2007'02.01.Thu
Modern Beauty Acquires 60% Stake in a Large-scale Beauty Salon in Shanghai
May 12, 2006
JV to Open Four More Centres in 2006
HONG KONG, May 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Modern Beauty
Salon Holdings Limited ("Modern Beauty" or
"the Company"; HKSE stock code: 919), one of the
leading providers of comprehensive beauty and healthcare
services in Hong Kong, announced today its first major
Mainland expansion initiative with the signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding to jointly operate a
large-scale beauty salon in Shanghai.
According to the memorandum, Modern Beauty will own 60%
stake in a joint venture company, Shanghai Regent Fitness
Limited ("Shanghai Regent") and prepare to invest
HK$9 million as working capital for the joint venture. The
joint venture also plans to open four more centres in
Shanghai before the end of 2006.
Under Modern Beauty's management, Shanghai Regent will
operate the first large-scale spa and beauty centre in
prime location of Chang Ning District in Shanghai with
gross floor area of over 40,000 sq. ft, one of the largest
beauty salons in Shanghai. The salon will officially open
in around June 2006. The salon will offer a full range of
beauty and healthcare services including beauty and facial
treatment, spa and massage, fitness facilities and sales of
the company's branded products "be". Modern
Beauty will contribute its operational expertise and brand
name to build up the salon's business.
With the formation of the joint venture, Modern Beauty
gains immediate access to the huge beauty and healthcare
market in the PRC. The move is the first step of the
Company's venture into the PRC market and reinforces its
leading position in the beauty and healthcare services
sector.
The Company's Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
Joyce Tsang said, "The robust economic development in
China recent years has resulted in a surge in average
consumer spending, in particular amongst the middle income
group. Modern Beauty is well placed to seize this market
opportunity and is confident of capturing the huge
potential that comes along by bringing the quality and
professional beauty and healthcare services to the China
market."
For more information, please contact:
Priscilla Ip, Investor Relations Manager
Modern Beauty Salon Holdings Limited
Tel: +852-2302-6116
Fax: +852-2757-3453
Email: ir@modernbeautysalon.com
SOURCE Modern Beauty Salon Holdings Limited
PR
2007'02.01.Thu
Kasenna Appoints Kumar Shah as Chief Executive Officer
May 12, 2006
Industry Veteran to Lead Company's Expansion in the IPTV Market
SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Kasenna, The IPTV Company(TM), a leading provider of
video-on-demand (VOD) content and MPEG-4 ready IPTV
applications for Triple Play services over broadband
networks, today announced the appointment of Kumar Shah as
its CEO, effective immediately. Shah succeeds industry
visionary Mark Gray, who will continue to serve on the
Kasenna Board as its Chairman and also continue to drive
strategic partnerships across the globe.
An industry veteran with more than 20 years of
business, marketing, and sales management experience, Mr.
Shah was recruited by the Kasenna board members from US
Venture Partners, where he was an Entrepreneur-In-Residence
(EIR). Prior to that, Mr. Shah was involved with a number of
venture capital funded start-up companies, most recently as
President & CEO of Occam Networks (OTC: OCNW) and prior
to that as Chief Marketing Officer of AccessLan
Communications, which was acquired by Advanced Fibre
Communications, which in turn was acquired recently by
Tellabs.
"With our rock-solid and battle-tested VOD Server,
innovative LivingRoom Middleware Platform, and industry
leading ViewNow Content Aggregation and Management
business, Kasenna has clearly established a demonstrable
technology and product leadership in the IPTV market,"
said Kumar. "I am excited about joining Kasenna at this
crucial inflection point for Kasenna and for the IPTV
market. I am looking forward to leveraging our product and
technology leadership into a global leadership position in
the IPTV market."
"The board members of Kasenna are pleased to have
Kumar join Kasenna as the CEO and as a board member. Kumar
brings to Kasenna a wealth of telecom industry experience
and brings with him an impressive track record of
successfully launching and managing start-up
companies," commented Steve Krausz of US Venture
Partners, a Kasenna Board member. "We also want to
thank Mark Gray for the excellent leadership he has
provided to Kasenna in developing Kasenna's
industry-leading PortalTV solution."
"I am very pleased to welcome someone of Kumar's
calibre to Kasenna to drive the future expansion of
Kasenna's operations and solutions portfolio and further
solidify our leading position in the advanced video
entertainment market," concluded Mark Gray, Chairman
of Kasenna.
About Kasenna
Kasenna -- "The IPTV Company(TM)" -- is a
leading provider of video-on-demand (VOD) content and
MPEG-4 ready IPTV applications for Triple Play services
over broadband networks. Kasenna PortalTV(TM) is an
integrated, turnkey, yet customizable, IPTV solution
enabling telecom service providers, cable operators and
others to generate additional revenue, increase profits and
raise customer satisfaction through the delivery of advanced
television services. Kasenna's patented software
technology, built on open standards with an intelligent
management infrastructure, has been proven with countless
global deployments. Through its subsidiary ViewNow,
Kasenna is able to offer operators the industry's only
integrated and turnkey IPTV solution that includes scalable
IP video infrastructure, subscriber applications, and VOD
programming.
Kasenna is a privately held company with headquarters
in Sunnyvale, California, and office locations worldwide.
For more information, please visit http://www.kasenna.com
.
For more information, please contact:
Heike J. Stabenow,
Kasenna, Inc.
Tel: +1-650-943-8813
Email: heike@kasenna.com
Jim Carlson,
Carlson & Co. PR
Tel: +1-303-221-8133
Email: jim@carlsoncopr.com
SOURCE Kasenna, Inc.
2007'02.01.Thu
Arizona State University Awards Honorary Degree to Wu Qidi, Vice Minister of Education in the People's Republic of China
May 12, 2006
Like ASU, Chinese Institutions Must Master Providing Quality Education to Large Numbers of Students
TEMPE, Ariz., May 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Wu Qidi,
vice minister of education of the People's Republic of
China, was awarded an honorary degree at Arizona State
University's spring commencement ceremony May 11, 2006.
ASU awarded Wu the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters
in recognition of her significant achievements as a leader
in higher education and her exceptional work in academic
research.
Wu oversees all Ministry of Education universities in
China, which number around 70, and is guiding the
transformation of many into major research institutions.
She is confronting a challenge familiar to ASU --
figuring out how to offer a quality education to a large
and growing number of students. She has been studying
ASU's approach and the concept and structure of President
Michael Crow's New American University.
Previous to her post as vice minister of education that
she assumed in 2003, Wu was president of Tongji University.
She was elected to that position in 1995, and was the first
university president chosen by a democratic election in
China.
During Wu's eight-year presidency, the university
increased the quality of its undergraduate curriculum,
improved research competence through postgraduate programs,
and became interdisciplinary. As a result, Tongji developed
from a leading engineering school to a comprehensive,
research intensive and international university, ranking
among top Chinese universities.
Due to her outstanding work, Wu has been recognized
with a number of awards including an Outstanding Young and
Middle-aged Expert Award from the Ministry of Personnel in
1996; an Excellent Overseas Returned Scholar Award in 1997;
and a National Ten Outstanding Women award in 1998. The
German Federal government honored her with Grand Cross of
the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in
1999.
For more information, please contact:
Terri Shafer,
Arizona State University
Tel: +1-480-965-3865
Email: terri.shafer@asu.edu
SOURCE Arizona State University
2007'02.01.Thu
Plans Announced to Merge Major Online Casino Group Trident Entertainment Into Carmen Media Group
May 12, 2006
Proposed Consolidation Advantageous for Both Successful Companies
KAHNAWAKE, Gibraltar, May 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Two
of the most successful and established online casino and
poker room groups in the online gaming industry have
announced plans to create a new Internet super-group.
Trident Entertainment Group out of Kahnawake in Canada
is in discussions with regard to a proposed merger of its
operations into Gibraltar-based Carmen Media Group. This
would result in a Carmen Media Group line-up of 10 top
online casinos, 4 poker rooms on the Prima Poker Network
and a sportsbook powered by LudoLogic.
The following major Microgaming-powered brands are
involved in the proposed plan, on which financial detail is
not disclosed:
Carmen Media Group operations:
Riverbelle Online Casino and Online Poker
( http://www.riverbellecasino.com )
The Gaming Club Online Casino and Online Poker Room
( http://www.thegamingclub.com )
The Gaming Club Sportsbook (
http://www.gamingclubsportsbook.com )
Lucky Nugget Casino ( http://www.luckynuggetcasino.com
)
Jackpot City Casino ( http://www.jackpotcitycasino.com
)
Aces High Casino ( http://www.aceshighcasino.com )
Showdown Casino ( http://www.showdowncasino.com )
Home Casino ( http://www.homecasino.com )
Trident Entertainment Group operations:
King Neptune's Casino (
http://www.kingneptunescasino.com )
Trident Lounge Casino (
http://www.tridentloungecasino.com )
Vegas USA Casino ( http://www.vegasusa.com )
Trident Poker Room ( http://www.tridentpoker.com )
In addition to the English versions, selected brands
are available in Japanese, French, German and Spanish
language versions. Both groups have been independently
active in these regions for some time.
Carmen Media and Trident are committed to Responsible
Gaming. The vast majority of their online entertainment
products has passed the stringent requirements of the
international standards body eCommerce and Online Gaming,
Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) and undergoes continuous
monitoring and regular reviews as a precondition to the
display of the "Play It Safe" seal.
The plan also provides for the continued use of the
existing affiliate programs (Referback for Carmen Media
Group and Trident Share for Trident Entertainment Group),
individually and collectively optimized for use in target
markets where they are most suited.
Trident spokesperson Micki Oster confirmed that the
strong brand identities of the existing operations would be
maintained: "These are some of the best known and
popular names in Internet gambling," she said.
"In fact, the existing TEG brands will benefit from
Carmen Media's considerable experience and strengths in
areas such as marketing and customer relationship
management."
Oster will retain executive responsibilities for the
North American, Canadian and Asian markets. She commented
that more emphasis would be placed on expanding Japanese
activities.
Ashley Head, CEO of Carmen Media Group said that the
proposed merger would enable the businesses to maximise and
combine their strengths into one operating unit going
forward.
"The Carmen Media Group continually strives to
expand its global business, creating new business
opportunities and looking for innovative ideas in emerging
markets," he said.
"These moves towards consolidation rather than
competition, especially in exciting new growth areas where
we have both been successful in building market share, can
only be of mutual benefit. We will continue to do this
without impacting the strong player trust and branding that
Carmen and Trident have built up over the years."
About Carmen Media Group:
Carmen Media owns a portfolio of online gaming
entertainment brands, consisting of 7 online casinos, 3
online multiplayer poker rooms, and an Online Sportsbook.
Each brand boasts its own unique personality, and is
committed to providing the most integrity-driven,
entertaining, rewarding and best supported gaming and
betting experience available.
Many of the Carmen Media products and brands are
promoted through the industry-leading 2-tier affiliate
program Referback.com, affording affiliate partners
opportunities to market English, French, German and
Japanese products. Attractive commission rates combined
with exceptionally high player retention at all the partner
casinos and poker rooms makes Referback.com a particularly
lucrative Affiliate option.
The Carmen Media Group is incorporated and based in
Gibraltar. It operates under a license issued by the
Government of Gibraltar, and nine of its flagship brands
have been awarded the eCOGRA seal of approval.
About Trident Entertainment:
Trident Entertainment Group Ltd. (
http://www.tridentegroup.com ) operates King Neptune's
Casino, Trident Lounge Casino, Vegas USA Casino and Trident
Poker. All operations are powered by Microgaming and have
achieved the eCOGRA "Play It Safe" seal. Online
gaming licences from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission are
held and operations are conducted strictly in compliance
with the Commission's regulations. Trident Entertainment
Group has built a strong reputation for ethical business
conduct and is well respected by the gaming industry and
players alike.
Trident group casinos feature the latest Microgaming
Viper software and offer both download and flash builds
including progressive jackpot games, slots, power pokers
and more. The group provides a high level of
round-the-clock, toll-free telephone, e-mail and Live Chat
Support to all its casino and poker players.
For more information, please contact:
Sabine Klisch, Business Development USA,
FORWARDSLASH
Tel: +27-21-528-9166
SOURCE Carmen Media Group
2007'02.01.Thu
Thomson Scientific Ranks U.K. Research
May 12, 2006
PHILADELPHIA, and LONDON, May 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
The latest issue of Science Watch, the bimonthly newsletter
published by Thomson Scientific, a business of The Thomson
Corporation, ranks United Kingdom universities based on
both the total number of citations as well as their impact
(or the average number of citations per paper) during the
2001-2005 period.
Predictably, two institutions dominate: the University
of Cambridge and the University of Oxford both appear in the
rankings far more frequently than do any of the other
universities. Based on total citations, the University of
Cambridge ranks first in 10 of the 21 fields analyzed,
while the University of Oxford took the lead in four of the
21 fields based on the average number of citations per
paper. Despite the strong showing, the
"Oxbridge" establishment institutions are not the
only players in the U.K. research game.
"Because larger institutions have a higher
research output, they tend to generate higher
total-citation counts," said Christopher King, editor
of Science Watch. "Looking at the average number of
citations per paper offers a different form of assessment,
tending to remove the advantage of institutions that
publish more papers, and allowing smaller institutions to
demonstrate their influence and success."
The University of Sussex, for example, despite
relatively modest paper counts, takes the top spot in
impact (average number of citations per paper) in both
physics and space science. Similarly, the University of
Dundee grabs the top spot in impact in molecular
biology/genetics and biology/biochemistry.
Top U.K. Universities Based on Total Citations,
2001-2005
(ranked by number of scientific fields it
leads)
# Scientific
Rank Name Fields Scientific
Fields
1 University of Cambridge 10 Physics;
Molecular
Biology/Genetics; Chemistry;
Biology
& Biochemistry;
Materials
Science;
Geosciences; Space Science;
Computer
Science;
Mathematics; Plant & Animal
Science
2 Imperial College London 3
Engineering; Pharmacology;
Ecology/Environment
3 University College London 2
Neurosciences; Clinical
Medicine
4 University of Oxford 2
Microbiology; Immunology
5 King's College London 1
Psychology/Psychiatry
6 University of Reading 1
Agricultural Sciences
7 London School of Economics 1 Economics
& Business
8 University of London 1 Education
Institute of Education
The University of Cambridge amassed the highest
total-citation count in nearly half of the scientific
fields studied, reinforcing its role as a research
powerhouse. The university published more than 21,000
papers between 2001 and 2005, fueling its high total
citation count. Imperial College London ranks second,
compiling the highest total-citation count in three fields
having published nearly 19,000 papers.
Top U.K. Universities Based on the Average of Citations
per Paper, 2001-2005
(ranked by number of scientific fields it
leads)
# Scientific
Rank Name Fields Scientific
Fields
1 University of Oxford 4 Clinical
Medicine;
Microbiology; Immunology;
Psychology/Psychiatry
2 University of Sussex 2 Physics;
Space Science
3 University of Dundee 2 Molecular
Biology/Genetics;
Biology
& Biochemistry;
4 University of East Anglia 2
Geosciences;
Ecology/Environment
5 University of Southampton 2 Computer
Science;
Agricultural Sciences
6 University of Aberdeen 1
Pharmacology
7 University of Cambridge 1
Neurosciences
8 University of York 1 Plant &
Animal Science
9 Queen's University 1 Chemistry
of Belfast
10 University of Bristol 1 Materials
Science
11 University of Lancaster 1 Engineering
12 Imperial College London 1 Mathematics
13 London Business School 1 Economics
& Business
14 King's College London 1 Education
Because looking at impact levels the playing field, a
wider array of universities top individual scientific
fields. Fourteen universities top the impact rankings,
while only eight are represented in the total-citation
rankings. Nevertheless, reputed research powerhouse
University of Oxford still leads U.K. research in impact,
topping four scientific fields.
The Science Watch rankings are derived from Thomson
Scientific's United Kingdom University Science Indicators,
a database containing publication and citation statistics
on upwards of 150 U.K. universities and affiliated
institutions in nearly two dozen main scientific fields.
About the Thomson Corporation
The Thomson Corporation ( http://www.thomson.com ),
with 2005 revenues of $8.7 billion, is a global leader in
providing integrated information solutions to business and
professional customers. Thomson provides value-added
information, software tools and applications to more than
20 million users in the fields of law, tax, accounting,
financial services, higher education, reference
information, corporate e-learning and assessment,
scientific research and healthcare. With operational
headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson has approximately
40,000 employees and provides services in approximately 130
countries. The Corporation's common shares are listed on
the New York and Toronto stock exchanges (NYSE: TOC;
Toronto).
Thomson Scientific is a business of The Thomson
Corporation. Its information solutions assist
professionals at every stage of research and
development-from discovery to analysis to product
development and distribution. Thomson scientific
information solutions can be found at
http://www.scientific.thomson.com .
Note: For more information about the Science Watch
rankings, including the full top-three rankings in all 21
scientific fields, contact Rodney Yancey at 215-823-5397 or
rodney.yancey@thomson.com .
For more information, please contact:
Rodney Yancey, Manager,
Corporate Communications,
Thomson Scientific
Tel: +1-215-823-5397
Email: rodney.yancey@thomson.com
Chris Lukach,
Anne Klein & Associates
Tel: +1-856-988-6560 ext.15
Email: chris@mail.akleinpr.com
SOURCE Thomson Scientific
2007'02.01.Thu
Grifols Donates $1.4 Million in Hemophilia Blood Clotting Therapies to World Federation of Hemophilia
May 12, 2006
As Part of its Ongoing Commitment to the Global Bleeding Disorders Community, Grifols' Donation of Plasma-Derived Blood Clotting Therapies Will Be Used to Treat Patients in Developing Countries
BARCELONA, Spain, May 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Grifols
S.A., today announced that it will donate approximately $1.4
million in blood clotting therapies to the World Federation
of Hemophilia (WFH). The donated products include those
used to treat both Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B and will
be targeted for patients in developing countries where
access to adequate treatment is often lacking. It is
anticipated that this donation of hemophilia therapies will
be used to treat hundreds of patients. The WFH will direct
the distribution of the donated products to areas of
greatest need.
"Through this donation, we hope that our therapies
will reach the most needy patients," said Victor
Grifols, President and CEO of the company. "The
mission of WFH is noble," Grifols said, "and is
consistent with the ethical values of our company."
Grifols produces plasma-derived hemophilia blood clotting
therapies at its facilities in Barcelona, Spain and Los
Angeles, California, USA. Its products are distributed in
more than 90 countries around the world.
According to WFH President, Mark Skinner, one of aims
of the organization's new vision -- Treatment for All -- is
to improve the quality and supply of treatment products in
developing countries. "The Grifols donation moves us
one step closer to making our vision a reality," said
Skinner, "however, there is still a long way to
go." Ultimately, the WFH vision is to one day have
treatment available for all those with inherited bleeding
disorders regardless of where they live.
An estimated 400,000 people around the world have
hemophilia. Yet, only 25% receive adequate treatment.
Without treatment, many people with hemophilia suffer
needlessly and die before they reach adulthood. With
treatment, their life expectancy is close to that of
someone without the condition.
Hemophilia is a lifelong bleeding disorder that
prevents blood from clotting properly. People with
hemophilia do not have enough clotting factor, a protein in
blood that controls bleeding. Bleeding into joints and
muscles can cause stiffness, pain, severe joint damage,
disability, and sometimes death. People with more severe
hemophilia require larger and more frequent doses of blood
clotting factors. For more information about the WFH,
hemophilia and other bleeding disorders go to
http://www.WFH.org .
About Grifols
Grifols has been present in healthcare since 1940,
creating innovative products and services based on the
values of ethics and responsibility. Grifols' activities
focus on fulfilling the needs of healthcare professionals
working in therapeutics, pharmacy, diagnostics and blood
banking. For more than 60 years, Grifols has developed,
manufactured and marketed products designed to improve
human health. The Company manufactures products of proven
efficacy, quality and safety. More information about
Grifols can be found at http://www.grifols.com .
For more information, please contact:
Christopher Healey,
Vice President,
Government and Public Affairs of Grifols
Tel: +1-703-351-5004
Fax: +1-703-276-9052
Email: chris.healey@us.grifols.com
Web site: http://www.grifols.com
http://www.WFH.org
SOURCE Grifols
2007'02.01.Thu
Xinhua FTSE Index selected by China's SSF as Hong Kong investment benchmark
May 11, 2006
BEIJING and Hong Kong, May 11 /Xinhua-PRNewsire/ -- Xinhua FTSE Index announced that the Xinhua FTSE Hong Kong Index was chosen by China's Social Security Fund (SSF), a strategic reserve fund accumulated by the centralXinhua FTSE Index selected by China's SSF as Hong Kong investment benchmarkMay 11, 2006BEIJING and Hong Kong, May 11 /Xinhua-PRNewsire/ -- Xinhua FTSE Index announced that the Xinhua FTSE Hong Kong Index was chosen by China's Social Security Fund (SSF), a strategic reserve fund accumulated by the central government to support future social security expenditures, as the benchmark for its active Hong Kong equity holdings. According to the mandate announced on April 29, prospective portfolio managers will be required to outperform the benchmark by 3%. The Xinhua FTSE Hong Kong Index, designed specifically with the needs of Chinese domestic institutions' investment in Hong Kong in mind, is part of the Xinhua FTSE Index Series. The series, which features free float weightings, comprehensive coverage of all share types and award winning methodology have made the series highly popular with domestic and international investors. The indices have already been adopted to create successful investment products such as the iShares FTSE/Xinhua China Index Fund listed on the NYSE and the iShares FTSE/Xinhua A50 Index Fund listed on HKEx. The index includes H Shares, Hong Kong listed stocks, Red Chips and HSBC. To ensure that the index remains stable and offers a reasonable representation of the market, HSBC is capped at 20% of its listed market capitalization. Class of Stock Numbers in index Percentage Weight of index Hong Kong stocks 76 51 % H Shares 48 23 % Red Chip 27 18 % HSBC 1 8 % The top constituents in the index are; HSBC Holdings (SEDOL 6158163, Local 5), China Mobile (6073556, 941), Hutchinson Whampoa (6448068, 13), Petrochina (6226576, 857), Sun Hung Kai Properties (6859927, 16), Cheung Kong (Hldgs)(6190273,1), China Petroleum & Chemical (6291819, 386), CLP Holdings (6097017, 2), China Life Insurance (6718976, 2628), Hong Kong & China Gas (6436557, 3). Mark Makepeace, Co-Chairman of Xinhua FTSE Index, Chief Executive of FTSE Group and Fredy Bush, Co-Chairman of Xinhua FTSE Index, Chief Executive Officer of Xinhua Finance said in a joint statement "SSF's overseas investments mark the first steps in some exciting changes for Chinese investors. Hong Kong will be a key focus market for these investments as the regulations change. Xinhua FTSE has the index tools these investors need and the capability to meet future requirements of prospective QDII participants." More information on the Xinhua FTSE Hong Kong index is available at http://www.ftsexinhua.com About FTSE/Xinhua Index Established in late 2000, FTSE/Xinhua Index (FXI), a joint venture between Xinhua Finance Limited and FTSE, came into being to facilitate the creation of real-time indices for the Chinese market. The indices can be used as a basis for the trading of derivatives, index-tracking funds, Exchange Traded Funds and as performance benchmarks. The combination of FTSE's expertise in international indexing with Xinhua Finance's strong presence and capabilities in China creates a level of expertise in the Chinese market that is unprecedented. Providing the combined coverage for the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, all of the FTSE/Xinhua indices are designed according to internationally proven index methodology to ensure products are transparent, clear and consistent. For daily data and further information, please visit www.ftsexinhua.com. About FTSE Group FTSE Group is a world-leader in the creation and management of indices. With offices in London, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Madrid, Paris, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo, FTSE Group services clients in 77 countries worldwide. It calculates and manages the FTSE Global Equity Index series, which includes world-recognised indices ranging from the FTSE All-World Index, the FTSE4Good series and the FTSEurofirst Index series, as well as domestic indices such as the prestigious FTSE 100. The company has collaborative arrangements with the Athens, AMEX, Cyprus, Euronext, Johannesburg London, Madrid, NASDAQ and Taiwan exchanges, as well as Nomura Securities, Hang Seng and Xinhua Finance of China, FTSE recently signed an agreement with Dow Jones Indexes to develop a single sector classification system for global investors. FTSE indices are used extensively by investors world-wide for investment analysis, performance measurement, asset allocation, portfolio hedging and for creating a wide range of index tracking funds. Independent committees of senior fund managers, derivatives experts, actuaries and other experienced practitioners review all changes to the indices to ensure that they are made objectively and without bias. Real-time FTSE indices are calculated on systems managed by Reuters. Prices and FX rates used are supplied by Reuters. About Xinhua Finance Limited Xinhua Finance Limited is China's 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 21 news bureaus and offices in 18 locations across Asia, Australia, North America and Europe. For more information, please visit http://www.xinhuafinance.com. For more information, please contact: Beijing Catherine Song Xinhua FTSE Beijing Tel: +8610-5864-5275 Email: catherine.song@xinhuafinance.com Hong Kong Joy Tsang Xinhua Finance Tel: +852-3196-3983 +86-21-6113-5999 Email: joy.tsang@xinhuafinance.com Tim Nicholls FTSE Asia Pacific Tel: +852 2230 5801 Email: tim.nicholls@ftse.com SOURCE About Xinhua Finance Limited government to support future social security expenditures, as the benchmark for its active Hong Kong equity holdings. According to the mandate announced on April 29, prospective portfolio managers will be required to outperform the benchmark by 3%. The Xinhua FTSE Hong Kong Index, designed specifically with the needs of Chinese domestic institutions' investment in Hong Kong in mind, is part of the Xinhua FTSE Index Series. The series, which features free float weightings, comprehensive coverage of all share types and award winning methodology have made the series highly popular with domestic and international investors. The indices have already been adopted to create successful investment products such as the iShares FTSE/Xinhua China Index Fund listed on the NYSE and the iShares FTSE/Xinhua A50 Index Fund listed on HKEx. The index includes H Shares, Hong Kong listed stocks, Red Chips and HSBC. To ensure that the index remains stable and offers a reasonable representation of the market, HSBC is capped at 20% of its listed market capitalization. Class of Stock Numbers in index Percentage Weight of index Hong Kong stocks 76 51 % H Shares 48 23 % Red Chip 27 18 % HSBC 1 8 % The top constituents in the index are; HSBC Holdings (SEDOL 6158163, Local 5), China Mobile (6073556, 941), Hutchinson Whampoa (6448068, 13), Petrochina (6226576, 857), Sun Hung Kai Properties (6859927, 16), Cheung Kong (Hldgs)(6190273,1), China Petroleum & Chemical (6291819, 386), CLP Holdings (6097017, 2), China Life Insurance (6718976, 2628), Hong Kong & China Gas (6436557, 3). Mark Makepeace, Co-Chairman of Xinhua FTSE Index, Chief Executive of FTSE Group and Fredy Bush, Co-Chairman of Xinhua FTSE Index, Chief Executive Officer of Xinhua Finance said in a joint statement "SSF's overseas investments mark the first steps in some exciting changes for Chinese investors. Hong Kong will be a key focus market for these investments as the regulations change. Xinhua FTSE has the index tools these investors need and the capability to meet future requirements of prospective QDII participants." More information on the Xinhua FTSE Hong Kong index is available at http://www.ftsexinhua.com About FTSE/Xinhua Index Established in late 2000, FTSE/Xinhua Index (FXI), a joint venture between Xinhua Finance Limited and FTSE, came into being to facilitate the creation of real-time indices for the Chinese market. The indices can be used as a basis for the trading of derivatives, index-tracking funds, Exchange Traded Funds and as performance benchmarks. The combination of FTSE's expertise in international indexing with Xinhua Finance's strong presence and capabilities in China creates a level of expertise in the Chinese market that is unprecedented. Providing the combined coverage for the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, all of the FTSE/Xinhua indices are designed according to internationally proven index methodology to ensure products are transparent, clear and consistent. For daily data and further information, please visit www.ftsexinhua.com. About FTSE Group FTSE Group is a world-leader in the creation and management of indices. With offices in London, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Madrid, Paris, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo, FTSE Group services clients in 77 countries worldwide. It calculates and manages the FTSE Global Equity Index series, which includes world-recognised indices ranging from the FTSE All-World Index, the FTSE4Good series and the FTSEurofirst Index series, as well as domestic indices such as the prestigious FTSE 100. The company has collaborative arrangements with the Athens, AMEX, Cyprus, Euronext, Johannesburg London, Madrid, NASDAQ and Taiwan exchanges, as well as Nomura Securities, Hang Seng and Xinhua Finance of China, FTSE recently signed an agreement with Dow Jones Indexes to develop a single sector classification system for global investors. FTSE indices are used extensively by investors world-wide for investment analysis, performance measurement, asset allocation, portfolio hedging and for creating a wide range of index tracking funds. Independent committees of senior fund managers, derivatives experts, actuaries and other experienced practitioners review all changes to the indices to ensure that they are made objectively and without bias. Real-time FTSE indices are calculated on systems managed by Reuters. Prices and FX rates used are supplied by Reuters. About Xinhua Finance Limited Xinhua Finance Limited is China's 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 21 news bureaus and offices in 18 locations across Asia, Australia, North America and Europe. For more information, please visit http://www.xinhuafinance.com. For more information, please contact: Beijing Catherine Song Xinhua FTSE Beijing Tel: +8610-5864-5275 Email: catherine.song@xinhuafinance.com Hong Kong Joy Tsang Xinhua Finance Tel: +852-3196-3983 +86-21-6113-5999 Email: joy.tsang@xinhuafinance.com Tim Nicholls FTSE Asia Pacific Tel: +852 2230 5801 Email: tim.nicholls@ftse.com SOURCE About Xinhua Finance Limited
2007'02.01.Thu
Tokyo Stock Exchange Upgrades Settlement System for Xinhua Finance Shares
May 11, 2006
Unified system expected to improve liquidity and trading efficiency
SHANGHAI, China, May 11 /Xinhua_PRNewswire/ -- Xinhua
Finance (TSE Mothers: 9399, OTC ADR: XHFNY), China's
unchallenged leader in financial information and media,
today praised the Tokyo Stock Exchange's recent upgrade of
the settlement of non-Japanese TSE-listed stocks, which
places Xinhua Finance into the same settlement system as
Japanese domestic issuers. As of May 1, 2006, trades of
both domestic and certain non-Japanese stocks, including
those of Xinhua Finance, will be settled on the JASDEC
(Japan Securities Depository Center, Inc.) system. This
change is expected to allow easier settlement of trades by
both Japanese and international investors by providing a
consistent settlement process for TSE-listed companies.
Please see the related TSE announcement in appendix.
Previously, trades in foreign stocks on the TSE were
settled through the JSSC system (Japan Securities
Settlement & Custody, Inc.). However, many global
custodian banks and their sub-custodian banks in Japan did
not have accounts at JSSC, which made settlement of shares
such as Xinhua Finance difficult for certain foreign
investors. The move to JASDEC is therefore expected to
give overseas investors access to all foreign stocks given
that a greater number of custodian banks have accounts with
JASDEC.
"Xinhua Finance was the first non-Japanese company
to list on the TSE Mothers, and this pioneering listing on
the TSE has been instrumental to the success of building
our healthy capital base and high quality
shareholding," Xinhua Finance CEO Fredy Bush said.
"The upgraded TSE settlement system should further
improve the already strong demand for foreign companies'
shares in Japan."
Mr. Sun Jiong, Xinhua Finance Managing Director of
Investor Relations added, "We are very pleased with
the steps that the TSE has taken to streamline the
settlement of Xinhua Finance shares. This step advances
the interests of both Xinhua Finance shareholders and the
TSE, and should encourage more international companies to
list in Japan."
As per the announcement from Tokyo Stock Exchange on April
21 (see appendix), a total of 27 foreign stocks will
transfer to the JASDEC system in two phases. The first
phase, which includes Xinhua Finance, was executed on May
1, and the second phase is currently scheduled for sometime
in summer of this year.
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 21 news bureaus
and offices in 18 locations across Asia, Australia, North
America and Europe.
Appendix: Extract from the Tokyo Stock Exchange's press
release dated April 21, 2006
Schedule for Transfer of Handling of Foreign Stocks, etc.,
to the Japan Securities Depository Center (First Phase)
As notified in TSE news on March 15, TSE has made a
partial revision to regulations such as listing standards
for equities with the commencement of handling of foreign
stocks, etc., by the Japan Securities Depository Center
(JASDEC). The revised regulations will be applied
sequentially beginning with issues that are to be handled
by JASDEC.
JASDEC is currently making preparations to begin
handling existing listed issues by dividing transfer of
these issues from depositories into two phases. It was
decided that for the first phase, JASDEC will begin
handling the issues listed on Table 1 as of the end of
working hours on Friday, April 28, 2006. TSE will apply the
revised regulations to these issues on Monday, May 1, 2006.
The second phase of transfer is currently scheduled for
sometime in summer of this year. The specific issues and
application date of the revised regulations will be
announced once the schedule is determined at JASDEC (please
refer to Table 2 for the provisional schedule).
(Table 1) First phase transfer (effective as of May 1,
2006) on TSE listed foreign stocks
Code Issue Country
Depository
4850 The Dow Chemical Company USA DTC
7661 The Boeing Company USA DTC
8634 JPMorgan Chase & Co USA DTC
8648 Bank of America Corporation USA DTC
8675 Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. USA DTC
8685 American International Group, USA DTC
Inc.
8686 AFLAC Incorporated USA DTC
5412 POSCO (ADR) Korea DTC
8990 Henderson Land Development Hong Kong Standard
Chartered Bank
Company Limited Hong
Kong
9399 Xinhua Finance Limited Cayman Hong Kong Standard
Chartered Bank
Islands Hong
Kong
1773 YTL Corporation Berhad Malaysia Standard
Chartered Bank
Malaysia
Berhad
*The account balance data of above issues at JSSC will
be transferred to JASDEC after the close of business on
April 28, 2006.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Joy Tsang
Xinhua Finance
Hong Kong / Shanghai
Tel: +852-3196-3983
+852 9486 4364
+86 21 6113 5999
Email: joy.tsang@xinhuafinance.com
Japan
Mr. Sun Jiong
Tel: +81-3-3221-9500
Email: jsun@xinhuafinance.com
Mr. James Hawrylak
Taylor Rafferty (IR Contact)
Japan
Tel: +81-3-5444-2730
Email: james.hawrylak@taylor-rafferty.com
United States
Mr. David Leeney
Tel: +1-212-889-4350
Email: xinhuafinance@taylor-rafferty.com
SOURCE Xinhua Finance Limited
2007'02.01.Thu
Texas Instruments Network Support Package Enables Comprehensive Remote Management, Exceptional Voice and Sophisticated Quality of Service
May 11, 2006
Turn-Key Software Solution Provides Fast Time to Market With Key Routing and Management Features
DALLAS, May 11 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments
Incorporated (NYSE:TXN) (TI) today announced it has made
substantial updates to its gateway software solution, the
Network Support Package (NSP) 3.7.1, enabling manufacturers
to quickly and easily make improvements across product lines
and realize faster time-to-market and return on investment.
The latest version of this field-proven network stack
includes improved system performance and throughput,
enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) and policy routing,
enhanced Telogy Software(TM) for Voice over DSL
applications and improved remote management, including
support for DSL Forum TR-069. Ideally suited for TI's
market-leading AR7 residential gateway solutions, NSP 3.7
is also designed for quick migration to devices based on
TI's next-generation UR8 architecture.
"TI continues to invest in NSP to enable our
customers to maintain a competitive advantage and get to
market quickly," said D'Andre Ladson, product line
manager for TI's Residential Gateway and Embedded Systems
business. "NSP 3.7 builds upon previous NSP offerings
with improved QoS, comprehensive remote management
capabilities and enhanced voice quality."
In addition to industry standard support of Telnet, Secure
Shell (SSH), ClearEoC and Simple Network Management
Protocol (SNMP), NSP 3.7.1 improves on remote management
with the addition of DSL Forum TR-069 support. TR-069
defines a mechanism that encompasses secure
auto-configuration of a CPE and also incorporates other CPE
management functions into a common framework. NSP 3.7.1 has
the system infrastructure to evolve as TR-069 supplemental
definitions continue to be introduced.
NSP 3.7.1 also integrates a sophisticated QoS
framework, which provides much more than ensuring available
bandwidth and minimum delays for time-sensitive applications
such as video and voice. NSP 3.7.1 solves the challenges of
supporting different QoS markings from different networks by
maintaining full control over packets from the time they are
received until the time they leave the gateway. It also
leverages Telogy SoftwareTM to include support for
Supplementary Services, 2-port Foreign Exchange Station
(FXS) telephony interface support and secure Real-Time
Transport Protocol (RTP). It also supports TI's PIQUA(TM)
embedded IP quality management technology, offering
real-time monitoring of IP services. PIQUA technology
allows service providers to proactively assess network
quality parameters and dynamically adapt to changing
conditions to enhance the subscriber experience.
Texas Instruments Broadband Solutions
For OEMs developing broadband communications solutions,
TI's advanced signal processing-based silicon and software
platforms deliver the optimal performance, lower power
consumption, and system-level integration required to
rapidly deploy differentiated next-generation products for
cable modems, digital subscriber line (xDSL) modems,
integrated access devices (IADs), VoIP gateways, carrier
infrastructure, and home and office wireless networking.
See http://www.ti.com/broadband .
About Texas Instruments
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
Telogy Software and PIQUA are trademarks of Texas
Instruments. All other trademarks and registered
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For more information, please contact:
Penni Chaloux
Texas Instruments
Tel: +1-214-567-6967
Email: pchaloux@ti.com
Ramona Layne
Golin/Harris
Tel: +1-972-341-2532
Email: rlayne@golinharris.com
SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated
2007'02.01.Thu
FIFA Signs Kobalt Music Group as Exclusive Worldwide Administrator for `The Official Melody of the 2006 FIFA World Cup (TM)'
May 11, 2006
LONDON, May 11 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Kobalt Music
Group (Kobalt), music publisher and online publishing
administrator, has been signed up by FIFA (the Federation
Internationale de Football Association) to be the exclusive
worldwide licensor and administrator for the Official Melody
of the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM).
Written by Nadir Khayat aka Red One and Bilal Hajji,
the 30-second melody, a sample from the Red One song
"Bamboo," will also be incorporated into several
other songs, including the Official Single of the 2006 FIFA
World Cup(TM) and other pieces of music to be used
extensively throughout the championships, including Shakira
feat. Wyclef Jean "Hips Don't Lie - Bamboo (2006 FIFA
World Cup(TM) mix)." In addition, dance, hip-hop,
house and "Bamboo" mixes will also be sold as
ringtones.
Willard Ahdritz, founder and Chief Executive of Kobalt,
commented: "Kobalt is exploiting the content on a
global basis through digital distribution partners on five
continents. With an audience of more than a billion people
and extensive promotion, the potential exposure and consumer
base for the Official Melody is extraordinary. We are
thrilled to be the administrator for FIFA to market,
license and collect for both the publishing and master
rights in what could be the biggest digital event
ever."
As the world's largest sporting event, the 2006 FIFA
World Cup(TM) kicks off June 9, 2006 in Germany. The
Official Melody of the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM) will receive
extensive exposure during all FIFA World Cup(TM) events,
including cross-promotion and in sponsor advertising spots
from such advertisers as Adidas, Avaya, Budweiser, Coke,
Continental, Deutsche Telekom, Emirates, Fujifilm,
Gillette, Hyundai, Mastercard, McDonald's, Phillips,
Toshiba and Yahoo.
Through the deal, Kobalt is working with FIFA's concept
developer, Engine AB an MTG company, which is FIFA's
exclusive agent for the creation and supervision of the
overall music program for the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM).
Kobalt is a global, independent music publisher
offering administrative and creative services to writers,
publishers and other publishing rights holders. Kobalt's
unique technology enables clients to receive faster
delivery of revenues and information in a transparent and
efficient manner.
London-based venture capital investment group NewMedia
SPARK plc
(NMS: London Stock Exchange AIM list) was a founding
investor of Kobalt in 2001 and is a significant equity
stakeholder of Kobalt Music Group Ltd. with board
representation.
For more information, please contact:
Rebekah Alperin
PR Los Angeles
Tel: +1-310-770-1045
SOURCE Kobalt Music Group
2007'02.01.Thu
W.P. Stewart & Co., Ltd. Holds Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
May 11, 2006
HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 11 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- W.P.
Stewart & Co., Ltd. today held its Annual General
Meeting of shareholders in Hamilton, Bermuda.
A slate of nine (9) directors composed of William P.
Stewart, John C. Russell, Henry B. Smith, Dominik M.F.
Brunner, Angus S. King, Jr., Jeremy W. Sillem, Heinrich
Spangler, Jan J. Spiering and Richard D. Spurling was
elected to the Board of Directors. A proposal that the
maximum number of directors be increased from ten (10) to
twelve (12), and that the directors of the Company be
authorized to appoint new directors either to fill
vacancies occurring in the Board of Directors or to act as
additional directors (up to the maximum of twelve), was
also approved.
In other action, the shareholders also:
1. re-appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the
Company's independent
auditors for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2006
and until the
close of the Annual General Meeting of the Company
for 2007 and to
authorize the Board of Directors (acting by its
Audit Committee) to
fix the auditors' remuneration; and
2. ratified and approved the issuance or the
commitment to issue by the
Company of 832,500 of its common shares, in the
aggregate, to certain
of its directors, officers and other employees
during the year ended
31 December 2005 and early 2006 (all of which
shares are or will be
subject to vesting requirements ) and the
commitment by the Company to
issue in the future up to an additional 120,000
common shares, in the
aggregate, to certain of its officers and employees
(all of which
additional issuances are subject to the
satisfaction of certain
conditions relating to the Company's profitability,
investment
performance or both).
W.P. Stewart & Co., Ltd. is an asset management
company that has provided research intensive equity
management services to clients throughout the world since
1975. The Company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda and
has additional operations or affiliates in the United
States, Europe and Asia.
The Company's shares are listed for trading on the New
York Stock Exchange (symbol: WPL) and on the Bermuda Stock
Exchange (symbol: WPS).
For more information, please visit the Company's
website at http://www.wpstewart.com , or call W.P. Stewart
Investor Relations (Fred M. Ryan) at 1-888-695-4092
(toll-free within the United States) or +441-295-8585
(outside the United States) or e-mail to
IRINFO@wpstewart.com.
For more information, please contact:
Fred Ryan
W.P. Stewart & Co., Ltd.
Tel: +1-441-295-8585
SOURCE W.P. Stewart & Co., Ltd.
2007'02.01.Thu
Buongiorno, Sharp First Quarter Growth: Revenues up 81% and EBITDA 195%
May 11, 2006
-- Net Income amounted to Euro 2 million
-- The Company Expects to Exceed 2006 Targets
-- The Company Expects to Exceed 2006 Targets
MILAN, Italy, May 11 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The Board
of Directors of Buongiorno Vitaminic S.p.A. (MTAX STAR,
Borsa Italiana: BVIT), a multinational operating in the
market of multimedia content via telephone and digital
channels, approved today the figures for the first quarter
2006, drafted in accordance with the international
accounting standards (IAS/IFRS).
Value of Production in the first quarter 2006 increased
79% compared to the year-before period, from Euro 28.3
million to Euro 50.6 million, confirming Buongiorno as
market leader with first quarter growth visibly higher than
average market growth. Core business revenues for the
quarter increased by 81% compared to Q1 2005 and by 18%
compared to Q4 2005 and amounted to Euro 50.4 million.
The geographic breakdown shows that the sharp increase
in revenues was driven by the United States where revenues
in the first quarter 2006 alone equaled the 2005 total.
Growth was sustained also in the Iberian peninsula and
South America, up 33%. Revenues in central Europe were
also up a solid 43% year-on-year, boosted by acquisitions
made in the second half of 2005; in northern Europe, while
Consumer Services grew significantly, Market Services were
sharply downsized, especially the CD Premium segment, in
accordance with the Industrial Plan, leading to an overall
15% contraction in revenues in the region.
The breakdown by business lines shows Consumer Services
making the biggest contribution to core business revenues,
amounting to Euro 47.6 million in the first quarter 2006,
accounting for 95% of the total, a 111% increase, compared
to Euro 22.5 million in the first quarter 2005.
In the first quarter 2006, Buongiorno delivered
approximately 295 million "digital objects"
against payment compared to 95 million in the same period
of 2005, at an average unit price of 16 eurocents to over
28 million end users (unique mobile phone numbers).
The complete press release is available at:
http://www.buongiorno.com/press_room/press_room_1.html
For more information, please contact:
Monica Montefusco
Global PR & Events Manager
Email: monica.montefusco@buongiorno.com
SOURCE Buongiorno Vitaminic S.p.A.
2007'02.01.Thu
Element Six Industrial Synthetic Diamond Factory Opened in China
May 11, 2006
SHANNON, Ireland, May 11 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- A new
industrial synthetic diamond factory has been opened on
April 19th 2006 in Suzhou, China, in the presence of
Element Six directors and shareholders, local government
officials, diplomatic representation from Ireland and South
Africa and various trade organisations. The factory in the
Suzhou Industrial Estate (SIP) is the first Element Six
manufacturing site in Asia and will produce a specialised
type of synthetic diamond for internal use in the
manufacturing of polycrystalline products.
The total planned investment volume in Suzhou amounts
to 25 Mio US$ and will gradually be expanded to add a total
of around 300 Mio carats of synthetic diamond to the annual
Element Six synthesis capacity.
Speaking at the opening, Mrs. Jennifer Oppenheimer
said, "Element Six has had manufacturing facilities in
Africa and in Europe for 60 and 40 years respectively, but
this dedicated diamond synthesis plant is its first
investment in Asia. Wherever it has established its
factories, Element Six has adhered to the Oppenheimer
family credo to do business in such a way that it benefits
the communities in which those businesses operate."
Element Six CEO Christian Hultner said that "Our
factory in Suzhou employs exclusively Chinese technology in
industrial diamond synthesis. Employing Asian technology in
China combined with Western technology in South Africa and
Sweden ensures the position of Element Six as the leading
producer of industrial synthetic diamond in the
world."
About Element Six Abrasives
Element Six is the world's leading supplier of high
quality industrial diamond and the complementary cubic
boron nitride (cBN) abrasive materials. These materials are
available both in their single crystal and polycrystalline
forms, for abrasive and non-abrasive industrial uses. The
Element Six Abrasives group of companies operates
internationally with processing and manufacturing
facilities in South Africa, Sweden, Ireland, the UK, The
Netherlands and the Ukraine.
About Suzhou Industrial Estate (SIP)
The SIP is a modern industrial park East of Suzhou and
was formed as a joint venture between the Governments of
China and Singapore in 1994. The SIP was designed to be a
showcase industrial estate in China and its regulations
require that the strictest environmental standards be
adhered to by all companies operating in the estate. These
standards are considered to be even more stringent than the
strictest European environmental standards.
For more information, please contact:
Andreas Anker,
Senior Manager Group Communications
Element Six Ltd, Shannon, Co Clare, Ireland
Tel: +353-61-471655
SOURCE Element Six Ltd
2007'02.01.Thu
Colombian Logistics and Security Firm Deploys RFID-Based Information Solution From Savi Technology to Continuously Monitor Cargo Shipments
May 10, 2006
Emprevi Ltda. Purchases Savi Transportation Security Solution (TSS) to Establish a Regional Cargo Visibility and Security Network in Colombia
SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- To
enhance visibility, management and security of Colombian
container shipments, Emprevi Ltda. is deploying Savi
Technology's SmartChain(R) Transportation Security Solution
(TSS), which leverages real-time information from active
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies. By
providing Emprevi with value-added services for its
customers, Savi TSS will help Emprevi to generate new
business opportunities and enable its customers to cut
costs, improve inventory management, decrease safety stock,
and reduce the potential for drug trafficking and smuggling,
theft, loss, or terrorist intrusions.
(Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051129/SFTU061LOGO )
Emprevi Ltda. (Empresa de Prevencion y Vigilancia
Ltda.) is a Colombia-based provider of logistics and
security services for importers and exporters, including
major U.S.-based public companies in the pharmaceutical and
healthcare, consumer product goods, food and beverage,
transportation and logistics services industries. Emprevi
plans to integrate Savi TSS into a new Emprevi service
offering called, "Global Trade Control," which
will provide its clients with continuous online monitoring
of cargo containers and their contents, and rapid detection
and deterrence of potential security breaches.
Beyond tracking container movements within Colombia,
Emprevi plans to extend end-to-end visibility of these
shipments by linking their service with SaviTrak(TM), the
global information service provided by Savi Networks.
SaviTrak provides real-time, information services on the
location, security and integrity of containerized cargo
shipments as they move throughout a global network of
RFID-enabled ports and inter-linked supply chain
checkpoints.
"Today, Emprevi is leveraging the
latest-generation security and logistics management
solutions from Savi Technology to maximize service value
for our clients," said Mauricio Barberan Canas,
President of Emprevi. "Savi's world-class solutions
will help Emprevi to further enhance our clients' supply
chain security, visibility, and shipment tracking, which in
turn will help us to generate new business opportunities.
It also will help to reduce our clients' costs, help ensure
compliance with international regulations and lower
time-consuming inspections."
"We're pleased to start this relationship with
Emprevi through our newly established Regional Cargo
Visibility and Security Network, and Savi plans to
strengthen our partnership as we work together more closely
to improve both the security and efficiency of product
shipments entering and leaving Colombia," said Mark
Weidick, Savi Technology's General Manager of Commercial
Markets.
Savi TSS is based on RFID technology and software
solutions developed since 1989 that have successfully
tracked more than 1.5 million shipments in real-time. Savi
TSS can incorporate data fed from a variety of Automatic
Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) devices, such as
RFID, electronic seals, biometrics, sensors, and global
positioning tracking systems (GPS).
Savi Technology's active RFID devices are based on ISO
18000-7 standards operating at 433.92 MHz, and the company
is actively involved with the maritime industry to further
develop standards for container tracking and security.
More information about Savi Technology can be found at
http://www.savi.com .
For more information, please contact:
Mark Nelson
Savi Technology
Tel: +1-408-743-8000
Email: mnelson@savi.com
SOURCE Savi Technology
2007'02.01.Thu
Tom Online Inc. Reports 1Q 2006 Revenues up 37.7% YoY
May 10, 2006
Non-GAAP Net Income up 41% YoY as Company Consolidates Wireless Internet Leadership
BEIJING, May 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- TOM Online Inc.
(Nasdaq: TOMO; Hong Kong GEM: 8282) ("TOM Online"
or "the Company"), a leading wireless Internet
company in China, announced today its financial results for
the first quarter ended March 31, 2006 ("1Q06").
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
-- Total revenues were US$ 48.58 million
("mn"), an increase of 37.7% from
the same period last year and up 1.0% from last
quarter. This was at
the high-end of the Company's 1Q06 guidance range of
US$ 47.7 mn to US$
48.5 mn.
-- Wireless Internet revenues were US$ 45.49 mn,
representing a 36.0%
increase over the same period last year and a 2.0%
increase over the
previous quarter. Wireless Internet revenues made
up 93.6% of the
Company's total quarterly revenues.
-- Online advertising revenues were US$ 2.70 mn,
representing a 70.5%
increase over the same period last year, but a
decline of 15.5% quarter
on quarter ("QoQ") due to seasonality.
-- Net Income was US$ 12.14 mn, an increase of 32.5%
from the same period
last year but down 4.6% from the last quarter due to
recognition of
share-based compensation ("SBC") expenses
and seasonal impacts.
-- Non-GAAP Net Income, which excludes SBC expenses of
US$ 0.78 mn, was
US$ 12.91 mn, representing an increase of 41.0% year
on year ("YoY").
-- Fully diluted earnings per American Depository Share
("ADS") were US$
22.6 cents per ADS or US$ 0.28 cents per common
share.
-- Non-GAAP fully diluted earnings per ADS were US$
24.1 cents per ADS or
US$ 0.30 cents per common share, after adjusting for
SBC expenses.
-- Balance of cash, short-term bank deposits and
marketable securities was
approximately US$ 139.03 mn at the end of the first
quarter 2006.
Wang Lei Lei, TOM Online Chief Executive Officer and an
Executive Director, said: "I am very pleased to
announce another quarter of solid financial results for TOM
Online. While competition in the online and wireless
Internet space is becoming more intense, the overall
operating environment has stabilised at the same time. As
a fast adopter of new technologies and innovative
distribution channels, TOM Online continues to lead in the
development of China's online and wireless Internet
markets. The Company's solid financial figures are the
results of its concrete cooperation relationships with
telecoms operators and other partners, and made possible by
our team of committed staff."
BUSINESS RESULTS:
The Company's unaudited consolidated revenues for the
three months ended March 31, 2006 were US$ 48.58 mn, an
increase of 37.7% over the same period in 2005 and an
increase of 1.0% QoQ. This was at the high-end of the
Company's 1Q06 guidance range of US$ 47.7 mn to US$ 48.5
mn.
Gross profit was US$ 19.96 mn, representing an increase
of 43.7% over the same period last year but a 6.6% decline
QoQ as gross margins declined in the first quarter to 41.1%
from 44.4% in the fourth quarter of 2005. However, gross
margins increased from the first quarter of 2005, which
were 39.4%.
Total operating expenses were US$ 9.32 mn in 1Q06,
roughly flat from 4Q05, but an increase of 59.7% over the
same period last year. In 1Q06, for the first time as per
SFAS 123(R), the Company recognized US$ 0.78 mn in SBC
expenses and exclude this expense in its calculations for
adjusted EBITDA ("Earnings before Interest, Taxes,
Depreciation and Amortization") and non-GAAP net
profit.
Operating income was US$ 10.65 mn up 32.1% from the
same period last year but down 12.3% from the previous
quarter, due to the first time expensing of SBC. Excluding
SBC expenses, operating income would have been US$11.43 mn.
Operating margins were 21.9% in the first quarter of 2006,
compared to 25.2% in the previous quarter.
Net interest income was US$ 0.49 mn. In addition, as
TOM Online's functional currency is RMB, the Company
recorded a non-operating gain of US$ 0.92 mn due to the
appreciation of the RMB relative to its net non-RMB
monetary liabilities at the period end.
1Q06 EBITDA were US$ 12.92 mn, an increase of 29.4% YoY
but down 9.1% QoQ. EBITDA margins were 26.6% for the first
quarter down from 29.5% in the last quarter. Excluding SBC
expenses, 1Q adjusted EBITDA was US$ 13.70 mn.
Net Income was US$ 12.14 mn, an increase of 32.5% YoY
but a decline of 4.6% QoQ, due to lower gross margins and
SBC expenses.
Non-GAAP Net Income, which excludes SBC expenses of US$
0.78 mn, was US$ 12.91 mn, representing an increase of 41.0%
YoY.
US GAAP basic earnings per American Depository Share
were US$ 22.9 cents for the quarter. US GAAP basic
earnings per Hong Kong ordinary share were US$ 0.29 cents
for the quarter. Shares used in computing US GAAP basic
earnings per American Depository Share were 53.01 mn and
shares used in computing US GAAP basic earnings per Hong
Kong ordinary share were 4,241 mn.
Non-GAAP basic earnings per American Depository Share
were US$ 24.4 cents for the quarter. Non-GAAP basic
earnings per Hong Kong ordinary share were US$ 0.30 cents
for the quarter. Shares used in computing non-GAAP basic
earnings per American Depository Share were 53.01 mn and
shares used in computing non-GAAP basic earnings per Hong
Kong ordinary share were 4,241 mn.
US GAAP diluted earnings per American Depository Share
were US$ 22.6 cents for the quarter. US GAAP diluted
earnings per Hong Kong ordinary share were US$ 0.28 cents
for the quarter. Shares used in computing US GAAP diluted
earnings per American Depository Share were 53.64 mn and
shares used in computing US GAAP diluted earnings per Hong
Kong ordinary share were 4,291mn.
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per American Depository Share
were US$ 24.1 cents for the quarter. Non-GAAP diluted
earnings per Hong Kong ordinary share were US$ 0.30 cents
for the quarter. Shares used in computing non-GAAP diluted
earnings per American Depository Share were 53.64 mn and
shares used in computing non-GAAP diluted earnings per Hong
Kong ordinary share were 4,291 mn.
WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICES
Total wireless Internet service revenues were US$ 45.49
mn for the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 36.0% from
the same period last year and a 2.0% increase QoQ.
Wireless Internet revenues accounted for 93.6% of the
Company's total revenues in the first quarter compared to
92.7% in 4Q05.
During the quarter, the Company continued to develop
its leadership in the mainland Chinese wireless Internet
market, prepared for 3G and continued its initiatives to
develop new business opportunities in non-mobile content
areas.
Key activities in the quarter included:
1. During the quarter, the Company continued to develop
its alliances with
media partners in TV, radio and print, to more
effectively market its
wireless services, such as 2.5G services and IVR, as
well as broaden
the awareness of its brand with consumers. This
includes activities
related to the Company's exclusive wireless Internet
relationship with
CCTV-5 for this year's World Cup tournament. The
Company believes that
its scale and diversification in wireless
distribution channels is a
competitive advantage.
2. In 1Q06, the Company signed a strategic cooperation
agreement with
Titan Sports, the country's top-selling sports
newspaper, to provide
joint coverage on this year's FIFA World Cup in
addition to a range of
other long-term initiatives, including the launch of
a new sports
channel, http://titan.tom.com, and focus on
developing new wireless
applications and services around sports content. In
the second quarter,
the Company has re-started its offline road shows to
promote its
"Wanleba" Internet music brand as the
Company believes that mobile
music will continue to be an important driver of
growth for its
business in 2006.
SMS ("Short Messaging Service") revenues in
1Q06 were US$ 17.44 mn, down 2.0% QoQ but an increase of
38.5% from the same period last year. SMS revenues made up
38.3% of its total wireless Internet revenues for the
quarter. YoY growth in SMS was driven by a combination of
improved revenue confirmation rates and broader
distribution of products and services.
MMS ("Multimedia Messaging Service") revenues
for 1Q06 were US$ 4.09 mn, down 7.0% QoQ, but up 113.3% YoY.
MMS revenues made up 9.0% of the Company's total wireless
Internet revenues in the quarter. However as discussed
before, the Company continues to believe that MMS is a
transitory product category and does not expect MMS to be a
key business driver to its overall business in coming
years.
WAP ("Wireless Application Protocol")
revenues for 1Q06 were US$ 7.83 mn, down 2.9% QoQ but up
5.0% YoY. WAP revenues made up 17.2% of the Company's
total wireless Internet revenues in the quarter. WAP
revenues declined slightly in 1Q06 from 4Q05 due in part to
seasonal factors, but also due to ongoing operator policy
issues surrounding inactive users, decline in CDMA WAP
usage and ongoing competition for more attractive WAP deck
positioning.
IVR ("Interactive Voice Response") revenues
in 1Q06 were US$ 12.25 mn, up 12.6% QoQ, and up 46.8% YoY.
IVR revenues made up 26.9% of TOM Online's total wireless
Internet revenues in the quarter. Music-related IVR
services related to the Company's TV channel alliances were
its main revenue driver in 1Q as well as IVR coming off a
lower than normal base in 4Q05 due to technical issues
discussed in 4Q05 results.
CRBT ("Colour Ringback Tones") revenues in
1Q06 were US$ 2.46 mn, up 6.8% QoQ, but down 8.1% YoY.
CRBT revenues made up 5.4% of its total wireless Internet
revenues in the quarter. CRBT business rebounded slightly
during 1Q06, but was still down YoY due to
activities/promotions the Company conducted in conjunction
with mobile operators to continue to spur usage as well as
activities by smaller players seeking to gain market share
by self-promoting their own songs.
Other wireless Internet revenues were US$ 1.43 mn, up
21.4% QoQ and 219.7% YoY as the Company only began to
consolidate Indiagames revenues in late February 2005.
However, the major sequential driver for other wireless
Internet revenues was mainland China mobile game revenues
at the TOM Online level.
ONLINE ADVERTISING
Online advertising revenues were US$ 2.70 mn in 1Q06,
down 15.5% QoQ but up 70.5% YoY. On an annual basis the
Company's online advertising business performed well due to
its efforts to better monetize core online channels such as
entertainment, music (including Wanleba) and sports. To
increase its brand recognition with users and advertisers
with regards to Wanleba, the Company will be staging
another year of mobile music college campus road shows from
April 19 to June 9 and from September to November, covering
roughly 30 universities in 16 cities.
Jay Chang, Chief Financial Officer and an Executive
Director of TOM Online, commented: "I'm pleased to say
that as a result of our operational excellence and focus on
building a broad network of distributional partnerships,
TOM Online was not only able to produce another quarter of
solid financial results but also further consolidate its
leadership in the wireless Internet space."
NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
TOM-SKYPE JV
At the end of April 2006, the Company had over 12 mn
registered TOM-Skype users, up from over 9 mn registered
users we announced at the end of February 2006. The
Company continues to drive user growth through tom.com and
through its JV partner's eBay China site. The Company
continues to work with Skype to co-develop more local
features and services for the mainland China market as well
as premium services over the TOM-Skype platform. In
addition, the Company is exploring advertising
opportunities through the TOM-Skype clients, which it hopes
to begin monetizing over the next few quarters.
UMPAY alliance
In the first half of 2006, the Company has begun
testing for micro-payment services (<RMB 30 per
transaction) based on UMPay's mobile payment platform to
allow users to pay for online goods and services using IVR.
Moreover, the Company is in the early stages of developing
a pre-paid card top up business, based on UMPay's platform,
with testing to occur in the second quarter of 2006. The
Company continues to work exclusively with UMPay to develop
China's mobile payment market as a longer-term opportunity
for the Company.
BUSINESS OUTLOOK
Based on current information and expectations as of May
10th, 2006, the Company estimates total revenues for the
second quarter of 2006 would be between US$50.0 mn and
US$51.5 mn.
Starting in the first quarter of 2006, the Company has
begun expensing costs related to employee stock
compensation due to the adoption of the Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard 123R, "Share-Based
Payment." Based on unvested shares as of the end of
March 31, 2006, and excluding any new shares that may be
granted, the Company estimates that the impact to the
second quarter of 2006 would be in the range of US$ 0.7 mn
to US$ 0.9 million.
Non-GAAP Measures
To supplement its consolidated financial statements
presented in accordance with the generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States, the Company
uses the non-US GAAP measures, which are adjusted from
results based on US GAAP. The use of non-US GAAP measures
is provided to enhance the reader's overall understanding
of our current financial performance and our future
prospects. Specifically, the Company believes that the
non-US GAAP results provide useful information to both
management and investors by excluding certain items that
are not expected to result in future cash payments or may
not be indicative of our core operating results. In
addition, because the Company has historically reported
certain non-US GAAP results, the Company believes the
inclusion of non-US GAAP measures provides consistency in
our financial reporting. Non-US GAAP measures should be
considered in addition to results prepared in accordance
with the US GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute
for or superior to our US GAAP results.
Forward Looking Statements
This announcement contains statements that may be
viewed as "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such
forward-looking statements are, by their nature, subject to
significant risks and uncertainties that may cause the
actual performance, financial condition or results of
operations of the Company to be materially different from
any future performance, financial condition or results of
operations implied by such forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements include, without limitation,
statements that are not historical fact relating to the
financial performance and business operations of the
Company in mainland China and in other markets, the
continued growth of the telecommunications industry in
China and in other markets, the development of the
regulatory environment and the Company's latest product
offerings, and the Company's ability to successfully
execute its business strategies and plans.
Such forward-looking statements reflect the current
views of the Company with respect to future events and are
not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results may
differ materially from information contained in the
forward-looking statements as a result of a number of
factors, including, without limitation, any changes in our
relationships with telecommunication operators in China and
elsewhere, the effect of competition on the demand for the
price of our services, changes in customer demand and usage
preference for our products and services, changes in the
regulatory policies by relevant government authorities, any
changes in telecommunications and related technology and
applications based on such technology, and changes in
political, economic, legal and social conditions in China,
India and other countries where the Company conducts
business operations, including, without limitation, the
Chinese government's policies with respect to economic
growth, foreign exchange, foreign investment and entry by
foreign companies into China's telecommunications market.
Please also see "Item 3 - Key Information - Risk
Factors" section of the Company's 2005 annual report
on Form 20-F as filed with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Conference Call
TOM Online's management will hold an investor
conference call at 8.00 PM Hong Kong time (8.00 AM EDT) on
May 10, 2006 to present an overview of the Company's first
quarter financial performance and business operations
during the period.
The dial-in numbers for the calls are:
Australia: 1-800-750-079; China A (China Netcom
subscribers): 10800-852-0823; China B (China Telecom
subscribers): 10800-152-0823; Hong Kong: 2258-4002; India:
000-800-852-1133; Singapore: 800-852-3412; United Kingdom:
0800-096-7428; USA: 877-542-7993.
Password: TOM Online.
The conference calls will be accompanied by a slide
presentation at http://ir.tom.com. An audio replay of the
call can be accessed by dialing +852-2802-5151; password:
735220. The audio replay will be kept for seven days.
About TOM Online Inc.
TOM Online Inc. (Nasdaq: TOMO; HK GEM stock code: 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
demographic, the Company's primary business activities
include wireless Internet services and online advertising.
The Company offers an array of products such as SMS, MMS,
WAP, wireless interactive voice response services, content
channels, search and classified information, free and
fee-based advanced email and online games. As at March 31,
2006, TOM Online is the only portal in China that enjoyed a
top three ranking in every wireless Internet services
segment.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Audited
Unaudited
December
March
31, 2005
31, 2006
(in
thousands of U.S.
dollars)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 99,869
98,289
Short-term bank deposits 1,863
2,621
Accounts receivable, net 33,950
35,535
Restricted cash 300
300
Prepayments 6,053
5,677
Deposits and other receivables 2,503
3,028
Due from related parties 189
193
Inventories 53
62
Total current assets 144,780
145,705
Available-for-sale securities 38,519
38,122
Restricted securities 59,122
58,518
Investment under cost method 1,494
1,504
Long-term prepayments and deposits 132
134
Property and equipment, net 15,346
15,479
Deferred tax assets 521
524
Goodwill, net 184,678
192,231
Intangibles, net 1,415
1,841
Total assets 446,007
454,058
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable 5,031
5,605
Other payables and accruals 16,002
17,346
Income tax payable 569
328
Deferred revenues 69
82
Consideration payables 16,615
124
Due to related parties 19,430
19,628
Total current liabilities 57,716
43,113
Non-current liabilities:
Secured bank loan 56,099
55,753
Deferred tax liabilities 182
183
Total liabilities 113,997
99,049
Minority interests 2,900
3,360
116,897
102,409
Shareholders' equity:
Share capital
(ordinary share, US$0.001282 par value,
10,000,000,000 shares authorized,
4,224,532,105 and 4,247,131,716 shares
issued and outstanding as at December
31, 2005 and March 31, 2006 respectively) 5,416
5,445
Paid-in capital 312,643
317,738
Statutory reserves 11,396
11,396
Accumulated other comprehensive
(losses)/incomes
(3,187) 2,093
Retained earnings 2,842
14,977
Total shareholders' equity 329,110
351,649
Total liabilities, minority interests and
shareholders' equity 446,007
454,058
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months
ended March 31,
2005
2006
(in thousands
of U.S. dollars,
except
for of shares
and per
share data)
Revenues:
Wireless Internet services 33,440
45,493
Advertising 1,585
2,702
Commercial enterprise solutions and
Others 256
384
Total revenues 35,281
48,579
Cost of revenues:
Cost of services (includes
share-based compensation cost under
SFAS 123(R) of 0 and 24 in thousands
of U.S. dollars, respectively) (21,387)
(28,615)
Total cost of revenues (21,387)
(28,615)
Gross profit 13,894
19,964
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing expenses
(includes share-based compensation
cost under SFAS 123(R) of 0 and 1
in thousands of U.S. dollars,
respectively) (1,177)
(1,451)
General and administrative
expenses (includes share-based
compensation cost under SFAS 123(R)
of 0 and 745 in thousands of U.S.
dollars, respectively) (4,054)
(7,230)
Product development expenses
(includes share-based compensation
cost under SFAS 123(R) of 0 and 8
in thousands of U.S. dollars,
respectively) (258)
(454)
Amortization of intangibles (346)
(181)
Total operating expenses (5,835)
(9,316)
Income from operations 8,059
10,648
Other income:
Net interest income 1,119
488
Exchange gain --
918
Income before tax 9,178
12,054
Income tax (expenses)/ credit (20)
60
Income after tax 9,158
12,114
Minority interests 3
21
Net income attributable to
shareholders 9,161
12,135
Earnings per ordinary share - basic
(cents): 0.24
0.29
Earnings per ordinary share -
diluted (cents): 0.22
0.28
Earnings per ADS - basic (cents): 18.8
22.9
Earnings per ADS - diluted (cents): 17.4
22.6
Weighted average number of shares
used in computing Earnings Per Share:
Ordinary shares, basic 3,896,200,000
4,240,608,912
Ordinary shares, diluted 4,200,355,503
4,291,046,914
American Depositary Shares, basic 48,702,500
53,007,611
American Depositary Shares, diluted 52,504,444
53,638,086
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY
Share
Paid-in Statutory
Number
Capital Capital Reserves
of Shares
(in thousands of
U.S. dollars except
for number
of shares)
Balance as of January 1, 2005 3,896,200,000
4,995 260,867 9,452
Unrealized loss on securities --
-- -- --
Net income --
-- -- --
Balance as of March 31, 2005 3,896,200,000
4,995 260,867 9,452
Balance as of January 1, 2006 4,224,532,105
5,416 312,643 11,396
Issuance of shares on exercise of
employee share options 22,599,611
29 4,317
Share based compensation
778
Unrealized loss on securities
Currency translation adjustments
Net income
Balance as of March 31, 2006 4,247,131,716
5,445 317,738 11,396
Accumulated
(Accumulated Total
other
holders' share-
comprehensive
deficit)/ holders
(losses)/incomes
Retained equity
earnings
(in thousands of
U.S. dollars except
for number
of shares)
Balance as of January 1, 2005 (670)
(40,220) 234,424
Unrealized loss on securities (2,314)
-- (2,314)
Net income --
9,161 9,161
Balance as of March 31, 2005 (2,984)
(31,059) 241,271
Balance as of January 1, 2006 (3,187)
2,842 329,110
Issuance of shares on exercise of
employee share options
4,346
Share based compensation
778
Unrealized loss on securities (907)
(907)
Currency translation adjustments 6,187
6,187
Net income
12,135 12,135
Balance as of March 31, 2006 2,093
14,977 351,649
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three months ended
March 31,
2005 2006
(in thousands of
U.S. dollars)
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income
9,161 12,135
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Amortization of intangibles
346 181
Amortization of premium on debt securities
109 94
Allowance for doubtful accounts
241 159
Depreciation
1,578 2,092
Exchange gain
-- (918)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
81 2
Share based compensation
-- 778
Minority interests
(3) (21)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects
from acquisitions:
Accounts receivable
(2,112) (1,480)
Prepayments
190 456
Deposits and other receivables
(267) (493)
Due from related parties
-- (4)
Inventories
31 (9)
Accounts payable
592 172
Other payables and accruals
1,274 1,196
Income tax payable
4 (246)
Deferred revenues
(25) 12
Due to related parties
487 199
Net cash provided by operating activities
11,687 14,305
Cash flow from investing activities:
Payments for purchase of property and equipment
(2,447) (1,740)
Cash paid for short-term bank deposits
-- (736)
Payments for acquisitions
(13,707) (17,952)
Net cash used in investing activities
(16,154) (20,428)
Cash flow from financing activities:
Issuance of ordinary shares from the exercise of
shares options,
4,346
net of expenses
--
Payments for IPO shares issuing expenses
(803) --
Partial repayment of bank loan
-- (347)
Net cash (used in) /provided by financing
activities
(803) 3,999
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(5,270) (2,124)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
79,320 99,869
Foreign currency translation
544
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
74,050 98,289
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash (paid)/received during the period:
Cash paid for income taxes
(17) (186)
Interest received from bank deposit and securities
800 1,049
RECONCILIATION FROM US GAAP INCOME FROM OPERATION TO
NON-GAAP MEASURES
Three months
ended March 31,
2005
2006
(in thousands
of U.S. dollars)
Income from operations 8,059
10,648
Add back: Depreciation 1,578
2,092
Amortization 346
181
EBITDA 9,983
12,921
Add back: Share-based compensation cost --
778
Adjusted EBITDA 9,983
13,699
Three
months ended March 31,
2005
2006
(in
thousands of U.S. dollars)
Net income attributable to shareholders 9,161
12,135
Add back: Share-based compensation cost --
778
Non-GAAP Net income 9,161
12,913
For more information, please contact:
Rico Ngai
Tom Online Inc.
Tel: +86-10-6528-3399 x6940
Mobile: +86-139-118-95354
Skype: ricoinrio
SOURCE TOM Online Inc.
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May 10, 2006
800-mA Step-Down Circuit with I2C Interface in Tiny Chip Scale Package Enables Dynamic Voltage Scaling, Extends Battery Life
DALLAS, May 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) introduced today a tiny, high-performance power conversion integrated circuit (IC) to work in tandem with processing platforms that use TI's SmartReflex(TM) power management technology. Designed to extend battery life in 3G phones and other portable electronics, the flexible converter features a 3.4-Mbps I2C communications interface and ultra-fast transient response from a tiny chip scale package. See: http://www.ti.com/sc06098 . TI's TPS62350 synchronous, step-down DC/DC converter supports up to 800 mA over the input voltage range of a single-cell Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery. The device's integrated I2C communications interface allows it to adjust output voltage between 0.75 V and 1.53 V, efficiently supporting TI's advanced digital signal processors (DSPs), SmartReflex-enabled OMAP3430 and other processor core power supplies in cell phones, PDAs, digital still cameras, as well as handheld computers that use Intel's XScale(R) processors. The TPS62350 can operate in a power-save mode at light-load currents, and can be placed in a shutdown mode where the power consumption is reduced to less than 1 ¦ÌA. The device's serial interface is compatible with fast/standard and high-speed mode I2C specification, which allows data transfer at up to 3.4 Mbps. The dynamic voltage scaling feature allows the TPS62350 to adjust voltage levels in 12.5-mV steps and seamlessly switch to an efficiency-optimized light power factor mode (PFM), a transient-optimized fast PFM mode or a forced PFM mode. First SmartReflex DC/DC Companion Chip The TPS62350 is optimized for today's smart phones with SmartReflex power and performance technologies. SmartReflex solutions, which leverage TI's deep sub-micron process geometries, significantly reduce chip-level leakage power dissipation. The technologies incorporate a broad range of intelligent and adaptive hardware and software technologies that dynamically control voltage, frequency and power based on device activity, modes of operation, and process and temperature variation. SmartReflex technology coordinates the power consumption and performance of all major system components, including multiple processing cores, hardware accelerators, functional blocks and peripherals. A library of power management cells enables a granular approach to system partitioning of the portable device's power domains. Finally, SmartReflex technologies provide an open software framework that enables intelligent coordination among lower-level hardware technologies and compatibility with OS-based and third-party power management software. For more information, see: http://www.ti.com/smartreflex . Smallest Solution Size The TPS62350's chip scale package and 3-MHz fixed frequency allows a portable designer to implement low-cost inductors and capacitors, which results in a complete power conversion solution that saves extremely valuable board space. Key Features of the TPS62350: 88 Percent Efficiency at 3-MHz Operation 800-mA Output Current at 2.7 Input Voltage Excellent Load and Line Transient Two Percent PWM DC Voltage Accuracy 35-ns Minimum On-Time 28-¦ÌA Typical Quiescent Current I2C Compatible Interface up to 3.4 Mbps Pin-Selectable Output Voltage Available Today The TPS62350 is sampling now from TI and its authorized distributors. Volume production is scheduled for June. The converter comes in a 12-pin, 2.2 mm x 1.4 mm chip scale package and a 10-pin, 3 mm x 3 mm QFN package. Suggested retail pricing is $2.05 in 1,000 piece quantities. Evaluation modules of the TPS62350, application notes and TI's comprehensive portfolio of power management ICs are available through http://power.ti.com . About Texas Instruments Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. 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 Please refer all reader inquiries to: Texas Instruments Incorporated Semiconductor Group, SC-06098 Literature Response Center 14950 FAA Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76155 1-800-477-8924 Trademarks SmartReflex and OMAP are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners. For information, please contact: Matt McKinney Texas Instruments Tel: +1-214-480-6894 Email: m-mckinney1@ti.com Jacqi Moore GolinHarris Tel: +1-972-341-2514 Email: jmoore@golinharris.com SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated
2007'02.01.Thu
Tetra Pak Receives Award for Work Supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
May 10, 2006
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, May 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Tetra Pak, a world leader in food processing and packaging
solutions, today announced that its Food for Development
programme has been awarded the 2006 World Business Award in
support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
(Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060510/212181 )
The award, which recognises the significant role
business can play in implementing UN targets for reducing
poverty, was presented on behalf of the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), The Prince of Wales
International Business Leaders Forum and the International
Chamber of Commerce.
Presenting the award in New York at a special ceremony
during a session of the UN Commission on Sustainable
Development, former UN High Commissioner for Refugees Mary
Robinson said Tetra Pak and nine other award recipients are
being recognised for their "pursuit of innovative and
productive approaches to sustainable development, targeted
at achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals."
"Receiving such a prestigious award is an honour
for Tetra Pak and a validation of our more than 50-year
experience of combining good business practices with
development projects," said Tetra Pak CEO Dennis
Jonsson.
At the heart of Tetra Pak's innovative and productive
approach to sustainable development lies the belief that
development programs should be built around economically
viable investments. To that end, in 2000 the company
established the Tetra Pak Food for Development Office
(FfDO), which initiates and supports school feeding and
agricultural development programmes through public-private
partnerships. FfDO also provides local entrepreneurs with
the company's technology and market know-how to help them
develop local food production.
"Our school feeding and agricultural development
programmes go beyond ordinary business, but they are not
charity. They represent a long term development effort that
improves the nutritional status of children and contributes
to the development of the agricultural sector in developing
countries, while at the same time creating and developing
new markets for Tetra Pak," said FfDO Global Director
Ulla Holm.
Tetra Pak has been involved in school feeding
programmes for children around the world for more than 40
years. Today, more than 40 million school children, 15
million of them living in developing countries, are served
milk and other nutritious drinks in Tetra Pak packages.
Recent examples include a school feeding and dairy
development programme in cooperation with Kazakh
entrepreneurs and the government of Kazakhstan, a school
feeding and agricultural development programme in
cooperation with the government of the State of Nasarawa in
Nigeria, and a school feeding and dairy development
programme in cooperation with the Guatemalan government.
"Only by engaging in true public-private
partnerships and by employing the private sector as an
engine for economic development can the UN's Millennium
Development Goals be realised," said CEO Jonsson.
Note to Editors
As a world leading company in food processing and
packaging, Tetra Pak's motto, "protects what's
good"(TM) reflects the philosophy upon which we
conduct our business in order to make food safe and
available, everywhere.
Operating in more than 165 markets with over 20,000
employees, Tetra Pak believes in responsible industry
leadership, creating profitable growth in harmony with good
corporate citizenship and a sustainable approach to
business.
We work closely with our suppliers and customers on
preferred processing and packaging solutions to provide
convenient, innovative and environmentally sound products
to millions of people worldwide.
More information about Tetra Pak's Food for Development
activities can be found on: http://www.tetrapak.com/ffdo .
For more information, please contact:
Linda Bernier, Corporate PR Director,
Tetra Pak,
Tel: +39-059-898-872
Mobile: +39-348-145-4229
Email: Linda.Bernier@tetrapak.com
Ulla Holm, Global Director,
Food for Development Office,
Tetra Pak
Tel: +46-8-679-28-99
Email: Ulla.Holm@tetrapak.com
SOURCE Tetra Pak
2007'02.01.Thu
21 Communications Signs Exclusive McGrady & Iverson Wireless Content Deal
May 10, 2006
Distribution agreement opens unique opportunity for brand sponsorship
SHANGHAI, China, May 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- 21
Communications signed an exclusive agreement to distribute
wireless content for superstars Tracy McGrady, Allen
Iverson and other NBA athletes, opening new opportunities
for brand sponsors.
Under the agreement, 21 Communications will produce
pictures, games, ringtones, videos and other content for
Chinese consumers to download onto their mobile phones.
The agreement was signed with Ultimate Pros, the US agency
holding the rights to the sports properties.
Some of the wireless content will be available for
brand sponsorship, opening a compelling media for brands
seeking association with these athletic superstars on the
wireless channel. Brands will have the opportunity to
offer free sponsored downloads of the content as part of
mobile advertising campaigns. A sponsor has not yet been
named for these recently announced properties.
David Turchetti, CEO of 21 Communications, said:
"We are pleased to represent these outstanding
basketball players in the China market. This is an
excellent opportunity for brand sponsorship in the mobile
arena."
21 Communications is an official service provider (SP)
of China Mobile and China Unicom with a focus on mobile
advertising. Mr. Turchetti added: "This deal is
testament to our leadership in branded content distribution
in China."
The agreement allows 21 Communications exclusive mobile
distribution rights for the following other eminent NBA
stars: Amare Stoudemire, Sebastian Telfair, Jason Collins,
Jarron Collins, Mike Miller, Juan Dixon, Cuttino Mobley,
Tyronn Lue, Chauncey Billups, Al Harrington.
China is home to the largest mobile population in the
world at 404 million subscribers as of February 2006,
according China's Ministry of Information Industry. The
market grows at approximately four million subscribers per
month. China is expected to host 560 million mobile
subscribers by the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
About 21 Communications
21 Communications enables companies to reach Chinese
consumers on mobile phones and new media. With its
proprietary technology and vast distribution resources, 21
Communications connects clients to China's
telecommunications infrastructure, develops and monetizes
their digital content, and constantly expands their market
share. The company's profitability is rooted in its deep
client base, including Shanghai Media Group, Nickelodeon,
Electronic Arts (EA), P&G, Dell and KFC. Visit
http://www.21cms.com .
For more information, please contact:
David Turchetti
CEO of 21 Communications
Tel: +86-21-5403-5000
Fax: +86-21-5405-1868
Email: info@21cms.com
Web: Http://www.21cms.com
SOURCE 21 Communications
2007'02.01.Thu
Wynn Macau Announces Resort Reservation Hotline
May 10, 2006
HONG KONG, May 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Wynn Macau,
China's newest and most spectacular destination resort set
to open in Autumn 2006, is now just a phone call away with
the launch of the premium resort's dedicated reservation
hotlines.
(Photo:
http://xprnnews.xfn.info/wynnmacau/20060510/hotel.htm )
Prospective guests in Hong Kong, Southern and Northern
China can call toll-free numbers to book with Wynn Macau,
while international guests can book via a reservation
hotline, fax or email.
Comprising 600 exquisitely appointed rooms, Wynn Macau
will feature everything that guests need for the ultimate
resort experience -- deluxe accommodations, dining at
tables of world-renowned chefs, designer brands retail,
indulgent spa and beauty treatments, and dazzling Las
Vegas-style entertainment.
The resort will also feature impressive multi-purpose
and flexible meeting space covering 2,200 sq. meters,
characterized by state-of-the-art technology for corporate
meetings and events.
Grant R. Bowie, President and General Manager, Wynn
Resorts (Macau) said, "We are pleased to announce that
we are now accepting reservations for our first Resort Hotel
in Macau, China. The hotel which is planned to open in
September will bring new standards of quality, service
& entertainment to Macau. With the rapid growth in the
Macau hotel market, we plan to position Wynn Macau as the
market leader in the luxury segment consistent with our Las
Vegas resort."
The launch of the reservation hotlines follows the
opening of the sales representative office in Hong Kong
last year. Additional offices are also set to open in
Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai in the coming months.
Wynn Macau Sales representatives will be standing by at
the following numbers to take reservations and enquiries.
International Reservation Hotline: (853) 986 99 66
Hong Kong Toll Free: 800 966 963
Southern China Toll Free: 108 00153 0062
Northern China Toll Free: 108 00853 0062
Facsimile: (853) 986 99 00
E-mail:
roomreservations@wynnmacau.com
Wynn Macau is another creative vision of Stephen A.
Wynn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wynn Resorts
Limited, who has created many world-renowned resorts in Las
Vegas for over 27 years. The flagship resort, Wynn Las
Vegas is a US$2.7 billion luxury hotel resort on the Las
Vegas Strip, which opened on April 28, 2005.
For more details, please visit http://www.wynnmacau.com
.
For more information, please contact:
Joanna H. Barnes
Director - Communications
Wynn Resorts (Macau) SA
Tel: +853-89-65-521
Fax: +853-89-65-520
Email: joanna.barnes@wynnmacau.com
Melanie Foo-Tiplady
Director - Sales & Marketing
Wynn Resorts (Macau) SA
Tel: +852-2901-1228
Fax: +852-2521-8968
Email: melanie.tiplady@wynnmacau.com
SOURCE Wynn Macau
2007'02.01.Thu
Newmark Knight Frank Expands Into South America
May 10, 2006
Leading Global Commercial Real Estate Services Firm Hires Industry Leader to Direct New South American Operation
NEW YORK and SAO PAULO, Brazil, May 10 /PRNewswire/ --
Newmark Knight Frank is expanding its global presence with
the opening of offices in the growing South American
market.
(Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060503/NYW002LOGO-c
(Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060503/NYW002-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060503/NYW002-b )
Edward A. Friedman, Executive Vice President and
Principal, Global Brokerage and Advisory Services for
Newmark Knight Frank, announced this week that the company
has hired Sergio R. J. Negro as Managing Principal to
oversee its multi-market operation in South America.
Negro has 12 years of commercial real estate
experience, considerable expertise in facilities management
and key understanding of the local markets, Friedman said.
"The motivation for our global expansion has been and
will continue to be tethered to our clients' demands for
experienced and talented advisors that assist in the
formulation and execution of a panoply of strategies and
initiatives designed to support and enhance their business
objectives. The addition of Mr. Negro and his growing team
of multi-lingual South American market makers enables us to
handle requirements in the rapidly growing Latin American
economies with professionals that are integral members of
their respected local business communities and now have the
support of a powerful global service delivery
platform," he added.
The South American operation is headquartered in Sao
Paulo, Brazil and has offices in Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia,
Belo Horizonte and Curitiba. Newmark Knight Frank plans to
expand later this year into Buenos Aires, Argentina; Lima,
Peru and Santiago, Chile.
Before joining Newmark Knight Frank last month, Negro
was President of Colliers International Realty Advisors
(CIRA), the Brazilian branch of the advisory division of
Colliers International. He previously served as Senior
Director of Investment and Asset Management Services at
Colliers, where he was responsible for forming the
Investment Department, Consultancy Department, Company
Valuation Department and Disposal Department. Negro was
also a Senior Director at Conbras Maintenance Company,
where he launched the firm's Facilities Management Service
product line, and worked as an agent for Mackenzie Hill, a
well-known Brazilian commercial brokerage firm.
Negro said he looks forward to merging the expertise of
his corporate services, leasing and investment teams with
the global reach of Newmark Knight Frank. The teams have
extensive experience advising tenants, owners and
developers throughout the South American continent. Many of
the clients they serve "have already benefited from the
quality work and superior platform of Newmark Knight
Frank," Negro explained. "We see great synergies
between Newmark Knight Frank's commanding presence with
sophisticated financial and global professional service
firms and our historical relationship with such
companies."
Negro's clients include BankBoston, a subsidiary of
Bank of America and one of the largest foreign owned banks
in Brazil, Hines, Royal Phillips Electronics, Darby
Overseas Investments Ltd., Exxon Mobil, The Casino Group,
Singer Sewing Co. and Carrefour, among others.
Barry Gosin, CEO of Newmark Knight Frank, described the
South American operation as "one more way the company
is meeting the global needs of clients, by expanding our
reach into critical emerging markets."
Newmark Knight Frank's first assignments include the
marketing of: a 14,000sqm warehouse and office facility in
Pirituba on behalf of a leading Brazilian book store chain;
and, a sublease listing for a 1,200sqm retail space in
Chacara Santo Antonio located 50m from one of the best
shopping centers in Sao Paulo. The owner is one of Brazil's
largest petrol companies, and the tenant/landlord is a gas
chain from Sao Paulo.
New York-headquartered Newmark Knight Frank and
London-based partner Knight Frank Newmark operate from over
140 offices in established and emerging property markets on
six continents. Last year, transactions were valued at over
$41 billion with annual revenues of over $545 million. With
a combined staff of 4,500, this major force in real estate
is meeting the local and global needs of owners, tenants,
investors and developers worldwide. For further
information, visit http://www.newmarkkf.com .
For more information, please contact:
Mira Matic,
Performance Public Relations
Tel: +1-973-335-4980
Email: mmatic@ppronline.com
SOURCE Newmark Knight Frank
2007'02.01.Thu
Boston Scientific to Release Latest Clinical Trial Results on Market-Leading TAXUS(R) Coronary Stent Systems at EuroPCR
May 10, 2006
Results to Include Nine-Month Data on TAXUS(R) Liberte(TM) Stent
NATICK, Mass., May 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Boston
Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) announced the schedule
of the Company's major events and press announcements at
the Paris Course on Revascularization (EuroPCR), which runs
from May 16 to 19 in Paris, France.
"The data we will present at EuroPCR builds on the
continued strength and leadership of the TAXUS brand of
coronary stent systems," said Paul LaViolette, Chief
Operating Officer of Boston Scientific. "We expect
this data will offer further evidence of the performance
and durability of our current drug-eluting stent platform,
as well as the deliverability and efficacy of our second
generation product, the TAXUS Liberte paclitaxel-eluting
coronary stent system."
Tuesday, May 16 (all times are Paris time)
- Symposium on drug-eluting stents. At 1:30 p.m., the
Company will host a symposium entitled "The Great
Debate on drug-eluting stents," chaired by Jean Marco,
M.D., in Room 1 of the Palais des Congres, 2 Place de la
Porte Maillot, Paris. The symposium will focus on key
issues related to drug-eluting stent (DES) usage in daily
practice and will review the options and decision criteria
for the usage of the TAXUS(R) paclitaxel-eluting coronary
stent systems versus other platforms through evidence-based
medicine.
- Peripheral Interventions trial data. At 1:43 p.m.,
nine-month results from the RENAISSANCE clinical trial will
be presented by Krishna Rocha-Singh, M.D., F.A.C.C., the
study's principal investigator, at a late-breaking trials
session in Room 2. RENAISSANCE is a prospective,
multi-center trial designed to confirm the safety and
efficacy of the Express(R) SD stent for renal artery
stenting. At 1:45 p.m., one-year results from the MELODIE
clinical trial will be presented by Luc Stockx, M.D., at a
late-breaking trials session in Room 2. MELODIE is a
prospective, multi-center trial designed to confirm the
safety and efficacy of the Express(TM) Vascular LD stent
for the treatment of iliac artery lesions. The Company will
issue a press release on the MELODIE results at this time.
- ATLAS nine-month data. At 5:20 p.m., nine-month
results from the ATLAS clinical trial will be presented by
Mark Turco M.D., F.A.C.C., the study's co principal
investigator, at a late-breaking trials session in Room 1.
The ATLAS clinical trial is a global, multi-center, pivotal
study designed to support U.S. Food and Drug Administration
approval of TAXUS Liberte(TM), the Company's second
generation, paclitaxel-eluting stent system. ATLAS studies
the TAXUS Liberte stent system, compared to a case-matched
control group of TAXUS Express(TM) and TAXUS Express2(TM)
patients from TAXUS IV and TAXUS V de novo studies. ATLAS
is the first global trial of a second-generation DES. The
Company will also issue a press release at this time.
- TAXUS VI long-term data. At 5:52 p.m., the Company
will release three-year results from its TAXUS VI clinical
trial, which evaluates the safety and efficacy of a
moderate-release formulation of its TAXUS Express
paclitaxel-eluting stent in high-risk patients, including
long lesions, small vessels and diabetics. (The Company's
current commercialized product uses a slow-release
formulation.) The results will be presented by Keith
Dawkins, M.D., the study's co-principal investigator, at a
late-breaking trials session in Room 1. The Company will
also issue a press release at this time.
- S.T.E.N.T Registry nine-month update. At 6:02 p.m.,
nine-month results from the Strategic Transcatheter
Evaluation of New Therapies (STENT) registry will be
presented by Thomas Stuckey, M.D., at a late-breaking
trials session in Room 1. This large, independent,
prospective, multi-center registry evaluates the
comparative late clinical outcomes of paclitaxel- and
sirolimus-eluting coronary stents among
"real-world" cases and clinical situations,
including diabetics and other high-risk patients. With a
planned enrollment of more than 8,000 patients, the STENT
registry is the largest study of its kind in the United
States.
Boston Scientific will present its latest innovations
at booth #F14, including the iLab Ultrasound Imaging System
-- a completely functional IVUS system designed to be
installed into a cath lab.
Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer,
manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products
are used in a broad range of interventional medical
specialties. For more information, please visit:
http://www.bostonscientific.com .
This press release contains forward-looking statements.
The Company wishes to caution the reader of this press
release that actual results may differ from those discussed
in the forward-looking statements and may be adversely
affected by, among other things, risks associated with
clinical trials, the regulatory approval process,
reimbursement policies, commercialization of new
technologies, litigation, the Company's overall business
strategy and other factors described in the Company's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
For more information, please contact:
Geraldine Varoqui
Boston Scientific PR Manager International
Tel: +49-2102-489-461
Email: varoquig@bsci.com
Maren Koban
BSC press office
Tel: +44-20-7973-4497
Email: mkoban@hillandknowlton.com
SOURCE Boston Scientific Corporation
2007'02.01.Thu
Britney Spears and Elizabeth Arden Celebrate the Success of Her Top-Selling Fragrances
May 10, 2006
Over 10 million bottles of Curious, Fantasy and In Control have been sold
NEW YORK, May 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Britney Spears
celebrated the astounding success of her three fragrances,
Curious, Fantasy and In Control, with Elizabeth Arden, the
company that manufactures and markets the scents, at a
celebration today at the Hudson Hotel. Her first fragrance
Curious, became the #1 launch worldwide in 2005, and the
only new launch to make the top 20 list globally. In the
US, Curious achieved a top 5 fragrance ranking among
fragrances launched in the past decade. Over 10 million
bottles of the three scents have been sold -- an
astonishing number considering that her first fragrance,
Curious, was just launched in 2004.
(Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060508/NYM237 )
A giant cake in shape of her fragrance bottle for
Fantasy commemorated the occasion, and young dancers from
Broadway Dance Center, where Britney had studied in New
York before becoming a top-selling recording artist, helped
her celebrate. Dancers competed in a dance-off judged by
Britney. Twelve-year-old Marina Micalizzi was the winner.
Britney Spears fragrances are sold in over 80 countries
around the world.
About Elizabeth Arden: Elizabeth Arden is a global
prestige fragrance and beauty products company. The
Company's portfolio of leading brands includes the
Elizabeth Arden fragrance brands Red Door, Red Door
Revealed, Elizabeth Arden Green Tea, Elizabeth Arden 5th
avenue, Elizabeth Arden Provocative Woman; the Elizabeth
Taylor fragrance brands White Diamonds Elizabeth Taylor and
Elizabeth Taylor's Passion, the fragrance brands of Britney
Spears, curious BRITNEY SPEARS(TM), IN CONTROL curious
BRITNEY SPEARS(TM), and fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS(TM); the
Daytona 500(R) and GANT adventure men's fragrances, White
Shoulders; Geoffrey Beene's Grey Flannel; Halston(R) and
Halston Z-14(TM), PS(R) Fine Cologne for Men, Design(TM);
Wings; the Elizabeth Arden skincare lines, including
Ceramides, Prevage(TM) Anti-Aging Treatment and Elizabeth
Arden Eight Hour Cream; and the Elizabeth Arden color
cosmetics line.
For more information, please contact:
Melissa Garfola,
Coburn Communication
Tel: +1-212-730-7277
Email: melissa.garfola@coburnww.com
SOURCE Elizabeth Arden
2007'02.01.Thu
PrintDreams Wins the 2006 Innovation & Technology Award
May 10, 2006
KISTA, Sweden, May 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- In a
contest held last week, which was entered by startup
companies from across the region and sponsored by
organizations such as Stockholm Innovation & Growth,
the Royal Institute of Technology and others, PrintDreams
won the prestigious 2006 Innovation & Technology
Award.
One of the main criteria used by the jury was the level
of innovation shown by participating companies. This
criteria was certainly met by PrintDreams, backed by its
extensive patent portfolio of over 20 patents and patent
applications, plus a technology that turns the conventional
concept of 'printing' on its head. Sales performance was
another important criteria and again PrintDreams had no
problem meeting this requirement, due to the license
agreements it has signed with large global corporations and
the strong, successful sales of its first commercial product
featuring PrintDreams proprietary RMPT(TM) technology.
"With a total belief and faith in its invention,
which only a truly 100% entrepreneurial company can show,
PrintDreams delivers a solution with great market
potential. This is achieved through a carefully planned and
well executed business model, driven by a structured and
motivated team," stated the jury, which was unanimous
in its decision to give PrintDreams the Award.
PrintDreams participated in a one-day exhibition, which
was linked to the award event. The company used this
opportunity to display the first commercial implementation
of its technology; a new handheld printer known as the
Xyron(R) Design Runner(TM) which uses a product concept
originally developed by PrintDreams. The product is a
first-of-its-kind handheld printer that bridges the gap
between digital and traditional crafting. It was launched
in the U.S. market at the beginning of the year where it
became an instant sales success.
Visitors to the event were given a real-life
demonstration of what PrintDreams technology can offer the
end user. This includes the ability to print directly onto
a variety of materials such as fabric, wood, cardboard,
wallpaper and other surfaces.
Besides flexibility, small size is another key feature,
which was valued highly by visitors, especially those who
were first-time users. Many were surprised that this
portable printer fits easily into the palm of a hand.
The company was also awarded 'The visitor's favorite'
prize initiated by the Swedish technology magazine
NyTeknik, one of the main sponsors of the event. For this
award visitors were asked to vote for their favourite
exhibitor. The unique features of the Xyron Design Runner
combined with a live demonstration of this exciting and new
way of printing were the most likely reasons for winning
this second award.
All in all, PrintDreams banked 200 thousand Swedish
kronas in prize money. In relative terms this prize
represents a small proportion of the company's now rapidly
growing turnover, however it is gratefully received,
because it will help to further strengthen the company's
financial position for the upcoming expansion phase.
"On behalf of our dedicated team, I'm proud to see
us receive recognition of the hard work we have put in to
our company and technology," says the founder and CEO
of PrintDreams, Alex Breton. He went on to say, "This
award will encourage us to speed up our programme of new
product releases and is an important event in PrintDreams
track record as well as for everyone involved in our
projects."
About PrintDreams
PrintDreams is a high technology company, which
develops, markets and sells license rights for innovative
technical solutions, mainly for the printer industry. The
company has developed, amongst others, the RMPT(TM)
technology which allows the manufacture of truly portable
printer devices thus making them suitable for mobile
applications.
Other advantages of the RMPT technology are its high
level of flexibility, as it allows printing in almost any
type and size or format or surface and its cost
effectiveness, because hundreds of mechanical parts are
replaced by intelligent software based control systems.
PrintDreams has also developed the world's foremost
accurate optical navigation sensor called OptoNav(TM). This
sensor will be used for more advanced printer products that
the company is currently industrializing. To find out more
about the company and its technologies please visit:
http://www.printdreams.com .
For more information, please contact:
Alex Breton, CEO & Chairman,
PrintDreams AB,
Tel: +46-8-820175
Mobile: +46-73-5340459
Email: alex.breton@printdreams.com
SOURCE PrintDreams
2007'02.01.Thu
TCOM Announces Six Months Operating Statistics for the Period Ended March 31, 2006
May 10, 2006
HONG KONG, May 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Telecom
Communications, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: TCOM) the Total
Solutions Provider, announced operating statistics for
first half-year ended March 31, 2006.
Revenues increased $4,883,215 or 141% due primarily to:
Revenues recorded at $8,347,375 for the six month period
ended March 31, 2006 compared to $3,464,160 for the same
period ended March 31, 2005. Revenues for the period ended
March 31, 2006 were generated from the fixed monthly income
by providing clients our products namely Total Solutions,
SEO4Mobile and IBS V4.1.
Net income was up 287.3% to $2,643,977 for the
six-month period ended March 31, 2006 compared to $682,746
for same period ended March 31, 2005.
"Our first half-year 2006 results include strong
performance in total solutions product lines and IBS v4.1
SMEs sales," said Tim Chen, CEO of TCOM. "We are
encouraged by the fact that IBS v4.1 sales continue to
build momentum and generate increased interest from SMEs
Internet businesses business. Cash used during the quarter
includes our continued investment in our SME software system
developments called IBS v5.0 as BtoBtoC e-commerce value
chain, and entertainment content service offerings."
TCOM will report its 2nd quarter 2006 financial results
within five business days.
About Telecom Communications, Inc.
Telecom Communications, Inc. (TCOM) is a Total
Solutions Provider that offers Integrated Communications
Network Solutions and Internet Content Service in universal
voice, video, data web and mobile communications for
interactive media applications, technology and content
leaders in interactive multimedia communications. It
develops, markets and sells a universal media software
solution for enterprise-wide deployment of integrated
voice, video, data web and mobile communications and media
applications. Telecom Communications, Inc. does business in
Asia via its wholly owned subsidiaries, Alpha Century
Holdings Ltd. ( http://www.subaye.com ), IC Star MMS, Ltd.
( http://www.icstarmms.com ) and 3G Dynasty Inc. (
http://www.skyestar.com ).
Safe Harbor
The statements made in this release constitute
"forward-looking" statements, usually containing
the words "believe," "estimate,"
"project," "expect," or similar
expressions. These statements are made pursuant to the safe
harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements inherently
involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from the forward-looking
statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such
differences include, but are not limited to, changing
economic conditions, interest rates trends, continued
acceptance of the Company's products in the marketplace,
competitive factors and other risks detailed in the
Company's periodic report Filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking
statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update
these statements for revisions or changes after the date of
this release.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Sandy Tang,
Telecom Communications, Inc.
Tel: +852-782-0983
Email: pr@tcom8266.com
SOURCE Telecom Communications, Inc.
2007'02.01.Thu
MediaScrape(TM) - A Global Internet TV News Network in 100% Video Format
May 10, 2006
MONTREAL, May 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- MediaScrape(TM), the first global information network using web technology to deliver free, all-video broadcast news clips, launches live today at http://www.MediaScrape.com. MediaScrape is the first Internet TV News Network to digitize analog TV broadcasts in a format that is 100 percent high quality video, on-demand, translated on location, interactive, free, searchable and archived. "This is a breakthrough in news information as MediaScrape delivers all foreign clips from the Americas, Africa, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific in their original format and language, providing a virtual platform for multi perspectives on single issues and unbiased top world and regional stories," said Tyler N. Cavell, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of MediaScrape. Updated every 30 minutes, 24-hours a day, MediaScrape gives users full control on the way they receive their news. The play-all function enables viewers to watch 10-12 minutes of top world and regional story clips; play an hour and a half loop of daily news video clips; or use on-demand, where clips are drilled down by region and country. "Because MediaScrape will be fully sponsored by advertisements we are able to offer its Internet video services free of charge to the public," said Cavell. "MediaScrape strives to improve information flow between people, catering to the young cyber population, immigrant populations as well as the Bloomberg generation interested in live foreign investment breaking news, interactivity and global trade." Unlike other news sites, MediaScrape features all three interactive capabilities -- message boards, blogs and user-submitted content, including video, photos, text and audio. MediaScrape has signed agreements with leading national and international video news agencies and wholesalers, including Associated Press, Canadian Press and Dogan News Agency (81 bureaus worldwide). MediaScrape has so far signed partnerships with local television broadcasters from Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia and expects to sign on more than a hundred countries over the next year. Presently subtitled in English, the news clips will soon be available in other languages. Headquartered in Montreal with bureaus in Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, MediaScrape was developed by Tyler N. Cavell, who felt that there was an information deficit in current broadcast and developed http://www.mediascrape.com to meet the needs for a global high-quality Internet information network. For more information, please contact: Aarati Vigneswaran / Nina Budman Budman and Associates Tel: +1-416-515-7667 Email: mail@budmanpr.com SOURCE MediaScrape
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