2007'02.04.Sun
Digi International Acquires Wireless Leader MaxStream
August 04, 2006
Completely Complementary Product Lines Move Digi into Leadership Position in Wireless Device Networking
MINNETONKA, Minnesota, Aug. 4 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Digi International(R) Inc. (Nasdaq: DGII) today announced
the acquisition of MaxStream(TM), Inc., a fast-growing,
privately held corporation and a leader in the wireless
device networking market. The acquisition is a merger
transaction for $38.5 million of cash and stock, with
$19.25 million paid in cash and $19.25 million in Digi
stock.
Based in Lindon, Utah and employing 49 people,
MaxStream generated $10.4 million in revenue and $1.3
million in net income, or 12.7% of revenue, in the year
ending December 31, 2005.
MaxStream supplies device manufacturers and integrators
with reliable wireless modules and box products that meet
the unique needs of industry and commerce. The products are
easy-to-use and allow customers to wirelessly monitor and
control electronic devices. To meet market needs,
MaxStream provides a menu of distance and speed options,
ranging from 100 feet to 40 miles, and a few kbps to 1.5
Mbps. Some typical applications include automated utility
meter reading, oil and gas monitoring, remote control and
monitoring of commercial heating and air conditioning
systems, vehicle information access for fleet management,
industrial controls, wireless sensors, and electronic
signals.
"This is really an exciting combination -- the
strategic fit between the two companies is
remarkable," said Joe Dunsmore, Chairman, President
and CEO of Digi. "Our product lines are entirely
complementary. We're both focused on the commercial-grade
device networking market and our core strategies of
providing turnkey box products and embedded modules are the
same."
"What a great opportunity this is for MaxStream
to join with a company that has such a great reputation in
the industry," said Brad Walters, President and CEO of
MaxStream. "Culturally, the two companies are very
compatible and we're really looking forward to jointly
addressing the rapidly growing wireless market."
Broad Wireless Offering
Digi is focused on connecting commercial and industrial
devices via both embedded and boxed/packaged products. With
a long history of wired connectivity solutions -- serial,
USB, Ethernet -- Digi has moved aggressively into wireless
in the past four years with products and capabilities in
both the WiFi (802.11) and cellular arenas. As the world
continues to migrate from wired to wireless, MaxStream
wireless technologies and products significantly expand
Digi's wireless offering -- covering both short and medium
range using embedded modules and boxed/packaged solutions.
Additionally MaxStream has quickly become a leader in the
ZigBee/802.15.4 market targeted at very low power, low
bandwidth solutions for applications such as wireless
sensor networks.
"The combination of Digi and MaxStream provides
the capability to provide their customers end-to-end
wireless solutions," said Glenn Allemdinger, Founder
and President of Harbor Research, Inc. "Other
companies are limited in what they can provide either the
local or the wide area network wireless solution. Digi had
the WAN with their Cellular Routers and part of the LAN with
their embedded WiFi solutions. Adding MaxStream's
proprietary and Zigbee-based wireless technologies
completes their portfolio. Digi has done a wonderful job
of transforming itself from its legacy products into a
provider of commercial grade wireless solutions. What
impresses me is that they have done this transformation
while maintaining strong financial performance. We
consider Digi "best-in-class" when it comes to
Corporate Development."
Merger Specifics and Conference Call
Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement,
MaxStream became a wholly owned subsidiary of Digi. The
cash and stock purchase price was used to purchase all of
the outstanding shares of MaxStream stock and to buy out
all outstanding MaxStream stock options. Digi will retain
the MaxStream office in Lindon, Utah.
Digi expects MaxStream to contribute in excess of $2.5
million in revenue for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2006.
Digi anticipates MaxStream will contribute revenue in a
range of $20 million to $24 million for fiscal year 2007.
Digi anticipates that one-time expenses associated with
the acquisition, primarily in-process research and
development, will reduce earnings per diluted share by
$0.07 to $0.09 for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2006. Digi
expects the MaxStream acquisition will be $0.01 to $0.03
accretive per diluted share during fiscal year 2007. Digi
expects MaxStream's gross margin to be in the 53-57% range
for fiscal 2007.
Digi will host a conference call to discuss the
transaction at 4:00 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, July 27,
2006, and invites all those interested to participate either
by phone or on the Web. Participants can access the call
directly by dialing 1-888-548-8860. International
participants may access the call by dialing 706-679-3942.
A replay will be available for one week following the call
by dialing 1-800-633-8284 for domestic participants or
402-977-9140 for international participants and entering
access code 21300340 when prompted. Participants may also
access a live web cast of the conference call through the
Investor Relations section of Digi's web site,
http://www.digi.com .
About Digi International
Digi International, based in Minneapolis, makes device
networking easy by developing products and technologies
that are cost effective and easy to use. Digi markets its
products through a global network of distributors and
resellers, systems integrators and original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs).
For more information, visit Digi's Web site at
http://www.digi.com or call 877-912-3444 (U.S.) or
952-912-3444 (International).
About MaxStream
MaxStream is a leading worldwide developer of wireless
modem networking for electronic devices. MaxStream
provides wireless modem modules, stand-alone radio modems,
RF design services, and supporting software. Products and
services by MaxStream include designing, manufacturing and
supporting wireless communications for embedded systems and
box products.
For more information regarding MaxStream's products and
services, contact MaxStream, Inc. at
http://www.MaxStream.net , info@MaxStream.net , or call
(866) 765-9885.
Digi, Digi International, and the Digi logo are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Digi International
Inc. in the United States and other countries. MaxStream
is a trademark of MaxStream, Inc.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains statements that constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, which generally can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate,"
"believe," target," "estimate,"
"may," "will," "expect,"
"plan," "project," "should,"
or "continue" or the negative thereof or other
variations thereon or similar terminology. Such statements
are based on information available to management as of the
time of such statements and relate to, among other things,
expectations of the business environment in which the
companies operate, projections of future performance,
perceived opportunities in the market and statements
regarding the combined company's mission and vision, future
financial and operating results, and benefits of the
transaction. Such statements are not guarantees of future
performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and
assumptions, including risks related to the highly
competitive market in which the companies operate, rapid
changes in technologies that may displace products sold by
the combined company, declining prices of networking
products, the combined company's reliance on distributors,
delays in product development efforts, uncertainty in
consumer acceptance of the combined company's products, and
changes in the companies' level of revenue or profitability.
These forward-looking statements are neither promises nor
guarantees, but are subject to risk and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to differ materially from the
expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements,
including but not limited to uncertainties associated with
economic conditions in the marketplace, particularly in the
principal industry sectors served by the combined company,
changes in customer requirements and in the volume of sales
to principal customers, the ability of the combined company
to achieve the anticipated benefits and synergies
associated with this transaction, the challenges and risks
associated with managing and operating business in numerous
international locales, competition and technological change,
and the risks that the businesses will not be integrated
successfully.
These and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions
identified from time to time in Digi's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including without
limitation, its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q, could cause future results to differ
materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements. Many of such factors are beyond Digi's ability
to control or predict. These forward-looking statements
speak only as of the date for which they are made. The
companies disclaim any intent or obligation to update
publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For more information, please contact:
Press Contact:
Lucy Hou
Marketing Communication Specialist, China
Digi International
Tel: +86-10-6561-8310 x12
Fax: +86-10-6561-8152
Investor Contact:
Erika Moran
The Investor Relations Group
Tel: +1-212-825-3210
Email: mail@investorrelationsgroup.com
Web: http://www.digi.com.cn
SOURCE Digi International Inc.
PR
2007'02.04.Sun
Buongiorno Announces the Acquisition of the U.S. Company Rocket Mobile, Leading QUALCOMM BREW Developer of Wireless Applications(1)
August 04, 2006
MILAN, Italy, Aug. 4 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Buongiorno
USA, Inc., the US subsidiary of the Buongiorno SpA Group
(MTAX STAR, Italian Stock Exchange: BNG), a multinational
operating in the market of multimedia content via telephone
and digital channels, signed the final agreement to acquire
up to 100% stake in Rocket Mobile, Inc.
Founded in 2001, Rocket Mobile is a Silicon
Valley-based firm (Los Gatos, California - US). It is at
the forefront of delivering multimedia and messaging
software for mobile handsets.
The company creates advanced applications that drive
high end-user satisfaction for partners operating in the
wireless industry, including handset manufacturers,
wireless operators and content providers. Partners include
Motorola, Verizon Wireless, Alltel, Samsung Electronics,
Sony BMG, QUALCOMM, Sharp, Kodak, National Geographic,
Corbis, and others.
Rocket Mobile developed one of the first mobile
applications to receive TRUE BREW certification in the US
and since then, they've continued to leverage this
technology to develop sophisticated applications that have
earned them four QUALCOMM BREW Developer awards.
The messaging applications offered by Rocket Mobile are
preloaded by handset manufacturers ("Factory
Pre-load"); Rocket Mobile's consumer applications are
available for download from leading BREW operators
worldwide ("Retail Business").
"The cutting-edge applications and services
developed by Rocket Mobile have a broad technical reach
that add value to the entire wireless value chain. The
inclusion of Rocket Mobile will widen Buongiorno's range of
quality Value Added Services, adapting it to the BREW world.
Moreover, thanks to relations developed by Rocket Mobile,
Buongiorno will be able to strengthen its relationships
with US wireless operators, thus accelerating the B2B
distribution channel" stated Andrea Casalini, Chief
Executive Officer of Buongiorno SpA.
Rocket Mobile closed financial year 2005 with
revenues(2) totaling approx. USD 5 million, Gross Margin of
USD 4.2 million, and operating income amounting to USD 0.27
million (as per tax return). For the 2006 financial year,
Rocket Mobile expects to achieve revenues totaling approx.
USD 10 million, Gross Margin of USD 8 million, and
operating income amounting to about USD 2.2 million. 2006
half-year results were in line with the business plan.
The acquisition of Rocket Mobile's share capital will
be carried out by cash by the US subsidiary of Buongiorno
USA, Inc., for a total amount of USD 17 million, plus net
current assets. An earn-out of up to USD 10 million may
also be paid, provided that Rocket Mobile reaches a pre-set
EBITDA in the 12 months after the signing of the contract.
50% of the fixed amount will be covered by a capital
increase of Buongiorno USA, Inc. that will be subscribed by
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. for the stake already held in the
share capital of the company. The remaining 50% will be
covered through an intra-group financing by the Parent
Company in favor of Buongiorno USA, Inc.
To finance this transaction, Buongiorno SpA will use
currently available liquid funds as well as a limited part
of the Euro 30 million medium-term credit line approved by
the Board of Directors in May 2006.
Payment of the fixed part will be made in a single
installment on the closing date, which is scheduled for
early September.
Rocket Mobile will continue to operate as a business
unit of the Group and Wayne Yurtin will keep his position
as President and CEO of Rocket Mobile. Further confirming
his long-term commitment, Wayne Yurtin -- as the majority
selling shareholder of Rocket Mobile -- is committed to
re-investing at least USD 1 million of his own income to
the acquisition of Buongiorno shares on the market within
three months of the closing date and to holding the shares
for 12 months.
(1) BREW is a solution created by QUALCOMM (
http://www.qualcomm.com ) to
develop and distribute wireless applications,
adopted especially by
operators using wireless CDMA technology. This
technology is widespread
in the US, Asia, Latin America and Australia. BREW
offers a powerful
development platform with many functions, and also
a sophisticated
integrated system of distribution of applications
to users. For
further information:
http://brew.qualcomm.com/brew/en/
(2) Rocket Mobile's profit and loss account is based on
the cash account
model
For more information, please contact:
Monica Montefusco
Global PR & Events Manager
Email: monica.montefusco@buongiorno.com
SOURCE Buongiorno Vitaminic SPA
2007'02.04.Sun
China Displays Great Interest in Summit to Be Held at Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry
August 04, 2006
HAMBURG, Germany, Aug. 4 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- 40 high
ranking Chinese business leaders to accompany Prime Minister
Wen Jiabao.
In addition to the Chinese prime minister Wen Jiabao, a
40 member delegation of high ranking business leaders are
slated to attend "Hamburg Summit: China meets
Europe" from September 13-15, 2006 at the Hamburg
Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Chinese delegates are
board members of leading Chinese corporations and members of
the country's largest business association China Federation
of Industrial Economics (CFIE).
The members of the Chinese delegation include the
following:
-- Zhu Yanfeng, CEO of the FAW Group, which is China's
leading automaker;
-- Xie Qihua, head of Baosteel, which is one of the
world's largest steel
concerns;
-- Fu Chengyu, president of CNOOC, which is one of the
fastest growing
petroleum and gas companies;
- Guo Wei, CEO of Digital China, which is a successful
subsidiary of the
electronics company Lenovo;
The delegation will be led by Professor Xu
Kuangdi, vice chairman of the 10th National Committee
of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference,
and thus higher ranking than a government minister
according to Chinese protocol.
The Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry is
expecting more than 350 luminaries from the business,
political and science communities to attend this second
summit on European-Chinese relations. This year's
conference will focus on environmental protection and
logistics, with nine panels addressing a series of topics
including financing and banking, trade relations between
the EU and China, and China's resource needs.
Speakers at the summit will include former German
chancellor Helmut Kohl, Singapore founding father Lee Kuan
Yew, Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing, former UN environmental
director Klaus Topfer and the biologist Ernst-Ulrich von
Weizsacker.
For more information, please contact:
Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Office of Public Relations
Dr. Jorn Arfs
Tel: +49-40-36138-301
Fax: +49-40-36138-460
Email: joern.arfs@hk24.de
Web: http://www.hk24.de
http://www.hamburg-summit.com
SOURCE Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry
2007'02.04.Sun
South African Cash Deliveries More Efficient and Safer, Thanks to Tracking & Tracing
August 04, 2006
PRETORIA, South Africa and UTRECHT, Netherlands, Aug. 4
/Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- All cash deliveries made by the COIN
Security Group (PTY) Ltd in South Africa can be tracked
from start to finish with the tracking and tracing solution
of the Netherlands based company Transtrack International.
COIN -- one of the three largest cash-in-transit companies
in South Africa operating from 28 branches and 300 plus
armoured vehicles -- decided to implement the integrated
tracking and tracing system on a nationwide basis following
completion of a pilot project in Pretoria last June.
The system from Transtrack, a company specialised in
tracking & tracing systems for cash transportation,
will enable COIN to improve the efficiency of its
operations substantially and provide customers more value
added services like extensive reporting and electronic
invoices. The status of cash deliveries will be available
within 24 hours, whereas this used to take weeks using the
previous administration system. "Within South Africa
the industry is discussing standardising of information
exchange and identification of transports," says
Ronald van Vliet of Transtrack International. "And
with this system COIN is leading the market." The
Transtrack tracking & tracing system has been adopted
by CIT companies in 10 countries, which makes Transtrack
the market leader in tracking & tracing solutions for
Cash-in-Transit businesses.
COIN transports cash to and from banks, ATM's and
retailers. Cash consignments are registered by means of a
barcode attached to a sealbag. The details of each
consignment are recorded -- the staff involved, the route,
the security vehicle and the content of the consignments.
Proper registration of cash transports is essential not
just for efficiency, but for safety and security.
"This system will enable us to improve our service
levels and enhance our operational efficiencies," says
Albert Erasmus of COIN Security Group.
Companies from South Africa and the Netherlands work
closely together within the project. South African based QD
Group is the system integrator and the local representative
for all Transtrack products. QD Group provides local
software and hardware support to COIN and is an industry
leader in Cash Management and Protection solutions.
"The adoption of this technology by COIN indicates
that they are ready to quantum leap their service
provisions to their clients to a level not yet offered in
our industry, this is truly market leading strategy!"
says Theo De Oliveira of QD Group.
CaptureTech, Netherlands based international specialist
in the field of automatic identification, provided advice on
the hardware solution and its integration. "The Dolphin
7900, a hardware solution from Hand Held Products, offers
banks and insurers, the security and continuity, and is
ready to handle future developments as well," says
Sander de Ridder of CaptureTech.
COIN is ready for the future. In time it will be
possible to have real-time insight in the collected and
delivered consignments and customers will be able to track
their cash and Cash-in-Transit services via internet.
For more information, please contact:
Transtrack International,
Ronald van Vliet
Tel: +31-302-404-212
Email: ra.vliet@transtrack.nl
Theo De Oliveira,
QD Group
Tel: +27-114-662-300
Email: theodeo@global.co.za
COIN Security
Tel: +27-126-658-000
Email: erasmusa@coin.co.za
SOURCE Transtrack International
2007'02.04.Sun
Global Definition of GERD Set to Transform Current Clinical Practice
August 04, 2006
MADISON, Wis., Aug. 4 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- An
international consensus group of the world's leading
experts in gastroenterology today published the Montreal
Definition(1) of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in
the August issue of the American Journal of
Gastroenterology. The global consensus definition is
intended to provide a universal international platform for
this common disease, aiming to support patient diagnosis
and disease management, in primary care practice in
particular.
The consensus group, comprising 43 experts from 18
countries, developed an evidence-based definition of GERD
stating that this disease is "a condition which
develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes
troublesome symptoms and/or complications."[2] The
definition was developed over a two-year period using an
internationally accepted and scientifically sound process
(modified Delphi process).
Professor Nimish Vakil, University of Wisconsin School
of Medicine and Public Health, who successfully chaired
this process, explains that the previous lack of a globally
accepted definition of GERD has led to increasing confusion
over the symptoms of this disease, resulting in both over-
and under-diagnosis.
"The Global Montreal Definition of GERD brings the
broad range of symptoms and complications of GERD into one
framework with a patient centred approach. For the first
time, a global consensus on the definition of the disease
now exists, providing a basis for a universally accepted
terminology which bridges cultures and countries and will
simplify disease management, assisting physicians and
benefiting patients."
In the publication of the Global Montreal Definition
the World Organization of Gastroenterology provides its
strong endorsement, stating it to be an "important
development in a critical area of gastroenterology
worldwide."
Novel aspects of the new definition include a
patient-centred approach that is independent of endoscopic
findings, allowing GERD to be diagnosed on the basis of
symptoms alone. This is important in primary care settings,
as most GERD patients are managed in primary care. In
addition, the Global Montreal Definition includes
sub-classification of the disease into a range of distinct
syndromes (esophageal and extra-esophageal) and recognition
that chest pain, sleep disturbances, laryngitis, cough,
asthma and dental erosions have established association to
GERD. A new classification of Barrett's esophagus was also
developed by the consensus group
(1) "Montreal" is in the title because the
results of the study were first
presented at the World Congress of Gastroenterology
in Montreal
[2] Vakil N et al. Am J Gastroenterol 2006; 101:1-21
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Ballard
Hill & Knowlton (UK) Ltd
Tel: +44-20-7413-3199
+44-7989-689-283
Professor Nimish Vakil
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public
Health
Email: nvakil@wisc.edu
SOURCE Hill & Knowlton (UK) Ltd.
2007'02.04.Sun
Analysys International Says China's Server Shipments Reached 141,000 Units in Q2 2006
August 03, 2006
BEIJING, Aug. 3 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Analysys
International, a leading Internet based provider of
business information about technology, media and telecom
(TMT) industries in China, says server shipments in China
reached 141,000 units in the second quarter of 2006,
representing an increase of 5.4% from the first quarter,
and the market value reached RMB 4.7 billion, in its
recently released report China Server Market Quarterly
Tracker Q2 2006.
According to the report, in the second quarter of 2006,
server shipments increased 20% over the same period of 2005
and the market value increased 34.3%. Analysys
International says as users have higher requirements,
purchase of servers priced between RMB 20,000 - 50,000
increased while shipments of low-end servers priced below
RMB 10,000 decreased.
(http://english.analysys.com.cn/admin/images/1463_1.jpg)
Unit shipments of x86 servers reached 135,000,
accounting for 96.1% of the total market. Unit shipments of
RISC servers reached 5000, which is unchanged from the
previous quarter.
In the second quarter of 2006, shipments of servers
below RMB 20,000 accounted for 16.6% of the total market,
increasing 0.4% over the first quarter; shipments of
servers priced between RMB 20,000 to 50,000 accounted for
31.7% of the total, increasing 0.3% QoQ. Prices of
mainstream products are going down.
This subject is further discussed in Analysys
International's research report China Server Market
Quarterly Tracker Q2 2006. For more information, please
check the website: http://english.analysys.com.cn.
About Analysys International
Analysys International is the leading Internet based
provider of business information about Technology, Media
and Telecom industries in China. We provide data,
information and advice to 50,000 clients worldwide
representing 1,500 distinct organizations, deliver over 150
consulting engagements a year, and hold more than 20 events
that draw in over 8,000 attendees. Our clients include
executives from companies as technology vendors, vertical
information technology users, as well as professionals from
professional service companies, the investment community and
government agencies. Our mission is simple and clear: we
help our clients make better business decisions. For more
information, please visit our web site at
http://english.analysys.com.cn.
For more information, please contact:
Jessica Wang
Tel: +86-10-6466-6565 x394
Email: Jessica_wang@analysys.com.cn
SOURCE Analysys International
2007'02.04.Sun
Tribal Internet Marketing Signs Chinese Search Partnership
August 03, 2006
Dutch Company First Western Company to Partner With Baidu for Dedicated Marketing Support in China
`S-HERTOGENBOSCH, Netherlands, Aug. 3
/Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Tribal Internet Marketing from
`s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands has become the first
search engine marketing company in the western world to
collaborate with China's largest search engine, Baidu.
Tribal IM will be an entry point for western companies
wanting to be found by the majority of Chinese web users.
Over 56% of all Chinese Internet searches are processed
by Baidu (source: iResearch.com). This makes Baidu the most
visited Chinese website and -- with over 100 million
Internet connections in China -- the fourth most popular
website worldwide (source: Alexa.com). Young Chinese web
users in particular have embraced Baidu as their search
engine of choice.
Worldwide interest in the Chinese market is growing and
marketing via Chinese websites is becoming increasingly
important for companies. As a completely Chinese search
engine, Baidu plays a key role. Tribal IM can help
organisations be found more effectively (by Baidu) through
search engine marketing. "Chinese search engine
marketing is a different ball game," said Jan
Beekwilder, director of Tribal IM. "For one, the
language creates unique challenges: the character writing,
the variety of translations for the same word, the
combinations of search terms. As a company, you have to
keep that in mind when starting up a successful online
campaign."
The partnership resulted from one of Tribal IM's
customers (Philips) wanting to deploy more online
activities in China. "We have been developing new
activities in several countries for years now,"
Beekwilder continues. "It is very hard for companies
to position themselves in the Chinese market. Which makes
this collaboration even more exciting." Tribal IM is
planning to also open a Chinese office within 12 months.
Translating a company or product website is not enough
to make an international online campaign a success. The
back-office and the sales department will have to adjust to
be able to cope with incoming international questions.
Besides language, the website has to be adapted to local
Internet customs and culture. Search term research can
help companies make a giant push forward. By cooperating
with Baidu, Tribal IM can now cumulate valuable information
on the Chinese market, and rapidly translate this
information to a more effective campaign. More info:
http://www.tribal-im.com/global_internet_marketing
Note to Editors
Tribal Internet Marketing is a full-service Internet
company, specialised in search engine marketing. It belongs
to the top search engine marketing companies in The
Netherlands. Tribal Internet Marketing offers strategical
support to several well-known organisations that have had
search engine marketing in their (online) marketing mix for
years. Tribal was started in 1999 and has experienced a
strong growth. The company now has 40 employees and a large
number of clients, Philips and Oce amongst others, to make
their websites easier to find and more prosperous, both
nationally and internationally.
http://www.tribal-im.com
For more information, please contact:
LEWIS
Tel: +31-40-2354600
Fax: +31-40-2354601
Email: marisap@lewispr.com
SOURCE Tribal Internet Marketing
2007'02.04.Sun
DuPont Titanium Technologies Announces a Price Increase for Titanium Dioxide Grades in Asia Pacific
August 03, 2006
WILMINGTON, Del., Aug. 2 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- DuPont
Titanium Technologies today announced a price increase in
Asia Pacific for all DuPont titanium dioxide grades.
Effective August 15, 2006, or as permitted by contract,
prices for all titanium dioxide grades will increase US$100
per tonne in Asia Pacific.
This increase is supported by market dynamics and
significant increases in raw material, energy and fuel
costs, as well as reinvestment economics to meet future
customer needs. Other regional increases will be announced
directly within the local regions.
DuPont Titanium Technologies is the world's largest
manufacturer of titanium dioxide, serving customers
globally in the coatings, paper and plastics industries.
This business unit of DuPont operates plants at DeLisle,
Miss.; New Johnsonville, Tenn.; Edge Moor, Del.; Altamira,
Mexico; and Kuan Yin, Taiwan; all of which use the chloride
manufacturing process. Also operated by this business unit
is a plant in Uberaba, Brazil, for finishing titanium
dioxide and a mine in Starke, Fla. Technical service
centers are located in Uberaba, Brazil; Mexico City,
Mexico; Mechelen, Belgium; Kuan Yin, Taiwan; Ulsan, Korea;
Shanghai, China; and Wilmington, Del., to serve the Latin
American, European, Middle Eastern, Asian and North
American markets.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a science company. Founded in
1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable
solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries,
DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and
services for markets including agriculture, nutrition,
electronics, communications, safety and protection, home
and construction, transportation and apparel.
The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont(TM), and The miracles of
science(TM) are registered trademarks or trademarks of
DuPont or its affiliates.
For more information, please contact:
Kimberlie A. Lantz
Tel: +1-302-999-2361
Email: kimberlie.a.lantz@usa.dupont.com
SOURCE DuPont Titanium Technologies
2007'02.04.Sun
Motorola and Burton Snowboards Launch Second Generation of Audex Wearable Electronics
August 02, 2006
Updated 2007 Line Includes New Technology and More Outerwear, Jacket and Accessory Styles
SNOW PARK, New Zealand, Aug. 2 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Leading global brands Motorola and Burton Snowboards today
announced the expansion of their joint Audex(TM) wearable
electronics collection at the 2006 Burton New Zealand Open
Snowboarding Championships. Available at select Burton
Authorized Retailers this month, the new 2007 Audex
collection offers the ultimate blend of technology and
snowboard function, enabling easy wireless communication
and music entertainment for consumers on the move.
New for 2007, the Audex Bluetooth(R) Stereo System
allows consumers to stream downloaded music wirelessly from
a compatible Bluetooth enabled mobile phone to the Audex
jacket allowing users to listen to music and make calls
with a push of a button on the jacket sleeve. Outerwear
styles that feature this system include built-in DJ-style
speakers in the hood and/or an integrated headphone jack.
Burton-owned impact protection company R.E.D. also
partners with Motorola to offer two helmet styles and one
beanie style that feature Bluetooth technology, allowing
users to pick up calls and listen to music from a
compatible mobile phone without taking off the hat or
helmet.
"The second generation of Audex products
represents a strengthened commitment between Motorola and
Burton to offer snowboarders new technologies that will
enhance and simplify life on and off the mountain,"
says Bryan Johnston, Vice President of Global Marketing at
Burton. "Audex technology is now offered in more
Burton jackets, packs, apparel and accessories than ever
before, giving riders plenty of tech and style
choices."
"Teaming with Burton allows Motorola to combine
our expertise in mobile solutions with a company at the
forefront of snowboarding," says Leslie Dance,
Corporate Vice President, Global Marketing &
Communications, Motorola, Inc. "The result is an
exciting collection of snowboarding gear and accessories
that make it easier to communicate and listen to music when
you're on the move."
For more details on Audex, visit
http://www.audextech.com or http://www.motorola.com/burton
.
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 get and stay
connected 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 $36.8 billion in 2005. For more
information about our company, our people and our
innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com .
About Burton Snowboards
In 1977, Jake Burton Carpenter founded Burton
Snowboards out of his Vermont barn. Since then, Burton has
fueled the growth of snowboarding worldwide through its
groundbreaking product lines, its grassroots efforts to get
the sport accepted at resorts and its team of top
snowboarders. In 1996, Burton began growing its family of
brands to include board sports equipment and apparel
brands. Privately held and owned by Jake, Burton's
headquarters are in Burlington, Vermont with international
offices in Innsbruck, Austria and Tokyo, Japan. For more
information, visit http://www.burton.com .
MOTOROLA and the stylised 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:
Caroline Andrew
Tel: +1-212-528-1691
Email: candrew@mfaltd.com
Peter Joblin
Motorola Mobile Devices
Australia and New Zealand
Tel: +61-416-316-778
Email: peter.joblin@motorola.com
John Wernecke
Motorola, Inc.
Tel: +1-847-668-9750
Email: john.wernecke@motorola.com
SOURCE Motorola
2007'02.04.Sun
China's Budget and Economy Hotel Industry Boosts as the Launch of 1rest.com Connects Between the End-User Market and Hotels
August 02, 2006
SHANGHAI, China, Aug. 2 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
1rest.com, a new online platform that links budget and
economy hotels with customers, was successfully launched in
April 2006.
While the Budget and economy hotel market has been
experiencing a surge in recent years there is a distinct
lack of resources to help these hotels expand their
business and reach out to a larger number of potential
customers. Using contemporary advertising methods can be
costly and these lower end hotels are reluctant to take
these steps to attract customers. There was a distinct
need for a new cheaper method to advertise.
1rest.com was started by Mr Ding, the CEO of the
company and his aim is to create a reliable platform that
channels direct to end-users. With a blank market and a
strong demand for such a platform 1rest took a traditional
business model and modified it in order to suit the needs
of small to middle range hotels.
Mr Ding stated, "Currently, there are more than
200 brands of budget and economy hotel in the China market,
and more than 4 new budget hotels open to public everyday.
There is a strong demand from customers wanting hotels.
This market needs 1rest.com to perform as a platform to
present those budget hotels to customers."
1rest.com is now the first company in China to provide
a real-time online reservation website that focuses on
being flexible in its operating methods in order to fulfill
the needs of the optimum number of customers wishing to make
online hotel reservations. 1rest.com requires a deposit
from each customer making reservations and confirmation of
the booking is instant. As well as a booking service,
1rest.com provide their client with complete marketing
solutions.
1rest has built a relationship with the hotel trade in
China and has more than 80 major China budget hotel brands
including: City Holiday Inn, Yunlongs Group, Hanting Hotels
and Ane Hotels. Just last month 1rest.com became the
strategic partner of China Youth Hostel Association (YHA).
"China Youth Hostel Association (YHA) has
approximately 100 high quality hostels and this new
partnership will help us to combine all kinds of hostels
and budget hotels in order to meet a vast array of customer
requirements. We are looking forward to presenting a
perfect platform to our partners and customers" says
Mr. Ding.
For more information, please contact:
Peng Xiao
1rest.com
Tel: +86-21-5505-1306
SOURCE 1rest.com
2007'02.04.Sun
Aleris International Announces Completion of Purchase of the Downstream Aluminum Business of Corus Group plc
August 02, 2006
BEACHWOOD, Ohio, Aug. 2 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Aleris
International, Inc. (NYSE: ARS) announced today that it has
completed the purchase of the downstream aluminum business
of Corus Group plc. The acquisition includes Corus's
aluminum rolling and extrusion businesses but does not
include Corus's primary aluminum smelters.
Steve Demetriou, Chairman and CEO of Aleris
International said, "We are extremely pleased to have
completed this acquisition which continues the
transformation of our company. We are delighted to welcome
4,600 new employees to Aleris. The acquisition provides
Aleris with a world-class technology platform and a
portfolio of high value-added products that significantly
diversifies our current offerings. Today, we are a global
company with significant assets in Europe and a foothold in
the high-growth China economy. We expect to continue
Aleris's track record of growth and profitability and are
very excited about the future."
About Aleris
Aleris International, Inc. is a global leader in
aluminum rolled products and extrusions, aluminum recycling
and specification alloy production. The Company is also a
recycler of zinc and a leading U.S. manufacturer of zinc
metal and value-added zinc products that include zinc oxide
and zinc dust. Headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio, a suburb
of Cleveland, the Company operates 50 production facilities
in North America, Europe, South America and Asia, and
employs approximately 8,600 employees. For more
information about Aleris, please visit our Web site at
http://www.aleris.com .
SAFE HARBOR REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Forward-looking statements made in this news release
are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
include statements that contain words such as
"believe," "expect,"
"anticipate," "intend,"
"estimate," "should" and similar
expressions intended to connote future events and
circumstances, and include statements regarding future
actual and adjusted earnings and earnings per share; future
improvements in margins, processing volumes and pricing;
overall 2006 operating performance; anticipated higher
adjusted effective tax rates; expected cost savings;
success in integrating Aleris's recent acquisitions,
including the acquisition of the downstream aluminum
businesses of Corus Group plc; its future growth; an
anticipated favorable economic environment in 2006; future
benefits from acquisitions and new products; expected
benefits from changes in the industry landscape and
post-hurricane reconstruction; and anticipated synergies
resulting from the merger with Commonwealth, the
acquisition of the downstream aluminum businesses of Corus
Group plc and other acquisitions. Investors are cautioned
that all forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties, and that actual results could differ
materially from those described in the forward-looking
statements. These risks and uncertainties would include,
without limitation, Aleris's levels of indebtedness and
debt service obligations; its ability to effectively
integrate the business and operations of its acquisition;
further slowdowns in automotive production in the U.S. and
Europe; the financial condition of Aleris's customers and
future bankruptcies and defaults by major customers; the
availability at favorable cost of aluminum scrap and other
metal supplies that the Company processes; the ability of
the Company to enter into effective metals, natural gas and
other commodity derivatives; continued increases in natural
gas and other fuel costs of the Company; a weakening in
industrial demand resulting from a decline in U.S. or world
economic conditions, including any decline caused by
terrorist activities or other unanticipated events; future
utilized capacity of the Company's various facilities; a
continuation of building and construction customers and
distribution customers reducing their inventory levels and
reducing the volume of the Company's shipments;
restrictions on and future levels and timing of capital
expenditures; retention of the Company's major customers;
the timing and amounts of collections; currency exchange
fluctuations; future write-downs or impairment charges
which may be required because of the occurrence of some of
the uncertainties listed above; and other risks listed in
the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC"), including but not limited
to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2005, and quarterly report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, particularly the
sections entitled "Risk Factors" contained therein
and in the section entitled "Risk Factors"
contained in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on June 30, 2006.
(Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050504/CLW056LOGO )
For more information, please contact:
Michael D. Friday
Aleris International, Inc.
Tel: +1-216-910-3503
SOURCE Aleris International, Inc.
2007'02.04.Sun
Wyndham Worldwide Spins Off From Cendant, Begins Trading as WYN
August 02, 2006
WYN Joins the S&P 500 Index
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Aug. 2 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- In a
move that will create one of the world's largest publicly
traded hospitality companies, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation
today will spin off from Cendant Corporation and begin
trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
WYN.
(Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060801/NYTU075 )
(Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060801/NYTU075LOGO )
Wyndham Worldwide, which became a member of Standard
& Poor's S&P 500 index this week, is a global
leader in leisure travel accommodations and a major
provider of products and services to business-to-business
customers. Its three business segments include:
* Wyndham Hotel Group, one of the world's largest hotel
franchisors and a
provider of hotel management services;
* RCI Global Vacation Network, operator of the world's
largest vacation
exchange network and one of the largest vacation
rental networks; and
* Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world's largest
developer of vacation
ownership resorts in terms of owners and resorts.
"This is an exciting day that immediately
establishes Wyndham Worldwide as a leading, pure-play
hospitality business with a strong and diverse portfolio of
global brands that are widely recognized by consumers,
business travelers and partners," said Stephen P.
Holmes, Wyndham Worldwide chairman and chief executive
officer.
Wyndham Worldwide meets the diverse needs of today's
travelers by offering accommodations in more than 100
countries on six continents, from economy roadside motels
and suburban midscale hotels to upscale center-city hotels
and from country vacation rental properties to vacation
ownership resorts in major destinations.
"Wyndham Worldwide has a deep and broad market
presence, a long operating history and an extremely
experienced management team," Holmes said. "We
anticipate enhancing shareholder value by continuing to
focus on the evolving needs of travelers and offering the
greatest choice in business and leisure accommodations,
destinations and experiences."
The NYSE listing follows completion of the distribution
of all Wyndham Worldwide common shares to Cendant
shareholders at a ratio of one Wyndham Worldwide share for
every five Cendant (NYSE: CD) shares held on July 21,
2006.
As one of the world's largest hospitality companies,
Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN) offers individual consumers
and business-to-business customers a broad suite of
hospitality products and services across various
accommodation alternatives and price ranges through its
premier portfolio of world-renowned brands. Wyndham Hotel
Group encompasses more than 6,300 franchised hotels and
525,000 hotel rooms worldwide. RCI Global Vacation Network
offers its more than 3 million members access to
approximately 55,000 vacation properties located in more
than 100 countries. Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops,
markets and sells vacation ownership interests and provides
consumer financing to owners through its network of more
than 140 vacation ownership resorts serving more than
750,000 owners throughout North America, the Caribbean and
the South Pacific. Wyndham Worldwide, headquartered in
Parsippany, N.J., employs approximately 28,800 employees
globally.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the
actual results, performance or achievements of the company
to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. The statements followed by the
word "anticipate," are generally forward-looking
in nature and not historical facts.
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date
stated, or if no date is stated, as of the date of this
press release. Important assumptions and risk factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those
in the forward looking statements are specified in Wyndham
Worldwide's Form 10 as amended, filed July 12, 2006,
including under headings including "Risk
Factors," "Forward-Looking Statements" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations." Except for the
company's ongoing obligations to disclose material
information under the federal securities laws, it
undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions
to any forward-looking statements, to report events or to
report the occurrence of unanticipated events unless
required by law.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos and logos can be downloaded
from http://www.wyndhamimages.com . Log in under the user
name "service" and the password
"excellence." For more information about Wyndham
Worldwide Corporation and its businesses, go to
http://www.wyndhamworldwide.com .
For more information, please contact:
Press
Rich Roberts
Vice President, Communications
Wyndham Hotel Group
Tel: +1-973-496-0750
Pager: +1-888-901-8235
Email: rich.roberts@cendant.com
Investors
Margo Happer
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
Wyndham Worldwide Corporation
Tel: +1-973-496-2705
Email: margo.happer@wyndhamworldwide.com
SOURCE Wyndham Worldwide Corporation
2007'02.04.Sun
Tvia Announces Availability of Flat-Panel TV Manufacturing Services and Knock-Down Kits
August 01, 2006
Tvia Provides Project Management Services Delivering Low-Cost, High-Quality LCD and Plasma TVs, SKD and CKD TV Kits to Major Consumer Electronics Companies Worldwide
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Tvia, Inc. (Nasdaq: TVIA), a leading provider of digital
display processors for advanced flat-panel TVs, broadcast
digital DVRs, consumer displays, and monitor products,
today announced a new OEM manufacturing service. Tvia is
the first and only digital display processor company to
ship flat-panel TVs, CKDs (complete knock-down kits) and
SKDs (semi knock-down kits) to brand name consumer
electronics companies, enabling these customers to lower
manufacturing costs, reduce time to market, and devote
fewer resources to production of LCD and Plasma TVs.
(Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050419/SFTU130LOGO )
Tvia's manufacturing service solves an urgent problem
for consumer electronics companies that want to benefit
from China's low-cost manufacturing base, but face
challenges in locally managing project schedules, ensuring
product quality, and delivering documentation. By providing
world-class engineering resources, project management, and
experienced manufacturing partners, Tvia allows brand names
outside China to quickly and easily tap low-cost
manufacturing inside China. Tvia delivers to its customers
turnkey TVs, CKD (complete knock-down) or SKD (semi
knock-down), which refers to television products sold in
kit form for later reassembly. Tvia leverages its
manufacturing clients in China which are currently
manufacturing TVs utilizing Tvia TV designs, to build TVs,
SKDs and CKDs for major brand names worldwide at
significantly lower costs.
"Major consumer brands outside of China now have a
local, experienced team to help them manage their product
build, ensuring that deadlines are met, QA test plans are
run, quality of the product is correct, technical
specifications are met, and all required documentation is
delivered," said Eli Porat, CEO of Tvia Inc. "Our
manufacturing partners in China are equally thrilled because
they gain not only additional clients, but also Tvia
resources experienced in how to satisfy the requirements of
consumer companies outside China. In essence, Tvia has
become a factory-less TV company as well as a fabless
semiconductor company."
Mr. Porat continued: "We realized that there was a
hole in the market -- that even though China can produce TVs
at a low cost, nobody was providing local project
management. Tvia was providing its manufacturing partners
with complete LCD and Plasma TV designs using Tvia's
TrueView digital display processors, as well as the
engineering resources and project management to get
production lines up and running quickly. So it was a
natural progression for Tvia to offer management of the
complete TV build, and that created a win-win situation for
everyone."
Tvia will continue to generate revenue based on the
increased production of TVs utilizing Tvia's TV designs
integrated with Tvia's digital display processor as the
primary source of revenue per TV. By providing the SKD,
CKD, or complete TV for major brand name customers around
the world, Tvia will also receive additional revenue per TV
over and above the revenue generated by the chip. This new
product offering increases the amount of revenue generated
per TV for Tvia significantly.
Acceptance from the consumer electronics industry of
Tvia's turnkey contract manufacturing program has been
demonstrated by the recent shipments of major quantities of
TVs to customers in Japan, Korea, India, Europe, and the
United States. Additionally, Tvia recently signed a
manufacturing agreement with Konka, one of the three
largest consumer electronics manufacturers in China, to
build SKDs and CKDs for several major global consumer
brands and large retail chains in the United States.
About Tvia: Tvia, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor
company that designs and develops digital display
processors for digital LCD, PDP, HD, SD, and
progressive-scan TVs, as well as other broadcast and
consumer display products. Tvia owns and operates the
world's leading independent TV design center, providing
manufacturers with proven TV system designs, and allowing
manufacturers to produce the highest quality flat-panel
television at a significantly lower cost with the shortest
time to market. The combination of Tvia's TrueView display
processors and leading TV system designs gives Tvia's
manufacturing customers the advantage for building the most
cost-effective, highest quality display solutions on the
market. More information about Tvia is available at
http://www.tvia.com .
For more information, please contact:
Diane Bjorkstrom,
Chief Financial Officer
Tvia, Inc.
Tel: +1-408-982-8593
Email: dbjorkstrom@tvia.com
SOURCE Tvia, Inc.
2007'02.04.Sun
Analysys International Says China Laptop Shipments Reached 1.01 Million in Q2 2006
August 01, 2006
BEIJING, Aug. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Analysys
International, a leading Internet based provider of
business information about Technology, Media and Telecom
industries in China, says that China's laptop PC shipments
reached 1.012 million units in the second quarter of 2006,
representing an increase of 1.6% over the first quarter;
the laptop market value reached RMB 8.68 billion, up 2.2%
quarter over quarter, in its recently released report China
Laptop Market Quarterly Tracker Q2 2006.
Compared with the second quarter of 2005, laptop
shipments in Q2 2006 increased 45%, and the market value
increased 9.7%. Analysys International says prices of
laptop PC have been constantly falling, which is the reason
why the growth of shipments is far faster than the growth of
market value.
According to the report, in the second quarter, Lenovo,
Hewlett-Packard and Dell continued to lead the laptop market
in China, with market share of 34.1%, 11.0% and 9.4%
respectively.
As price falls, Chinese users of laptop PC are growing
rapidly, accounting for 30.04% of the total market,
reaching 304,000 units in the second quarter of 2006.
Mid-range and low-end products remained as market
mainstream. Shipments of laptops pricing at RMB 5001-7000
accounted for 33% of the total market, which are mostly
bought by domestic users.
(
http://english.analysys.com.cn/admin/images/1461_1.jpg )
This subject is further discussed in Analysys
International's research report China Laptop Market
Quarterly Tracker Q2 2006. For more information, please
check the website: http://english.analysys.com.cn .
About Analysys International
Analysys International is the leading Internet based
provider of business information about Technology, Media
and Telecom industry in China. We provide data, information
and advice to 50,000 clients worldwide representing 1,500
distinct organizations, deliver over 150 consulting
engagements a year, and hold more than 20 events that draw
in over 8,000 attendees. Our clients include executives
from companies as technology vendors, vertical information
technology users, as well as professionals from
professional service companies, the investment community
and government agencies. Our mission is simple and clear:
we help our clients make better business decisions. For
more information, please visit our web site at
http://english.analysys.com.cn .
For more information, please contact:
Jessica Wang
Analysys International
Tel: +86-10-6466-6565 x394
Email: jessica_wang@analysys.com.cn
SOURCE Analysys International
2007'02.04.Sun
Taiwan's First 7.5th Generation Technology On-Track For Mass Production in October
August 01, 2006
TAICHUNG, Taiwan, Aug. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- AU
Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the
"Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) late
yesterday successfully turned on Taiwan's very first
42" LCD TV panel, produced by the Company's 7.5th
generation ("G7.5") TFT and colour filter
production facility located in the Taichung Science Park.
In addition to being regarded as the landmark in the
history of the development of Taiwan's new-generation
TFT-LCD fabrication, this successful test demonstrated
AUO's skilful and matured technology, to become the world's
second and Taiwan's first TFT-LCD manufacturer in G7.5
technology migration.
With the first equipment installation in AUO's first
G7.5 clean room on February 16 2006, the team only spent
additional 166 days, ahead of the schedule, to produce its
first G7.5 product -- a 42" LCD TV panel, by late
evening on July 31, 2006.
"AUO's first 42" LCD TV panel is also
Taiwan's very first 42" panel produced by G7.5
technology. I would like to thank and attribute this
epoch-making achievement to our G7.5 TFT, colour filter and
module team members, for their endeavours overcoming
difficulties of very larger G7.5 mother glass substrate and
leading AUO in the G7.5 technology leapfrog. It also
testifies AUO's continuing commitment offering customers
high quality and cost effective displays," said Mr. HB
Chen, AUO's President.
AUO's Executive Vice President, Dr. Hui Hsiung noted
that the successfully turned-on 42" LCD TV panel with
WXGA(1366x768) resolution will be equipped with the
company's latest AMVA technology (Advanced MVA Technology)
with low colour washout and high contrast ratio above
1200:1. The success of this 42" LCD TV module once
again reaffirms AUO's product and process R&D as well
as execution capabilities. Presently, testing and pilot run
have been carried through and the schedule for mass
production remains to be on target for October of this
year, in anticipation of capturing the growing demand of
larger-than-40" sized LCD TV markets.
With the optimized flexibility in producing panels
between 40" and 50", AUO's G7.5 mother glass
substrate is 1950mm x 2250mm and can optimally cut up to
eight 42" panels, and six 46" panels, so as to
meet the customer's demands. AUO's G7.5 line in Taichung
targets to begin volume production with a monthly capacity
to process 10,000 glass substrates by end of this year and
is expected to reach full capacity of 60,000 glass
substrates per month in the future.
Note: Pictures for the above news release can be
downloaded from AUO corporate website URL:
http://www.auo.com/auoDEV/pressroom.php?sec=Photos&ls=en
Any use of photographs must cite the source thereof is
from AU Optronics Corporation
Safe Harbour Notice
AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the
"Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), the world's
third largest manufacturer of large-size TFT-LCD panels,
today announced the above news. Except for statements in
respect of historical matters, the statements contained in
this Release are "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities
Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements were based on
our management's expectations, projections and beliefs at
the time regarding matters including, among other things,
future revenues and costs, financial performance,
technology changes, capacity, utilization rates, yields,
process and geographical diversification, future expansion
plans and business strategy. Such forward looking
statements are subject to a number of known and unknown
risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
statements, including risks related to the flat panel
display industry, the TFT-LCD market, acceptance and demand
for our products, technological and development risks,
competitive factors, and other risks described in the
section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Form F-3
filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 8th, 2005.
About AU Optronics
AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO") is the world's
third largest manufacturer* of large-size thin film
transistor liquid crystal display panels
("TFT-LCD"), with approximately 15.1%* of global
market share and generated revenue of NT$217.4billion
(US$6.75 bn)* in 2005. TFT-LCD technology is currently the
most widely used flat panel display technology. Targeted
for 40"+ sized LCD TV panels, AUO's next generation
(7.5-Generation) fabrication facility production is
scheduled for mass production in 4Q 2006. The Company
currently operates one 6th-generation, three
5th-generation, one 4th-generation, and three
3.5-generation TFT- LCD fabs, in addition to four module
assembly facilities and AUO Technology Centre specializing
in new technology platform and new product development.
AUO is one of few top-tier TFT-LCD manufacturers capable of
offering a wide range of small- to large- size
(1.5"-46") TFT-LCD panels, which enables it to
offer a broad and diversified product portfolio.
*As shown on Display Search Quarterly Large-Area
TFT-LCD Shipment Report dated June, 2006. This data is
used as reference only and AUO does not make any
endorsement or representation in connection therewith. 2005
year end revenue converted by an exchange rate of
NTD32.2039: USD1.
For more information, please contact:
Yawen Hsiao
Corporate Communications Dept.
AU Optronics Corp.
Tel: +886-3-500-8899 x3211
Fax: +886-3-577-2730
Email: yawen.hsiao@auo.com
SOURCE AU Optronics Corp.
2007'02.04.Sun
Xinhua Far East Changes Rating Outlook of Shanxi Taigang Stainless Steel to Positive
August 01, 2006
HONG KONG, Aug. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Xinhua Far
East China Ratings today changes the rating outlook for
Shanxi Taigang Stainless Steel Co., Ltd.
("Taigang" or "the Company", SZ A
000825) to positive from stable. Its domestic currency
issuer credit rating remains unchanged at BBB-.
The outlook change is prompted by the prospect that
Taigang's related-party transactions will be substantially
reduced and its production chain will be vertically
integrated following its acquisition of Shanxi Taiyuan Iron
& Steel Group ('the Group')'s steel assets in June 2006.
The outlook change also reflects Xinhua Far East's view
that more profitable silicon steel and profiled steel
products being acquired can diversity the Company's product
mix and enhance its resilience to economic volatility. It
also reflects Xinhua Far East's expectation that the
Company's profitability will be enhanced through reduced
related-party transactions and improved product mix.
Finally, projects under construction will add annual
production capacity of 1.9 million tons of stainless steel,
making Taigang one of the largest stainless steel producers
in the world with leading-edge technology.
The reduction of related-party transactions and
vertical integration of its production chain will help
improve both Company transparency and profit margins.
Taigang's related-party transactions amounted to RMB1.8
billion in 2005 before the acquisition. The amount will be
substantially lowered by 50.09% on a pro-forma basis
post-acquisition. Meanwhile, Taigang's production chain
will be enlarged to encompass upstream production through
coking, sintering and iron smelting.
The outlook change also reflects Xinhua Far East's view
that the addition of higher-margin silicon steel and
profiled steel products to the Company's product mix
enhances its resilience to economic volatility. In 2005,
the Company's steel product production increased from 4.54
million tons to 5.13 million tons on a pro-forma basis,
largely a result of the inclusion of silicon steel and
profiled steel output.
Xinhua Far East also recognizes the potential that
Taigang will become one of the largest stainless steel
producers in the world after the completion of its 1.9
million ton stainless steel production line. In addition,
Taigang enjoys relatively high pricing power in the niche
stainless steel sector, which is much more consolidated
than the carbon steel industry.
Despite Taigang's huge earning potential, Xinhua Far
East notes several noteworthy risks facing the Company.
Two areas of concern for the company are the capacity
expansion of other domestic stainless steelmakers and the
Company's competitiveness with foreign steelmakers, upon
whose imports China remains highly reliant. High
volatility in the price of nickel, one of the primary raw
materials in stainless steelmaking also poses a risk for
the Company's outlook. Other risks include: 1) Heightened
managerial risks in view of its expanded capacity, more
complicated product mix and larger workforce; 2) Pressures
on cashflow due to large-scale capital expenditure; 3) The
impacts of remaining related-party transactions as it both
buys raw materials and rents land from the Group.
Xinhua Far East's future rating actions will depend on
the competitiveness of the Company's stainless steel
products as production capacity expands. In addition,
Taigang's ability to cope with volatility in the price of
nickel, to manage its enlarged scale and to boost
profitability through extension to deeper processing
products will also be considered.
Based in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, Taigang is the
largest stainless steel producer in China. In 2005, the
Company produced 786,600 tons of stainless steel products
and 4.34 million tons of carbon steel products (including
assets acquired from the Group), both mainly fall into
high-end flat products.
Taigang is also a constituent of the Xinhua FTSE China
200 Index and, as of market close on July 31, 2006, its
total market capitalization and investable capitalization
were RMB6,225 million and RMB4,668 million respectively.
For the rating report summary, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinance.com/creditrating.
Note to Editors:
About Xinhua FTSE China 200 Index
Xinhua FTSE China 200 Index is the large cap index in
the Xinhua FTSE China A Share Index Series and includes the
top 200 companies in China by market cap. It is designed as
a tradable index and is calculated in real-time every 15
seconds. For daily data and further information, see
http://www.xinhuaftse.com .
About Xinhua Far East China Ratings
Xinhua Far East China Ratings (Xinhua Far East) is a
pioneering venture in China that aims to rank credit risks
among corporations in China. It is a strategic alliance
between Xinhua Finance (TSE Mothers: 9399), and Shanghai
Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. Shanghai Far East became a
Xinhua Finance partner company in 2003 and the first China
member of The Association of Credit Rating Agencies in Asia
in December 2003.
Capitalizing on the synergy between Xinhua Finance and
Shanghai Far East, Xinhua Far East's rating methodology and
process blend unique local market knowledge with
international rating standards. Xinhua Far East is
committed to provide investors with independent, objective,
timely and forward-looking credit opinions on Chinese
companies. It aims to help investors differentiate the
credit risks among the corporations in China, thereby,
cultivating their awareness and promoting information
disclosures and transparency in China market.
For more information, see
http://www.xfn.com/creditrating .
About Xinhua Finance Limited
Xinhua Finance Limited is China's unchallenged leader
in financial information and media, 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 four focused and
complementary service lines: Indices, Ratings, Financial
News and Investor Relations. Founded in November 1999, the
Company is headquartered in Shanghai with 20 news bureaus
and offices in 19 locations across Asia, Australia, North
America and Europe.
For more information, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinance.com .
About Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd
Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. is the first
and leading professional credit rating company with
comprehensive business coverage in China. It is an
independent agency established by the Shanghai Academy of
Social Sciences with the mission to develop internationally
accepted standards for capital market in China. The company
is a pioneer in conducting bond-rating business in China.
For years, it has been authorized by the Shanghai branch of
the PBOC to undertake loan certificate credit rating.
Since establishment, it has rated over 1,000 corporate
long-term bonds and commercial papers, based on the
principles of objectivity, fairness and independence. The
company has also maintained over 50% market share in the
loan certificate-rating sector in Shanghai for three
consecutive years. With its strong local presence and
knowledge, it provides investors with unique and the most
insightful credit opinion.
For more information, see http://www.fareast-cr.com .
For more information, please contact:
Hong Kong
Joy Tsang
Corporate & Investor Communications Director
Xinhua Finance
Tel: +852-3196-3983
+86-21-6113-5999
+852-9486-4364
Email: joy.tsang@xinhuafinance.com
US
Ms. Ishviene Arora
Taylor Rafferty (IR/PR Contact in US)
Tel: +1-212-889-4350
Email: ishviene.arora@taylor-rafferty.com
SOURCE Xinhua Far East China Ratings
2007'02.04.Sun
Texas Instruments Announces Availability of EPCglobal Certified Generation 2 RFID Silicon
August 01, 2006
Advanced Design Improves Chip Performance to Ease Supply Chain RFID Adoption
DALLAS, Aug. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Using an advanced
silicon design that improves tag performance and facilitates
speed and visibility of retail supply chain goods, Texas
Instruments Incorporated (NYSE: TXN) (TI) today announced
the availability of its EPCglobal Inc(TM) certified
Generation 2 (Gen 2) ultra-high frequency (UHF) silicon.
Offered in wafer and strap form factors, TI has
developed its Gen 2 silicon on the most advanced analog
process node at 130 nanometer and with a built-in Schottky
diode for more efficient conversion of radio frequency (RF)
signal energy. The result is silicon chips with low power
consumption and increased chip-to-reader sensitivity.
Users can also write to TI's chips under the lowest RF
power conditions in spite of background electromagnetic
interference (EMI) common in typical supply chain factory
floor and warehouse environments.
Companies deploying UHF-based RFID systems based on
TI's Gen 2 technology can potentially capture a greater
percentage of reads on cases and pallets as they move
through manufacturing and distribution channels. With
improved chip-to-reader sensitivity, companies can expect
to more accurately track products and packages at all
points throughout their supply chain operations and improve
process flow. TI's chip also delivers reliable read range
performance across both standard and dense reader mode
operations. As a result, users are less constrained in the
set-up and placement of RFID readers and can more readily
achieve effective results and maximum read rates.
Offering greater design flexibility to customers, TI is
providing its Gen 2 silicon to inlay, label and packaging
manufacturers in three convenient forms: bare wafers to
support various assembly processes; processed wafers
(bumped, sawn with back grind) that are suitable for
immediate use with commercially available inlay equipment;
and silicon chip on straps for label and packaging
manufacturers who are printing their own antennas. TI is
also offering reference antenna designs enabling customers
to develop labels and tags which optimize its Gen 2
silicon.
"Users of EPC Gen 2 tags, from box and label
manufacturers to distributors of consumer product goods,
have different needs and expectations from RFID systems
that power their supply chains. With TI technology, they
can take advantage of the form factor that is best suited
for their manufacturing flow," said Tony Sabetti,
director of UHF/Retail Supply Chain, Texas Instruments RFID
Systems. "TI's Gen 2 chip is available in a variety of
form factors that users will find convenient and
flexible."
TI has been awarded the EPCglobal Certification Mark
for its new UHF Gen 2 silicon. The certification mark
signifies that TI's silicon has been tested and operates
according to the EPCglobal Gen 2 Air Interface protocol
standard ratified in December 2004. Meeting all of the
EPCglobal Gen 2 and ISO/IEC 18000-6c required
specifications with 192 bits of memory, this chip also goes
beyond the standard requirements to provide additional
functionality by supporting "block write" and
"block erase" commands. TI's Gen 2 silicon is
intended for use in the manufacture of passive RFID tag
products operating in the 860 to 960 MHz. frequency band.
For more information on TI's Gen 2 chip and strap,
please visit http://www.ti.com/epcgen2 .
About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments is the world's largest integrated
manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID)
transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its
competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and
microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at
the forefront of establishing new markets and international
standards for RFID applications. For more information,
contact TI-RFid Systems(TM) at 1-800-962-RFID (7343) (North
America) or +1 214-567-7343 (International), or visit the
Web site at http://www.ti-rfid.com .
Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP
and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world
signal processing requirements. In addition to
Semiconductor, the company includes the Educational &
Productivity Solutions business. TI is headquartered in
Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales
operations in more than 25 countries.
Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located
on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com .
Trademarks
TI-RFid is a trademark of Texas Instruments. All other
trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their
respective owners.
For more information, please contact:
Jamie Horton
Tel: +1-214-567-2463
Email: jhorton@ti.com
Eric Seymour
Tel: +1-617-742-7270
Email: eric@bridgeman.com
SOURCE Texas Instruments
2007'02.04.Sun
Time for Change - Aromatase Inhibitors Such as ARIMIDEX(TM) Confirmed Superior to tamoxifen
August 01, 2006
-- International Panel of Breast Cancer Specialists
Agree: 'With
Successful Adjuvant Therapy, Early Breast Cancer is
Potentially a
Curable Condition.'
MACCLESFIELD, England, Aug. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Today, leading breast cancer experts advised unequivocally
that 5 years' tamoxifen, for so long regarded as the 'gold
standard' hormonal breast cancer therapy, is no longer the
most effective treatment option for postmenopausal women
with early, hormone-sensitive breast cancer. This global
consensus was published today in Current Medical Research
and Opinion and advises doctors that they should be
prescribing aromatase inhibitors (AIs), such as
ARIMIDEX(TM) (anastrozole), to prevent recurrence and
ultimately reduce mortality. The International Aromatase
Inhibitor Expert Panel, which included 24 leading breast
cancer clinicians from Europe, the USA, Australia, China
and Brazil, agreed that with successful post-surgery
treatment, patients with early breast cancer can
potentially be cured of their condition and that AIs, such
as anastrozole, should be prescribed as the preferred
therapy(1).
"Over the last three years, there has been an
influx of new information about the use of aromatase
inhibitors in early breast cancer, and while this is great
news, it has created a great deal of confusion. Physicians
have been looking for clear guidance on whether it is
better for our patients to move on from tamoxifen in favour
of an AI. The guidance from an elite group of breast cancer
experts published today, helps to clarify how best to use
AIs in everyday practice. We can now be confident that to
provide the best care for our patients, we should be using
an aromatase inhibitor at the earliest opportunity,"
commented Dr. Aman Buzdar of the MD Anderson Cancer Centre,
Texas, and a member of the Panel.
The global consensus document provides vital guidance
for clinicians who are faced with making crucial treatment
decisions on behalf of their patients on a daily basis. The
Panel reviewed data from all the major early breast cancer
AI treatment trials with the aim of providing a 'rational
interpretation of the impact of these data on current
practice.' The overarching conclusion of the paper is not
only that patients newly diagnosed with hormone-sensitive
early breast cancer should receive an AI following initial
surgery but that women who are already taking tamoxifen,
should consider changing their treatment to an AI(1).
Evidence-based recommendations
In the consensus statement published today, the Panel
made several evidence based-recommendations. A summary of
the Panel's topline findings are below:(1)
-- AIs are superior to tamoxifen and are, therefore,
the treatment of
choice in postmenopausal women with
hormone-sensitive, early breast
cancer. In newly diagnosed patients, AIs are
considered the preferred
therapy, and patients already receiving tamoxifen
should consider
switching to an AI.
-- Although 5 years' tamoxifen has been the standard of
care for 20
years, and remains an effective treatment for
certain patients, there
is no subgroup of patients who would not benefit
from initial AI
adjuvant therapy.
-- Reported gynaecological adverse events are
substantially reduced with
AIs compared with tamoxifen. The majority of
gynaecological adverse
events with tamoxifen occur during the first 2.5
years of treatment,
and cause a burden to the patient that may affect
compliance with
therapy.
-- Risks associated with tamoxifen treatment, namely
deep vein
thrombosis, stroke and endometrial cancer, cannot be
monitored for nor
predicted in individual patients. This is a crucial
difference between
the management of patients receiving adjuvant
therapy with tamoxifen
or AIs. By prescribing an AI, physicians can be
confident that they
are giving their patients the best opportunity to
stay cancer free for
longer, without the risk of potentially
life-threatening side effects.
-- AIs are associated with increased risk of
osteoporotic fracture
compared with tamoxifen, however current data
confirms bone problems
with AIs are predictable and appear to be
manageable.
The consensus paper coincides with the publication of
mature data from the landmark ATAC* trial in the Lancet
Oncology(2). Anastrozole is the only AI with mature safety
and tolerability data, as well as a favourable risk:
benefit profile compared to tamoxifen, for the full 5-year
treatment period. The results further support the Panel's
findings and add to the evidence base for AIs, specifically
anastrozole, as the preferred treatment for postmenopausal
women with hormone-sensitive early breast cancer.
"Although tamoxifen has served us well for over 20
years, if we want to give our patients the most effective
and well tolerated treatment for their breast cancer, it's
time to consider an AI," explained Professor Rowan
Chlebowski, of the Harbor-UCLA Medical Centre, California,
and a member of the Panel. "The data in support of
AIs, and for anastrozole in particular, is overwhelming and
there's no doubt that tamoxifen is no longer the gold
standard treatment for these women."
The full consensus paper can be accessed via the
Current Medical Research and Opinion website:
http://www.cmrojournal.com . In addition, the publication
of the mature data from the ATAC trial is available on the
Lancet Oncology website: http://oncology.thelancet.com .
AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare
business engaged in the research, development, manufacture
and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the
supply of healthcare services. It is one of the world's
leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales of
$23.95 billion and leading positions in sales of
gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience,
respiratory, oncology and infection products. AstraZeneca
is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global) as
well as the FTSE4Good Index.
'ARIMIDEX' is a trademark, the properties of the
AstraZeneca group of companies.
For further information, please visit our website
http://www.astrazenecapressoffice.com .
Notes to Editors:
* ATAC -- 'ARIMIDEX,' Tamoxifen, Alone or in
Combination
Over the past few years, many studies have been
published concerning the relative efficacy and safety
profiles of tamoxifen and the aromatase inhibitors as
adjuvant therapy for postmenopausal women with early
hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Recently, debate
has centred around trials which have studied tamoxifen
versus AIs as initial adjuvant therapy, switching and
sequencing strategies, and extended adjuvant therapy.
In December 2005, a group of 24 breast cancer experts
from the USA, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia,
Belgium, Sweden, China and Brazil, met to review efficacy
and safety data from the recent major trials investigating
tamoxifen and the third-generation AIs in postmenopausal
women which have challenged the perception of tamoxifen as
optimum adjuvant endocrine therapy. Data from the ATAC(3),
BIG 1-98(4), MA.17(5), IES(6), ITA(7), ABCSG Trial 8(8) and
ARNO 95(8) trials were considered to provide a rational
interpretation of the impact of these data on current
practice and to highlight areas where further investigation
is needed.
References:
1. Buzdar A, Chlebowski R, Cuzick J et al. Defining the
role of aromatase
inhibitors in the adjuvant endocrine treatment of
early breast cancer.
Curr Med Res Opin 2006;22(8):1575-85
2. The ATAC Trialists' Group. Comprehensive side-effect
profile of
anastrozole and tamoxifen as adjuvant treatment for
early-stage breast
cancer: long-term safety analysis of the ATAC trial.
http://oncology.thelancet.com. Published online 19
July, 2006
3. ATAC Trialists' Group. Results of the ATAC
(ARIMIDEX, Tamoxifen, Alone
or in Combination) trial after completion of 5
years' adjuvant
treatment for breast cancer. Lancet 2005;365:60-2
4. Thurlimann B, Keshaviah A, Coates A, et al. A
comparison of letrozole
and tamoxifen in postmenopausal women with early
breast cancer. N Engl
J Med 2005;353:2747-57
5. Goss PE, Ingle JN, Martino S, et al. A randomized
trial of letrozole
in postmenopausal women after five years of
tamoxifen therapy for
early-stage breast cancer. N Engl J Med
2003;349:1793-802
6. Coombes RC, Hall E, Gibson LJ, et al. A randomized
trial of exemestane
after two to three years of tamoxifen therapy in
postmenopausal women
with primary breast cancer. N Engl J Med
2004;350:1081-92
7. Boccardo F, Rubagotti A, Puntoni M, et al. Switching
to anastrozole
versus continued tamoxifen treatment of early breast
cancer:
preliminary results of the Italian Tamoxifen
Anastrozole trial. J Clin
Oncol 2005;23:5138-47Jakesz R, Samonigg H, Greil R
et al. Extended
adjuvant treatment with anastrozole: results from
the Austrian Breast
and Colorectal Cancer Study Group Trial 6a
(ABCSG-6a). J Clin Oncol
(Meeting Abstracts) 2005;23:10s, abs 527
8. Jakesz R, Jonat W, Gnant M, et al. Switching of
postmenopausal women
with endocrine-responsive early breast cancer to
anastrozole after 2
years' adjuvant tamoxifen: combined results of ABCSG
trial 8 and ARNO
95 trial. Lancet 2005;366:455-62
For more information, please contact:
Lynn Grant, Global PR Director,
Oncology, AstraZeneca,
Tel: +44-162-551-7406
Mobile: +44-771-548-4917
Email: Lynn.Grant@Astrazeneca.com
Sara Singer,
Shire Health International
Tel: +44-207-108-6521
Mobile: +44-788-181-0328
Email: sara.singer@shirehealthinternational.com
SOURCE AstraZeneca
2007'02.04.Sun
Arrow China Receives Top Rankings in Annual ESMC Distributor Customer Preference Study
August 01, 2006
HONG KONG, Aug. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- For the fifth
consecutive year, Arrow China was ranked top in the
following categories by Electronics Supply &
Manufacturing, China (ESMC) Distributor Customer Preference
Study: Most Preferred International Distributor, Most
Preferred Supply Capability Distributor, Most Preferred
Technical Support Capability Distributor, Most Preferred
Logistics Services Distributor, and Most Preferred
E-trading Capability Distributor.
Conducted by ESMC, a monthly CMP Media publication, the
study analyzes distributor brand strength and reputation,
and determines which distributors are used and preferred
among supply chain and procurement professionals. The
survey was conducted earlier this year and attracted more
than 800 respondents.
"We are extremely pleased that electronic
component customers in China recognize Arrow as the
distributor of choice for doing business," said Peter
Kong, President, Arrow Asia Pac Ltd. "Receiving the
top ranking in a number of categories for the fifth
consecutive year illustrates our commitment to world-class
products, services, and supply chain solutions that meet
local customers' needs. Moving forward, Arrow is committed
to maintaining its leading position in the region by working
closely with suppliers; continually investing in
customer-facing resources; and delivering top-notch
products, support, and the supply chain services that
customers want -- when and where they are needed."
"Arrow's consistent performance in our survey
over the years reflects the company's leadership and
commitment to the growth of the electronic component
distribution industry in China," said Major Lee,
Managing Editor of ESMC. "With its global resources,
wide range of product offerings, strong technical support
service, and extensive experience in supply chain
management, Arrow is expected to continue be regarded as
among the most preferred distributors in China."
The survey's objectives were to examine the current
state of the mainland electronic component distribution
market and provide an overview of customer preferences in
selecting a distributor. Readers were invited to evaluate
distributors in a number of areas: technical support
capabilities, logistics services, company reputation,
supply capacity, pricing, product quality, payment
flexibility, and e-trading capability.
With a monthly circulation of over 36,018, ESMC is one
of Mainland China's most influential magazines for the
electronics industry.
About Arrow Asia Pac
A subsidiary of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW),
Arrow Asia Pac is one of Asia Pacific's leading electronic
component distributors. In addition to its regional
headquarters in Hong Kong, Arrow Asia Pac operates 41 sales
offices, four primary distribution centers and eleven local
warehousing facilities in eleven countries/territories
across Asia.
Providing a full range of semiconductors, passive,
electromechanical and connectors products from over 60
leading international suppliers, Arrow Asia Pac serves more
than 10,000 original equipment and contract manufacturers
and commercial customers in Asia Pacific. Visit us at
http://www.arrowasia.com .
For more information, please contact:
Ray Leung,
Marketing Communications Director
Arrow Asia Pac Ltd.
Tel: +852-2484-2683
Email: ray.leung@arrowasia.com
Grace Kung,
Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: +852-2484-2682
Email: grace.kung@arrowasia.com
SOURCE Arrow Asia Pac Ltd.
2007'02.04.Sun
DuPont Titanium Technologies Announces a Price Increase for Titanium Dioxide Grades in the Middle East and Africa
August 01, 2006
WILMINGTON, Del., Aug. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- DuPont
Titanium Technologies today announced a price increase in
the Middle East and Africa for all DuPont titanium dioxide
grades.
Effective August 1, 2006, or as permitted by contract,
prices for all titanium dioxide grades will increase 100
dollars (US) per tonne in the Middle East and Africa.
This increase is supported by market dynamics and
significant increases in raw material, energy and fuel
costs, as well as reinvestment economics to meet future
customer needs. Other regional increases will be announced
directly within the local regions.
DuPont Titanium Technologies is the world's largest
manufacturer of titanium dioxide, serving customers
globally in the coatings, paper and plastics industries.
The company operates plants at DeLisle, Miss.; New
Johnsonville, Tenn.; Edge Moor, Del.; Altamira, Mexico; and
Kuan Yin, Taiwan; all of which use the chloride
manufacturing process. The company also operates a plant
in Uberaba, Brazil, for finishing titanium dioxide, and a
mine in Starke, Fla. Technical service centers are located
in Uberaba, Brazil; Mexico City, Mexico; Mechelen, Belgium;
Kuan Yin, Taiwan; Ulsan, Korea; Wilmington, Del.; and
Shanghai, China, to serve the European, Middle Eastern,
United States, Asian and Latin America markets.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a science company. Founded in
1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable
solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries,
DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and
services for markets including agriculture, nutrition,
electronics, communications, safety and protection, home
and construction, transportation and apparel.
For more information, please contact:
Kimberlie A. Lantz,
DuPont Titanium Technologies
Tel: +1-302-999-2361
Email: kimberlie.a.lantz@usa.dupont.com
SOURCE DuPont Titanium Technologies
2007'02.04.Sun
Dow Corning Announces Hemlock Semiconductor Launching Global Search for New Polycrystalline Silicon Manufacturing Site
August 01, 2006
Growth in solar industry powering demand for ultra-pure material
HEMLOCK, Mich., Aug. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Hemlock
Semiconductor Corporation, based in Hemlock, Mich. (USA),
is launching a worldwide search for a potential second
manufacturing site to produce polycrystalline silicon to
support the growing demand from the solar industry and
electronics markets.
The search will begin immediately as company officials
evaluate locations throughout the globe. Hemlock
Semiconductor would like to have the new facility
operational within the next 5 years. Factors in selecting
the new site include: cost of energy, tax considerations,
incentive programs, labor and land costs, and the
surrounding infrastructure.
"The solar industry requires polycrystalline
silicon to continue to develop the next generation of solar
technologies," said Richard S. Doornbos, president and
CEO of Hemlock Semiconductor. "We're looking for a
site that enables us to expand and continue to serve
customers around the world in this rapidly growing and
progressive industry. Exploring opportunities for adding
capacity in Michigan will get the same consideration as
other potential global sites," said Doornbos.
Polycrystalline silicon is the cornerstone material
used to produce solar cells that harvest energy from
sunlight. An ultra-pure version of the material is also
the base-material for silicon wafers used in electronic
devices.
Hemlock Semiconductor is the world's largest producer
of polycrystalline silicon. In November 2005, the company
broke ground on an expansion at its existing facility in
Hemlock, Mich. that will increase the site's current annual
capacity of 10,000 metric tons to 14,500 metric tons in 2008
and then to 19,000 metric tons by 2009. Doornbos said the
capacity at the second site will provide additional
flexibility for future growth.]
Marie N. Eckstein, vice president and general manager
of Advanced Technologies at Dow Corning expects the solar
energy industry to grow at a 30 - 40 percent pace over the
next 10 years. "The solar industry is ripe with
innovation, and shortages in polycrystalline silicon have
held the industry back somewhat," said Eckstein.
"Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor are doing
everything we can to help our customers continue to create
innovative products that benefit people throughout the
globe."
Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation is a joint venture of
Dow Corning Corporation and two Japanese firms, Shin-Etsu
Handotai Company, Ltd. and Mitsubishi Materials
Corporation. In addition to serving the solar energy
market, the company also provides materials used in the
production of semiconductor devices used in computers, cell
phones and other electronic applications.
Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation (
http://www.hscpoly.com ) is the world's leading provider of
polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products
used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices and
passive solar cells and modules. Headquartered in Hemlock,
Mich., Hemlock Semiconductor is owned in majority by Dow
Corning Corporation.
Dow Corning Corporation ( http://www.dowcorning.com )
provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the
diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A
global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation,
offering more than 7,000 products and services, Dow Corning
is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) and
Corning, Incorporated (NYSE: GLW). More than half of Dow
Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.
WE HELP YOU INVENT THE FUTURE(TM)
/NOTE TO EDITORS: Interview requests with Hemlock
Semiconductor and Dow Corning personnel available upon
request. Pictures of Hemlock Semiconductor's current
facility, Richard Doornbos, Marie Eckstein and
polycrystalline silicon available by contacting Jarrod
Erpelding of Dow Corning./
For more information, please contact:
Jarrod Erpelding,
Dow Corning
Tel: +1-989-496-1582
Email: Jarrod.Erpelding@dowcorning.com
SOURCE Dow Corning Corporation
2007'02.04.Sun
Genscape Launches Italian and Czech Republic Services
August 01, 2006
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Aug. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Genscape, the company that pioneered real-time European
power plant and transmission monitoring, today announces
the addition of 2 more countries to their network: Italy
and the Czech Republic.
Genscape already monitors power plants and cross-border
connections in Germany, France, & Benelux. From August
1, Genscape will initially cover 12 units (power plants and
interconnections) in Northern Italy. The service for the
Czech Republic will be released on September 1, starting
with 13 units.
"The market demands for more transparency are
ever-increasing and Genscape is providing it;" says
Adam Hooper Director Sales, Europe; "we have a unique
service which has been expanding over the last 2 years -
with these additional countries, Genscape's information
really makes a difference for our clients."
The company plans further expansion of its services,
with coverage of Spain, Switzerland, Poland and Austria now
under review.
Genscape was founded in the U.S. in 1999 and entered
Europe in 2003. With more than 800 monitors installed
around power plants and interconnections, Genscape delivers
unique real-time information, daily reports and historical
data on over 140 key power plants across Germany, France,
Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and the Czech Republic.
For more information, please contact:
Madelon Fiekert of Genscape
Tel: +31-20-524-4080
Email: madelon.fiekert@genscape.com
SOURCE Genscape Inc.
2007'02.04.Sun
Lifetrade Receives the First Life Settlements Open-Ended Fund S&P Credit Quality Rating
July 31, 2006
CURACAO, Netherland Antilles, July 31
/Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The Lifetrade Fund B.V., has
received a Standard & Poor's Credit Quality rating as a
life settlement investment fund. Lifetrade is the first
open-ended fund to receive such a rating from Standard
& Poor's in the secondary life insurance market.
The rating is based on Lifetrade's "strong
protection from credit defaults", said Standard &
Poor's credit analyst, Sergio Garibian. S&P issued the
fund with an "Af" credit-quality rating and will
continue to monitor pertinent fund information and
portfolio reports monthly.
"By being the first life settlement open-ended
fund to receive a Standard & Poor's Credit Quality
Rating, it not only demonstrates our rigorous due diligence
approach to the secondary market, but also adds independent
credence to our belief in the benefits of sound business
practices and a team-based approach", asserted
Managing Director, Roy Smith. "Our mission is to
continue to increase our market knowledge and expertise to
provide investors with a high quality, precise and
diversified life settlements portfolio."
The joint managing directors are Equity Trust Company
(Curacao) N.V. and Mr. Roy Smith. Equity Trust Company
(Curacao) N.V. serves as the administrator. The Bank of
New York acts as custodian, escrow agent and verification
agent.
The Lifetrade Fund
The Lifetrade Fund B.V. ( http://www.lifetrade.com ) is
an open-ended fund domiciled in Curacao, Netherland
Antilles, with a fluctuating net asset value that is priced
monthly. The Fund's investment objective is to provide
investors long-term capital appreciation through exposure
to a well-defined and diversified portfolio of life
settlements, while preserving principle and maintaining a
highly stable net asset value. The Fund generally invests
in various high-credit-quality universal life insurance
policies, as well as cash-equivalent securities to enhance
liquidity.
This document is not an invitation or solicitation to
invest in The Lifetrade Fund B.V. subscriptions for any
class must be made by application to the administrator of
the fund.
For more information, please contact:
Lifetrade
Email: info@lifetrade.com
Web: http://www.lifetrade.com
SOURCE The Lifetrade Fund B.V.
2007'02.04.Sun
TOM Online to Report 2006 Second Quarter Results on Aug 10th
July 31, 2006
BEIJING, July 31 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- TOM Online Inc.
(Nasdaq: TOMO; Hong Kong GEM: 8282), a leading wireless
Internet company in China, will announce its financial
results for the half year and second quarter ended June
30th, 2006 after Hong Kong market hours on Thursday, Aug
10th, corresponding with Thursday morning, Aug 10th, in US
time zones.
A media conference will be held at Ball Room, Level 3,
JW Marriott Hotel, Admiralty, Hong Kong, at 4:15 PM Hong
Kong time (or 4:15 AM EDT) on August 10th, followed by an
investor conference at 5:30 PM Hong Kong time.
Company management will hold an investor conference
call at 8:00 PM Hong Kong time (8:00 AM EDT) to present an
overview of the company's financial performance and
business operations during the period.
The dial-in numbers for the call are:
Australia: 1-800-504-629; China A (China Netcom
subscribers): 10800-852-0607; China B (China Telecom
subscribers): 10800-152-0607; Hong Kong: 2258-4000; India:
000-800-852-1115; Singapore: 800-852-3237; United Kingdom:
0800-068-9056; USA: 800-365-8460.
Password: TOM Online.
The conference call will be accompanied by a slide
presentation on http://ir.tom.com .
An audio replay of the call can be accessed by dialing
the following numbers:
Hong Kong: 2802-5151
USA: 1-800-395-8842
Password: 784870. The audio replay will be kept for
seven days.
About TOM Online Inc.
TOM Online Inc. (Nasdaq: TOMO, Hong Kong GEM: 8282) is
a leading wireless Internet company in China providing
value-added multimedia products and services. A premier
online brand in China targeting the young and trendy
demographics, the Company's primary business activities
include wireless value-added services and online
advertising. The company offers an array of services such
as SMS, MMS, WAP, wireless IVR (interactive voice response)
services, content channels, search and classified
information, and free and fee-based advanced email. As at
March 31st, 2006, TOM Online is the only portal in China
that enjoyed a top three ranking in every wireless Internet
segment.
For more information, please contact:
Rico Ngai
Investor and Corporate Communications
TOM Online Inc.
Tel: +86-10-6528-3399 x6940
Mobile: +86-139-118-95354
Skype: ricoinrio
SOURCE TOM Online Inc.
2007'02.04.Sun
Xinhua Far East Changes Rating Outlook of Zhejiang Expressway from Stable to Negative
July 31, 2006
HONG KONG, July 31 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Xinhua Far
East China Ratings today changed the rating outlook of
Zhejiang Expressway Co., Ltd ("Zhejiang
Expressway" or "the Company", HKSE: 0576;
LSE: ZHEH; ADR: ZHEXY) from stable to negative. Its
domestic currency issuer credit rating of AA remains
unchanged.
The outlook change was prompted by the RMB 600 million
acquisition of a 70.46% interest in Kinghing Securities
Co., Ltd. (Kinghing Securities) by the Company's
majority-owned subsidiary Zhejiang Shangsan Expressway Co.,
Ltd. (Shangsan Co). Given the volatilities and capital
intensity in China's brokerage industry, Xinhua Far East is
concerned that the Company may be required to provide
substantial additional capital to revitalize the operation
of financially distressed Kinghing Securities and will
remain vulnerable to unknown contingent liabilities in this
acquired brokerage. In addition, RMB 177 million out of the
RMB 600 million cash investment was contributed by Shangsan
Co. on behalf of other shareholders of Kinghing Securities.
However, there is considerable uncertainty about timely
full repayment from these shareholders.
As securities brokering is a new business line with no
relation to Zhejiang's core business, it will be an uphill
challenge for the Company to restructure and turn around
Kinghing Securities. While the RMB 600 million acquisition
has enabled the Company to fully recover a RMB 587 million
treasury bond investment misappropriated by Kinghing
Securities and to obtain majority control in Kinghing
Securities, the subsequent restructuring and possible
recapitalization are likely to drain more resources from
Zhejiang Expressway before it can reclaim the value in this
investment. In Xinhua Far East's opinion, while Zhejiang
Expressway is financially sound enough to fund the
acquisition and the relevant restructurings, this
investment will put pressure on the highly resilient credit
risk profile that is expected for the Company's AA rating.
The Company started investing in government bonds
through Kinghing Securities in 2001. Kinghing Securities
allegedly pledged RMB587 million of treasury bonds owned by
Zhejiang Expressway for third party repo transactions
without prior notification to or consent of the Company.
On the other hand, Kinghing Trust Investment Co., Ltd.
(Kinghing Trust), previously the largest shareholder of
Kinghing Securities, allegedly misappropriated funds from
Kinghing Securities. With the collapse of Kinghing Trust,
Kinghing Securities had inadequate funds to settle the repo
transactions and thus there was high risk of the Company's
treasury bonds deposited in Kinghing Securities being
enforced as a security for the third party repo
transactions. To avoid the potential loss of the
investment in these treasury bonds, the Company decided to
participate in the restructuring of Kinghing Securities
through an additional capital injection of RMB600 million
through its subsidiary, Shangsan Co.
As part of the RMB 600 million cash injection, RMB 177
million are paid by the Shangsan Co. on behalf of five
shareholders of Kinghing Securities. However, one
shareholder has refused to repay the RMB 46 million capital
contribution made by Shangsan on its behalf. Although three
of remaining four shareholders pledged their future
dividends from Kinghing Securities to repay the aggregate
amount of RMB 108 million due to Shangsan Co., it remains
highly uncertain that Kinghing Securities can be turned
around rapidly enough to generate sufficient dividends for
these shareholders to fully repay the amount due.
As a result of the acquisition, the Company became the
ultimate controller of Kinghing Securities, exposing it to
the risks in the volatile securities market. The Company
also faces challenges to manage a new business line
materially different from its core business of expressway
operation. Even though the Company has stated its
intention to dispose of its interests in Kinghing
Securities in the end, there are uncertainties in finding a
suitable buyer and obtaining pertinent regulatory
approvals.
Xinhua Far East also has concerns that there could be
as yet unidentified contingent liabilities in Kinghing
Securities, which had poor risk management and internal
controls in the past. Moreover, Kinghing Securities is a
relatively small brokerage firm without a clear competitive
advantage, which may need further capital injections to
revitalize its business. Both of these factors increase
the risks faced by Zhejiang Expressway.
On the other hand, Xinhua Far East notes that the
Company's core business is growing steadily and remains
very resilient to economic volatility. In 2005, the
Company's turnover reached RMB3.5 billion, a year-on-year
increase of 10.4%. Meanwhile, the Company's financial
leverage is relatively low and its cash position is
abundant, which increases its ability to withstand risks
and pressures. At the end of 2005, the Company's gross
debt to total capital ratio stood at 16.5%, and it held
RMB829 million in cash on its balance sheet. Therefore, in
view of its very strong financial position and vibrant core
business, Xinhua Far East is leaving unchanged its issuer
credit rating of AA.
Zhejiang Expressway is an infrastructure company whose
main business is investment in and development, operation
and management of the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway
and the Shangsan Expressway. The Company and its
subsidiaries also carry out such related businesses as
automobile service, gas station operation and advertising.
At the end of 2005, Zhejiang Communications Investment Group
Co., Ltd. was the largest shareholder, with a 56% stake in
the Company.
Shangsan Co. is a subsidiary of Zhejiang Expressway,
which holds 73.625% of its shares.
Kinghing Securities is a securities brokerage firm
registered in Zhejiang Province. It engages in business
through 20 operational branches and 16 sales branches,
which are mainly located in the Yangtze Delta region.
Kinghing Securities' restructuring was approved by China
Securities Regulatory Commission in June 2006.
Zhejiang Expressway is also a constituent of the Xinhua
FTSE Hong Kong Index and, as of market close on July 28,
2006, its total market capitalization and investable
capitalization were HK$20, 890 million and HK$8, 356
million respectively.
For the rating report summary, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinance.com/creditrating .
Note to Editors:
About FTSE Xinhua Hong Kong Index
Xinhua FTSE Hong Kong Index comprises 'Red Chips',
ordinary HK listed stocks from the FTSE Developed Hong Kong
(large/mid cap) Index (in FTSE GEIS),'H' shares from the
current FTSE China Index(large/mid cap) and HSBC. The index
has been created to meet the needs from both international
investors and the anticipated needs of the domestic Chinese
institutional investor authorized to make overseas equity
investments (as expected under the QDII program). For
daily data and further information, see
http://www.xinhuaftse.com .
About Xinhua Far East China Ratings
Xinhua Far East China Ratings (Xinhua Far East) is a
pioneering venture in China that aims to rank credit risks
among corporations in China. It is a strategic alliance
between Xinhua Finance (TSE Mothers: 9399), and Shanghai
Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. Shanghai Far East became a
Xinhua Finance partner company in 2003 and the first China
member of The Association of Credit Rating Agencies in Asia
in December 2003.
Capitalizing on the synergy between Xinhua Finance and
Shanghai Far East, Xinhua Far East's rating methodology and
process blend unique local market knowledge with
international rating standards. Xinhua Far East is
committed to provide investors with independent, objective,
timely and forward-looking credit opinions on Chinese
companies. It aims to help investors differentiate the
credit risks among the corporations in China, thereby,
cultivating their awareness and promoting information
disclosures and transparency in China market.
For more information, see
http://www.xfn.com/creditrating .
About Xinhua Finance Limited
Xinhua Finance Limited is China's unchallenged leader
in financial information and media, 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 four focused and
complementary service lines: Indices, Ratings, Financial
News and Investor Relations. Founded in November 1999, the
Company is headquartered in Shanghai with 20 news bureaus
and offices in 19 locations across Asia, Australia, North
America and Europe.
For more information, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinance.com .
About Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd
Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. is the first
and leading professional credit rating company with
comprehensive business coverage in China. It is an
independent agency established by the Shanghai Academy of
Social Sciences with the mission to develop internationally
accepted standards for capital market in China. The company
is a pioneer in conducting bond-rating business in China.
For years, it has been authorized by the Shanghai branch of
the PBOC to undertake loan certificate credit rating.
Since establishment, it has rated over 1,000 corporate
long-term bonds and commercial papers, based on the
principles of objectivity, fairness and independence. The
company has also maintained over 50% market share in the
loan certificate-rating sector in Shanghai for three
consecutive years. With its strong local presence and
knowledge, it provides investors with unique and the most
insightful credit opinion.
For more information, see http://www.fareast-cr.com .
For more information, please contact:
Hong Kong
Joy Tsang
Corporate & Investor Communications Director
Xinhua Finance
Tel: +852-3196-3983
+86-21-6113-5999
+852-9486-4364
Email: joy.tsang@xinhuafinance.com
US
Ms. Ishviene Arora
Taylor Rafferty (IR/PR Contact in US)
Tel: +1-212-889-4350
Email: ishviene.arora@taylor-rafferty.com
SOURCE Xinhua Far East China Ratings
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