GE Healthcare and Konica Minolta agree to collaborate on a DR retrofit global distribution agreement, enhancing strategic alliance

MILWAUKEE - Thursday, June 27th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GE Healthcare (NYSE: GE) and Konica Minolta Inc. have signed a global distribution agreement(*) of Konica Minolta’s AeroDR cassette-size digital x-ray imaging retrofit. Having built a collaborative relationship for nearly ten years related to the sales of computed radiography (CR)1 in the United States, the two partners have now agreed to expand their strategic alliance, with GE Healthcare distributing AeroDR not just within the United States, but globally as well, using GE Healthcare sales channels.

The AeroDR, introduced as the world’s lightest, most compact wireless-type cassette digital x-ray device of its kind, is already in use in a wide range of medical workplaces, contributing the advantages of high image quality at low x-ray dose2 comparing to CR. The agreement will enable healthcare facilities that have x-ray analog devices to implement digital imaging upgrades using their current imaging equipment. In addition, a selection of three cassette sizes adds versatility: 10”x12” 3, 14”x17” and 17”x17”.

The agreement adds the AeroDR panel to the GE Healthcare lineup of digital x-ray devices, thus enabling both partners to accelerate their supply of solutions adapted to the needs of a diverse array of customers. Building on the solutions to meet a broad range of customer needs globally the alliance contributes to innovation in healthcare.

(*) except in Japan.

Sales by GE Healthcare are underway using a global sales network and will progressively be spanning over 50 countries.

Notes:

1. As opposed to the use of x-ray film in conventional systems, an imaging plate (IP) records the x-ray image data, which is then converted into a visual image by a reading device.

2. The irradiated dose is received by a sensor panel, directly acquiring the image digitally, and thus providing superior image quality, as well as shorter imaging times.

3. Work in Progress in some countries

About Konica Minolta

With MFPs (multi-functional peripherals) and other office equipment at the core of its business activities, Konica Minolta also provides products and services to meet the industrial needs of society for production materials and equipment, healthcare, planetariums, and more. In the healthcare field, Konica Minolta has been a pioneer of analog x-ray film in Japan, and now provides a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of the healthcare workplace, centering diagnostic medical imaging technologies. In recent years, Konica Minolta has been providing total IT services and hardware systems that contribute to the progress of the healthcare field as it becomes ever more digitized and networked. In this way, Konica Minolta contributes to more rapid, reliable diagnostic services.

About GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services to meet the demand for increased access, enhanced quality and more affordable healthcare around the world. GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter - great people and technologies taking on tough challenges. From medical imaging, software & IT, patient monitoring and diagnostics to drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and performance improvement solutions, GE Healthcare helps medical professionals deliver great healthcare to their patients.

Contacts

GE Healthcare

Pilar Anton Serrano

Global Communications Manager, Detection & Guidance Solutions (DGS)

+33665874751

pilar.antonserrano@ge.com



or

Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc.

Dianne B. Servidio-Magella

Channel Marketing Manager

1.800.934.1034 Extension 1342

dservidio@mi.konicaminolta.us

GE Healthcare Survey Shows People Don’t Associate Bad Habits with Breast Cancer

Family support more influential than public health campaigns and celebrity diets when trying to kick bad habits and lead a healthier lifestyle

CHALFONT ST. GILES, England - Thursday, June 27th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- New research commissioned by GE Healthcare, undertaken by TNS in eight countries1 last month, has revealed that adults are unaware of the link between bad habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or physical inactivity and breast cancer.

While respondents to the survey were well aware of the relationship between bad habits and the possible risk of developing lung, liver and colon cancer, the awareness of the link to breast cancer was comparatively low: between 28% (in Germany) and 60% (in China) (see chart 1).

The survey revealed that the main reason people find it tough to break bad habits was addiction. However, the second most cited reason by respondents was a lack of information and knowledge, suggesting that while public awareness campaigns for lung, liver and colon cancer do a good job of informing the general public about the risks of bad habits, more work could be done to highlight the link to breast cancer.

When respondents were asked about their personal monitoring routines and how often people should check their bodies for unusual bumps and growths some startling disparities appeared (see chart two).

    33% of British, 42% of Americans and alarmingly 93% of Japanese and 86% of Chinese respondents said they do not check their body at least one a month
    In other countries, the percentage of people not checking themselves once a month hovered between 50% and 80%
    Unsurprisingly, women are more conscientious than men at checking their bodies each month

The survey also revealed that families are the most important source of influence, motivation and inspiration for those wanting to lead a healthier lifestyle. At least 70% of respondents in each country said that they would look to their family for support.

Doctors and other medical professionals are another main source of advice and influence for those surveyed and were cited as the second most influential group. However, while French respondents are most likely to heed advice from their healthcare professionals over their family, Chinese respondents were less likely to value the advice of healthcare professionals.

Faring much worse in the survey were both government health campaigns and celebrities promoting a certain lifestyle or diet. With the exception of Brazil and Turkey, celebrities had minimal influence in those countries looking for advice on how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

- ends -

A pdf of the research findings can be downloaded at: http://newsroom.gehealthcare.com/articles/lack-of-awareness-between-bad-habits-and-breast-cancer.

Editor’s Notes

1 TNS conducted the survey on behalf of GE Healthcare and polled over 1,000 adults between May 31 and June 5 in Brazil (adults 16-54), China (adults 16-44), France (adults 16-64), Germany (adults 16-64), Japan (adults 16-64), Turkey (adults 16-54), Great Britain (adults 16-64) and the United States (adults 18-64).

GE Healthcare’s #GetFit 2013 campaign (www.ge-getfit.com) runs until mid-July and leverages social media channels including Instagram, Sina Weibo in China, and Twitter to enable participation, interaction and engagement of a global audience to promote healthy habits that can help reduce the likelihood of developing cancer.

About GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services to meet the demand for increased access, enhanced quality and more affordable healthcare around the world. GE (NYSE:GE) works on things that matter - great people and technologies taking on tough challenges. From medical imaging, software & IT, patient monitoring and diagnostics to drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and performance improvement solutions, GE Healthcare helps medical professionals deliver great healthcare to their patients. For our latest news, please visit http://newsroom.gehealthcare.com

In September 2011, GE Healthcare announced it would dedicate $1 billion of its total R&D budget over the next five years to expand its advanced cancer diagnostic and molecular imaging capabilities, as well as its world-class technologies for the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals and for cancer research.

Contacts

GE Healthcare

Allison Cohen

PR and Communications Manager

+972 (0)54-7299-742

allison.cohen@ge.com



Will Spiers

Global PR Director

+44 1494 545278/ +44 7971 276757

william.spiers@ge.com



 

‘Pawn Shop to the Stars’ is the First Office Condo Owner to Open for Business at Extell’s Int’l Gem Tower in NY’s Famed Diamond District

NEW YORK - Wednesday, June 26th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Extell Development Company announced today that New York Loan Company, one of the country’s most exclusive collateral lenders specializing in confidential pawn loans against gold, jewelry, diamonds, watches, fine art and entertainment memorabilia, is the first office condominium owner to open for business at the company’s International Gem Tower (IGT) on West 47th Street in Manhattan’s famed diamond district.

This is the first East Coast location for the family-owned collateral lender, which has been in business as Beverly Loan Company in Beverly Hills, California since the 1930’s and is often referred to as “the pawn shop to the stars.”

“The International Gem Tower is the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, offering a rare opportunity for jewelry-related companies to own and prosper in an ultramodern building with extraordinary technologies and amenities,” stated Raizy Haas, senior vice president of Extell Development Company. “Beverly Loan Company has a stellar reputation in the industry, and I know its East Coast counterpart, New York Loan Company, will serve as a valued resource to other building owners and the public at large.”

New York Loan Company’s location comprises nearly 1,400 square feet of sought after corner space overlooking 47th Street on the building’s third floor, part of its retail podium level. Advanced security features include biometric building access, high definition security cameras with data analytics, a controlled entry interlocking bulletproof door system, bulletproof glass, private offices with abundant natural light, and access to the building’s state of the art vault, where all collateral will be stored.

“My family built an incredible business in Beverly Hills for the past 75 years, and we had no immediate plans to expand,” explained Jordan Tabach-Bank, CEO of Beverly Loan Company and its third generation owner. “The International Gem Tower offered a truly unique and compelling opportunity for us to consider a location in Manhattan where, until now, there was no resource for truly upscale confidential collateral lending. The building ensures a highly discreet and secure environment for our clientele, which is paramount, whether they are making a short-term loan, selling their goods outright or shopping for jewelry and watches at “dealer” prices.”

Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the ultramodern tower was developed specifically for the global diamond, gem and jewelry industry. In addition to a cutting-edge security system, which includes iris recognition scanners at the lobby turnstiles, owners will also benefit from onsite underground parking and a private health and fitness center.

“The hallmarks of our success have been our tremendous respect for our clients and the safeguarding of their collateral, along with a unique ability to quickly make a loan of any amount,” Tabach-Bank noted. “We’re extremely excited about New York Loan Company’s opening and look forward to bringing our exclusive services to East Coast clients who previously had no such local resources at their disposal with the expertise to loan against everything from an original Warhol to a fancy colored diamond.”

Diamond and gem industry heavyweights including A.S. Diamonds, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA); Eurostar, Kuperman Bros. Diamonds USA, Leo Schachter & Company, Malca-Amit USA and Manfra, Tordella & Brookes are part of the impressive roster of buyers at IGT.

About IGT:

Extell Development Company’s International Gem Tower is a 34-story, state-of-the-art industry center designed specifically for the gem and jewelry trades. The tower, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, is located in the heart of New York City’s Diamond District at 50 West 47th Street. Its signature, crystal lined curtain wall and façade of embedded diamond shaped medallions offers floor to ceiling windows and 360 degree views. The industry condominium portion of IGT is situated on the first 21 floors of the tower.

About New York Loan Company:

New York Loan Company is the most upscale pawn shop in the United States, making confidential collateral loans against gold, jewelry, diamonds, watches, fine art and entertainment memorabilia. New York Loan Company is the sister operation of Beverly Loan Company, which has been coined the “Pawn Shop to the Stars” by the media. New York Loan Company’s certified gemologists have the ability to make pawn loans of any amount.

Contacts

Rubenstein Associates

Steve Solomon/Michael George

212-843-8042; ssolomon@rubenstein.com

212-843-9273; mgeorge@rubenstein.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/7792/en

ASUG Board to Begin National Search for CEO

CEO Bridgette Chambers will leave at the end of the year following a successful turnaround, revitalization of ASUG

CHICAGO - Wednesday, June 26th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Americas' SAP Users' Group (ASUG) Board of Directors announced today the launch of a national CEO search to replace CEO Bridgette Chambers, who departs the post on Dec. 31. She is leaving at the end of her contract having completed a successful financial turnaround of the world's largest independent community of SAP professionals.

ASUG’s Board Chairperson Michael Stoko said the organization would begin the search immediately with the goal of having a new CEO in place to ensure a smooth transition.

“Working with the board, Bridgette has done a great job bringing ASUG back to financial stability and to growing our membership and services to our members,” Stoko said. “During her tenure she has helped us achieve a revitalization of ASUG relevance to our members that is at an all-time high.”

The turnaround included growing initiatives globally; bringing operations and financial stability to a new level of success; and achieving a broader recognition in the business community by winning six national Stevie® Awards from The American Business Awards.

Chambers joined ASUG in June 2009 when the organization was struggling financially. “I accepted the position with the express goal of transforming the organization both operationally and financially, and we have exceeded both mine and the Board’s expectations. The foundation we have put in place has resulted in an organization that is in excellent health and has a sound vision for the future that will continue to serve ASUG members and the SAP global ecosystem.”

For more information on ASUG, please visit the ASUG Media Room.

Contacts
Media Contact:
Public Communications Inc.
Bridget Kagan
Office: 312-558-1770, ext. 174
bkagan@pcipr.com

A2iA Mobility™ Released for iOS Devices, Expanding its Reach within the Worldwide Mobile Document Capture and Data Recognition Markets

A2iA Mobility delivers next-generation offline recognition capabilities required for real-time business operations, and organizations looking to expand their existing mobile solutions in emerging markets.


PARIS & NEW YORK - Wednesday, June 26th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A2iA (@A2iA), a trusted name in the Worldwide data capture, document processing, and payment systems markets, announced today the availability of A2iA Mobility™ for iOS devices, expanding its reach to include both the Android and iOS platforms. Since its launch earlier this year, A2iA Mobility, a patent-pending software toolkit that delivers all image cleanup, analysis and data extraction functionality to the local device for offline recognition, has seen an increase in activity around the world and is currently being deployed within mobile remote deposit capture (mRDC) applications at banks and credit unions.

“A2iA Mobility delivers next-generation capabilities for organizations looking to expand their existing mobile offerings across vertical markets and geographical territories” said Jean-Louis Fages, A2iA President and Chairman of the Board. “With a simpler user experience, room for customization and the ability to perform without a server or data connection, A2iA Mobility creates a smarter handset and delivers the required capabilities to meet real-time business operational demands.”

By leveraging A2iA’s award-winning R&D Team, A2iA Mobility’s Global footprint and capabilities can be expanded to address new versions as they relate to the country, industry or document-type. Applicable to a multitude of documents including checks, identification documents and other forms, A2iA Mobility is an API, customizable within the host application and easily interfaceable with existing banking software, such as internal risk management solutions. Users receive immediate confirmation that all identified data-points have been accurately captured prior to sending to the financial institution or back office, reducing manual re-keying and the number of times the data and image are transferred between parties, changing the way mobile data recognition takes place with a more seamless user experience.

About A2iA Mobility™

A2iA Mobility™ is a patent-pending software development kit (SDK) available in multiple country- and language-versions for integration into mobile data capture and recognition applications, such as mobile remote deposit capture. A robust software with the ability to perform all image cleanup and recognition on the native device, A2iA Mobility delivers application diversity by allowing users to broaden their mobile product offerings for applications such as account openings, bill pay, and payment processing.

About A2iA

A2iA, Artificial Intelligence and Image Analysis (www.a2ia.com), is the worldwide leading developer of handwritten and machine printed text recognition, information extraction and intelligent document classification toolkits. By enhancing solutions from systems integrators and independent software vendors, A2iA allows complex and cursive data from all forms, documents and checks including unstructured handwritten letters, to become part of a structured database, making it searchable and reportable, with the same level of flexibility of printed or digital data. Proven to reduce costs and nearly eliminate data-entry and manual document processing, A2iA has been improving business process automation and delivering a visible ROI for over 20 years. For more information, visit www.a2ia.com or call +1 917-237-0390 within the Americas, or +33 1 44 42 00 80 within EMEA or Asia.

Contacts

Media :

A2iA

Wendi A. Klein, +1-917-237-0390 x 4034

Director, Marketing & Business Development, North America

wendi.klein@a2ia.com



or

A2iA Corporation:

24 West 40th Street, 3rd Floor

New York, NY 10018 USA

+1.917.237.0390 office

+1.917.237.0391 fax

The WIN Symposium Endorsed by the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO®) for the 5th Consecutive Year

WIN Symposia 2013

VILLEJUIF, France - Wednesday, June 26th 2013 [BUSINESS WIRE/ ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The organizers of the WIN Symposia, a series of global cross-sector meetings focused on personalized cancer medicine, today proudly announce that ASCO has endorsed the WIN 2013 Symposium. This marks the 5th consecutive year that WIN Symposia have received ASCO’s endorsement, made in recognition of the outstanding scientific quality of the congress.

“We are thrilled that ASCO has again chosen to endorse the WIN Symposium,” said Alexander Eggermont, Director General of the Institut Gustave Roussy and Vice-Chair of the WIN Consortium. “With ASCO’s tremendous global stature and its vision to transform cancer care, this endorsement is important to WIN’s goal of making an impact on personalized cancer therapy around the globe.” ASCO joins ESMO, EORTC, ESO, and UICC in endorsing WIN2013.

WIN2013, focused on the theme of Personalized Cancer Medicine: From Innovation to Implementation, will be held July 10-12, 2013, in Paris, France. WIN Symposia traditionally bring together, from over 30 countries, hundreds of delegates representing all stakeholders in personalized cancer medicine: academia, clinical practice, pharma, biotech, life-sciences, healthcare IT, regulatory, health plan, and patient advocacy. WIN2013, a collaborative global forum designed to foster innovation and collaboration in personalized cancer medicine, will feature a cross-sector lineup of internationally recognized experts presenting in plenary sessions on:

    OMICS assays that support personalized clinical care today Moderator: Alexander Eggermont, Institut Gustave Roussy

    Analysis and clinical application of genomics Moderator: Levi Garraway, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

    Clinical progress in personalized cancer therapy Moderator: Richard L. Schilsky, ASCO

    New approaches that impact personalized cancer care Moderator: John Mendelsohn, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Registration information and the full scientific program are available online: www.winsymposium.org.

WIN Symposia are an initiative of the Worldwide Innovative Networking (WIN) Consortium in personalized cancer medicine. The WIN Consortium (www.winconsortium.org) is a non-profit global collaboration of academic, industry, and advocacy organizations created to accelerate the pace and reduce the cost of translating novel cancer treatments to the bedside.

This program has the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s approval for quality of educational content. ASCO endorsement does not constitute medical advice. Health care providers should exercise their own independent medical judgment. ASCO® is a registered trademark of the American Society of Clinical Oncology®. Used with permission. This is not an ASCO sponsored event.

Contacts

WIN:

Catherine Bresson, +33(0)142114020

Catherine.bresson@winconsortium.org

Momentous Occasion as First Four O3b Satellites Are Successfully Launched

FRENCH GUIANA - Wednesday, June 26th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In the early evening of 25th June 2013, O3b’s first four satellites roared skyward aboard the Arianespace Soyuz launch vehicle. A few short hours later, first contact was made with O3b’s gateway in Hawaii, confirming the birth of the satellite industry’s newest and most innovative operator.

O3b is deploying a revolutionary new network that combines the reach of satellite with the speed of fiber, bringing high speed, low cost connectivity to billions of people across emerging markets who have never had access to this level of connectivity before. Customers witnessing the launch included Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, O3b’s first Maritime customer, Telecom Cook Islands, who will receive the first commercial signals across the network this summer and Maju Nusa, soon to roll out a state of the art 3G backhaul network in Malaysia built on O3b’s low latency capacity.

John W. Dick, O3b Chairman, said:

“Today, a life-changing journey has begun for many of the remaining unconnected and underserved regions of the world. In only a few years, we have designed and launched a revolutionary system; one that will transform the way communications are handled in many of the world’s underserved markets. Working with our customers, O3b will open up a new and exciting world to billions of people who, up to now, have not experienced the benefits of fast Internet connectivity and who, as a result, are not on a level playing field.”

A second group of four O3b satellites will be launched in September, completing the first phase in O3b’s constellation and ahead of the launch of the company's service later in the year. The O3b system is scalable, designed to allow additional satellites to be launched and slotted into the system, increasing capacity elegantly and simply as demand inexorably grows.

Steve Collar, O3b CEO, said:

“So much has happened already in O3b’s short life but this launch is the start of something extraordinary. Tonight we celebrate and then return our unerring focus to deliver the promise that we have made to our fabulous, pioneering customers around the world.”

About O3b Networks Limited

O3b Networks Limited is a global satellite service provider building a next-generation satellite network for telecommunications operators, Internet service providers, enterprise and government customers in emerging markets. The O3b system will combine the global reach of satellite with the speed of a fiber‐optic network providing billions of consumers and businesses in nearly 180 countries with low‐cost, high‐speed, low latency Internet and mobile connectivity. O3b Networks’ investors include SES, Google, Liberty Global, HSBC Principal Investments, Northbridge Venture Partners, Allen & Company, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Sofina, Satya Capital and Luxempart. O3b Networks is headquartered in St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands.

www.o3bnetworks.com

Contacts

Marleen Geerlof, Chris Buscombe - Brunswick PR, London

Tel: + 44 (0)207 404 5959

E-mail: O3b@brunswickgroup.com

Results of new meta-analysis regarding CV events in linagliptin Phase 3 trials presented at ADA

INGELHEIM, Germany & INDIANAPOLIS, US - Tuesday, June 25th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- For Non-U.S. and Non-UK media

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company today announced results from a new analysis of Phase III data demonstrating that treatment with the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor linagliptin is not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), versus a number of comparators (placebo, glimepiride and voglibose). These findings were presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 73rd Scientific Sessions®.1

“There is a well-established association between cardiovascular events and Type 2 Diabetes,” said Dr. Odd Erik Johansen, MD, PhD and, Senior Clinical Programme Leader, Boehringer Ingelheim. “In fact, CV events rank as the major cause of death in patients with diabetes, accounting for more than 50% of all diabetes fatalities. It is therefore important to identify treatments that do not increase the risk of CV events even further.”

The post-hoc analysis pooled results from 19 double-blind studies, included data from 9,459 patients treated with either linagliptin (5mg: 5,687, 10mg: 160) or a composite of placebo and other oral antihyperglycemic treatments (placebo: 2,675, glimepiride: 775, voglibose: 162). The cumulative patient exposure (the sum total of the length of time all patients have been exposed to either group) was 4,421 patient years in patients treated with linagliptin and 3,255 years in the composite group.

The primary endpoint of the pooled analysis was a composite of CV death, non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and hospitalisation for unstable angina pectoris (UAP).

Results of the safety analysis showed fewer reported primary events in the linagliptin group versus the composite treatments (60 events in 5,847 patients vs. 62 events in 3,612 patients). This gave a lower incidence rate of 13.4 per 1,000 patient years for linagliptin compared to 18.9 per 1,000 patient years for the total comparator-treated patients as well as a lower hazard ratio of 0.78 (CI: 0.55,1.12, p=NS).1

The long-term impact of treatment with linagliptin and glimepiride on CV morbidity and mortality is being investigated in the CAROLINA (CARdiovascular Outcome Study of LINAgliptin Versus Glimepiride in Early Type 2 Diabetes) study. CAROLINA is the only ongoing long-term cardiovascular outcome trial of a DPP-4 inhibitor versus a single active comparator (glimepiride). Announced during the ADA congress, the baseline patient characteristics for the 6,103 patient study showed that the recruited patient population is reflective of the target population with early T2D and an increased risk for CV events.2 Results from the double-blind, double dummy, event driven trial are expected in 2018.

The CAROLINA patient characteristics include:2

    33.7% of recruited patients have previous CV complications
    Diabetes duration is <5 years in 41%, 5 – 10 years in 28%
    Baseline HbA1c was 7.2% with 72.5% having HbA1c <7.5%
    67.3% were on 1 and 22.3% were on 2 glucose-lowering agents (89.1% of patients receiving metformin)
    Population was confirmed overweight/obese with BMI ≤30 kg/m2 in 46% of participants

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA) and other regulatory authorities worldwide approved linagliptin for the treatment of adult patients with T2D as monotherapy or in combination with metformin, with metformin and a sulphonlyurea, and as add-on therapy to insulin. In the US, linagliptin is also approved for use in this population with sulphonylurea, and pioglitazone.3 With linagliptin, no dose adjustment is required regardless of declining renal function or hepatic impairment.3,4

About Linagliptin

Linagliptin (5 mg, once daily) is marketed in Europe as Trajenta® (linagliptin) and in the U.S. as Tradjenta® (linagliptin), as a once-daily tablet that is used along with diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with T2D. Linagliptin should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine).3,4

~ENDS~

Please click on the link below for ‘Notes to Editors’ and ‘References’:

http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/news/news_releases/press_releases/2013/25_june_2013_linagliptin.html

Contacts

Dr. Ralph Warsinsky

Corporate Communications

Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH

Email: press@boehringer-ingelheim.com

Phone: +49 178 290 8561



or

Tammy Hull

Communications Manager

Lilly Diabetes

Email: hullta@lilly.com

Phone: +1 317 651 9116







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/7777/en

Hilton Worldwide Announces Wish You Were Here Meetings Promotion in Americas

Planners Offered Bonus Points for Booking Groups, Meetings or Events

MCLEAN, Va. - Tuesday, June 25th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

( BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hilton Worldwide and its portfolio of hotel brands announced its first ever portfolio-wide group meetings and events promotion for the Americas, Wish You Were Here. Through Hilton HHonors, the loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s 10 distinct brands, every direct and indirect (third party) booking made between June 25 and September 15, 2013, will be awarded Bonus Hilton HHonors Points at more than 1,300 participating U.S. hotels at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations.

Every direct booking made during the promotional period will be awarded Bonus Hilton HHonors Points, as outlined by the following:

    Up to 50 nights earns 50,000 HHonors Bonus Points
    More than 50 and up to 100 room nights earns 100,000 HHonors Bonus Points
    More than 100 and up to 250 room nights earns 250,000 HHonors Bonus Points
    More than 250 and up to 500 room nights earns 500,000 HHonors Bonus Points
    More than 500 and up to 800 room nights earns 750,000 HHonors Bonus Points
    More than 800 room nights earns 1,000,000 HHonors Bonus Points

Every indirect or third-party booking made during the promotional period will be awarded Hilton HHonors Bonus Points, as outlined by the following:

    Up to 50 nights earns 5,000 HHonors Bonus Points
    More than 50 and up to 100 room nights earns 10,000 HHonors Bonus Points
    More than 100 and up to 250 room nights earns 25,000 HHonors Bonus Points
    More than 250 and up to 500 room nights earns 50,000 HHonors Bonus Points
    More than 500 and up to 800 room nights earns 75,000 HHonors Bonus Points
    More than 800 room nights earns 100,000 HHonors Bonus Points

“At Hilton Worldwide we know the value of connecting with colleagues, friends and family in person,” says Jeff Diskin, executive vice president, Hilton Worldwide. “With this promotion you get rewarded when you book your next meeting or event at a hotel within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio – the Bonus Points earned can be used toward a future experience that can be shared with family and friends.”

For more details on the Wish You Were Here promotion, how to book your next meeting or event or for full terms and conditions, direct bookers should visit hiltonworldwide.com/wishyouwerehere and indirect bookers should visit hiltonworldwide.com/goodthings. For more information or to become a Hilton HHonors member, visit HHonors.com.

About Hilton HHonors

Hilton HHonors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s 10 distinct hotel brands, offers its 34 million members more ways to earn and redeem points than any other guest-loyalty program, enabling them to create experiences worth sharing at more than 3,900 hotels in 90 countries and territories. HHonors members can now redeem points for any room, anywhere, anytime, including the most luxurious suites, using any of four room rewards: Premium Room Rewards, Room Upgrade Rewards, Points & Money Rewards and Standard Room Rewards. In addition, HHonors members can use points to purchase unique experience rewards, merchandise and vacation packages, make charitable contributions and more. HHonors is also the only guest-loyalty program to offer ‘No Blackout Dates’ and ‘Points & Miles’ for the same stay at its properties worldwide, including participating Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels& Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. Membership in HHonors is free, and travelers may enroll online by visiting www.HiltonHHonors.com or connect with Hilton HHonors at news.hiltonhhonors.com. Members can now also book reservations, manage their accounts and redeem special offers with the new Hilton HHonors mobile app for iPhone.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 650,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

Contacts

Dasha Ross

Hilton Worldwide

703-883-5805

dasha.ross@hilton.com

news.hiltonworldwide.com

Cameron and Schlumberger Complete Subsea Joint Venture

OneSubsea targets subsea oil production and recovery


HOUSTON - Tuesday, June 25th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cameron and Schlumberger today announced that OneSubsea™, a joint venture to manufacture and develop products, systems and services for the subsea oil and gas market, has received all required regulatory approvals. The parties will close the transaction making OneSubsea operational on June 30, 2013.

Cameron and Schlumberger have 60/40 ownership of the joint venture, respectively. Cameron, with its long history of innovation and firsts in the subsea market, is an industry leader in design capability, manufacturing excellence and successful installations. Schlumberger brings a deep understanding of the reservoir, and industry-leading well completions, subsea processing and integration platform. Through the integration of these strengths, OneSubsea will offer best-in-class subsea solutions for its customers.

Cameron Chairman, President and CEO, Jack B. Moore said, “This is an exciting time for Cameron as we now have the opportunity to further expand our subsea business through OneSubsea. Our near term focus is on the execution of plans that have been laid out in recent months while continuing to deliver the highest levels of quality and safety in our product and service offerings.”

Schlumberger CEO Paal Kibsgaard commented, “We are extremely pleased to complete the OneSubsea joint venture with Cameron. We are now uniquely positioned to optimize complete subsea production systems and help our customers improve production and recovery from their subsea developments."

About Cameron

Cameron is a leading provider of flow equipment products, systems and services to worldwide oil, gas and process industries. For more information, visit www.c-a-m.com.

About Schlumberger

Schlumberger is the world's leading supplier of technology, integrated project management and information solutions to customers working in the oil and gas industry worldwide. Employing approximately 120,000 people representing over 140 nationalities and working in more than 85 countries, Schlumberger provides the industry's widest range of products and services from exploration through production.

Schlumberger Limited has principal offices in Paris, Houston and The Hague and reported revenues from continuing operations of $42.15 billion in 2012. For more information, visit www.slb.com.

This document includes forward-looking statements regarding the joint venture and the companies, made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The joint venture and companies’ actual results may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations of the joint venture and companies’ performance and are subject to a variety of factors, some of which are not under the control of the joint venture and companies, which can affect the joint venture and companies’ results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.

Because the information herein is based solely on data currently available, it is subject to change as a result of changes in conditions over which the joint venture and companies have no control or influence, and should not therefore be viewed as assurance regarding the joint venture and companies’ future performance. Additionally, the joint venture and companies are not obligated to make public indication of such changes unless required under applicable disclosure rules and regulations.

2013 Schlumberger Limited. All rights reserved.

Contacts

Investors

Cameron International Corporation

Jeff Altamari, +1 713-513-3344

Vice President, Investor Relations

jeff.altamari@c-a-m.com



Schlumberger Limited

Malcolm Theobald, +1 713-375-3535

Vice President of Investor Relations

investor-relations@slb.com



Media

Cameron International Corporation

Sharon Sloan, +1 713-939-2706

Marketing Communications Manager

Sharon.Sloan@c-a-m.com



Schlumberger Limited

Joao Felix, +1 713-375-3494

Director of Corporate Communications

jpfelix@slb.com



Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/7765/en

Enterprise Expands into the Netherlands in European Expansion Drive

LONDON - Tuesday, June 25th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Enterprise Rent-A-Car has appointed SharingMatters BV to develop an Enterprise-branded rental business in the Netherlands. This forms part of Enterprise’s ongoing European growth strategy.

The company will establish a presence across the major Dutch airports, with the first expected to be open at the start of September, 2013. This will be followed soon after by the country’s major train stations. The aim is to deliver a network of rental locations across the Netherlands at major transport and city hubs to serve the increasing demands of inbound leisure and business travellers.

The appointment of SharingMatters marks another step in Enterprise’s European expansion programme aimed at offering greater choice to global travellers looking for high-calibre, service-focused rental. With this latest move, Enterprise continues to extend its reach ever closer to a network representing 100 per cent of European car rental demand.

The newest player in the Dutch car hire sector, SharingMatters was established by a management team led by Thomas Wolters. With long and deep car rental experience and a keen understanding of the needs and expectations of international and domestic renters, SharingMatters brings together some of the most talented rental experts with an impressive record of success. The company aims to target a mobility market worth over €1 billion per year.

Peter A. Smith, vice president of global franchising, Enterprise, said, “We are delighted to welcome SharingMatters to the growing network of Enterprise-branded businesses across Europe. This is a young company with deep roots in the Dutch car hire and car sharing sector, and the drive to build a business that will offer a real difference to inbound leisure and business customers.”

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s strongest economies with a population of nearly 17 million. The country is also home to a large base of multinational corporations as well as a prosperous domestic population.

Director of SharingMatters BV, Thomas Wolters, said, “Joining the Enterprise network is a major achievement for SharingMatters and the perfect step to service the exacting international customer as well as the highly competitive Dutch market. We are pleased to be part of Enterprise’s growing presence across Europe and to play our part in the worldwide expansion of a remarkable mobility provider.”

“Enterprise is already by far the biggest supplier of car rental and sharing products in the world and its focus on serving the needs of each individual customer and each neighborhood, one by one, has remained as strong as when it was a start-up,” Wolters added. “We very much share this focus and hope to bring outstanding service to car rental customers in the Netherlands.”

About Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is owned and operated by St. Louis-based Enterprise Holdings, the largest car rental service provider in the world. Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates wholly-owned operations across the UK, Germany, Ireland, France, Spain, the United States and Canada, with more than 7,000 offices worldwide.

Enterprise also is rapidly expanding operations at airports and transport hubs across the globe through franchise and partnership agreements with independent local providers. This includes Portugal, Italy, Greece, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey, Brazil and China.

Enterprise Holdings also owns and operates the National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands in the Americas, and together with its affiliate Enterprise Fleet Management, offers a total transportation solution. Combined, Enterprise Holdings and Enterprise Fleet Management – which includes extensive car rental and car sharing services, commercial truck rental, corporate fleet management, and retail car sales – accounted for $15.4 billion in revenue and operated 1.3 million vehicles throughout the world in fiscal 2012.

Operating through its regional subsidiaries, Enterprise Holdings is the largest car rental company in the world as measured by revenue, fleet and employees. Enterprise Holdings’ annual revenues also place it near the top of the travel industry, exceeding all other rental car companies and most airlines, cruise lines, hotels, tour operators and online travel agencies. [This news release and other Enterprise Rent-A-Car announcements are available at the Enterprise Holdings press room.]

Contacts
Enterprise Rent-A-Car        
Spencer King, +44 (0) 1784 485733
spencer.king@erac.com

Gemalto enables EMV payment for Telefonica-MasterCard joint venture in Brazil

Prepaid payment service provides financial inclusion for the unbanked population of Brazil

AMSTERDAM - Tuesday, June 25th 2013 [BUSINESS WIRE/ ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, announces that it will supply prepaid EMV payment cards to Mobile Financial Services (MFS), the joint venture formed by Telefónica and MasterCard Worldwide. The launch is part of “Zuum”, a new payment service offered by Telefónica’s Vivo brand which aims to provide financial inclusion for the unbanked population of Brazil. Gemalto will also provide MFS with all the personalization services associated with EMV prepaid cards as well as tamper evident packaging and fulfillment to point-of-sale. With Vivo’s huge coverage of over 90% of the Brazilian population, the service offers widespread accessibility for the vast majority of consumers.

Nearly 40 percent of Brazilians currently do not use banking services1. With “Zuum”, Telefónica’s Vivo customers will be able to set up a pre-paid account which can be accessed either through their mobile phone or a regular prepaid EMV MasterCard payment card, provided by Gemalto. “Zuum” will allow people to make secure, convenient financial transactions including peer-to-peer money transfers, merchant purchases, ATM cash withdrawal, bill payment, airtime top-ups and more. Cash can be transferred easily at mobile phone refill stations, supermarkets and newspaper stands. The physical card provided by Gemalto can be used to make purchases in Brazil at over 1.8 million EMV-enabled merchants and to withdraw money in ATMs.

“We relied on Gemalto to help us quickly launch the first of several innovative solutions that will allow mobile subscribers with or without bank accounts to make secure payment and money transfers conveniently with pre-paid m-payment services,” said Marcos Etchegoyen, president of MFS. “Our goal is to promote financial inclusion for unbanked Brazilians and to extend secure payments via mobile devices to all consumers who seek alternative payment services with the lowest possible cost."

“Gemalto has been a major provider of secure payment cards and personalization services since the beginning of EMV migration in Latin America, with a strongly differentiated offer in Brazil, so we had the expertise to support MFS in achieving its ambitious financial services goals,” said Eric Megret-Dorne, Senior Vice President of Secure Transactions at Gemalto Latin America. “The prepaid segment is advancing new business frontiers and the MFS project is in keeping with the trend towards the issuance of payment cards by a wide diversity of players.”

1 IPEA – Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada/Institute for Applied Economic http://www.ipea.gov.br/portal/images/stories/PDFs/SIPS/110112_sips_bancos.pdf

About Gemalto

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO) is the world leader in digital security with 2012 annual revenues of €2.2 billion and more than 10,000 employees operating out of 83 offices and 13 Research & Development centers, located in 43 countries.

We are at the heart of the rapidly evolving digital society. Billions of people worldwide increasingly want the freedom to communicate, travel, shop, bank, entertain and work – anytime, everywhere – in ways that are enjoyable and safe. Gemalto delivers on their expanding needs for personal mobile services, payment security, authenticated cloud access, identity and privacy protection, eHealthcare and eGovernment efficiency, convenient ticketing and dependable machine-to-machine (M2M) applications. We develop secure embedded software and secure products which we design and personalize. Our platforms and services manage these products, the confidential data they contain and the trusted end-user services made possible.

Our innovations enable our clients to offer trusted and convenient digital services to billions of individuals. Gemalto thrives with the growing number of people using its solutions to interact with the digital and wireless world.

For more information visit www.gemalto.com, www.justaskgemalto.com, blog.gemalto.com, or follow @gemalto on Twitter.

Contacts

Gemalto Media Contacts:

Europe, Middle East & Africa

Peggy Edoire, +33 4 42 36 45 40

peggy.edoire@gemalto.com



or

Asia Pacific

Pierre Lelievre, +65 6317 3802

pierre.lelievre@gemalto.com



or

North America

Nicole Smith, +1-512-758-8921

nicole.smith@gemalto.com



or

Latin America

Ernesto Haikewitsch, +55 11 5105 9220

ernesto.haikewitsch@gemalto.com

Early results show potential for electroCore's non-invasive vagal nerve stimulator as a novel, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for cluster headache

NEW YORK - Tuesday, June 25th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The results of an open label study presented at the INS (International Neuromodulation Society) 11th World Congress in Berlin showed that Non-Invasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) has meaningful clinical benefits both in time to relief from an acute cluster headache and a decrease in the frequency of attacks.

The report on the open-label trial, run by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of two sites in the UK and Ireland was presented by Dr Alexander Nesbitt and Dr Juana Marin. The report included data from 21 patients, five with twelve months of experience with nVNS, and concluded that nVNS delivered by electroCore’s gammaCore device appeared to be effective, safe and well-tolerated for up to twelve months. The report concluded that nVNS is useful for acute and preventive treatment strategies and should be considered before surgically invasive neuro-stimulation. The authors concluded that this data strongly supports additional randomised studies of nVNS.

“Although the data is still early, these results are encouraging,” said Professor Peter Goadsby, Professor of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco. “Acute cluster headache is a dreadfully painful condition, and can be utterly disabling. These results are likely to encourage further research into this new treatment which offers real hope to patients.”

Data Highlights

Acute Treatment

    The researched showed that on average, 47 percent of the treated attacks were terminated within 15 minutes.
    There was a reduction in the use of concomitant therapies (oxygen and injectable triptans).

Preventative Treatment

    On average the number of attacks within a 24 hour period was halved following preventative treatment.
    Overall, 86% of the patients noted that they were satisfied or very satisfied and would recommend it to others. Adverse events were mild and transient.

JP Errico, Founder and CEO of electroCore commented, “We are pleased to see our gammaCore device provides meaningful and sustained relief for people suffering from cluster headaches. We believe that nVNS therapy offers possible clinical benefits in a number of therapeutic areas and, as this study highlights, our novel technology takes this therapy out of the operating room and puts it into the hands of clinicians and patients in a way they can benefit from on an on-going basis”.

Contacts

Simon VanePercy

+44-(0)-1737-821890

simon@vanepercy.com

Thai Tobacco Trade Association and Retailers Take Ministry of Health to Court: "We Play by the Rules -- And So Should the Ministry"

BANGKOK - Tuesday, June 25th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Thai Tobacco Trade Association (TTTA), which represents more than 1400 retailers across Thailand, announced today that it is asking the Administrative Court to invalidate the Ministry of Public Health's unconstitutional decision to impose new warnings on cigarette packages. An individual retailer and wholesaler are joining TTTA's suit, and Philip Morris (Thailand) Ltd. is also bringing a similar case. At issue is a Ministry notification that mandates graphic health warnings on 85% of the front and back of cigarette packs. This rule was developed behind closed doors to avoid differences of opinion, without the input of the thousands of retailers whom the rule will burden most, and without the legal authority to impose this controversial requirement.

Mrs. Varaporn Namatra, Executive Director of TTTA said, "We asked many times, but the Ministry refused to talk with us even though this rule will make it harder for us to do our jobs. Everyone already knows that smoking is dangerous. Thailand already has some of the biggest health warnings in the world. I can't see why the new requirement is necessary, especially when it will just complicate the work of so many hard working retailers. We're just trying to make a living and we play by the rules, and so should the Ministry. No one should be able decide these kinds of things behind closed doors. We have rights – starting with a right to be heard – which is why we are now asking the court to step in."

TTTA expects that the regulation will lead to real problems for retailers, including:

    Higher operational costs;
    A likely consumer shift toward cheaper, lower-margin roll-your-own tobacco, which is not subject to the new warnings yet makes up about 50% of all tobacco sold in Thailand; and
    New incentives for supply and demand in the black market to increase -- where products are less expensive to buy, highly profitable to sell, and often have smaller warnings or no warnings at all.

Retailers were not the only group who didn't have a voice in the notification. The process excluded key government ministries that should have been able to participate and closed the doors to adult smokers, wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, importers and other parties that the requirement will burden.

Commenting on his decision to file a case, Mr. Danai Surawattanawan, a Chiang Mai-based wholesaler and the owner of Saha Karnka store said, "Government should listen to all sides of an issue before making decisions that hurt people like me. That's commonsense, but the Ministry didn't listen. It's trying to use powers that no one ever gave it. And it's making major decisions without working with other government ministries or talking to the small business owners that its policies burden. I am not happy that I have been treated this way. Having been denied a voice in the debate, the only choice I now have is to ask the court to help me."

The TTTA's case centers on the fact that the Ministry overstepped its authority under Thailand's Tobacco Product Control Act by issuing a notification that conflicts with higher law. It also violated Thailand's due process requirements because it excluded the public and those whom this requirement will impact from voicing their views and failed to adequately assess the potential negative consequences of the requirement. The cases will show that the notification is unconstitutional and disproportionate; prevents businesses from engaging in free and fair competition; and disregards trademark protections under Thai and international law.

Philip Morris (Thailand) Ltd. commented on its own filing:

"Given the negative impact that this policy will have on our trademarks and packaging, and the fact that the Ministry ignored our voice and the voices of thousands of retailers in enacting this rule, we have no choice but to ask the Court to intervene. Ultimately, this requirement is not about increasing the public's awareness of the risks of smoking -- which is universal. The Ministry exempts half of the tobacco products sold in Thailand from the new warning. How does that make sense? In our view, this is a punitive measure. The Ministry should have listened to all sides -- and respected the rule of law -- before imposing an illogical requirement that will change the marketplace so significantly," said Ms. Onanong Pratakphiriya, Manager Communications & External Affairs, Philip Morris (Thailand) Ltd.

The parties will file their lawsuits before July 4, 2013 with the Bangkok Administrative Court. A final result is likely within 10 to 14 months.

# # #

The history of cigarette health warning requirements in Thailand: 1974: First text health warning required on the side panel of the pack without specified font and size 1989: 2*2 mm text health warning required on the front of the pack 1992: Text health warning required to cover 25% of the front and back of the pack 1997-2004: Text health warning required to cover 33.3% of the front and back of the pack 2005: Graphic health warning required to cover 50% of the front and back of the back (4th country in the world to require a graphic health warning) 2006: Warning must also cover 50% of the side panels of the pack 2010: Graphic health warning size increased to cover 55% of the front and back of the pack (9th largest in the world) 2011: Warning must also cover 60% of the side panels of the pack

About Thai Tobacco Trade Association:

Thai Tobacco Trade Association (TTTA) was established in January 2012 with the objective of reflecting the perspectives of tobacco-product retailers, wholesalers, and distributors towards tobacco-related issues in order to solve problems and concerns within tobacco trading industry. Topics will cover laws and regulations on tobacco taxation, illegal tobacco product deterrence, and other related campaigns such as youth smoking prevention and local CSR initiatives. Moreover, TTTA is a center of communication between tobacco business sectors and government and media. For more information, please visit http://www.ttta.or.th/english.php

Contacts

For Further Press Information, Please Contact:

124 Communications Consulting Co., Ltd (representing the TTTA)

Krittiya Nontanakorn, + 66 (0) 718 1886 ext. 226

krittiya@124comm.com



Philip Morris International press office

Lausanne, Switzerland (Central European Time (GMT +1))

Anne Edwards, +41 (0)58 242 45 00

media@pmi.com

Toshiba to Showcase Leading-edge Semiconductor Solutions for Mobile Devices at Mobile Asia Expo 2013

Mobile Asia Expo 2013

TOKYO - Tuesday, June 25th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced that it will showcase its leading-edge semiconductor solutions for mobile devices at Mobile Asia Expo 2013. Toshiba will highlight solutions in five areas: "Smart Connectivity", "Smart Imaging", "Smart Audio", "Memory" and "Discrete", under the unifying concept "A Smart Future Starts from Toshiba Semiconductor Solutions."

Mobile Asia Expo 2013 will run from June 26 to June 28 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) in Shanghai, China and Toshiba will be at booth N1.F78.

Outline of Toshiba's Exhibition at Mobile Asia Expo 2013:

1) Smart Connectivity: Solutions that use various wireless environments, including near field communication technologies such as TransferJetTM and NFC, plus other technologies, among them FlashAirTM, BluetoothTM, Wi-FiTM and wireless charging.

2) Smart Imaging: System solutions including CMOS sensors and image processing technologies that help to create a safe and smart future.

3) Smart Audio: High quality, low noise, low power audio solutions, including a noise/echo canceller that brings clear communications to a variety of ever-changing user environments, such as audio and movie playback and device control through voice recognition.

4) Memory: High capacity memory products that enable users to store all sorts of data: music, movies, smartphone apps and more. The exhibit will also feature "SeeQVaultTM", a next-generation content protection technology, which makes it possible to store high definition (HD) contents on memory cards.

5) Discrete: Discrete products in ultra-small packages, such as CSP, which support power management and high-speed interfaces on mobile devices. Products on display will include MOSFETs, load switches and ESD protection diodes.


Notes

*TransferJet is a trademark licensed by the TransferJet Consortium.

*FlashAir is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.

*SeeQVault is a trademark of NSM Initiatives LLC.

*Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Toshiba Corporation under license.

*Wi-Fi is a trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance.


Customer Inquiries: Technical Marketing Department Tel: +81-3-3457-3430


Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.


About Toshiba

Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances.

Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 550 consolidated companies, with 202,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 6.1 trillion yen (US$74 billion). Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm

Contacts

Media Inquiries:

Toshiba Corporation

Semiconductor & Storage Products Company

Koji Takahata, +81-3-3457-4963

semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp

Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/7750/en

O3b Satellites to Launch Broadband Speed to Billions of Under-Connected People across the World

The Final Countdown Has Begun

FRENCH GUIANA - Monday, June 24th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- O3b Networks, the world’s first fiber-speed, satellite network is launching its first four satellites in to orbit today.

What started as a visionary idea six years ago in the jungles of Rwanda to solve the challenge of limited affordable international connectivity, has become a state of the art satellite network providing billions of people across Africa, Latin America, The Middle East, Asia and The Pacific access to fast and affordable internet for the first time.

The first four O3b satellites have been built, tested and are poised at the top of the Soyuz rocket waiting to be launched in to orbit. O3b’s ground systems around the world are in place ready to communicate with and operate the newly launched satellites while O3b staff and customers have gathered at the Guiana Space Centre for the launch which is scheduled to take place at 15.53, local time (18.53 UTC; 20.53 CEST).

O3b CTO, Brian Holz, said:

“We are ready. The countdown has begun. In a few short hours, our satellites will be coming over the horizon for the first time. We are very close to launching a network that has the potential to change lives in very tangible ways and that is a tremendous feeling.”

O3b’s second four satellites will be launched in September and operations will start in November.

About O3b Networks Limited

O3b Networks Limited is a global satellite service provider building a next-generation satellite network for telecommunications operators, Internet service providers, enterprise and government customers in emerging markets. The O3b system will combine the global reach of satellite with the speed of a fiber‐optic network providing billions of consumers and businesses in nearly 180 countries with low‐cost, high‐speed, low latency Internet and mobile connectivity. O3b Networks’ investors include SES, Google, Liberty Global, HSBC Principal Investments, Northbridge Venture Partners, Allen & Company, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Sofina, Satya Capital and Luxempart. O3b Networks is headquartered in St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands.

www.o3bnetworks.com

Contacts

Brunswick PR, London

Marleen Geerlof, Chris Buscombe

Tel: + 44 (0)207 404 5959

E-mail: O3b@brunswickgroup.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/7749/en

Oberthur Technologies’ NFC Embedded Secure Element Equips the Newly Released Samsung GALAXY S4

COLOMBES, France- June 25, 2013 -(BUSINESS WIRE/ME NewsWire)-- Oberthur Technologies, one of the world’s largest providers of security and identification solutions and services based on smart card technologies, today announced its selection by Samsung Electronics to provide PEARL, the state-of-the-art NFC embedded Secure Element (eSE) for the newly released GALAXY S4.

Oberthur Technologies’ PEARL is the most advanced multi-application embedded Secure Element and offers the largest memory on the market. It is also the first of its kind to be certified by Visa, MasterCard and Google. PEARL allows easy deployment of secure NFC payment, strong authentication, transit, access and loyalty applications.
Oberthur Technologies is a recognised leader in trusted payment and plays a key role in the ecosystem through supplying solutions and facilitating connections for a large number of financial institutions and service providers.

“We are proud to be recognised through this contract as a trusted partner for the deployment of secured NFC services in the Samsung GALAXY S4” said Cédric Collomb, Telecom Business Unit Managing Director at Oberthur Technologies. “Teams have collaborated very closely to deliver the best-in-class secured eSE NFC services for this long-awaited smartphone”.
Oberthur Technologies offers OEMs its NFC security expertise along with certified NFC applications, the TSMs to manage them dynamically, and benefits stemming from its relationships with an extended network of service providers.

About Oberthur Technologies

Oberthur Technologies is a world leader in the field of secure technologies: systems development, solutions and services for smart cards (payment cards, SIM cards, access cards, NFC…) and for secure identity documents, traditional and electronic (identity card, passport, health care card). Created in 1984, Oberthur Technologies employs over 6 000 employees. With 50 sales offices across 5 continents, Oberthur Technologies’ international network serves clients in 140 countries.

For more information: www.oberthur.com
*Source: ME NewsWire
The press release can be viewed online: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/7764/en

Contacts

Media Contacts
Oberthur Technologies
Annika Hellgren, Tel. : +33 6 03 07 23 87
Email : a.hellgren@oberthur.com
or
FTI Consulting
Yannick Duvergé, Tel.: +33 1 47 03 68 65 / +33 6 74 91 48 05
Email: yannick.duverge@fticonsulting.com

View this news release and multimedia online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130624005794/en

Big Data Pioneer Terapeak Launches New Analytics Solution for Amazon.com

Online Merchants Will Gain Insights and Visibility into the Amazon Marketplace

PALO ALTO, Calif. - Tuesday, June 25th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Terapeak today announced the release of Terapeak for Amazon.com, a break-through E-commerce market analytics solution, designed to provide visibility into the Amazon marketplace. Online retailers will have access to Amazon market data as well as their own sales data, enabling them to compare key performance indicators.

Terapeak for Amazon.com features product, offer and sales rank searches in over 35 Amazon categories; average, minimum and maximum pricing data; competitor research and analysis, and the ability to view historical Amazon transactions. Online merchants can also analyze and measure product and sales performance across multiple channels. With Terapeak for Amazon.com, online sellers now have unique insight into the competitive environment that is the Amazon marketplace, and yet another Terapeak-powered way to build distance between themselves and their competitors.

"Terapeak has been renowned for its ability to provide marketplace visibility for eBay merchants, but with multi-channel selling becoming the new normal, our customers were asking us to deliver analytics for Amazon.com as well," said Kevin North, President & CEO of Terapeak. “Now, not only have we delivered it, but we have also integrated their own sales data into the application. By bringing all this knowledge together in one place, our customers will have even greater insights into the E-commerce landscape, and a superior understanding of their own relative position.”

Terapeak has always been a pioneer of Big Data analytics, launching its first online application, Terapeak for eBay, in 2004. Using proprietary analytics that cut through the complexity of ecommerce transactional data, Terapeak offers unique marketplace intelligence to clients ranging from small business merchants to Fortune 500 companies. E-commerce merchants use Terapeak’s reporting to evaluate sourcing opportunities, price points, market trends, product behavior across regions, and their competition. Terapeak analyzes over 2.4 billion transactions per year and over $68 Billion in online consumer spending worldwide. Terapeak offers a free seven-day trial of its full subscription package – which includes Terapeak for eBay, Terapeak for Amazon, and Terapeak MySales – on its website at Terapeak.com.

Visit Terapeak’s website: www.terapeak.com

Like Terapeak on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Terapeak

Follow Terapeak on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Terapeak

About Terapeak

Terapeak is the leading source for analyzing, understanding and predicting consumer and product behavior in e-commerce. As the first authorized analytics provider of eBay market data, and the leading aggregator of e-commerce data for eBay, Amazon, Yahoo! Japan and Magento, Terapeak is an indispensable resource for over 1.3 million online merchants.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Terapeak
Shelley D'Amico, 250 661 5901
Director, Communications & Creative Services
sdamico@terapeak.com