2007'02.14.Wed
Chindex International, Inc. Announces Results for the Quarter And Nine Months Ended December 31, 2006
February 12, 2007
BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Chindex
International, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHDX), an independent American
provider of Western healthcare products and medical services
in the People's Republic of China, today announced
profitable results for the quarter and nine months ended
December 31, 2006.
(Logo: http://www.xprn.com.cn/xprn/sa/200611131726.jpg
)
Revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 was USD
30.3 million, a 34% increase over revenue of USD 22.6
million in the quarter ended December 31, 2005. Net income
from continuing operations for the quarter ended December
31, 2006 was USD 0.7 million, or earnings per basic share
on continuing operations of USD 0.10. This compares to a
net income from continuing operations of USD 0.4 million,
or earnings per basic share on continuing operations of USD
0.07 for the quarter ended December 31, 2005.
Revenue for the nine months ended December 31, 2006 was
USD 81.2 million, a 20% increase over revenue of USD 67.6
million in the nine months ended December 31, 2005. Net
income from continuing operations for the nine months ended
December 31, 2006 was USD 2.3 million, or earnings per basic
share on continuing operations of USD 0.34. This compares to
net income from continuing operations of USD 47,000, or net
income per basic share on continuing operations of USD 0.01
for the nine months ended December 31, 2005.
The Company's balance sheet as of December 31, 2006
shows cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of USD
10.2 million, total assets of USD 61.5 million, a current
ratio of 1.7:1 and stockholders' equity of USD 26.7
million.
Roberta Lipson, Chindex CEO commented on the results
for the quarter: "Our continuing bottom line
profitability on a consolidated basis this quarter was
highlighted by the increases in the profitability of our
Healthcare Services division. This was fueled by continued
growth in both the Beijing and Shanghai markets. Our
development program for new United Family Healthcare
facilities in Guangzhou and Beijing is gaining momentum. We
will soon kickoff our market entry program in Guangzhou with
a clinic operation which will precede our main hospital
facility. Our Medical Products division reported a slight
loss on the quarter due to lower than normal gross margins
on some large multi-unit sales and discrete charges for
inventory write-down and doubtful account reserves. The
division remains profitable year-to-date however and we are
on track to meet our objectives for this year in spite of
continued challenges in the marketplace."
About Chindex International, Inc.
Chindex is an American healthcare company that provides
healthcare services and supplies medical capital equipment,
instrumentation and products to the Chinese marketplace,
including Hong Kong. It provides healthcare services
through the operations of its United Family Hospitals and
Clinics, a network of private primary care hospitals and
affiliated ambulatory clinics in China. The Company's
hospital network currently operates in the Beijing and
Shanghai metropolitan areas. The Company sells medical
products manufactured by various major multinational
companies, including Siemens AG, which is the Company's
exclusive distribution partner for the sale and servicing
of color doppler ultrasound systems. It also arranges
financing packages for the supply of medical products to
hospitals in China utilizing the export loan and loan
guarantee programs of both the U.S. Export-Import Bank and
the German KfW Development Bank. With twenty-five years of
experience, 950 employees, and operations in China, Hong
Kong, the United States and Germany, the Company's strategy
is to expand its cross-cultural reach by providing leading
edge healthcare technologies, quality products and services
to Greater China's professional communities. Further company
information may be found at the Company's websites,
http://www.chindex.com and
http://www.unitedfamilyhospitals.com .
Statements made in this press release relating to
plans, strategies, objectives, economic performance and
trends and other statements that are not descriptions of
historical facts may be forward-looking statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"). Forward-looking information is
inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual
results could differ materially from those currently
anticipated due to a number of factors, which include, but
are not limited to, the factors set forth under the heading
"Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K
for the year ended March 31, 2006, updates and additions to
those "Risk Factors" in our interim reports on
Form 10-Q and in other documents filed by us with the
Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.
Forward-looking statements may be identified by terms such
as "may", "will", "should",
"could", "expects", "plans",
"intends", "anticipates",
"believes", "estimates",
"predicts", "forecasts",
"potential", or "continue" or similar
terms or the negative of these terms. Although we believe
that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking
statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future
results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.
We have no obligation to update these forward-looking
statements.
Financial Summary Attached
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF
OPERATIONS
(thousands except share and per share
data)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
Nine months ended
December 31,
December 31,
2006 2005
2006 2005
Product sales $17,628 $12,701
$46,115 $41,262
Healthcare services revenue 12,716 9,920
35,124 26,289
Total revenue 30,344 22,621
81,239 67,551
Cost and expenses
Product sales costs 13,700 9,353
34,949 31,218
Healthcare services costs 11,023 9,151
30,020 24,559
Selling and marketing
expenses 2,619 2,367
7,205 7,395
General and administrative
expenses 1,828 1,316
5,359 4,165
Income from continuing
operations 1,174 434
3,706 214
Other (expenses) and income
Interest expense (185) (203)
(571) (397)
Interest income 64 50
188 117
Miscellaneous (expense) - net (7) (59)
(2) 23
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before income
taxes 1,046 222
3,321 (43)
(Provision for) benefit from
income taxes (367) 217
(987) 90
Net income from continuing
operations 679 439
2,334 47
Loss from discontinued
operations 0 (902)
(264) (2,591)
Net income (loss) $679 $(463)
$2,070 $(2,544)
Net income (loss) per common
share - basic
Continuing operations $0.10 $0.07
$0.34 $0.01
Discontinued operations 0 (0.14)
(0.04) (0.40)
Net income (loss) $0.10 ($0.07)
$0.30 ($0.39)
Weighted average shares
outstanding - basic 6,880,642 6,536,122
6,787,848 6,518,042
Net income (loss) per common
share - diluted
Continuing operations $0.09 $0.06
$0.31 $0.01
Discontinued operations 0 (0.13)
(0.04) (0.40)
Net income (loss) $0.09 $(0.07)
$0.27 $(0.39)
Weighted average shares
outstanding - diluted 7,609,578 6,935,847
7,611,422 6,921,028
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE
SHEETS
(thousands except share data)
December
31, March 31,
2006
2006
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $9,979
$9,034
Restricted cash 209
383
Trade accounts receivable,
less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $2,464 and
$2,250, respectively
Product sales
receivables 13,542
7,685
Patient service
receivables 4,813
5,468
Inventories, net 6,687
8,681
Deferred income taxes 2,028
177
Other current assets 3,881
2,322
Current assets of discontinued
operations 38
1,006
Total current
assets 41,177
34,756
Property and equipment, net 18,722
19,119
Long-term deferred income taxes 1,105
2,452
Other assets 474
719
Total assets $61,478
$57,046
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued
expenses $22,045
$21,727
Short-term portion of
capitalized leases 38
50
Short-term debt and vendor
financing 1,205
3,080
Income taxes payable 722
143
Current liabilities of
discontinued operations 19
748
Total current
liabilities 24,029
25,748
Long-term portion of capitalized
leases 68
91
Long-term debt and vendor financing 10,663
8,569
Total
liabilities 34,760
34,408
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par
value, 500,000 shares
authorized, none issued 0
0
Common stock, $.01 par value,
13,600,000 shares authorized,
including 1,600,000
designated Class B:
Common stock - 6,258,843
and 5,946,873 shares
issued and outstanding
at December 31, 2006 and
March 31, 2006,
respectively 63
60
Class B stock - 775,000
shares issued and
outstanding at December
31, 2006 and March 31, 2006 8
8
Additional paid in capital 38,450
36,436
Accumulated other
comprehensive income 68
75
Accumulated deficit (11,871)
(13,941)
Total stockholders' equity 26,718
22,638
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity $61,478
$57,046
SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company has two reportable segments: Healthcare
Services and Medical Products. Prior to fiscal year 2006,
the Company had three reportable segments, Medical Capital
Equipment, Healthcare Products Distribution and Healthcare
Services. In fiscal 2006, the Company discontinued the
retail sales portion of the Healthcare Products
Distribution segment and the remaining portion of the
segment was grouped together with the Medical Capital
Equipment segment to become the Medical Products Division.
The following segment information has been restated to
reflect the new segment structure. We evaluate performance
and allocate resources based on income or loss from
continuing operations before income taxes, not including
gains or losses on our investment portfolio or foreign
exchange gains or losses.
Healthcare
Medical Total
Services
Products
As of December 31, 2006:
Assets $32,056,000
$29,384,000 $61,440,000
For the three months ended
December 31, 2006:
Sales and service revenue $12,716,000
$17,628,000 $30,344,000
Gross Profit n/a *
3,928,000 n/a
Gross Profit % n/a *
22% n/a
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before foreign
exchange $1,122,000
$(74,000) $1,048,000
Foreign exchange gain
126,000
Income from continuing operations
$1,174,000
Other (expense), net
(128,000)
Income from continuing operations
before income taxes
$1,046,000
Total consolidated assets of $61,478,000 as of December
31, 2006 include $38,000 of assets pertaining to our
healthcare products retail business, which was discontinued
in fiscal year 2006.
Healthcare
Medical Total
Services
Products
As of March 31, 2006:
Assets $29,801,000
$26,239,000 $56,040,000
For the three months ended
December 31, 2005:
Sales and service revenue $9,920,000
$12,701,000 $22,621,000
Gross Profit n/a *
3,348,000 n/a
Gross Profit % n/a *
26% n/a
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before foreign
exchange $439,000
$(53,000) $386,000
Foreign exchange gain
48,000
Income from continuing operations
$434,000
Other (expense), net
(212,000)
Income from continuing operations
before income taxes
222,000
Total consolidated assets of $57,046,000 as of March
31, 2006 include $1,006,000 of assets pertaining to our
healthcare products retail business, which was discontinued
in fiscal year 2006.
Healthcare
Medical Total
Services
Products
As of December 31, 2006:
Assets $32,056,000
$29,384,000 $61,440,000
For the nine months ended
December 31, 2006:
Sales and service revenue $35,124,000
$46,115,000 $81,239,000
Gross Profit n/a *
11,166,000 n/a
Gross Profit % n/a *
24% n/a
Income from continuing operations
before foreign exchange $3,405,000
$104,000 $3,509,000
Foreign exchange gain
197,000
Income from continuing operations
$3,706,000
Other (expense), net
(385,000)
Income from continuing operations
before income taxes
$3,321,000
Total consolidated assets of $61,478,000 as of December
31, 2006 include $38,000 of assets pertaining to our
healthcare products retail business, which was discontinued
in fiscal year 2006.
Healthcare
Medical Total
Services
Products
As of March 31, 2006:
Assets $29,801,000
$26,239,000 $56,040,000
For the nine months ended
December 31, 2005:
Sales and service revenue $26,289,000
$41,262,000 $67,551,000
Gross Profit n/a *
10,044,000 n/a
Gross Profit % n/a *
24% n/a
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before foreign
exchange $586,000
$(751,000) $(165,000)
Foreign exchange gain
379,000
Income from continuing operations
$214,000
Other (expense), net
(257,000)
Loss from continuing operations
before income taxes
$(43,000)
Total consolidated assets of $57,046,000 as of March
31, 2006 include $1,006,000 of assets pertaining to our
healthcare products retail business, which was discontinued
in fiscal year 2006.
* Gross profit margins are not routinely calculated in
the healthcare
industry.
For more information, please contact:
Lawrence Pemble / Judy Zakreski
Chindex International, Inc.
Tel: +1-301-215-7777
SOURCE Chindex International, Inc.
PR
2007'02.14.Wed
LG Handset to Lead GSMA's '3G For All' Campaign
February 12, 2007
Sleek, Feature Rich 3G Handset Chosen by 12 Leading
Operators
BARCELONA, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Twelve
leading mobile operators have selected a slim, multimedia
phone developed by LG Electronics as the winning handset to
spearhead the GSM Association's 3G for All campaign, which
aims to make third-generation mobile services accessible to
a much wider user base.
By agreeing on a common set of requirements, the 12
operators will enable LG to achieve major economies of
scale in manufacturing, logistics and marketing. The
LG-KU250 handset will be available at a wholesale price
about 30% less than the typical entry-level 3G phone and
fully-competitive with the multimedia second-generation
handsets on sale today.
Twelve of the largest mobile operators in the world
selected the LG-KU250, which is only 15mm thick, from 19
handsets submitted by eight vendors. Containing a chipset
supplied by Qualcomm, the handset supports video calls,
high-speed Internet access, multi-tasking and a wide range
of other multimedia services.
"The 3G for All campaign has had a great response
from both handset and chipset vendors demonstrating their
commitment to work with operators to drive usage of 3G
services," said Craig Ehrlich, chairman of the GSMA,
the global trade association for mobile operators, and a
board member of Hutchison Mobile Communications, which is
sponsoring the project. "A highly-capable device that
is as attractive and cost-effective as the leading 2G
multimedia handsets, the LG-KU250 has clear mass-market
appeal and will help fuel interest in third-generation
services across the world."
"LG is very excited about collaborating with the
GSMA to lead the ongoing evolution and deployment of 3G
technology worldwide," said Dr. Skott Ahn, President
and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company.
"Through this partnership, we will bring all people
closer to new mobile capabilities and they will benefit
from higher-quality wireless multimedia 3G services. LG
will provide them with attractive and feature-rich 3G
devices while at the same time breaking price barriers for
subscribers in the global market."
"Qualcomm believes that one of our
responsibilities is helping to make advanced wireless voice
and Internet connectivity available to more people
worldwide," said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, CEO of Qualcomm.
"We are proud to have been a part of this program with
the GSMA and applaud their initiative in bringing the
industry together toward this common goal of speeding the
growth of 3G and multimedia services worldwide, though
enhanced competition and consumer choice."
Unveiled to CEOs from across the mobile industry at the
Leadership Summit of the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona,
the LG-KU250 handset will be available to all 3GSM mobile
phone operators from the second quarter.
The 12 operators steering the GSMA programme have also
highly commended a 3G handset submitted by Nokia. Also
capable of supporting a range of 3G multimedia services,
the handset, which is built on the Nokia 6151 platform,
uses a Texas Instrument chipset designed to Nokia's
specifications.
"We are pleased to be acknowledged by the GSMA for
our efforts. Clearly, we share a common interest in
extending the benefits of 3G to ever-wider audiences,"
said Kai Oistamo, Executive Vice President and General
Manager, Mobile Phones, Nokia. "In addition to
offering consumers a much richer mobile experience, 3G
enables operators to lower operating expenses, reduce voice
congestion in 2G networks, enabling the reallocation of the
900 MHz frequency, and promote usage of new
services".
The 3G for All campaign is the second programme
designed by the GSMA to create economies of scale for
handset makers and their component suppliers. The GSMA's
Emerging Market Handset programme stimulated the
development of a range of ultra-low cost mobile phones
aimed at first-time buyers in developing countries.
About the GSM Association: http://www.gsmworld.com
For more information, please contact:
Mark Smith or David Pringle
GSM Association
Tel: +44-78-50-22-97-24 or +44-79-57-55-60-69
Email: press@gsm.org
SOURCE The GSM Association (GSMA)
2007'02.14.Wed
Henry Jacobson Inks International Joint Venture With Artex
February 12, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Henry
Jacobson LLC and Artex International announced today a
joint venture licensing agreement for Artex to have
exclusive wholesale distribution of Henry Jacobson
collection sportswear in North America, Hong Kong and
mainland China. Artex will also have retail distribution
rights for Hong Kong and mainland China for collection
sportswear, dress shirts, neckwear and accessories.
Henry Jacobson is a San Francisco-based designer of
men's luxury apparel and accessories available in fine
boutiques and specialty department stores. Henry Jacobson,
LLC licenses sportswear to Artex International, dress
shirts to Kellwood, neckwear to Mulberry Neckwear and
tailored clothing to Peerless. The Company has offices in
Richmond, California and New York City. Under the
agreement, Artex is producing and will deliver Jacobson's
spring 2007 collection. The company plans to open the first
Henry Jacobson retail stores in China in 2008.
Artex International is a Hong Kong based consortium of
17 related factories that produce luxury merchandise for
all classifications in the tailored clothing, sportswear,
furnishings and accessories categories. Artex has been
Henry Jacobson's lead manufacturer and to date has been
responsible for producing a majority of the Henry Jacobson
collection sportswear product.
"This will be a true joint venture," said
Alan Burks, President of Henry Jacobson. "There will
be a sharing of resources allowing the brands founder and
creative director Henry Jacobson to oversee every aspect of
design."
"Artex has been the best manufacturing partner
imaginable," said Burks. "Their quality is
world-class and they have consistently gone the extra mile
to do whatever has been necessary to support the brand.
They are truly deserving of this opportunity."
Burks said sales for the brand will continue to run out
of Henry Jacobson's New York showrooms by Kevin McMullan who
has been the brand's vice-president of sales for the brand
since its inception in 2003.
"We are extremely pleased to be partnering with
Henry Jacobson in this way," said Lawrence Lam, CEO of
Artex. "We have watched Henry grow as a designer since
his first collections and have been impressed by his
passion, aesthetic and attention to detail."
Lam said Jacobson's work broadens the definition of
classic and that his California-based luxury lifestyle
approach will make him even more attractive to the luxury
consumer in the U.S., China and worldwide.
"Artex has been like family to us," said
Creative Director and CEO Henry Jacobson. "They have
always believed in the brand and my vision. I couldn't be
more thrilled."
For more information, please contact:
James LaForce
LaForce + Stevens
Tel: +1-212-242-9353
Email: jlaforce@laforce-stevens.com
SOURCE Henry Jacobson LLC
2007'02.14.Wed
EMAX Launches Pre-Mobile WiMAX Network in Peru With Navini; Personal Broadband Network to Provide Nationwide Coverage
February 12, 2007
LIMA, Peru and RICHARDSON, Texas, Feb. 12
/Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- EMAX S.A., an Internet service
provider based in Lima, Peru, has launched the first
personal broadband network in Peru, using wireless
pre-mobile WiMAX solutions from Navini Networks, the
leading provider of pre-mobile WiMAX equipment.
Lima is the capital of Peru, and the first deployment
to over 8 million POPs. The deployment in Lima has been
very successful, with estimated coverage area of over 700
square kilometers. EMAX plans to expand into 7 more cities
all around Peru.
EMAX selected Navini after a thorough comparison and
testing of various vendors and determined that Navini's
technology is the only one that met EMAX's requirements
offering a real NLOS capacity and proven commercial
experience.
"The acceptance of wireless broadband has been
really good, with clients who look for simplicity and the
ability to move in the coverage area, as well as ease of
activation," said Mr. Genaro Delgado Parker,
President of EMAX. "Clients can buy this in the
retail store."
"Navini's Ripwave(R) MX solution offers EMAX the
ability to quickly cover Lima and the rest of Peru, as well
as provide customers with plug-n-play wireless
broadband," said Roger Dorf, CEO and president of
Navini Networks.
In less than a year, EMAX has exceeded its planned
subscriber numbers and is now planning to completely cover
Lima. This ambitious plan will see complete coverage of
Lima/ Callao in 2007.
"We want national coverage in broadband and are
already planning expansion into the main cities of Peru -
Trujillo, Piura and Arequipa," added Mr. Delgado
Parker.
In the meantime, EMAX is planning to obtain spectrum in
the rest of Peru in order to expand to other key areas. EMAX
will be the first company of mobile WiMAX 802.16e in Peru.
About EMAX:
EMAX S.A. is a part of the company TC Siglo 21 (TC 21st
Century), a cable TV operator in Lima, Peru, owned by
Vicmar, an GDP Investment Inc. TC 21st Century is a
company with more than 15 years experience in the Peruvian
market. Part of its video offer is carried out through the
MMDS system, due to the fact that it possesses the LIMA
/CALLAO license of the MMDS band 2.5-2.7 Ghz.
EMAX began operations in 2004 as an Internet Service
Provider with operations in Lima, Peru.
About Navini Networks:
Navini Networks is the leader in providing portable,
plug-n-play broadband wireless access solutions, with the
largest commercial deployments in the world, over 70
commercial networks in 6 continents and strategic
partnerships with industry leaders. Navini is the only
company that has the patented Smart Beamforming technology,
enabling personal broadband for the mass market today, with
a seamless upgrade to the Mobile WiMAX standard to deliver
Smart WiMAX(TM). (Smart WiMAX(TM) is the combination of
mobile WiMAX with Smart Beamforming & MIMO). Navini's
Ripwave(R) MX portable, zero-install(TM), non-line-of-sight
(NLOS) solution consists of customer modems, base stations,
and element management systems (EMS) that run in the full
range of spectrums with software upgrades to the IEEE
802.16e standard.
Navini Networks is a principal member of the WiMAX
Forum and the IEEE 802.16e committee. Headquartered in
Richardson, Texas.
http://www.navini.com
Come see Navini at 3GSM ... Hall 2, Booth 2H03....
For more information, please contact:
Navini Networks, Inc.
Maryvonne Tubb
Tel: +1-972-852-4247
Email: mtubb@navini.com
SOURCE Navini Networks, Inc.
2007'02.14.Wed
Vertical Expo Services Company Limited Brings China's Companies to Global Marketplace
February 12, 2007
HONG KONG, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- National
Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has appointed
Hong-Kong-based company, Vertical Expo Services Company
Limited (Vertical Expo), as its Asia Partner of NFDA Expo
held on October 7-10, 2007 in Las Vegas, US. The
partnership will facilitate Asia companies, especially
those in Greater China Region including Mainland China,
Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, to open up the huge US
market.
Under the Partnership Agreement, Vertical Expo is the
sole and exclusive representative of NFDA for the
promotion, marketing, sale, and coordination of the event
within Greater China Region, ASEAN States, and Australia.
NFDA Expo is the largest event of its kind in the
world, featuring cutting-edge speeches, workshops, and a
tradeshow that becomes the worldwide leader in funeral
service. NFDA Expo 2007 will attract the widest
professionals from the business, including funeral service
specialists, the clergy, hospice workers, psychologists,
thanatologists, aftercare counselors, cemeterians, and
medical examiners that gives the face-to-face interaction
suppliers need to make the sale. With the Asia partnership
in force, the number of exhibitors and type of exhibits in
NFDA Expo 2007 are expected to go even stronger and richer
respectively.
Vertical Expo also has represented a number of renowned
international events. They include Global Chinese Financial
Forum - Toronto Conference 2006, the largest bilingual
(Chinese and English) financial event in North America;
Interpolitex 2006, one of the largest European events in
the field of security; and Intersec Middle East 2007, the
leading marketplace for commercial security, police,
homeland security, and fire professionals. Vertical Expo
endeavors to facilitate China's companies participating in
international leading events, which enables them to expand
horizons in their industries and develop overseas
businesses by connecting with the global market.
Vertical Expo has been appointed by New Technology
Development Center (NTDC) of China Association for Science
Technology (CAST) as its Hong Kong sole representative and
is authorized to process the applications of organizing
trade events in Mainland China submitted by overseas and
Hong Kong companies. Aside from responsible for overseas
promotions for NTDC's authorized businesses, communications
and interactions with overseas and Hong Kong related
organizations, Vertical Expo also is entitled to organize
trade events that are relevant to NTDC in overseas and Hong
Kong in the name of NTDC Hong Kong Office.
For more information, please contact:
Iris Fung
Blackink Marketing Communications
Tel: +852-3518-2576
Email: iris.fung@blackinkservice.com
Website: http://www.verticalexpo.com
SOURCE Vertical Expo Services Company Limited
2007'02.14.Wed
Sundance Film Festival Global Short Film Project Presents World Premiere of 5 Short Films for Mobile
Sundance Film Festival Global Short Film Project Presents World Premiere of 5 Short Films for Mobile
February 12, 2007
- Sundance Institute & GSMA Unveil 'Made for Mobile'
Short Films at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona
BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Today,
at a press conference at the 3GSM World Congress in
Barcelona, Sundance Institute and the GSM Association
(GSMA) unveiled the five original 'made for mobile' short
films commissioned as part of the Sundance Film Festival
Global Short Film Project. In one of the first
collaborations of its kind, six new and established
independent filmmakers created short films designed to be
viewed in a mobile environment.
Announced in November 2006 by Robert Redford, Founder
and President of Sundance Institute, the Sundance Film
Festival Global Short Film Project was created to showcase
and extend the reach of the independent short film genre to
mobile users worldwide.
The five films are being shown exclusively at the
GSMA's Congress this week with wide distribution to mobile
audiences beginning February 15. Visit
www.sundance.org/globalshortfilms for info on how to access
these five original shorts for your mobile phone, and share
them with your friends.
"We hope that the Global Short Film project
inspires filmmakers and artists to think outside of the
realm of traditional venues for cinema, and experiment with
mobile as an intimate new avenue - with global potential -
for their work," said John Cooper, Director of
Programming for the Sundance Film Festival and Creative
Director for Sundance Institute.
"I believe mobile viewers will be surprised and
delighted by the diversity of these films," said Bill
Gajda, Chief Marketing Officer at the GSMA. "Ranging
from the comic to exquisite, the radically different
creative styles of storytelling play extraordinarily well
to the unique, viral nature of the mobile medium."
The Sundance Film Festival Global Short Film Project
films are:
A SLIP IN TIME (Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie
Faris)-A motion study of slapstick comedy.
LEARNING TO SKATEBOARD (Directed by Jody Hill)-A
corporate worker calls in sick. In his quest to liberate
himself from the daily grind he embarks on a quest for
freedom by learning how to skateboard.
iLA REVOLUCION DE IGUODALA! (Directed by Justin
Lin)-iLa Revolucion de Iguodala! tracks one man's
passionate message as it travels through various forms and
agendas.
LOS VIAJES DE KING TINY (Directed by Maria
Maggenti)-LOS VIAJES DE KING TINY is about a small dog who
takes off by himself while his owner is at work. Set in Los
Angeles, King Tiny travels the city but is confronted by his
own personal demons in the process.
RENO (Directed by Cory McAbee) -A singing cowboy brags
about his travels through Nevada on a Honda 50 to a store
security camera.
All the directors behind these shorts have previously
screened films at the annual Sundance Film Festival in Park
City, Utah. Among the films premiered today is A SLIP IN
TIME, the first film from Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris
since LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, which is nominated for Best
Picture at this year's Oscars.
"When we heard that this was for a true
international audience we really looked back to a time when
film was more international, said Jonathan Dayton and
Valerie Faris. "In the silent era, you were a film
star not in America or in Europe, but worldwide. It was
truly language-free. We thought it would be interesting to
go back to that time when film was more purely
visual."
While mobile phones have previously been used for
distribution of franchised cinematic, 'mobisodes' or user
generated content, the Sundance Film Festival Global Short
Film Project is the first time that the highest calibre of
independent filmmaking talent has directed specifically for
the mobile phone.
The Sundance Film Festival Global Short Film Project is
sponsored by Roamware and NXP Semiconductors, the newly
independent semiconductor company founded by Philips.
Notes for Editors:
How to see the films at the 3GSM World Congress:
Visitors to the 3GSM World Congress: visit The Sundance
Institute stand (C42 Hall 7) in the Mobile Entertainment
Hall, the Roamware stand (D47 Hall 7) and NXP
Semiconductors (B110 Hall 8).
All six filmmakers will be available for interviews at
the Sundance stand at set times throughout the Congress. To
request interviews, please contact
Patrick_hubley@sundance.org
At the close of the 3GSM World Congress: The five films
are being shown exclusively at the GSMA's Congress this week
with wide distribution to mobile audiences beginning
February 15. Visit www.sundance.org/globalshortfilms for
info on how to access these five original shorts for your
mobile phone, and share them with your friends.
For more information, please contact:
Mark Smith
GSM Association
Tel: +1-44-7850-229724
Richard Fogg
GSM Association
Tel: +44-7887-845236
Email: press@gsm.org
Patrick Hubley (at the 3GSM World Congress)
Sundance Institute
Tel: +1-801-971-0353
Email: patrick_hubley@sundance.org
Cynthia Wornham (for US enquiries)
Sundance Institute
Tel: +1-310-360-1981
Email: cynthia_wornham@sundance.org
SOURCE GSMA Development Fund
2007'02.14.Wed
Global Money Transfer Pilot Uses Mobile to Benefit Migrant Workers and the Unbanked
February 12, 2007
- GSMA and MasterCard Piloting a Programme to Make it far
Easier and Cost-Effective to Transfer Remittances Globally
BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The
GSM Association has launched a pilot programme aimed at
tapping the ubiquity and ease-of-use of mobile
communications to enable the world's 200 million
international migrant workers to easily and securely send
remittances to their dependents, many of whom don't have
bank accounts. By exploiting the extensive reach of the
mobile networks, the programme will complement existing
local remittances channels and make transferring money
internationally significantly more affordable.
Spearheaded by a special group of 19 mobile operators
with networks in over 100 countries and representing over
600 million customers, the GSMA believes the programme
could double the number of recipients of international
remittances to more than 1.5 billion, while helping to
quadruple the size of the international remittances market
to more than US$1 trillion by 2012.
To combine the strengths of the mobile and financial
ecosystems, mobile operators are partnering with banks at a
local or regional level, while the GSMA is setting up a
pilot with MasterCard Worldwide, a global payments leader
whose cards and network provide international
authorization, clearing and settlement. The GSMA and
MasterCard, which has a 25,000 member-bank network, plan to
pilot a global hub that will link together national markets
and the local payment systems run by mobile operators in
partnership with those local banks. The hub will enable
migrant workers to trigger international money transfers
using their mobile phone and their families to be notified
via their mobile phones.
"The creation of a global hub will enable the
mobile networks, which now cover more than 80% of the
world's population, to offer the world's burgeoning migrant
population a convenient way to securely and cost-effectively
transfer money to their families back in their home
countries." said Rob Conway, CEO of the GSMA, the
global trade association for mobile operators. "We are
mobilising financial services for the billions of people who
are unbanked and the underbanked."
"In its pivotal role at the heart of commerce,
MasterCard has always been committed to harnessing its
payment card products and advanced technology to help drive
innovation, pioneer new forms of payment and help steer the
future of global commerce," said Roy Dunbar,
President, Global Technology and Operations, MasterCard
Worldwide.
"This pilot provides a unique opportunity to use
our global payments products and platform to help open up
new business opportunities in developing countries. We look
forward to working with local markets and partners to bring
much needed payment and money transfer alternatives to the
vast community of underbanked -- as well as all consumers
wishing to transfer money internationally."
"We believe that this coming together of the
mobile and banking industry is a giant leap in mobile
commerce," added Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman &
Managing Director, Bharti Airtel and Board Member of the
GSM Association. "It will revolutionise the money
transfer industry with its advantages, such as reach, ease
of use, and lower transaction costs and provide immense
benefits to people in developing nations such as
India."
India is both the world's fastest growing mobile
services market and the biggest recipient of overseas
remittances in the world, accounting for around 10% of the
world market.
Mr. O. P. Bhat, Chairman, State Bank of India, India's
largest bank added: "We are happy to partner with the
GSM Association in this landmark project. We piloted a
project in a small Himalayan village of Pithoragarh in
India with Airtel and have seen the tremendous results in
this unbanked village. This project has the potential of
transforming the lives and economies across the
globe."
Smart Communications of the Philippines, another
participant in the programme, plans to launch several pilot
projects in collaboration with mobile phone operators and
banks in Bahrain, Italy and other countries hosting large
Filipino migrant populations.
In Bahrain, Smart will work in partnership with MTC
Vodafone Bahrain and a leading bank in the Middle East.
Through the Smart Services Hub, Filipino migrants and
contract workers can remit funds back to the Philippines
conveniently and affordably using their mobile phones.
Smart also sees the need for a global hub that will be
interoperable with the Smart Services Hub. As part of the
GSMA programme, Smart plans to launch a pilot project with
MasterCard as an authorization, clearing and settlement
partner.
"Aside from lowering costs, we shall provide
Filipinos overseas greater control over the manner in which
their remittances are transmitted and used back home --
enabling them to send funds in the amounts of their choice,
whenever they want, wherever they are," said Napoleon
L. Nazareno, Smart president and CEO.
International remittances, which total more than US$230
billion a year, are already a major source of income for
many developing countries and a very important factor in
their economic development. "The programme will
resonate with governments because it makes the
international payment market more transparent, encourages
financial inclusion, reduces crime and boosts the flow of
hard currency into their countries," added Mr.
Conway.
The GSMA is also working with CGAP (the Consultative
Group to Assist the Poor), a microfinance group housed at
the World Bank, and the U.K. Government's Department for
International Development to conduct a survey of the
regulatory environment in about 20 countries, as a
precursor to discussions with regulators in these countries
about creating the optimum regulatory framework for money
transfer and eventually mobile banking and mobile
commerce.
Through its Development Fund, the GSMA will also work
with mobile operators and financial services companies in
individual countries to develop innovative approaches to
using GSM mobile networks to further extend the role of
mobile technology to deliver greater financial inclusion
and lessen the digital divide.
About the GSM Association: http://www.gsmworld.com
For more information, please contact:
Mark Smith
Tel: +44-78-50-22-97-24
David Pringle
Tel: +44-79-57-55-60-69
GSM Association
Email: press@gsm.org
SOURCE The GSM Association
2007'02.14.Wed
Icera Announces Espresso(TM) Cellular WWAN Minicard Platform
February 12, 2007
* Full multimode support for 3GPP release 5: GSM, GPRS,
EDGE, WCDMA
and HSDPA
* The highest performance HSDPA available today - 3.6Mbps
scalable
to 7.2Mbps
* Full Multi-Band support plus Multi-Band Receive
Diversity
* Based on Icera Livanto(R) ICE8020 wireless soft modem IC
* Adaptive Wireless(TM) soft modem technology
-- Fully supports 3GPP Type 3 advanced receiver
-- Highest performance in real network conditions
* Ready-for-Manufacture, industry standard, PCIe Mini-card
form
factor reference design
* Full software, firmware and certification supported
* Future proof - HSUPA ready with no hardware change
BRISTOL, England, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Icera
Inc. has today announced availability of its Espresso(TM)
Cellular WWAN PCI express Mini-card platform, which
supports the next generation of broadband cellular
integration to laptop PCs. The platform fully supports
3GPP Release 5 multimode HSDPA/EDGE which delivers peak
data-rates of 3.6Mbps and is fully scalable to 7.2Mbps and
HSUPA -- without hardware change.
Nigel Toon, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at
Icera said: "Icera is focusing on the fast emerging
cellular data market and is providing the world's first
optimised Cellular WWAN Mini-card reference platform. This
platform will enable our customers to fully support the next
generation of laptop broadband cellular WWAN requirements.
Icera technology is today delivering the highest HSDPA
performance in real network deployments with a throughput
advantage of up to 2x."
Toon continued: "We are targeting this reference
design at datacard OEM's to support them in producing
embedded Cellular WWAN modules. We have worked closely
with cellular carriers, laptop chipset vendors and laptop
OEM's to provide a comprehensive ready for manufacture
solution, while the reference design can also be used as
the basis for Express Card | 34 and small sized USB Stick
Broadband Cellular peripheral devices."
Built around the Icera Livanto(R) ICE8020 device and
the Icera Adaptive Wireless(TM) HSDPA/EDGE wireless soft
modem solution, the Espresso(TM) platform delivers the
highest performance in multimode 2G / 3G networks.
Espresso(TM) supports a full EDGE Class 12 capability and
is unique in the industry today in offering full support
for 3GPP-defined Type 3 advanced receiver technology which
supports an optimised Receive Diversity in combination with
dual Equalization for the highest throughput in real network
situations.
The Icera solution today supports the higher HSDPA
categories, including 7.2Mbps, and is set to be one of the
first solutions to offer enhanced uplink data rates with
HSUPA. Icera's advantage is that these are software
deliverables and require no hardware changes to implement.
Featuring an optimised bill-of-materials and a complete
ready-for-manufacture solution, with full software, firmware
and certification support, the Icera Espresso(TM) Cellular
WWAN Mini-card platform is set to reshape the cost and ease
the integration of cellular broadband in laptop devices.
About Icera Inc:
Icera is the leader in wireless soft modem devices and
supports mobile terminal and datacard OEMs with the highest
performance HSDPA through a range of platform solutions.
Founded in 2002, Icera is headquartered in the UK, with
design locations in the UK and France and sales offices in
Europe, Japan and USA and representative support in Korea.
For more information, visit the Icera web site at
http://www.icerasemi.com .
Photography available on request.
For more information, please contact:
Sally Doherty
Icera Inc.
Tel: +44-145-428-4800
Email: press@icerasemi.com
SOURCE Icera Inc.
2007'02.14.Wed
Atex, the World's Leading Developer of Software Solutions for the Media Industry, Acquires Mactive
February 12, 2007
READING, England, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Atex (
http://www.atex.com ), the world's leading developer of
software solutions for the media industry, has today
announced that it has acquired Mactive.
Mactive, with 108 employees, provides software
development, sales and support for the newspaper and
magazine publishing industry from offices in Melbourne,
Florida; Irvine, California; Helsingborg, Sweden and Oslo,
Norway.
In 2006 around 70 percent of Mactive's more than $30
million US dollars revenue was derived from the US. The
remainder originated from Scandinavia, with contributions
also from Belgium, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Expected revenue and EBITDA for the year ending December
2006 is $24.5m and $6.1m respectively.
The enlarged Atex, which late last year announced its
agreement to acquire the business assets of Unisys Media, a
part of Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS), will employ around
600 people, serve more than 800 leading print and online
publishing organizations in around 40 countries, and enjoy
global revenues in excess of $120 million US dollars.
John Hawkins, Atex Group CEO commented: "Whilst
the publishing industry is undergoing dramatic
consolidation it makes sense that vendors serving the
industry follow a similar course. We have the desire,
financial backing, management team, and vision to continue
our strategy of consolidation."
Mactive is the developer of AdBase, an integrated
advertising system for planning, advertisement input,
rating, production, page layout and accounts receivable for
the newspaper and magazine publishing industry.
Atex Group Limited is backed by the Norwegian
Investment Company Kistefos AS.
For background information, and photos, please visit:
http://www.atex.com/media .
About Atex:
Atex, with a 30-year history of continuous innovation
and commitment to quality, has more than $500 million USD
worth of software installed worldwide. In addition to its
significant investment in R&D, Atex partners with
world-leading complementary solutions providers, including
IBM Business Consulting Services, to enhance integration
and Web services development.
Headquartered in Reading, UK, Atex delivers
professional, long-term support through a global network of
strategically located regional offices, and may be found on
the Web at: http://www.atex.com .
For more information, please contact:
John Hawkins, CEO
Atex Group Limited
Tel: +44-0118-945-0128
Email: jhawkins@atex.com
SOURCE Atex
2007'02.14.Wed
Gemalto Partners With Agis to Offer Managed Services for Location Based Solutions
February 12, 2007
BARCELONA, Spain, 3GSM World Congress, Feb. 12
/Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO),
a world leader in digital security, today announces its
partnership with Agis Pte Ltd to provide an end-to-end
location-based service solution to mobile
telecommunications operators and content providers. Gemalto
incorporates GprX(TM) technology from Agis into its SIM card
solutions, enabling service providers to deliver
location-based services such as parent-child tracking,
fleet monitoring and lost handset tracking, in a cost
effective manner. These services provide location
predictions of 50 to 100 meters accuracy, even in densely
built-up areas.
The managed services model enables mobile operators and
content providers to offer affordable location-based
services without the need for any significant capital
expenditure. The model integrates Gemalto's dynamic STK
(SIM Tool Kit) solution -- LinqUs Online Service Gateway --
its location tracking engine on SIM cards, and mobile applet
software, with Agis' GprX(TM) location technology. It also
comes with maps of main cities and point of interest
databases. This turn-key model also provides flexible
service levels options, which will give operators
cost-effective control of their service offerings.
"The development of our location-based services
using the SIM was driven by the needs of service providers
to diversify and enrich their mobile offerings. Unlike
network-based solutions deployed by operators themselves,
our services also work even when subscribers roam into
other countries," said Ng Fook Seng, vice president
South Asia telecoms marketing, Gemalto.
Key features of the Gemalto solution with GprX(TM)
include:
- 10 times more accurate than conventional Cell-ID
solutions when
calibrated
- Continuous coverage including in-building and tunnels
when cellular
signals are available
- Low power requirements and minimal impact on phone
battery performance
- No new equipment investments are required for
operators
- Supported by most handsets in the market today
"We are glad to partner with Gemalto -- one of the
world's leading companies in digital security -- and to tap
on its extensive capabilities in SIM technologies, as well
as its understanding of operators' business to bring this
best-of-breed solution to the market," said Sunny Lim,
chief executive officer of Agis. "We are confident that
our partnership will greatly support operators' efforts to
bring a richer mobile experience to their
subscribers."
The Gemalto solution, already available, will initially
be rolled out for operators in Asia.
A demonstration of the location-based services is
carried out at the Gemalto stand: 8A102, Hall 8.
About Gemalto
Gemalto (Euronext NL 0000400653 GTO) is a leader in
digital security with pro forma 2006 annual revenues of
EUR1.7 billion, operations in about 100 countries and over
10,000 employees including 1,500 R&D engineers.
In a world where the digital revolution is increasingly
transforming our lives, Gemalto's solutions are designed to
make personal digital interactions more convenient, secure
and enjoyable.
Gemalto provides end-to-end digital security solutions,
from the development of software applications through design
and production of secure personal devices such as smart
cards, SIMs, e-passports, and tokens to the management of
deployment services for its customers.
More than a billion people worldwide use the company's
products and services for telecommunications, financial
services, e-government, identity management, multimedia
content, digital rights management, IT security, mass
transit and many other applications.
As the use of Gemalto's software and secure devices
increases with the number of people interacting in the
digital and wireless world, the company is poised to thrive
over the coming years.
Gemalto was formed in June 2006 by the combination of
Axalto and Gemplus.
For more information please visit
http://www.gemalto.com
About Agis
AGIS is an acknowledged leader in the area of mobile
location technologies and geographic information systems
(GIS). Founded in Singapore in 2000, it independently
developed GprX(TM), the revolutionary, high-accuracy
location technology for 3G/GSM mobile devices. With an
amazing accuracy that is 3 to 10 times higher than the
standard Cell-ID solutions, GprX(TM) is the world's first
zero hardware, zero cost technology that brings affordable,
accurate and dependable location-services to the mobile
market.
AGIS' NAVFone street directory & navigation
solution for mobile devices was exclusively selected by
Nokia to be used on the new N95, which features the first
integrated GPS for Nokia devices. AGIS was also the only
Asian finalist for the Nokia Symbian Challenge in 2006. And
in 2006, its unique GprX(TM) technology was nominated by
Gartner as one of the most exciting new technologies from
Asia.
AGIS offers a wide range of location solutions for both
consumers and enterprise clients. Its NAVFone suite of
mobile software (with GprX(TM)) is widely used on
smartphones from Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, O2 and others. In
the navigation market, the NAVFDrive solution is integrated
with Personal Navigation Devices (PNDs) by Packard Bell and
Siemens VDO as well as in-vehicle devices of an
international car manufacturer.
For more information, please conatct:
Gemalto TBWA\Corporate
Emmanuelle Saby
Tel: +33-1-55-01-57-27
Mobile: +33-6-09-10-76-10
Email: emmanuelle.saby@gemalto.com
Maxence Naouri
Tel: +33-1-49-09-26-95
Mobile: +33-6-82-78-00-53
Email: maxence.naouri@tbwa-corporate.com
Aline Borne
Tel: +33-1-55-01-51-05
Mobile: +33-6-16-29-87-04
Email: aline.borne@gemalto.com
SOURCE Gemalto
2007'02.14.Wed
CELL Co. Ltd, Early Adopter of Adobe's Flash(R)Lite(TM) Technology, Debuts at 3GSM
February 12, 2007
Hot Japanese Mobile Content and Network Solution Developer
Finds Worldwide Demand
BARCELONA, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- CELL Co. Ltd,
the leading developer of Flash(R) Lite(TM) mobile content in
Japan, is showing a selection of its cutting-edge casual
games and interactive wallpaper content as part of its
debut appearance at 3GSM 2007. CELL games represent some of
the newest content now available from Atom Entertainment and
soon to be available on Nokia N76 handsets. These licensing
agreements represent the first opportunity for consumers
outside Japan to experience CELL's fun and engaging mobile
games. CELL demo stations will be located in both the Adobe
and Nokia booths.
(Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061031/SFTU033LOGO )
"We are excited to be in Barcelona this
year," said Yoshichika Sakamoto, CTO and Co-Founder of
CELL. "Our goal is for consumers around the world to
enjoy our mobile Flash games, ringtones and interactive
wallpapers. 3GSM offers us an opportunity to showcase our
cool content for a wide range of people in the mobile
industry from almost every geography."
CELL owns the largest library of original
Flash(R)Lite(TM)-based content with 450 games and 40,000
ringtones. Featuring 3D graphics and sound, simple
one-button play and the option to log high scores online,
CELL's casual games such as Fish Feeder and Commando Jump,
are considered some of the most popular in Japan.
Additionally, all CELL games are less than 100K in file
size, making them fast and easy to download.
CELL also provides technology, tools and content to
help network operators support more sophisticated mobile
commerce sites and generate higher ARPU. In addition to
running content services with more than six million mobile
content subscribers, CELL provides technology and manages
the Flash-based UI for NTTDoCoMo's i-mode service with
almost 30 million subscribers.
CELL technology is also the backbone for Mobage-town
(Mobile Game Town DeNA Co., Ltd
http://www.dena.ne.jp/en/work/mobile.html#mbg ), Japan's
fastest growing gaming and social networking site.
Mobage-town offers a wide range of free online games and is
distinctive for its wide variety of social networking
functions. The subscriber base for Mobage-town has grown to
almost three million users in less than 12 months.
New Licensing Agreements Expand Reach Outside Japan
CELL announced two licensing agreements in the last
three months that expands its market reach to the US and
APAC. In October 2006, CELL announced it has licensed a
selection of games to Atom Entertainment. As a result,
Shockwave.com distributes CELL games through its live
Shockwave(R)Minis service (
http://www.shockwave.com/mobile/minis.jsp ) available to
Verizon Wireless customers on select Get It Now(R)-enabled
phones. In January 2007, CELL announced Nokia licensed
selected game titles for its Nokia Nseries devices,
starting with the new N76 multimedia computer for the APAC
region. CELL will also provide additional mini games
through the Nokia Content Discoverer application, allowing
customers easy access to downloadable content through a
collection of shopping "mall" stores on their
mobile device.
About CELL
Founded in 2001, CELL Co. Ltd http://www.cell-net.jp is
the leading developer of mobile entertainment and commerce
sites based on Adobe Flash(R) Lite(TM) technology in Japan.
With more than 450 titles, 40,000 ringtones and other video
content, the company has produced the largest library of
Flash(R) Lite(TM)-based mobile entertainment. CELL's
creative and technical expertise in delivering engaging
experiences, building communities, and developing
compelling commerce solutions positions the company to be a
major player in the worldwide market as more carriers and
handset manufacturers adopt Flash(R) Lite(TM) technology to
deliver richer mobile experiences to their customers.
For more information, please contact:
United States
Pam Kahl
Verbal800 Communications
Mobile: +1-503-706-0259
Office: +1-503-284-1534
Email: pam.kahl@verbal800.com
Tokyo
Yoshie Aono
PR Group,
CELL Co. Ltd.
Tel: +81-3-3263-3315
Fax: +81-3-3263-3316
Email: info@cell-net.jp
SOURCE CELL Co. Ltd
2007'02.14.Wed
The9 Limited Obtains Exclusive License to Operate Huxley in Mainland China
February 12, 2007
SHANGHAI, China, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The9
Limited
(Nasdaq: NCTY)("The9"), a leading online game
operator in China, announced today that it has, through its
wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into an agreement with
Webzen Inc. ("Webzen"), an online game developer
and publisher in Korea, for an exclusive license to operate
Huxley, a massively multiplayer online first-person shooting
game ("MMOFPS") in mainland China. The term of
the license is for three years from the date of commercial
launch of the game in mainland China. Under the agreement,
The9 has agreed, among others, to pay installation and
license fees, as well as running royalties with minimum
payment guarantees if certain operational results are
achieved.
Developed by Webzen, Huxley delivers the excitement and
rich game-play experience of an MMORPG with a focus on first
person shorting ("FPS") features. The game
enables players to communicate with each other in a virtual
online world, and participate in side battles with the
intuitive player vs. player system. Huxley goes beyond the
traditional death match FPS game-play by challenging players
to adapt new forms of combat to protect the interests of its
team, and requires players to strategize and to cooperate to
achieve victory. The game also boasts advanced artificial
intelligence that rivals other online games. In addition,
the characters in Huxley are continuously growing, which is
rare in FPS games. Players are able to enhance their own
combat styles by obtaining scarce weapons and new skills,
which in turn cause players to adopt different game-play
styles as they progress.
Mr. Jun Zhu, The9's Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, commented: "We are very pleased that The9
obtained, in addition to Soul of The Ultimate Nation(TM),
another exclusive license to operate a high-caliber game
from Webzen in mainland China. The FPS style game is one
of the key genres of online games. With unique game
features and a clear-cut FPS focus, we believe Huxley has
much prospects for the Chinese online game market, and will
further enhance and diversify The9's game portfolio. The9
and Webzen have established a long-term partnership since
we started cooperating in connection with the MU(R) game
five years ago. We are confident that The9's operational
capabilities, combined with Webzen's expertise as a leading
game developer, will result in Huxley's becoming a
successful game in mainland China."
About The9 Limited
The9 Limited is a leading online game operator in
China. The9's business is primarily focused on operating
and developing MMORPGs for the Chinese online game players
market. The9 directly or through affiliates operates
licensed MMORPGs, consisting of MU(R), Mystina Online,
Blizzard Entertainment(R)'s World of Warcraft(R), and its
first proprietary MMORPG, Joyful Journey West(TM), in
China. It has also obtained exclusive licenses to operate
additional MMORPGs in China, including Granado Espada, Soul
of The Ultimate Nation(TM), Guild Wars, Hellgate: London,
Ragnarok Online 2, Emil Chronicle Online and Huxley. In
addition, The9 is also working on the development of a 3D
fantasy MMORPG game, Fantasy Melody Online(TM).
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements.
These statements are made under the "safe harbor"
provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be
identified by terminology such as "will,"
"expects," "anticipates,"
"future,"
"intends," "plans,"
"believes," "estimates" and similar
statements. Among other things, the business outlook and
quotations from management in this press release contain
forward-looking statements. The9 may also make written or
oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 20-F
and 6-K, etc., in its annual report to shareholders, in
press releases and other written materials and in oral
statements made by its officers, directors or employees to
third parties. Statements that are not historical facts,
including statements about The9's beliefs and expectations,
are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of
important factors could cause actual results to differ
materially from those contained in any forward-looking
statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but
are not limited to, The9's limited operating history as an
online game operator, political and economic policies of
the Chinese government, the laws and regulations governing
the online game industry, information disseminated over the
Internet and Internet content providers in China,
intensified government regulation of Internet cafes, The9's
ability to retain existing players and attract new players,
license, develop or acquire additional online games that
are appealing to users, anticipate and adapt to changing
consumer preferences and respond to competitive market
conditions, and other risks and uncertainties outlined in
The9's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, including its annual reports on Form 20-F.
The9 does not undertake any obligation to update any
forward-looking statement, except as required under
applicable law.
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Dahlia Wei
Senior Manager, Investor Relations
The9 Limited
Tel: +86-21-5172-9990
Email: IR@corp.the9.com
Web: http://www.corp.the9.com/
SOURCE The9 Limited
2007'02.14.Wed
Platts Survey: OPEC Oil Output Falls in January, But Above Target
February 12, 2007
LONDON, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Platts -- The 10
OPEC members bound by the cartel's output agreements
produced an average 26.95 million barrels per day (b/d) in
January, down 50,000 b/d from December's 27 million b/d,
but still well above the group's November 2006 and February
2007 targets, a Platts survey showed February 9.
Total OPEC output, including volumes from Iraq and new
member Angola, averaged 30.11 million b/d in January, 1.21
million b/d higher than December's 28.9 million b/d, the
survey showed. Iraq does not participate in OPEC output
agreements, while Angola, whose membership of the cartel is
just over a month old, has yet to accept or be allocated any
output target.
The survey showed that the so-called OPEC-10 in January
were still 650,000 b/d above their 26.3 million b/d target
output level which came into effect on November 1, 2006.
This target was superseded on February 1, 2007 by a new,
lower output target of 25.8 million b/d following OPEC's
mid-December decision to expand the 1.2 million b/d
production cut agreed in October to 1.7 million b/d.
"OPEC's output has not declined much from what it
was in December, but from OPEC's perspective, that's
OK," says John Kingston, Platts global director of
oil. "Firm prices near $60 mean the group's current
production levels are not excessive relative to
demand."
But the second quarter looms, and that is traditionally
the weakest demand quarter, he cautions. "If OPEC wants
to defend current prices near $60 it may prove difficult to
do if the group's production levels stay just under 27
million barrels per day. Most other projections see the
market's need for OPEC oil in the second quarter to be less
than that."
Output decreases totaling 70,000 b/d from Algeria,
Libya, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela were partly offset by a
20,000 increase in Nigerian production, which edged up to
2.25 million b/d from 2.23 million b/d.
Iraqi volumes were sharply down in January, partly as a
result of the main Gulf export terminal at al-Basrah being
closed for three days to install refurbished measuring
meters. Bad weather also took its toll on exports.
The survey estimated Angolan production at 1.5 million
b/d. Angolan production has been rising steadily in recent
years. Oil minister Desiderio da Graca Verissimo e Costa
said in December that Angola was aiming to achieve crude
production of 2 million b/d by mid-2007, several months
earlier than previously targeted.
Country January December November October
September Nov 1 cut
Algeria 1.340 1.350 1.350 1.370
1.360 0.059
Indonesia 0.860 0.860 0.860 0.860
0.860 0.039
Iran 3.850 3.850 3.850 3.900
3.950 0.176
Kuwait 2.460 2.460 2.460 2.530
2.540 0.100
Libya 1.690 1.700 1.710 1.730
1.720 0.072
Nigeria 2.250 2.230 2.230 2.300
2.300 0.100
Qatar 0.800 0.800 0.800 0.830
0.830 0.035
Saudi Arabia 8.750 8.790 8.800 9.070
9.100 0.380
UAE 2.500 2.500 2.550 2.600
2.600 0.101
Venezuela 2.450 2.460 2.460 2.540
2.550 0.138
OPEC-10 26.950 27.000 27.070 27.730
27.810 1.200
Angola 1.500 N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A
Iraq 1.660 1.900 1.990 2.020
2.140 N/A
Total 30.110 28.900 29.060 29.750
29.950 1.200
About Platts:
Platts, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:
MHP), is a leading global provider of energy and metals
information. With nearly a century of business experience,
Platts serves customers across more than 150 countries.
From 14 offices worldwide, Platts serves the oil, natural
gas, electricity, nuclear power, coal, petrochemical and
metals markets. Platts' real time news, pricing, analytical
services, and conferences help markets operate with
transparency and efficiency. Traders, risk managers,
analysts, and industry leaders depend upon Platts to help
them make better trading and investment decisions.
Additional information is available at
http://www.platts.com .
About The McGraw-Hill Companies:
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP)
is a leading global information services provider meeting
worldwide needs in the financial services, education and
business information markets through leading brands such as
Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek
and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more
than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2006 were $6.3
billion. Additional information is available at
http://www.mcgraw-hill.com .
For more information, please contact:
Kathleen Tanzy
Tel: +1-212-904-2860
Europe: Shiona Ramage
Tel: +44-207-1766153
Asia: Casey Yew
Tel: +65-653-06552
SOURCE Platts
2007'02.14.Wed
Ashland Introduces Mobile Water Analysis System in China
February 12, 2007
SHANGHAI, China, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Water
used for cooling systems and various processes in the power
industry, steel mills and petrochemical plants must be
properly treated to prevent equipment fouling and
corrosion. Ashland (Nanjing) Chemical Company (ANCC) is
literally bringing better water treatment technologies to
manufacturing sites in China, by introducing a new mobile
water monitoring system. ANCC is a business unit of Drew
Industrial, a business group of Ashland Water Technologies,
a division of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH).
Housed inside a truck, ANCC's new mobile PULSE(TM) II
water fouling monitor technology connects to a
manufacturer's cooling water system and evaluates equipment
fouling potential and other key performance indicators.
"With this technology we can better optimize water
treatment programs for our customers," said Zhou Qing,
general manager, ANCC. "The PULSE II analyzer truck is
also equipped with additional monitoring equipment to
provide customers with other valuable water quality
information. Because quality water is scarce and becoming
more expensive in China, customers using the PULSE II
technology can improve water conservation and reduce
cost."
People interested in learning more about Ashland's new
mobile PULSE II water monitoring system can contact Zhou
Qing at +86 (25) 8580 4105 ext. 801.
Ashland Nanjing Chemical Company produces water
management solutions for industrial water users in China.
Its products, services and technical support assist
customers in reducing overall operational costs by helping
them conserve water resources and comply with environmental
regulations.
Drew Industrial, a business group of Ashland Water
Technologies, is a major supplier of specialty products and
services for the paint and coatings, industrial water
treatment, commercial and institutional water treatment,
wastewater treatment, pulp and paper processing and mining
markets.
Ashland Water Technologies, a division of Ashland Inc.,
is a leading supplier of chemical and non-chemical water
treatment solutions for industrial, municipal and
commercial facilities. It provides industrial, commercial
and institutional water treatments, wastewater treatment,
pathogen control, paint and coating additives, pulp and
paper processing and mining chemistries. In addition, it
also provides boiler and cooling water treatments, fuel
treatments, welding, refrigeration and sealing products;
and fire fighting, safety and rescue products and services
for the merchant marine industry.
Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), a diversified, global
chemical company, provides quality products, services and
solutions to customers in more than 100 countries. A
FORTUNE 500 company, it operates through four wholly owned
divisions: Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland
Distribution, Valvoline and Ashland Water Technologies. To
learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.
FORTUNE 500 is a registered trademark of Time Inc.
(TM) Trademark, Ashland
For more information, please contact:
Helen (Bei) Pei
Ashland Inc.
Tel: +86-21-2402-4863
Email: bpei@ashland.com
Ken Gordon
Ashland Inc.
Tel: +1-614-790-1832
Email: kdgordon@ashland.com
SOURCE Ashland Inc.
2007'02.14.Wed
JBlend(TM) supports Texas Instruments OMAP3430 in TI Booth at 3GSM World Congress 2007
February 12, 2007
BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Aplix
Corporation (TSE: 3727) announced today that the company's
JBlend(TM) Java(TM) platform supports the new OMAP3430
multimedia application processor from Texas Instruments
Incorporated (TI). As the first product in TI's OMAP(TM) 3
processor family, the OMAP3430 elevates the 3G mobile phone
into a personal and professional tool that allows customers
to integrate work and entertainment into one device.
JBlend's leading support for TI's new processor was
realized through the joint efforts of TI and Aplix.
The OMAP3430 is the first device that uses ARM(R)
Cortex-A8(TM) superscalar microprocessor core that supports
Jazelle RCT (Runtime Compiler Target). JBlend utilizes the
underlying processor technologies to improve the overall
memory footprint and performance, making it one of the most
optimized Java solutions for the OMAP platform. Based on
Symbian 9.2 OS, the "JBlend-on-OMAP3430"
demonstration will be exhibited in TI's booth #8A84 at 3GSM
World Congress 2007.
"Our customers are increasingly demanding enhanced
performance of Java applications on mobile phones,"
said Wesley Kuo, the president and Chief Strategy Officer
of Aplix Corporation. "Our collaborative relationship
with TI enables us to integrate the cutting-edge features of
JBlend with TI's OMAP platforms."
"We are pleased to work with Aplix to run JBlend
on the OMAP3430 processor to deliver high performance
multimedia applications for 3G mobile phones," said
Markus Tremmel, worldwide manager of Texas Instruments
Cellular Systems Ecosystem. "TI's high-performance
and low-power consumption OMAP processors enable
manufacturers to bring to market new, multimedia-rich
handheld devices to meet consumer demand."
About TI's OMAP Developer Network
Aplix is a member of TI's OMAP(TM) Developer Network, a
group of leading software developers porting advanced
applications to TI's high performance, power-efficient OMAP
processors. Handset manufacturers adopting OMAP devices
enjoy the rapid deployment of compelling wireless
applications -- including streaming audio and video,
multimedia messaging, gaming, security, speech recognition,
location based services and mobile commerce -- across all
leading operating systems. Systems level integration
services are also provided worldwide by independent OMAP
Technology Centers. The OMAP platform has been selected by
leading manufacturers, such as Nokia, Palm, NEC, Fujitsu, LG
Electronics, Hewlett-Packard, Sendo, HTC and many more, for
their 2.5 and 3G wireless devices. For more information,
please visit http://www.ti.com/omap .
About Aplix Corporation
Aplix Corporation is the global leader in deploying
Java technology in mobile phones. Aplix was first
established in 1986 and has been a Sun Java (TM) licensee
since 1996. Aplix was publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock
Exchange (Mothers) in 2003. On August 24, 2004 Aplix and
the Taiwan based company iaSolution finalized the
integration of the corporations.
Headquarters: Tokyo
Other offices: San Francisco, Munich, Taipei, Shanghai,
Beijing, Seongnam, Seoul, Yokosuka, and Okinawa
For more information, please visit:
http://www.aplixcorp.com/ and http://www.iasolution.net/
About the JBlend(TM) Platform
The JBlend platform is the de facto solution for
running Java applications and services in consumer
electronics devices, including mobile phones. The platform
has been licensed by over 50 companies as of December 2005.
JBlend technology:
Sets the pace by maintaining market leadership through
innovation. Has proven results, enabling first-to-market
deliveries for our customers. Over 267 million mobile
phones and consumer electronics devices have been shipped
with JBlend as of September 2006.
* JBlend and all related trademarks thereto are
trademarks or
registered trademarks of Aplix Corporation in Japan
and
other countries.
* Java and all other Java-based marks are trademarks
or
registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in
the
United States and other countries.
* OMAP is a trademark of Texas Instruments.
* All other product or service names mentioned herein
are the
trademarks of their respective owners.
For more information, please contact:
Aplix Corporation
Maggie Zhang
Tel: +86-10-5869-5837 ext.206
Email: maggie@aplixcorp.com
Website: http://www.aplixcorp.com
SOURCE Aplix Corporation
2007'02.14.Wed
Chipnuts and NXP Collaborate to Launch NX200 GSM/GPRS Smartphone Platform
February 12, 2007
Complete Smartphone Solution Based on NXP's Proven GSM/GPRS
Nexperia Cellular System Solution and Chipnuts' Latest
Multimedia Application Processor and SmartNX Mobile(TM)
Software
BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- During
the 3GSM Conference, Chipnuts Technology (Shanghai) Inc., a
leading provider of mobile phone platforms and advanced
multimedia application processors in China, announced a
collaboration with NXP Semiconductors, the newly
independent semiconductor company founded by Philips, to
launch Chipnuts' latest NX200 smartphone platform based on
its application processor and SmartNX Mobile(TM) Software.
The new Chipnuts GSM/GPRS smartphone platform enables
enhanced multimedia, connectivity and feature-rich
applications on mobile devices, such as user interface
customization and IP TV among others, providing an overall
improved user experience cost-effectively.
The platform is based on the NXP Nexperia(TM) cellular
system solution 5110 for low cost. Built around NXP's
GSM/GPRS chipset, Chipnuts has developed a low-power, high
performance NX200 smartphone platform featuring Chipnuts'
latest advanced multimedia application processor. This
smartphone total platform solution is available now.
"With the continued convergence of PC and consumer
applications, the growing hunger for multimedia,
connectivity and personal management on a mobile device is
driving rapid growth in smartphone demand," said
Adrian Chu, VP of China Sales & Regional Marketing for
mobile and personal business unit, NXP Semiconductors.
"However, current smartphones are positioned as high
price, high-end mobile devices. Chipnuts broke this
barrier with the introduction of their NX200 platform.
With growing EDGE/3G deployments throughout the world,
especially EDGE in China, this competitive flexible
platform also offers an easy migration path to address this
next-generation market."
"While today's smartphones offer flexibility and
attractive applications, their relatively high price has so
far prevented mass adoption. Our key motivation behind this
platform is to bring smartphone capabilities to the hands of
mainstream users by taking the economics to very attractive
levels," said David Hu, CEO of Chipnuts. "NXP's
Nexperia cellular system solution 5110 for low cost is well
known for its stability, reliability, and ultra-low power
consumption. The combination of NXP chipset with Chipnuts'
C7280 application processor and SmartNX Mobile(TM) operating
system not only enables our customers to develop highly
differentiated and price-competitive products but also
significantly reduces time to market and future maintenance
and support costs. We are delighted to have the opportunity
to partner with NXP."
The NX200 platform is the latest innovation from
Chipnuts. It incorporates NXP's Nexperia(TM) cellular
system solution 5110 chipset, Chipnuts' C7280 application
processor and SmartNX Mobile(TM) complete mobile phone and
application software suite, all working seamlessly in a
system optimized to support all smartphone requirements.
In addition to supporting reliable GSM/GPRS communication
and advanced multimedia requirements, this platform also
allows end users to personalize their phones by customizing
interfaces and function accesses, install and run
third-party software in real-time with an open system
platform, synchronize data with PC, and obtain BT profiles
with A2DP and data transmission. In addition, the platform
supports such high-end features, like super hiding, secrecy,
position location and PDA functionalities.
About Chipnuts
Headquartered in Shanghai, China, Chipnuts is a leading
platform provider with advanced multimedia SoCs and total
software solution that enable fast and cost-effective
development of handheld consumer electronic products. Our
industry-leading Solution-on-Chip(TM) smartphone platform
combines our highly-integrated multi-core application
processor with market proven SmartNX Mobile(TM) software
suite of mobile middleware, framework, and applications,
offer the quickest and most flexible way to bring unique
2.5-3.75G products to the market.
`
A winner of the 2006 Red Herring Asia 100 Award,
Chipnuts has become one of the fastest growing and
most-respected private high-tech firms in Asia. Our C626
multimedia SoC was voted a Leading Product in the 2006 EDN
China Innovation Award Program. ISO19001:2000 certified,
Chipnuts' products and solutions have been used by many
design houses and brand manufacturers who need to deliver
the most differentiated products at competitive prices
within
tight schedules. Visit us at http://www.chipnuts.com .
For more information, please contact:
Leo Wang, Marketing Dept. of Chipnuts
Tel: +86-21-5102-8168 x8725
Email: info@chipnuts.com
SOURCE Chipnuts
2007'02.14.Wed
Wyeth Applauds Governments' Decision to Fund Pneumococcal Vaccine
February 12, 2007
COLLEGEVILLE, Pa., Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Wyeth
Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE), welcomes
the decision by donor countries to focus on the importance
of pneumococcal disease and to launch a pilot Advanced
Market Commitment, which will help to bring the
pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to developing countries.
"This financial pledge brings much needed
attention to the global burden of pneumococcal
disease," says Bernard Poussot, President, Chief
Operating Officer and Vice Chairman, Wyeth. "We join
the International Federation of Pharmaceutical
Manufacturers and Associations and the global community in
commending the donor countries, and look forward to
cooperating with international partners with the goal of
helping to protect children in developing countries against
the potentially devastating consequences of pneumococcal
disease."
Wyeth is committed to helping to protect infants and
young children against pneumococcal disease and currently
markets the only pneumococcal conjugate vaccine,
PREVENAR(TM), Pneumococcal Saccharide Conjugated Vaccine,
Adsorbed, which has been incorporated into many childhood
immunization programs around the world and has had a
significant public health impact.
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic
Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE), advocated for priority
inclusion of PREVENAR in national immunization programs
around the world. SAGE recommended that the vaccine be
incorporated into immunization programs now, in view of the
demonstrated vaccine efficacy and high disease burden, to
help substantially reduce mortality and morbidity.
In addition, Wyeth is now developing a 13-valent
pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that targets additional
serotypes. This investigational vaccine is currently
undergoing clinical development and would potentially offer
broader coverage against pneumococcal disease.
About Pneumococcal Disease
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium S.
pneumoniae, and describes a group of illnesses, including
bacteremia/sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia and otitis media.
Pneumococcal disease affects both children and adults and is
a major cause of death and illness worldwide. The WHO
estimates that pneumococcal disease results in up to one
million deaths each year in children less than 5 years of
age worldwide. Further, according to WHO, pneumococcal
disease is the number one vaccine-preventable cause of
death in children less than 5 years of age worldwide.
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth, has leading
products in the areas of women's health care, infectious
disease, gastrointestinal health, central nervous system,
inflammation, transplantation, hemophilia, oncology,
vaccines and nutritional products.
Wyeth is one of the world's largest research-driven
pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a
leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing and
marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology
products and non-prescription medicines that improve the
quality of life for people worldwide. The Company's major
divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth Consumer
Healthcare and Fort Dodge Animal Health.
The statements in this press release that are not
historical facts are forward-looking statements based on
current expectations of future events and are subject to
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
statements. These risks and uncertainties include risks
associated with the inherent uncertainty of the timing and
success of product research, development and
commercialization (including with respect to our pipeline
products), drug pricing and payment for our products by
government and third party-payors, manufacturing, data
generated on the safety and efficacy of our products,
economic conditions including interest and currency
exchange rate fluctuations, changes in generally accepted
accounting principles, the impact of competitive or generic
products, trade buying patterns, global business operations,
product liability and other types of litigation, the impact
of legislation and regulatory compliance, intellectual
property rights, strategic relationships with third
parties, environmental liabilities, and other risks and
uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time
in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, including our current reports on Form
8-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual report on
Form 10-K, particularly the discussion under the caption
"Item 1A, Risk Factors." We assume no obligation
to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether
as a result of new information, future developments or
otherwise.
For more information, please contact:
Natalie de Vane
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
Tel: +1-484-865-5139
Valerie Bomberger
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
Tel: +1-484-865-4188
Investor Contact:
Justin Victoria, Wyeth
Tel: +1-973-660-5340
SOURCE Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
2007'02.14.Wed
International Business Must Act Now To Save Measurement Flexibility, Warns BWMA
February 12, 2007
LONDON, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Asian and
Australasian businesses need to know that the display of
US, British imperial and industry-specific measurements
alongside metric could be illegal in the European Union in
less than three year's time.
BWMA (British Weights and Measures Association) is
concerned that many international businesses are not aware
of this situation, or of a current consultation by the
European Commission that closes in three week's time asking
for business views on the issue.
At the moment, businesses operating in the European
Union have the option of showing US or imperial alongside
metric for all economic purposes (such as on product
packaging, websites, catalogues, etc). Under EC Directive
80/181, however, extra measurement information will be
illegal within the EU from 1 January 2010.
If the ban on US and other measurements alongside
metric goes ahead, Asian and Australasian industry will be
forced to duplicate manufacturing processes when selling
goods both in Europe and internationally, since they will
no longer be able to use one process for both metric and
non-metric markets.
According to BWMA Director John Gardner, "A ban on
US and British units does not only affect UK and US business
-- businesses from other parts of the world are also
affected since they rely on these measurements in the
global marketplace, particularly the USA, and for
traditional industries".
The ban will apply to all products, packaging,
advertisements, instructions, brochures, magazines, books,
e-commerce, internet sites, internal business processes,
catalogues, etc. No industry is exempt from the ban.
The European Commission consultation closes in three
weeks, on 1 March 2007. Businesses and other interested
agencies should respond via its email box:
entr-metrology@ec.europa.eu
Link to the EC consultation:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/prepack/unitmeas/uni_ms_en.htm
BWMA's October 2006 newsletter
http://www.bwmaonline.com/Yardstick%2028%20-%20October%202006.doc
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Metric Directive is intended to require metric
units of measurement to be used in all aspects of life in
the European Union. The use of a uniform system of
measurement units is considered by the European Commission
essential for the purposes of public health, safety, and
trade.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. John Gardner
BWMA Director
Email: BWMA@Email.com or BWMA@hotmail.co.uk
Mr Vivian Linacre, President BWMA
Fax: +44-1738-783936
Email: vtlinacre@yahoo.co.uk
issuer of press release
David Delaney, BWMA PRO
Tel: +44-1544-267197
British Weights & Measures Association
Tel: +44-20-8922-0089 (24 hr answering m/c)
SOURCE British Weights and Measures Association
2007'02.14.Wed
StemCore is First Independent Review Board Specializing in Stem Cell Research Protocols
February 12, 2007
WELLESLEY, Mass., Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- In
response to the rapidly evolving field of stem cell
research, this month's launch of StemCore marks the
establishment of the first independent ethical review board
focusing exclusively on stem cell research. StemCore will
function as both a Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee
(SCRO), as described in several sets of voluntary
guidelines for such research, and as an Institutional
Review Board (IRB), as required by regulations governing
human subjects research. The StemCore board consists of
highly qualified members with significant experience and
expertise in molecular biology, genetics, clinical care,
ethics, law, policy, clinical research, and the regulatory
aspects of basic and clinical research. This combined
review eliminates delays, reduces administrative burden,
avoids communication problems among boards, and facilitates
a streamlined, consistent review of all issues relevant to
conducting stem cell research. "It is critical that
research in this emerging area of science proceeds as
quickly as possible and is subject to independent oversight
to ensure ethical and regulatory compliance," said
Kathi Hanna, StemCore Co-Chair.
Through its validation process, StemCore can ensure
investigators and institutions that the cell lines they are
importing or exporting for use in research projects meet all
ethical, regulatory, and legal requirements. Moreover,
StemCore will create and preserve an electronic dossier of
regulatory and supporting documents that verify a cell
line's provenance and integrity, which will prove critical
in agency approval of breakthrough therapies. "One of
the biggest hurdles in the early stages of this research is
validating that existing cell lines were procured ethically
and consistent with applicable regulations," said
Hanna. "StemCore offers a valuable service in
facilitating the validation process for each cell line in
question."
As an independent SCRO/IRB, StemCore's mission is to
facilitate the conduct of scientifically and ethically
sound research with no conflicts of interest concerning the
validity of cell lines or the review of research protocols.
About StemCore: StemCore is an independent Stem Cell
Research Oversight Committee and duly constituted
Institutional Review Board. StemCore was established to
conduct streamlined "one-stop" seamless review of
stem cell research protocols. The company focuses on the
review of research involving stem cells, validation of the
provenance of embryonic stem cells, and review of protocols
testing cell-based therapies. For more information, contact
StemCore at 866-789-5587 or visit http://www.stemcore.org .
For more information, please contact:
Carol Saunders
StemCore
Tel: +1-781-239-9905
SOURCE StemCore
2007'02.14.Wed
Actix Appoints Amdocs Sales Supremo as New CEO
February 12, 2007
-- Alex Hawker Joins Actix to Lead Global Growth
BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Actix,
the recognized global leader for systems that enhance mobile
network customer experience while reducing the total cost of
ownership, today announced the appointment of Alex Hawker as
Chief Executive Officer. Hawker joins Actix from Amdocs
where he was responsible for global sales. The appointment
completes a planned transition from founder CEO Rob Dobson,
who will continue to serve as a non-executive director.
Prior to joining Actix, Hawker was a senior executive
at Amdocs, a major company in the telecoms OSS space with
US$2.48 billion in annual sales, 16,000 employees and an
annual growth of 18% per year. Most recently he served as
Amdocs' Corporate VP and General Manager of Global Sales,
managing both the sales and operations teams. Hawker was
intimately involved with Amdocs' five major acquisitions in
the last 18 months, ran the Amdocs Clarify CRM business unit
and has previously held senior management positions at
companies that include Openwave and HP, where he was
responsible for over US$2 billion of annual sales to HP's
largest carrier customers. He is also a visiting lecturer
on Telecommunications and Media at the Oxford University's
Said Business School.
"When we began the search for a permanent CEO, we
decided very early on that we needed someone who not only
knows the industry and how to develop a global sales
operation, but also someone who could build upon Actix'
existing position as the recognized leader in its market to
create a uniquely valuable presence in the telecoms
industry," said Rob Dobson, founder and outgoing CEO.
"At Amdocs, Alex established himself as the company's
`acquisitor general' leading five major acquisitions, and
no-one knows better than him how to pick a winner and carry
out due diligence before making a commitment. We are
delighted to have secured Alex as Actix' new CEO and
pleased at the confidence he has shown in the potential of
the business and the quality of our team."
Alex Hawker, CEO, Actix commented: "There are some
companies in the world that are successful in their niche,
and there are some that successfully elevate themselves to
become leaders in their industry. As the recognized leader
in the mobile OSS software space, with a customer base that
includes over 200 of the world's most sophisticated wireless
carriers -- including 9 out of every 10 of the world's 3G
networks -- Actix is already firmly placed at the heart of
the wireless industry. I am excited by the challenge of
taking this robust, profitable business to the next stage
of its growth and looking forward immensely to working
together with the Actix team to achieve our goals."
About Actix
With new networks such as HSPA launching and operators
trying to extract every last bit of value out of their
existing networks, optimising their RF assets is a central
priority for operators. UK-based Actix helps wireless
carriers enhance revenue growth and improve operating
margins by delivering intelligent, automated network
optimisation and performance engineering systems. Actix
solutions feature embedded wireless expertise, automating
key processes and enabling very significant efficiencies in
the deployment and operation of carriers' networks. Over
5,000 engineers from more than 200 operators globally --
including Verizon, Vodafone, O2, Cingular and T-Mobile --
depend upon Actix software every day to improve their
wireless operations. For more information, please see
http://www.actix.com
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Hoyle, Actix
Tel: +44-20-8735-6300
Email: sarah.hoyle@actix.com
Nicola Garvin, AxiCom
Tel: +44-20-8392-4067
Email: nicola.garvin@axicom.com
SOURCE Actix Ltd.
2007'02.13.Tue
ローソン、来月４日からオリジナル３種類のボージョレ・ヌーボーの予約を開始
飲み比べセットやハーフボトルなど
ご予約は９月４日（月）から
今年のボジョレーはオリジナル３種類
株式会社ローソンは、今年のボジョレー ヌーヴォー解禁日（１１月１６日（木））に向けて、９月４日（月）から全国の酒販取扱店舗（７月末時点）で予約を開始いたします。
【 今年のボジョレーは３タイプ！ 】
しっかり飲みたい人、いろいろ飲み比べたい人、とりあえず飲みたい人とお客様のご要望に合わせた３タイプのオリジナル商品を取り揃えました。しっかり飲みたい方には、昨年ご好評をいただいた“ギィサヴォワ氏”が監修したフルボトルを今年も引き続き予約販売いたします。また、毎年複数のボジョレー ヌーヴォーを買い合わせるお客様が多いことから、いろいろな種類のヌーヴォーを飲み比べたいというお客様向けに２５０ｍｌの少量サイズの３本セットや、お客様の声で一番多かった“容量”に対するご要望にお応えしてハーフサイズのヌーヴォーもご用意致しました。
【 商品一覧 】
商品名・容量：【オリジナル】
ギィサヴォワ監修
ボジョレー・ヴィラージュヌーヴォー
７５０ｍｌ
売 価：２，６８０円（税込）
商品特徴：フランス３つ星レストラン「ＧＵＹ ＳＡＶＯＹ」オーナーシェフ“ギィ サヴォワ”氏（※１）がセレクト。
ボジョレー・ヴィラージュ地区の中でも良質な畑のぶどうを使用したローソンオリジナルのヌーヴォーです。
商品名・容量：【オリジナル】
２００６ドメーヌ ヌーヴォー
セレクション ２５０ｍｌ×３本
・ボジョレー ヌーヴォー
・ボジョレー ヴィラージュ・ヌーヴォー
・マコン ヴィラージュ・ヌーヴォー
売 価：２，９８０円（税込）
商品特徴：お手軽な飲み比べが出来る３本セットです。
定番の「ボジョレー」、ワンランク上の「ボジョレー・ヴィラージュ」、爽やかな白ワイン「マコン・ヴィラージュ」の組合せです。
３種類とも厳選されたドメーヌで造られたこだわりのヌーヴォーです。スクリューキャップ仕様です。
※ドメーヌ・・・ぶどうの栽培から醸造まで一貫して行っているワイナリー。
商品名・容量：【オリジナル】
ビショー ボジョレーヌーヴォー
３７５ｍｌ
売 価：１，４９０円（税込）
商品特徴：製造元は２００４年に「レッドワインメーカー オブ ザ イヤー」に輝いたアルベール ビショー社（※２）です。
即飲向きのスクリューキャップ仕様にしたハーフボトルのヌーヴォーです。
【 特 典 】
「ギィサヴォワ監修 ボジョレー・ヴィラージュ ヌーヴォー」もしくは「２００６ドメーヌヌーヴォーセレクション ２５０ｍｌ×３本」のいずれかをお買い上げ１本に付き、ワイングラスを一脚プレゼント致します。また、同商品お買い上げのお客様でローソンパス会員の方には、１本につき、ボーナスポイント５０ポイントを差し上げます。
【今年のボジョレー】
７月現在、気温は低めに推移しており、害虫の被害は受けず良好な状態となっています。開花時期について、早熟、晩熟エリアに大きな開きはなく、全てのエリアで順調に生育しています。品質に関しては、昨年同様の期待が持てます。
※１．ギィサヴォワ氏監修とは
今回、予約販売する「ボジョレー・ヴィラージュ ヌーヴォー ７５０ｍｌ」は、昨年に引き続き、ギィサヴォワ氏が監修しています。同氏はトロワグロ（フランスのロアンヌで３０年以上３つ星の栄誉に輝きつづける名門レストラン）に師事した後、独創性溢れる新感覚フレンチの旗手として料理とワインの研究を積み、２００２年に「ミシュラン・ガイド」で念願の３つ星に輝きました。
また雑誌「ル・シェフ」が主催し、フランスのシュフ自らが投票して決める「フランスを代表するシェフ」に選出され、「料理を楽しんでいただくのはもちろん、私の自宅に招待したようにお客様には心からくつろげ癒される、そんな２１世紀の“地元のレストラン”」をモットーとした実績が評価されています。
昨年に引き続き、ローソンオリジナルの「ボジョレー・ヴィラージュ ヌーヴォー」は、解禁日に同氏のレストランとローソン店頭での同時発売になります。
★ミシュラン・ガイドとは・・・フランス料理の美食のバイブル ９，０００軒以上のレストラン・ホテルをプロの調査チームが匿名で訪問し、一定の基準に基づいて厳格に評価。最高のレストランに与えられる三つ星は２００５年のフランス国内で２６軒でした。
※２．アルベール ビショー社とは
１８３１年に創立されたフランス ブルゴーニュの名門ネゴシアンです。近年品質レベルの向上が目覚しく、２００４年にイギリス最大級のワインコンクール「Ｉｎｔｅｒｎａｔｉｏｎａｌ Ｗｉｎｅ Ｃｈａｌｌｅｎｇｅ」において赤ワイン最高の造り手の称号「ＲｅｄＷｉｎｅｍａｋｅｒ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｙｅａｒ」を受賞しました。
● 関連リンク
2007'02.13.Tue
ＪＥＩＴＡ、７月の民生用電子機器国内出荷実績を発表
２００６年７月民生用電子機器国内出荷実績
【７月の概況】
民生用電子機器の７月出荷金額は２，１３２億円、前年比１００．２％と１２ヶ月連続の前年比増となった。
分野別に見ると、映像機器国内出荷金額は、薄型テレビが好調を維持しているものの、単価が下がったため、１，２４５億円、前年比９７．１％と１２ヶ月振りの前年割れとなった。
音声機器国内出荷金額は、１７６億円、前年比８９．２％と、５ヶ月連続でマイナスとなった。
カーＡＶＣ機器国内出荷金額は、７１１億円、前年比１０９．６％で、８ヶ月連続のプラスであった。
【主要製品別動向】
○７月のカラーテレビ全体計（ＣＲＴ＋液晶＋ＰＤＰ）は５９４千台、前年比８７．６％と３ヶ月振りにマイナスとなった。７月の構成比（台数ベース）は、ＣＲＴが２４．１％、液晶が６８．１％、ＰＤＰは７．８％であった。
○液晶カラーテレビの９割以上を占める１０型以上が３９９千台、前年比１２６．０％と好調を維持している。１０型以上のうち、大型の占める割合が高い１６：９が３３２千台、同１５６．７％であり、３０型以上は２０９千台、同１６１．６％と更に高い伸びを示した。
○ＰＤＰは４６千台、前年比１６７．９％と１２ヶ月連続の二桁増となった。うち、３７型以下がＰＤＰ全体数量の５割以上を占めている。
○ＤＶＤビデオは、４３９千台、前年比７５．９％と２ヶ月続いて前年割れした。ＤＶＤ録再機は２４７千台、同６９．３％、その約９割を占めるＨＤＤ内蔵型は２２２千台、同７１．６％であった。再生機も前年比８６．７％と３ヶ月連続のマイナスであった。
○ビデオ一体型カメラは、９１千台、前年比７９．５％と２ヶ月連続のマイナスとなった。
○ステレオセットは、９２千台、前年比７２．９％と１４ヶ月連続のマイナスであった。
○デジタルオーディオプレーヤは５０５千台と、引き続き音声機器を牽引している。そのうちの約８割、４１３千台が半導体メモリを使用するタイプである。
○カーオーディオでは、カーラジオが前年比１０４．８％と２ヶ月連続でプラスとなったが、カーステレオは同７７．３％と７ヶ月連続でマイナスであった。出荷規模の大きいカーＣＤプレーヤも５５３千台、前年比９５．２％とマイナスに転じた。
○カーカラーテレビは８３千台、前年比７８．３％と１２ヶ月マイナスが続いたが、カーＤＶＤは２０千台、１２０．６％とプラスに転じた。カーナビゲーションシステムは３６２千台、同９４．７％で２ヶ月続いて前年割れした。ソース別の構成比では、ＨＤＤタイプ（通信端末等含む）が５５．９％と初めて５割を超え、ＤＶＤ－ＲＯＭタイプは４２．９％であった。
○ＥＴＣ車載ユニットは４４６千台、前年比１７５．９％と４ヶ月連続のプラスとなった。
● 関連リンク
2007'02.13.Tue
カネボウフーズ、食物繊維をたっぷり配合したホットゼリー飲料「ホットジュレ」を発売
"カロリー気にせずあっ！たまる"「とろみ食感」のホットゼリー飲料
ホットジュレ
カネボウフーズ株式会社（本社：東京都港区海岸、社長：栗本佳信）は、"カロリー気にせずあっ！たまる"ホットゼリー飲料『ホットジュレ』（希望小売税込価格４２０円：５袋入り）を９月４日より全国のコンビニエンスストア、スーパー、ドラッグストア等で発売いたします。
今回発売の『ホットジュレ』は、ビタミンＢ１、ビタミンＢ２、ビタミンＢ１２など７種類のビタミンや、こんにゃく粉などお腹にやさしい食物繊維をたっぷり配合した、「とろみ食感」が特徴のホットゼリー飲料です。当社の実施したアンケートで人気が高かった柚子フレーバーで香り高い風味に仕上げました。ホット粉末飲料特有の甘さを抑えたゼリー飲料で、カロリーを気にせずお腹にたまる、ダイエット中の方にオススメな商品です。
カネボウフーズでは、２００４年６月にパウチ入りゼリー飲料「プルジュレ」を発売し、"カロリーゼロ"で手軽に小腹ふさぎができる商品として、従来のターゲットが男性中心であったアルミパウチ型ゼリー飲料分野において、新たに女性層の需要を掘り起こし、ご好評を得てまいりました。
今回発売するホットジュレも特に「冬場における」カロリーコントロールニーズに対応し、新たな需要を開拓してまいります。近年、食事におけるカロリーを意識する方が増えております。当社では、仕事のブレイクタイムやちょっと小腹がすいた時などに手軽にお楽しみいただける『ホットジュレ』を健康意識の高い２０代から４０代の女性をターゲットに発売いたします。
『ホットジュレ』の商品概要は下記の通りです。
記
商品名：ホットジュレ
商品特長：
・カロリーを気にせず小腹を満たせる「とろみ食感」のホットゼリー飲料。（粉末タイプ）
・ダイエット中に不足しがちな７種類のビタミン配合。（ビタミンＢ１、ビタミンＢ２、ビタミンＢ６、ビタミンＢ１２、ビタミンＣ、パントテン酸、ナイアシン）、
・こんにゃく粉などお腹にやさしい食物繊維を１．２ｇ配合。
発売日：２００６年９月４日
発売地区：全国
価格／容量：希望小売税込価格４２０円／９．４ｇ×５袋
ＪＡＮコード：４９０１５５１２１８７３８
以 上
＜お客さまからの問い合わせ先＞
カネボウフーズ（株） お客様相談室 ０３－５４４６－３６８０
● 関連リンク
2007'02.13.Tue
ＶＧＪ、装備を充実させた高級ＳＵＶ「トゥアレグ Ｖ６ シュトルツ」など販売開始
フォルクスワーゲン 「トゥアレグ」、装備を充実させ発売
－ 名称も新たに「トゥアレグ Ｖ６ シュトルツ」、「トゥアレグ Ｖ８ シュトルツ」に －
フォルクスワーゲン グループ ジャパン 株式会社（略称：ＶＧＪ、代表取締役社長：梅野 勉）は、フォルクスワーゲン初の本格高級ＳＵＶ「トゥアレグ」の装備を充実させ、本日８月２４日（木）より全国のフォルクスワーゲン正規ディーラーにて販売を開始します。 また、この装備のアップグレードに伴い、モデル名に「シュトルツ（Ｓｔｏｌｚ：ドイツ語で“誇り”、“プライド”の意味）」を付加し、「トゥアレグ Ｖ６ シュトルツ」、「トゥアレグ Ｖ８ シュトルツ」とすることで、従来モデルとの差別化を図ります。
フォルクスワーゲン初の本格ＳＵＶであるトゥアレグは、「３ ｃａｒｓ ｉｎ １」コンセプト、すなわち、スポーツカーにも匹敵するオンロード性能、傾斜角４５度（１００％勾配）を登坂する本格的ラフロード性能、高級サルーンと同等の質の高い乗り心地を１台で実現するモデルとして、２００３年９月に導入。発売以来の年間販売台数は平均２０００台を越え、そのスタイリングや性能がお客様から高く評価されています。
今回装備を新たに販売する「トゥアレグ Ｖ６ シュトルツ」、「トゥアレグ Ｖ８ シュトルツ」は、発売以来３年を経たのを期に、エクステリアの変更や、お客様からの要望の高かったアイテムを標準装備とすることで商品力を高めます。また、名称に付けられた「シュトルツ」（ドイツ語で“誇り”、“プライド”の意味）によって、アップグレードされた内外装による特別感を表現しています。
パワートレイン、シャシーなどの基本スペックは、従来モデルから変更はありませんが、エクステリアはより堂々とスポーティになりました。特徴的なのは、７月に発表したフォルクスワーゲンが誇る１２気筒エンジン搭載の特別限定車「トゥアレグ Ｗ１２ エクスクルーシブ」と同様のエクステリアデザインパッケージが採用されていることです。 エアロバンパー（フロント／リヤ）、サイドシルエクステンション、ルーフエッジスポイラー、クローム フロント エアインテークなどが、トゥアレグ シュトルツに力強さを与えます。 さらにアルミホイールも一新されました。
インテリアでは、Ｖ８には標準、Ｖ６にはオプション設定されているウッドパネルが、Ｖａｖｏｎａ（ヴァボナ）ウッドに変更され、レザーシートカラーは従来のアンスラサイト、ベージュの２色に加え、チークも選択できるようになりました。 さらに、全車にステアリングヒーターも標準装備されます。
「トゥアレグ Ｖ８ シュトルツ」には、チルト機構付電動ガラス スライディングルーフと、従来のＶ８モデルでのオプション装着率が９割を超えていたＣＤＣエアサスペンションが標準装備（トゥアレグ Ｖ６ シュトルツはオプション設定）され、トゥアレグの上位グレードに相応しい装備内容になります。
価格は上記のような様々な装備が追加され、「トゥアレグ Ｖ６ シュトルツ」が５，２９０，０００円、「トゥアレグ Ｖ８ シュトルツ」は７，２９０，０００円です。
ＶＧＪでは、今回のトゥアレグの装備充実により、ますます競争が激化する輸入プレミアムＳＵＶ市場におけるトゥアレグのプレゼンスをさらに高めることを目指します。
● 関連リンク
2007'02.13.Tue
ソニー銀行、海洋証券の株式を取得し子会社化
株式会社海洋証券の株式取得（子会社化）予定のお知らせ
ソニー銀行株式会社（代表取締役社長：石井 茂／本社：東京都港区／通称：ソニーバンク）は、当局の認可を前提として、株式会社海洋証券（代表取締役社長：楠 裕史／本社：沖縄県名護市／以下：海洋証券）の株式を取得し子会社とする方向で、同社と基本合意し、具体的な協議に入りましたのでお知らせいたします。
１．株式取得の目的
ソニーバンクは、２００１年６月の開業以来、インターネット銀行として個人のお客さまを対象に資産運用を中心とした商品・サービスを提供しています。この度、ソニーバンクのお客さまに対して本格的に証券仲介サービスを提供するため、海洋証券の株式を取得し、同社をインターネット専業の証券子会社に衣替えする方針としました。２００７年度上期を目処に、国内株式取引や同社が従来から提供している「リスクストップ現物取引」（※）の仕組みを発展させたサービスなどを、新たに開始する予定です。ソニーバンクは、資産運用の選択肢を増やし、お客さまの幅広い金融ニーズにお応えすることを目指します。
（※）「リスクストップ現物取引」：海洋証券が提供しているユニークなサービス。同社が、お客さまの購入した株式を銘柄ごとに個別に管理し、株価が買値から一定額下落した場合には、自動的に売却する仕組み。株式投資による損失を限定することが期待できます。
２．株式取得のスケジュール
当局からの認可取得後速やかに、第三者割当増資により海洋証券の株式を取得する予定です。
３．海洋証券の概要（２００６年３月末現在）
名 称：株式会社海洋証券
資本金：３２７．５百万円
設 立：２００４年８月１１日
本社所在地：沖縄県名護市字豊原２２４番３ 名護市マルチメディア館
事業内容：証券業（リスクストップ現物取引を中心に取り扱う）
代表者：代表取締役社長 楠 裕史
役職員数：１２名
証券業登録：２００４年１１月１８日 沖縄総合事務局長（証）第５号
なお、海洋証券は現在営業を休止しています。
以 上
【 ソニーバンクのサイト 】
●企業サイト http://sonybank.net/
●サービスサイト http://moneykit.net/ （インターネットバンキングサイト）
http://mb.moneykit.net/ （モバイルバンキングサイト）
（ｃ）Ｓｏｎｙ Ｂａｎｋ Ｉｎｃ． ＭＯＮＥＹＫｉｔはソニー銀行株式会社の登録商標です。
【 お客さまからのお問い合わせ先 】
カスタマーセンター ０１２０－３６５－７２３（フリーダイヤル）
携帯電話・ＰＨＳ・海外からは ０３－６７３０－２７００（通話料有料）
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受け付け日：１月１日～３日および５月３日～５日を除く毎日
受け付け時間：平日９：００～２０：００
土・日・祝日９：００～１７：００（１２月３１日９：００～１７：００）
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