the media process and keeping
people connected and entertained.
Headquartered in Beijing, the company has offices and
affiliates in major cities of China including Beijing,
Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
Xinhua Finance Media is a subsidiary of Xinhua Finance
Limited ("XFL"; TSE Mothers: 9399), China's
premier financial information and media service provider.
XFL owns 36.9% of the equity and 85.4% of the voting rights
of XFMedia through its holding of class B common shares,
which have ten votes per share. The investing public, the
company's China partners, executives and staff own class A
common shares in the company with one vote per share. The
dual-class common share structure was created to
accommodate the regulatory landscape of China's media
sector.
For more information, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinancemedia.com .
For more information, please contact:
Xinhua Finance
Japan:
Mr. Sun Jiong
Tel: +81-3-3321-9500
Email: jsun@xinhuafinance.com
China:
Ms Joy Tsang
Tel: +86-21-6113-5999 / +86-136-2179-1577
Email: joy.tsang@xinhuafinance.com
Taylor Rafferty (IR Contact)
Japan:
Mr. James Hawrylak
Tel: +81-3-5444-2730
Email: james.hawrylak@taylor-rafferty.com
United States:
Mr. John P. Dudzinsky
Tel: +1-212-889-4350
Email: xinhuafinance@taylor-rafferty.com
2007'05.17.Thu
ANADIGICS' PA Equips Samsung's Ultra MPEG4 Video 3G Phone
May 15, 2007
Ultra Modern, Multimedia Rich Samsung F500 Phone Relies on
ANADIGICS' AWT6277 PA
WARREN, N.J., May 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- ANADIGICS,
Inc. (Nasdaq: ANAD) today announced that they are shipping
production volumes of ANADIGICS AWT6277 HELP(TM) WCDMA
power amplifier (PA) module for the innovative Samsung F500
3G UMTS phone. The SGH-F500 features a dual-face design
offering a "multimedia side" and "phone
side" aimed to address the European market.
The SGH-F500 offers some of the most versatile mobile
phone features available to wireless phone users to date,
including a 2 mega pixel camera with 400MB internal memory,
expandable with the use of an external memory card. It
delivers optimal viewing capabilities on a large 2.4"
screen that can display video in both landscape and
portrait modes. Furthermore, the SGH-F500's 3G
capabilities make it the first handset to support DivX
video codec and the play back of several audio and video
formats including, MP3, AAC, WMA, MPEG4, H.264, and WMV.
"We are very pleased that Samsung has selected
ANADIGICS' industry-leading 3G WCDMA power amplifier for
the SGH-F500," said Dr. Bami Bastani, President &
CEO of ANADIGICS. "ANADIGICS' leading line of wireless
WCDMA HELP(TM) products and strategic relationships with
tier-one manufacturers like Samsung positions us to be a
strong player in the advanced multimedia 3G handsets for
the ultra-modern, multimedia lifestyle."
Specifically designed to meet the needs of feature rich
mobile handsets, the AWT6277 HELP(TM) WCDMA PA includes
ANADIGICS' High-Efficiency-at-Low-Power (HELP(TM))
technology which reduces WCDMA average power consumption by
50%. Combined with low leakage current in shutdown mode, the
AWT6277 PA delivers longer battery life and additional
talk-time-two key metrics for mobile handset designers.
The self-contained 4 mm x 4 mm x 1.1 mm surface-mount
PA incorporates matching networks optimized for output
power, efficiency, and linearity in a 50 ¦¸ (ohm) system,
which reduces device footprint and the need for external
components, making it extremely well suited for super-thin
designs. AWT6277 HELP(TM) PA is enabled by ANADIGICS'
advanced patented InGaP-Plus(TM) HBT technology which
combines InGaP HBT & pHEMT devices on the same die and
delivers state-of-the-art performance, reliability,
temperature stability, and ruggedness.
The ANADIGICS AWT6277 PA is available now. For
additional information, contact ANADIGICS by phone (908)
668-5000 or FAX (908) 668-5132 or visit the Company's Web
site at www.anadigics.com.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in
semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital
convergence technologies with 2006 parent company sales of
US $63.4 billion and net income of US $8.5 billion.
Employing approximately 138,000 people in 124 offices in 56
countries, the company consists of five main business units:
Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor
Business, Telecommunication Network Business, and Digital
Appliance Business. Recognized as one of the fastest
growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading
producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and
TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit
http://www.samsung.com .
About ANADIGICS, Inc.
ANADIGICS, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANAD) is a leading provider of
semiconductor solutions in the rapidly growing broadband
wireless and wireline communications markets. The Company's
products include power amplifiers, tuner integrated
circuits, active splitters, line amplifiers, and other
components, which can be sold individually or packaged as
integrated radio frequency and front end modules.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for historical information contained herein,
this press release contains projections and other
forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). These
projections and forward-looking statements reflect the
Company's current views with respect to future events and
financial performance and can generally be identified as
such because the context of the statement will include
words such as "believe", "anticipate",
"expect", or words of similar import. Similarly,
statements that describe our future plans, objectives,
estimates or goals are forward-looking statements. No
assurances can be given, however, that these events will
occur or that these projections will be achieved and actual
results and developments could differ materially from those
projected as a result of certain factors. Important factors
that could cause actual results and developments to be
materially different from those expressed or implied by
such projections and forward-lookingstatements include
those factors detailed from time to time in our reports
filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,
including our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2006.
For more information, please contact:
media
Jennifer Palella
ANADIGICS, Inc.
Tel: +1-908-668-5000
Fax: +1-908-412-5978
Email: jpalella@anadigics.com
Chuck Manners
Godfrey
Tel: +1-717-393-3831
Fax: +1-717-393-1403
Email: chuck@godfrey.com
investors
Thomas Shields
ANADIGICS, Inc.
Tel: +1-908-412-5995
Email: tshields@anadigics.com
2007'05.17.Thu
Bank of Communication Makes Fast Track Entry to Xinhua FTSE Indices
May 15, 2007
BEIJING, May 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Xinhua FTSE
Index (XFI), the independent China index company, announced
today that Bank of Communication (601328) will be
incorporated into Xinhua FTSE's suite of A share indices,
following its IPO on Shanghai Stock Exchange. The inclusion
will take effect when China markets open on May 22, 2007.
Headquartered in Shanghai, Bank of Communication is the
fifth-largest lender in China.
Applying the fast-track entry rules, the company will
become a constituent of the Xinhua/FTSE China A50 Index,
and 200, 400, 600, and All Share indices, as well as the
Xinhua FTSE Insurance Investment Index. For further details
regarding rebalancing, please refer to the technical notice
at
http://www.ftse.com/xinhua/Indices/International_Investors/Index_Changes.jsp
.
The stock is added as a fast entry to the index (i.e.,
it does not need to wait until the regular quarterly
review) as XFI Ground Rules allow for sufficiently large
stocks to be added 5 trading days after listing. This rule
is in place to ensure that the index remains an up to date
and accurate reflection of the market it measures, and
allows investors to use the index as a tracking and
analysis tool with confidence and precision.
Xinhua FTSE index series is widely regarded as the
leading measure of the China market by domestic and
international investors and is used as the basis of a set
of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), and derivative products on
exchanges around the world. In the first quarter of 2007,
the total assets tracking and benchmarking the index series
exceeded USD 50 billion worldwide.
More information about the Xinhua FTSE Index Series is
available at http://www.xinhuaftse.com .
Notes to Editors
About Xinhua FTSE Index
Established in late 2000, FTSE Xinhua Index (FXI), a
joint venture between Xinhua Finance Limited and FTSE, came
into being to facilitate the creation of real-time indices
for the Chinese market. The indices can be used as a basis
for the trading of derivatives, index-tracking funds,
Exchange Traded Funds and as performance benchmarks. The
combination of FTSE's expertise in international indexing
with Xinhua Finance's strong presence and capabilities in
China creates a level of expertise in the Chinese market
that is unprecedented. Providing the combined coverage for
the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, all of the FTSE/Xinhua
indices are designed according to internationally proven
index methodology to ensure products are transparent, clear
and consistent. For daily data and further information,
please visit http://www.ftsexinhua.com .
About FTSE Group
FTSE Group is a world-leader in the creation and
management of indexes. With offices in Beijing, London,
Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Madrid, Paris, New York, San
Francisco, Boston, Shanghai and Tokyo, FTSE Group services
clients in 77 countries worldwide. It calculates and
manages the FTSE Global Equity Index Series, which includes
world-recognized indexes ranging from the FTSE All-World
Index, the FTSE4Good series and the FTSEurofirst Index
series, as well as domestic indexes such as the prestigious
FTSE 100. The company has collaborative arrangements with
the Athens, AMEX, Cyprus, Euronext, Johannesburg London,
Madrid, NASDAQ Thailand and Taiwan exchanges, as well as
Nomura Securities, Hang Seng and Xinhua Finance of China.
FTSE also has a collaborative agreement with Dow Jones
Indexes to develop a single sector classification system
for global investors.
FTSE indexes are used extensively by investors
world-wide for investment analysis, performance
measurement, asset allocation, portfolio hedging and for
creating a wide range of index tracking funds. Independent
committees of senior fund managers, derivatives experts,
actuaries and other experienced practitioners review all
changes to the indexes to ensure that they are made
objectively and without bias. Real-time FTSE indexes are
calculated on systems managed by Reuters. Prices and FX
rates used are supplied by Reuters.
About Xinhua Finance Limited
Xinhua Finance Limited is China's premier financial
information and media service company and is listed on the
Mothers Board of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (symbol: 9399)
(OTC ADRs: XHFNY). Bridging China's financial markets and
the world, Xinhua Finance serves financial institutions,
corporations and re-distributors through five focused and
complementary service lines: Indices, Ratings, Financial
News, Investor Relations, and Distribution. Founded in
November 1999, the Company is headquartered in Shanghai,
with offices and news bureaus spanning 14 countries
worldwide.
For more information, please contact:
Beijing
Jean LI
Xinhua FTSE Beijing Office
Tel: +86-10-5864-5276
Email: jean.li@xinhuaftse.com
Shanghai/Hong Kong
Joy Tsang
Xinhua Finance
Tel: +86-21-6113-5999
Email: joy.tsang@xinhuafinance.com
Hong Kong
Meredith Blakemore
FTSE HK
Tel: +852-2230-5801
Email: meredith.blakemore@ftse.com
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