Friday, December 29, 2017

Amazon Celebrates Biggest Holiday; More Than Four Million People Trialed Prime In One Week Alone This Season

Echo Dot and Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote were the #1 and #2 top-selling products across all categories on Amazon

Items shipped with FREE One-Day Shipping or FREE Same-Day Delivery or Ultra-Fast Delivery with Prime Now more than doubled this holiday season

Small businesses and entrepreneurs had a record-breaking season with more than one billion items ordered worldwide



SEATTLE-Friday, December 29th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- (NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon celebrated its biggest holiday season with customers all around the world shopping at record levels. Prime membership continued to grow this holiday – in fact, in one week alone, more than four million people started Prime free trials or began paid memberships, to benefit from free two-day, one-day or same-day shipping, in addition to ultra-fast one and two hour delivery with Prime Now.

Customers shopped from hundreds of millions of products, including a vast selection from small businesses and entrepreneurs. More than one billion items were ordered from small businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide this season – and over just five days, from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, nearly 140 million items were ordered from small businesses and entrepreneurs. Amazon Devices also had its best holiday yet, with tens of millions of Alexa-enabled devices sold worldwide. Echo Dot and Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote were not only the top-selling Amazon devices this holiday season, but they were also the best-selling products from any manufacturer in any category across all of Amazon.

“Since Day One we have obsessed over what we believe our customers care about – incredible deals and low prices, fast and free shipping, and a wide selection of top products – and we continue to provide all three, all the time. We’re excited that people continued to join Prime this holiday, to take advantage of more fast and free shipping options plus new convenient delivery like Amazon Key, as well as early access to Lightning Deals and unlimited streaming of TV shows and movies, including Prime Originals and more,” stated Jeff Wilke, CEO Worldwide Consumer. “Thank you to the millions of customers and hundreds of thousands of Amazon employees all around the world who made this holiday better than ever before. We look forward to another great year ahead.”

Amazon Devices and Alexa

    It was a record holiday shopping season for Amazon Devices, with millions more devices purchased worldwide this year than last year’s holiday season.
    This holiday season was better than ever for the family of Echo products. The Echo Dot was the #1 selling Amazon Device this holiday season, and the best-selling product from any manufacturer in any category across all of Amazon, with millions sold.
    Customers purchased more than twice as many Amazon Fire TV Sticks compared to last year’s holiday season. Fire TV continues to be the #1 streaming media player family in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Japan, across all retailers.
    It was the best holiday season ever for Fire Kids Edition Tablets with 2.4x as many devices purchased from Amazon.com compared to the same time period last year.
    Echo devices have been an extremely popular gift this year, with Echo Spot, Echo Dot and Echo Buttons selling out this holiday season; customers can still pre-order to reserve their place in line and orders will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
    This year, Kindle celebrated its 10th holiday season.
    This holiday, millions of Prime members voice shopped with Alexa for gifts, Amazon devices and everyday household essentials. The most popular items purchased by voice were the Echo Dot, Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote and TP-Link Smart Plug Mini.
    Alexa helped mix tens of thousands of cocktails this holiday season with Martini and Manhattan being the most requested drinks.
    The recipe for chocolate chip cookies was the most requested recipe this holiday season.
    The most requested song from Alexa customers this holiday season was “Jingle Bells.”
    The East Coast was more in the holiday spirit this season, asking Alexa to play holiday music 2.5x as many times as the West Coast.
    Alexa customers turned on their holiday lights more than a million times via Alexa this holiday season.
    Alexa customers asked for tens of millions of jokes this holiday season.
    The most common person people called this holiday season was 'Mom' in the U.S. and Germany, and 'Dad' in the U.K.
    Music listening time on Alexa was 3x as much this holiday season compared to last holiday season.
    Customers wished Alexa a Merry Christmas, Happy holidays and Happy Hanukkah 3.5x more this year when compared to last year's holiday season.
    People asked about Santa 4x as much this holiday season compared to last holiday season.
    Customers asked Alexa for cooking related advice more than 9x as much this year compared to last holiday season.
    The most requested movies this holiday season via Alexa were Trolls and Elf.
    Alexa on Fire TV is more popular than ever before, with usage in the United States up 889% over the same time period last year.
    Alexa customers set 3x as many timers this year compared to last holiday season.

Amazon Delivered this Holiday

    Across North America and the Europe, associates at 10 fulfillment centers picked, packed, and shipped more than one million customer packages in a single day.
    Amazon’s peak day of customer fulfillment in 2017 was December 19, 2017.
    In 2017, we increased the size of our fulfillment and shipping network by more than 30% in square footage worldwide.
    In the U.S., more than 6,000 trailers and 32 Amazon Air planes helped get holiday orders to customers this season.
    Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Amazon Air carried enough packages to equal over a billion Echo Dots.
    An Amazon Air cargo plane can hold more than 10,000 Instant Pots.
    The last Prime Now order in time for Christmas was delivered in 58 minutes at 11:58 p.m. on Christmas Eve in Baltimore, MD. The order included the Kid Galaxy Amphibious RC Car Morphibians Shark Remote Control Toy, the Crayola Oil Pastels Art Tools, 28 ct., and the VTech Click and Count Remote.

Mobile Shopping

    The top five items ordered on a mobile device were the Echo Dot, Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote and the TP-Link Smart Plug.
    Customers worldwide shopping on the Amazon App increased nearly 70% this holiday season.
    More than 1,400 electronics products were ordered per second on a mobile device this holiday season.
    AR view saw the most usage on Cyber Monday. The most popular item viewed with AR view throughout this holiday season was a black chair with ottoman. Top categories viewed with AR view are furniture, toys, Amazon devices, kitchen items and consumer electronics.

Community Giving

    Amazon’s Treasure Truck fleet and festively wrapped Amazon semi-trucks made special deliveries as part of Amazon’s “Delivering Smiles” holiday tour. Together, the trucks stopped in over 30 communities where Amazon employees live and work, donating thousands of items including STEM toys, books, devices, and household essentials to women, children, and families in immediate need. At the end of the tour, Amazon donated $1 for every mile the trucks traveled to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
    The “Delivering Smiles” holiday tour expanded Amazon’s growing support of children and families in immediate need. To learn more about each nonprofit Amazon visited throughout their “Delivering Smiles” tour in the US and Canada, visit https://blog.aboutamazon.com/delivering-smiles.

Digital Entertainment

    This year, 4x more music from Amazon Music was streamed over Alexa compared to last holiday season.
    Amazon Music listeners loved using the lyrics feature to ask for songs on Alexa over the holidays, requesting “Jingle Bells” more than any other festive track just by saying a few words from the song.
    Listeners wanted to slow down and unwind this season, asking Alexa to play “relaxing” music more than any other mood through Amazon Music.
    Listeners in New York, Seattle, Chicago, Houston and San Diego streamed more holiday songs on Amazon Music via Alexa, than any other cities in the U.S.
    Christmas by Michael Bublé was once again the most played album on Amazon Music during the holiday season.
    “All I want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey held the top spot for the most streamed holiday song on Amazon Music for the second year in a row.
    The most watched season over the holidays was the Golden Globe-nominated Prime Original The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
    The most watched series this holiday was The Grand Tour.
    The most watched Amazon Original movie this holiday season was The Big Sick.
    The most watched Kids Prime Original over the holidays was If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.
    The most purchased movie over the holidays was Elf.
    The most purchased series over the holidays was The Walking Dead.
    The most watched Amazon Channel subscriptions this holiday season were HBO, Showtime and STARZ, and the current seasons of Game of Thrones, Shameless and Power were the top watched shows on each channel, respectively.
    The top match-up of Prime Video’s 10-game Thursday Night Football schedule this season was on Dec. 7, when two million worldwide viewers watched the Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 20-17
    The most-read Kindle book in Amazon First Reads in 2017 was, Beneath A Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan.
    The best-selling and most-listened-to audiobook of 2017 was The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson, narrated by Roger Wayne.
    The most-listened-to fiction audiobook of 2017 was Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, narrated by Jim Dale.
    The most-commented-on audiobook of 2017 was Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, narrated by the author.
    According to Amazon Charts, the most read and most gifted Kindle book in the U.S. this holiday season was Origin: A Novel by Dan Brown.
    According to Amazon Charts, the top book Kindle readers in the U.S. found ‘Unputdownable’ this holiday season was Year One: Chronicles of the One, Book 1 by Nora Roberts, reading it cover-to-cover faster than other books.
    According to Amazon Charts, the Most Wished For books of 2017 in the U.S. were: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil Degrasse Tyson, and Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari.
    Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale was the most borrowed book from Prime Reading, worldwide, in 2017.
    Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook by Laurel Randolph, independently published through Kindle Direct Publishing, has been topping Amazon Charts throughout the holiday season – reaching #1 on the most sold non-fiction list the week of Cyber Monday.

Holiday Bestsellers

    Prime members shopped more than 100,000 Lightning Deals on Amazon.com with Prime Early Access.
    Customers shopped hundreds of Deals of the Day on Amazon.com throughout the holiday season.
    Millions of customers in the U.S. watched deals with Watch a Deal.
    This holiday season, Whole Foods Market sold over 500,000 pounds of sweet treats at the cookie bars featured in stores across the U.S. – that’s enough to feed Santa more than 6 million cookies throughout his trip around the world on Christmas Eve.
    Across Amazon Books’ 13 bookstores, the top selling nonfiction book was Obama: An Intimate Portrait by Pete Souza; the top selling fiction book was Origin by Dan Brown; the top selling kids book was Diary of a Wimpy Kid #12, The Getaway by Jeff Kinney; and, the top selling poetry book was the sun and her flowers by Rumi Kaur.
    Across Amazon Books’ 13 bookstores, one out of seven customers who purchased a book also donated a children’s book to local charities supporting children in need. The top selling book given to local charities was the classic, Are You My Mother by P.D. Eastman; it was also the top selling book across all 13 stores.
    The Echo Dot was the top-selling device across Amazon Books’ 13 stores; the Kindle Paperwhite was the best-selling Kindle; the TP-Link Smart Plug was the best-selling accessory; and WowWee Fingerlings were the top selling toy.
    The best-selling kitchen item in the U.S. and worldwide was the Instant Pot DUO80.
    The best-selling toy and game item in the U.S. was the Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster, while the best-selling toy and game item worldwide was What Do You Meme? Adult Party Game.
    The best-selling smart home product in the U.S. and worldwide was the TP-Link Smart Plug.
    The best-selling beauty and grooming items in the U.S. included the Finishing Touch Flawless Women's Painless Hair Remover, the Philips Norelco Multigroom All-In-One Series 3000 and the Oral-B Black Pro 1000 Power Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush, while the best-selling item worldwide was the Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean Rechargeable Toothbrush.
    The best-selling home, health and personal care products in the U.S. this holiday season include Fitbit Charge 2, the 23andMe DNA Test, the AncestryDNA: Genetic Testing - DNA Ancestry Test Kit and Radha Beauty Aromatherapy Top 8 Essential Oils.
    Robot vacuums were among the best-selling home items on Amazon.com over the holiday season.
    The best-selling products from Amazon Launchpad businesses included WowWee Fingerlings Interactive Baby Monkey, Exploding Kittens Card Game, and Watch Ya Mouth Throwdown Edition Card Game.
    The best-selling sports items in the U.S. this season included Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls, Wilson NFL MVP Junior Football and Spalding NBA Street Basketball.
    The best-selling fashion items in the U.S. this holiday season include ASICS Men's GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe, Alex and Ani Initial Expandable Wire Bangle Bracelet, 2.5", Levi's Men's 505 Regular Fit Jean, UGG Women's Classic Short II Boot.
    The best-selling products from AmazonFresh in the U.S. this holiday season, were organic bananas, limes, cucumbers, navel oranges, yellow onions.
    The best-selling furniture products in the U.S. included the Zinus Memory Foam 12 Inch Green Tea Mattress, the LinenSpa 8" Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress and the LINENSPA 6 Inch Innerspring Mattress.
    The best-selling automotive products in the U.S. included the Dark Seasonal Snow & Ice Car Scraper, the NOCO Genius Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12V UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter and the STANLEY J5C09 Jump Starter.
    The best-selling pet products in the U.S. included the PEDIGREE DENTASTIX Holiday Treats for Dogs, the KONG Wild Knots Bears Durable Dog Toys and the Taste of the Wild, Canine Formula.
    The best-selling baby products in the U.S. include the Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys, Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy and the Nuby Bundle of 3 Toys, which was also the best-selling baby product worldwide.
    The best-selling luxury beauty item in the U.S. was the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Herbs and Rosewater, stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner and Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Solution.
    The best-selling grocery item in the U.S. was Green Mountain Coffee Keurig Coffee Lover's Variety Pack Single-Serve K-Cup Sampler, 40 Count, the Glaceau Smartwater Vapor Distilled Water, and Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
    The best-selling tools include the Black + Decker LDX 120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver and the MagnoGrip 311-090 Magnetic Wristband.
    The best-selling wireless products in the U.S. include Tile Mate - Key Finder. Phone Finder, PopSockets: Expanding Stand and Grip for Smartphones and Tablets and Wemo Mini Smart Plug.
    The best-selling major appliances in the U.S. include Samsung MS11K3000AS 1.1 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven, the Danby 120 Can Beverage Center and the NewAir AB-1200 126-Can Beverage Cooler.
    The best-selling musical instruments on Amazon.com were the Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner for Guitar, Singing Machine SML385BTW Top Loading CDG Karaoke System with Bluetooth, Sound and Disco Light Show, and the Singing Machine SMM-205 Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone.
    The best-selling outdoor items in the U.S. were Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed with Built-in Electric Pump, the Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle and the BV Bicycle Light Set Super Bright 5 LED Headlight.
    The best-selling home improvement products on Amazon.com were the Philips Hue White A19 Single LED Bulb (Works with Amazon Alexa), Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance 3rd Generation A19 10W Equivalent Dimmable LED Smart Bulb (Works with Amazon Alexa) and Himalayan Glow Pink Salt Lamp.
    The best-selling lawn and garden products in the U.S. this holiday season included the Weber 6492 Original Instant-Read Thermometer, Snow Joe SJBLZD Telescoping Snow Broom with Ice Scraper and Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector.
    The best-selling office products in the U.S. were Elmer's Liquid School Glue (1 Gallon) - Great For Making Slime, Georgia-Pacific Spectrum Standard 92 Multipurpose Paper (8.5 x 11 Inches) and Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens (Assorted Colors, 12-Count).
    The best-selling business, industrial and scientific supplies in the U.S. included the First Aid Only All-Purpose First Aid Essentials Kit, Rubbermaid Commercial Stainless Steel Oven Monitoring Thermometer and TOPGREENER TU2154A High Speed USB Charger Outlet.
    The best-selling TVs in the U.S. this holiday season were the TCL 32-Inch 720p Roku Smart LED TV (2017 Model), Samsung Electronics 40-Inch 1080p Smart LED TV (2017 Model), TCL 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart LED TV (2017 Model) and Samsung Electronics 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV (2017 Model).

Holiday Fun Facts

    This season, Amazon customers purchased enough WowWee Fingerlings Interactive Baby Monkey toys on Amazon.com to hang end-to-end down the Empire State Building more than 100 times.
    Amazon.com customers purchased enough TVs to create nearly 2,500 towers the size of the Space Needle.
    Amazon customers purchased enough littlebits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kits on Amazon.com to man an Imperial-II class Star Destroyer.
    Amazon customers purchased enough Calvin Klein products on Amazon.com during the holiday to give five items to every attendee at Coachella 2017.
    Amazon customers purchased enough shoes on Amazon.com during the holiday season were lined up end-to-end, they would stretch from Alaska to Miami.
    This holiday season, Amazon.com customers purchased enough Wickedly Prime Truffle Spreads to make over half a million dipped strawberries.
    Treasure Truck customers purchased enough holiday wreaths that when stacked, one on top of the other, would reach the top of the Empire State Building nearly five and a half times.
    Amazon.com customers purchased enough Instant Pot pressure cookers this holiday to make more than nine million bowls of chili at once.
    Amazon.com customers purchased enough AmazonBasics hangers to hold an outfit for each person in the city of Houston, TX – the fourth most populated city in the U.S.
    If you lined up all the copies of Jeff Kinney’s, The Getaway that Amazon sold during the holiday season, you would reach the height of 444 Saturn V rockets.
    If you collected all of the copies of Walter Isaacson’s, Leonardo Da Vinci that Amazon sold over the holidays, they would weigh the equivalent of 25,417 gallons of paint – enough paint to cover over Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling 1,592 and a half times.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Contacts

Amazon.com, Inc.
Media Hotline
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr


















Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/5295/en



Thursday, December 28, 2017

Sharjah Passes 2018 Budget

Ruler of Sharjah Approves the budget, which aims at achieving the government strategic priorities, providing the best services, enhancing financial sustainability and improving macroeconomic indicators

SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates -Thursday, December 28th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

The Emirate of Sharjah marked its year end with the approval of a General budget of 2018. The budget was approved by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah with total expenses of about AED 22.1 billion.

The 2018 budget witnesses increases spending on public safety and capital improvement projects. It aims at achieving government strategic priorities, providing best services, enhancing financial sustainability and improving macroeconomic indicators through the adoption of many strategic goals and indicators with an economic, social, scientific and cultural dimension.

“2017 has been a successful year and we intend to continue the positive momentum in 2018. The coming year will see varied developments which will not only serve beneficial to the citizens, but also help us achieve the financial stability,” said His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

One of the most important objectives of the 2018 budget is investment in the infrastructure of Sharjah and the provision of social support in various forms and methods that serve the citizens address their living needs and ensure a prosperous future for them. Additionally, the budget also aims to encourage the citizens to strengthen their role in sustainable building and development, which is in line with UAE Vision 2021.

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qassimi, Head of the Sharjah Central Finance Department said, “The budget of Sharjah has been based on many strategic, operational and financial fundamentals and bases, reflecting the directives of HH the Ruler of Sharjah and his renewed vision, as well as the directives of the Executive Council and the vision of the Department of Finance, which are represented in the development of an innovative financial system to promote financial sustainability, achieve economic prosperity and pay exceptional attention to the development of infrastructure and community services.”

It was noted that the total spending allocations increased by 6 per cent in 2018 compared to the budget of 2017. Despite the increase in spending, the government of Sharjah has developed varied other strategic plans that maintain the financial stability. These include, promoting trade and commerce, highlighting the cultural history of the emirate, reducing the dependence on oil and also encouraging start-ups and young entrepreneurs to pursue their own interests.

HE Waleed Al Sayegh, Director General of the Sharjah Central Finance Department, said, “The budget of 2018 thoroughly and objectively reflects the directives of HH the Ruler of Sharjah that this budget would be a strategic tool that translates the vision and strategy of the government with a modern and sophisticated perspective. Therefore, the budgeting process has been carried out in light of the medium term expenditure framework, in addition to linking Sharjah budget with many economic and social indicators, including the development of economic growth and the increase of support and assistance to the categories referred to by HH the Ruler of Sharjah in several occasions. His Highness is deeply interested in these categories as he seeks to achieve welfare and lasting prosperity for all citizens.”



The major proposed items of the budget include-

    Sharjah budget of 2018 is AED 22.1 Billion, with 6% growth rate in comparison with the budget of 2017.
    Salaries account for 36% of the current budget.
    24% of the budget goes to the development and improvement of Sharjah infrastructure.
    44% of the budget is allocated to the economic development sector.
    23% of the budget is allocated to the social development sector.
    The budget of capital projects amounted to about 14% of the total budget of the government.
    The budget will provide 1500 jobs for citizens.
    Government revenues will witness a growth rate of 5% in 2018.
    It has increased the attention of HH the Ruler of Sharjah by providing social support and assistance to the beneficiaries in pursuit to achieve welfare and social justice to account for 6% of the total budget.

Contacts

Farah Al obaidi  

Head of Media Relations

Tel: +971 50 1714347     

Mob: +971 503323158

Email: farah@saharagcc.com


Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/5300/en

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Denis DELVAL is Appointed CEO of LFB SA

LES ULIS, France-Friday, December 22nd 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- On December 20th, a decree from the President of France was published in Le Journal Officiel* appointing Denis DELVAL CEO of LFB S.A. This decree follows the General Meeting of LFB SA and the meeting of its Board of Directors, which both took place on December 4th, 2017.

Denis DELVAL is also appointed, CEO of LFB BIOMEDICAMENTS and President of LFB BIOTECHNOLOGIES as of December 4th, following Christian BÉCHON and Denis SOUBEYRAN’s departures.

A graduate of ESSEC and INSEAD business schools with a PhD in Pharmacy, Denis DELVAL has a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry. He has held important marketing, sales and strategic positions in France, Europe and worldwide and has managed international partnerships within various pharmaceutical groups (Bayer, Fournier Pharma, ALK). In 2006, he was appointed General Manager of ALK France. In 2012, he also became Senior Vice President of the Danish pharmaceutical company specialized in allergy immunotherapy treatments. Denis DELVAL lectures at ESSEC business school and has also been Chairman of Lecrip.org, a healthcare think tank.

“I am proud to be appointed as CEO of LFB Group and to work for this company operating in a strategic sector. LFB produces therapeutics that are essential for the lives of thousands of patients, particularly in the rare disease field. I am fully aware of the challenges ahead and look forward to unleashing energies to make this pharmaceutical company successful in France and internationally.”

* The Official Journal of the French Republic.

About LFB Group
LFB is a biopharmaceutical group that develops, manufactures, and markets medicinal products derived from living matter for the treatment of serious and often rare diseases in several major therapeutic fields, including Hemostasis, Immunology and Intensive Care. LFB is the leading manufacturer of plasma-derived medicinal products in France and 7th worldwide, and is also among the leading European companies for the development of new-generation medicinal products or treatments based on biotechnologies. Through its constant research efforts, the LFB group implements a growth strategy to expand its activities on international markets. Today, LFB currently markets its products in almost 60 countries around the world with a global turnover of €518.9 million in 2016. LFB group employs more than 2300 people worldwide.
www.groupe-lfb.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171221005345/en/


Contacts

LFB SA
Sandrine Charrières, Tel : +33-(0)1-6982-7280
Executive VP Corporate Communications
charrieres@lfb.fr



Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/5281/en

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Alps Electric to Introduce Input Device for Autonomous Cars and Other Technologies at CES 2018



TOKYO-Tuesday, December 26th 2017 [AETOS Wire]
(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Japanese electronic components manufacturer Alps Electric Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 6770) (President: Toshihiro Kuriyama; Head Office: Tokyo) will open a booth at CES 2018 to introduce its latest technology. CES 2018 opens at the Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States on January 9, 2018.
At CES 2018, an exposition of cutting-edge technologies brought together from around the world, Alps Electric will introduce core technologies and solutions in areas expected to gain prominence in the near future—autonomous driving, augmented reality applications and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Exhibit Highlights
  1. Capacitive Input Device for Automotive Use
    For autonomous cars of the future, Alps Electric is putting forward an input device based on capacitive technology that enables gesture and touch input and control of systems around the driver. The device contributes to a comfortable user experience by allowing accurate input, such as selection of menu options, without actually making direct contact with the touch panel. This is achieved using a highly sensitive capacitive sensor, an Alps-developed algorithm and original ASIC design.

    The Alps booth will present examples of solutions integrating the device with natural materials such as leather and wood, taking advantage of its excellent sensitivity and accuracy. Visitors to the booth will be able to operate them.

  2. HAPTIC™ Trigger Plus
    Alps Electric’s force feedback technology is applied in the HAPTIC™ Trigger Plus, a controller that realistically recreates the feel of objects. Besides recreating pressure, vibrations and thermal sensations, HAPTIC™ Trigger Plus includes a feature that senses finger movements using a capacitive sensor, providing for a much more immersive virtual reality control experience.
    Visitors to the Alps Electric booth can try the demonstration, which recreates a variety of haptic sensations using items like a stainless steel cup, a snowman or a puppy.
When you are at CES 2018, please stop by the Alps Electric booth.

Outline of the Exhibition

Exhibition:

CES 2018
Dates:

January 9-12, 2018
Venue:

Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center
Booth location:

North Hall Meeting Room N103

Exhibits
• Capacitive Input Device for Automotive Use
• HAPTIC™ Trigger Plus
• Thin Touch Input Module
• IoT Sensor Network Module
• IoT for Sports Technology
• VR Grip™ Platform*
• GlidePoint® Circle Trackpads* and more…
*Technologies of Alps Electric group company Cirque Corporation (Salt Lake City, USA)
Alps Electric Core Technologies
Alps Electric possesses core technologies in three areas—human-machine interfacessensors and connectivity—and persistently creates electronic components of value for the customer through enrichment and fusion of those technologies.
The company has performed tremendously well in these areas. In the human-machine interface and sensor domains, Alps Electric has been selected as primary supplier of products for applications including smartphones, game consoles and automobiles. And in the connectivity domain, the company led the industry in commencing mass production of V2X modules for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication.

About Alps Electric

Company name:

Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
Established:

November 1, 1948
Capital stock:

¥38.730 billion (as of end of March 2017)
No. of employees (consolidated):

42,053 (as of end of March 2017)
No. of employees (electronic components segment):

22,688 (worldwide; as of end of March 2017)
Net sales (consolidated):

¥753.262 billion (year ended March 31, 2017)
Net sales (electronic components segment):

¥437.676 billion (year ended March 31, 2017)

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171226005084/en/

Contacts

Inquiries About This Press Release
Alps Electric Co., Ltd.,
Asagi Tsukahara, +81-3-5499-8001
Public Relations Team,
Corporate Planning Office

asagi.tsukahara@jp.alps.com

Permalink: http://aetoswire.com/news/5294/en

DOCOMO to Offer Foreigners Visiting Japan Free Access to Mobile Phone Network via Prepaid SIM

 — Third-party ad views to cover cost of access to DOCOMO network —


TOKYO-Tuesday, December 26th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today its Japan Welcome SIMTM series will introduce Plan 0 (read “plan zero”) to allow overseas visitors in Japan to access the Internet for free via the DOCOMO mobile network, from December 26. The free service will initially be available in Hokkaido and Niigata prefectures, after which other areas will be added sequentially.

Along with the addition of Plan 0, Japan Welcome SIM’s Plan 1000 and Plan 1700 will be renamed as Plan S and Plan M respectively, and a Plan L will be newly added for large-volume users of high-speed data communications. These changes will also apply from December 26.

DOCOMO has launched various fee-based plans for Japan Welcome SIM since July, but Plan 0 is the first free plan in the series. Customers can qualify for the free service by viewing designated advertisements in their home countries before visiting Japan. Plan 0 is being offered in collaboration with local governments and business partners that are interested in targeting specific foreign visitors through advertisements and by setting various conditions for service usage, such as application periods, SIM pick-up periods, SIM handover locations, total SIMs to be offered, and more.

Japan Welcome SIM is provided as a 3-in-1 SIM card compatible with regular, micro and nano formats. Access to the DOCOMO network is provided for 15 days under various plans — Plan 0, Plan S, Plan M and Plan L. Plan 0 offers free Internet in exchange for viewing a certain number of video ads and completing a survey prior to arriving in Japan. Ad-free access at 128 Kbps is available for ¥1,080 (Plan S), or high-speed (max. 788 Mbps*1) 4G access is available with Plan M (¥1,836 for 600 MB) and Plan L (¥2,376 for 1.2 GB). Users can continue to enjoy the high-speed service by topping up their SIMs for ¥216 (100 MB), ¥756 (500 MB) or ¥1,296 (1 GB). Alternatively, the SIMs can be topped up with free high-speed data through methods such as watching video ads or completing surveys. Even after purchased high-speed data amounts have been used up, access to the network is still available at 128 Kbps for the remainder of the 15-day period.

Japan Welcome SIM applications are accepted in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Thai at https://docomo.prepaid-sim.jp/lp card registration required).

*1
   


   

The data rate shown is the theoretical maximum downlink speed available in certain locations throughout Japan. Access is provided on a best-effort basis and actual speeds may vary depending on the transmission environment, network traffic, and type of device used.

*
   

For information on compatible devices and other conditions of use, please visit https://docomo.prepaid-sim.jp/faq/lp and refer to the applicable FAQ section.

*
   

Prices shown include tax.

DOCOMO makes stays in Japan more convenient and enjoyable by offering visiting tourists and businesspeople data communication options and a translation service that leverages artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. DOCOMO also supports the stimulation and revitalization of regional economies through its "+d" initiatives for the creation of new value through collaboration with various partners.

About NTT DOCOMO
NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator with over 75 million subscriptions, is one of the world’s foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities (“+d” partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations. DOCOMO is listed on stock exchanges in Tokyo (9437) and New York (DCM). www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171224005006/en/

Contacts

For further information, please contact:
NTT DOCOMO
Mr. Shin Fujioka or Ms. Yurina Toda
Smart-life Planning Department
Tel: +81-3-5156-2748
Fax: +81-3-3509-6201
Website: www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english

Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/5293/en

Step Group and DMS Host an Exclusive Workshop

 Event aimed at promoting Branded Content across MENA

Dubai, United Arab Emirates-Tuesday, December 26th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

DMS, which serves as the Exclusive Media Representative for STEP Group, Co-hosted an exclusive advertising and media industry workshop on Wednesday, December 13, 2017.

The well-attended gathering was hosted on the picturesque rooftop of the Choueiri Group Building in Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, with guests arriving in at 2 pm.

Aptly titled “Where is my logo”, the workshop event was the first major industry gathering aligned with promoting DMS’ recently signed new partnership with STEP Group. The STEP banner has firmly focused its vision towards helping to build and shape the modern Arab world through digital media and entertainment and currently encompasses a hot of innovative digital media and event platforms.

The “Where is my logo” workshop presented a specialized overview on native and social content and succeeded to share insights, learnings and case studies from some of the region’s foremost media industry experts and marketers.

Reflecting on the significance of the partnership and the workshop, DMS’ Chief Operating Officer, Michel Malkoun said, “Signing-on STEP Group as a publisher reflects on DMS’s goal of providing brands with trustworthy premium content digital publishers in the region. Our latest joint event further embodies our commitment to elevate the Branded Content discussion across MENA, while simultaneously tearing down myths and obstacles”.

STEP Group’s Co-founder & CEO, Ray Dargham also said “we hosted this event together with our partners at DMS to talk to brands and agencies about how they can create amazing, genuine branded content, that can speak to the hearts and emotions of Arab millennials. Great branded content has become the key for today’s leading brands, seeking to connect with young Arabs.”

STEP Group’s platforms (websites, digital video platforms and events) all serve content and experiences to dynamic and young Arab audiences. The STEP Group banner has also served as the driving force behind major industry events “STEP Conference”, as well as “STEP Music”.

Contacts

Digital Media Services (DMS)

Assad Jamil, +97144545454

E: ajamil.mr@choueirigroup.com

Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/5291/en

Dissolution of Triton Aviation Finance (“TAF”) and Establishment of Liquidating Trust



SAN FRANCISCO -Wednesday, December 20th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On December 19, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), TAF was dissolved pursuant to an order of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the “Chancery Court”), dated November 17, 2017 (the “Order”). The cash assets of TAF, less a reserve of $1,500,000 (the “Liquidating Trust Deposit”), were conveyed to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as indenture trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”), for distribution, pursuant to the terms of the Plan of Resolution (the “Plan”), to the holders of TAF’s Class A-1 Notes under the Trust Indenture, dated June 22, 2000, as supplemented on November 30, 2001, September 27, 2012 and September 30, 2013, by and among TAF, as issuer, TAL2 LLC, as cash manager, and the Indenture Trustee (the “Indenture”).

The Liquidating Trust Deposit was transferred to the Triton Aviation Finance Liquidating Trust (the “Liquidating Trust”). The Liquidating Trust was established pursuant to the Order and the Triton Aviation Finance Liquidating Trust Agreement, dated December 19, 2017 (the “Liquidating Trust Agreement”). The Indenture Trustee is the beneficiary, on behalf of the holders of TAF’s Class A-1 Notes, of the Liquidating Trust and Raquel Brinkman will act as liquidating trustee. The Liquidating Trust will have the authority to resolve all claims against TAF and its remaining subsidiaries that were timely filed by the October 5, 2017 deadline set by the Chancery Court, pay administrative expenses and take additional steps necessary to carry out the terms of the Plan.

The Liquidating Trust is expected to terminate, subject to the terms of the Liquidating Trust Agreement, on or before December 18, 2018. Upon termination of the Liquidating Trust, any remaining cash assets of the Liquidating Trust will be conveyed to the Indenture Trustee for application under the Plan and the Indenture.

Immediately following the Effective Date, TAF’s Class B and Class C Notes, issued pursuant to the Indenture, will be delisted from the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

Copies of the Plan, the Order, the Liquidating Trust Agreement, TAF’s notice of Effective Date or other documents may be obtained upon request from, and any questions may be directed to, TAF at (415) 795-2085 or rbrinkman@t-aviation.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on TAF’s current expectations of future events and involve substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of TAF’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by such forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by law, TAF does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171219006009/en/

Contacts

Triton Aviation Finance
Raquel Brinkman, 415-795-2085
rbrinkman@t-aviation.com


















Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/5269/en

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Grundfos CEO Delivers Important Remarks at the District Energy Systems for a Sustainable and Energy Efficient Future Conference 2017 in Turkey

Mads Nipper: In the long run, sustainable business models will be successful and create business opportunities


Dubai, United Arab Emirates-Sunday, December 24th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

Grundfos, the award-winning world leader in advanced pump solutions, took part with a keynote speech in the District Energy Systems for a Sustainable and Energy Efficient Future Conference 2017. The event, co-organized by the Danish Board of District Heating and the Trade Council of Denmarkin Turkey, was held on November 29 at the Swissôtel the Bosphorus, Istanbul. B2B meetings and roundtables explored market opportunities within the district energy sector in Turkey and best practice cases from Denmark, for a sustainable and energy efficient future and city transformation.

In his speech, by which he tackled the “New Role of Business in Society”, Mads Nipper, Chief Executive Officer and Group President of Grundfos Holding A/S, focused on sustainability and business responsibility.  “Running a sustainable business or implementing sustainable and responsible business practices not only builds a better world, but also contributes to long term profitable business models. In the long run, sustainable business models will be successful and create business opportunities in the local communities they operate in,” he said. “Our aim is to think ahead and innovate for the greater good of our planet and our society, while going the extra mile to help local communities and municipalities build and regulate their own sustainable business models, without any support.”

Nipper has been an ambassador of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ever since they were formulated and implemented over two years ago; and Grundfos has since integrated the SDGs into the core of its business goals. He added: “Sustainability is part of Grundfos’ DNA. We push the boundaries of possibility in energy efficiency and water conservation. Every day, we bring our expertise to improve people’s lives, through innovative solutions that break with conventional thinking to help local communities, governments and municipalities achieve not only an environmentally but economically sustainable future. Our Water ATM project, for example, aims to support sustainable water management. Charging water even for a small amount of money is designed to ensure that water is used wisely. We don’t want to supply water for free because when it is free, consumers tend to waste more."

The conference gathered top-level executives of world renowned companies and key private and public stakeholders and decision-makers in the energy efficiency market, to discuss energy efficiency and sustainability. It also highlighted the recent developments in the Turkish district energy market including finance opportunities and upcoming projects.

About Grundfos

Founded in 1945 in Bjerringbro, a small town in Denmark, Grundfos has expanded its production to over 40 countries. Today Grundfos is represented by 19,000 employees in over 50 countries worldwide with revenue above €3 billion euro. Additionally, Grundfos has a strong local presence through its distributors and partners. With an annual production of more than 16 million pump units serving systems within buildings, industry, waste utilities, infrastructure, landscaping and water treatment, Grundfos is one of the world’s leading pump manufacturers and a trendsetter in water technology.

Setting the highest industry standards in energy efficient and sustainable pumping solutions is a key part of Grundfos’ foundation. Built on values and high ethics, Grundfos works with local communities and global society to resolve the world’s water and energy challenges. Grundfos has been present in the Middle East since the 1980s and today its regional headquarters are in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, one of the largest ports and Free Zones in the world. It has additional representative companies in KSA and Egypt, and branch offices throughout the region.

Contacts
GRUNDFOS Gulf DistributionFZE

April Velasco, Marketing Executive, Communications

Marketing & Communications

Office: +97148815166

Mobile: +971552302982

avelasco@grundfos.com




Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/5288/en

Arzan Wealth Launches New Mezzanine Lending Strategy with Deal in Jackson, Mississippi, USA



Dubai, United Arab Emirates-Sunday, December 24th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

Arzan Wealth (DIFC) Limited (‘Arzan Wealth’), a Dubai-based advisory firm regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, is pleased to announce that it has advised on a mezzanine lending opportunity in the United States, as part of the launch of a new strategy focusing on investments into debt structures.  This first investment utilizes the innovative Property Development Certificate (“PDC”) instrument, which is an amortizing mezzanine loan, and has been structured in a Sharia-compliant manner.

This first PDC finances the acquisition of a portfolio comprising three multifamily properties (“Portfolio”), consisting of 399 apartments located in Jackson, Mississippi, USA. The properties currently have an average occupancy of over 90%, and are rented just below market rates. The borrower is a specialist multifamily asset management company that is providing the equity to acquire the Portfolio, and has previously improved operations of similar assets in the same regional market.

The current PDC transaction is structured with a 9% coupon, payable quarterly, and with an escalating quarterly amortization schedule.  It is expected that at exit, the investors advised by Arzan Wealth will have received more than 95% of their investment through quarterly payments alone, and will receive an additional payment at the end of the instrument’s term that is linked to the Mississippi Apartment MVI index.  The total IRR of the PDC is structured with a floor of 9% and a ceiling of 14%, depending on the performance of the index. This index has grown by around 50% in the last 6 years period.

Arzan Wealth acted as the Strategic Advisor on the structuring of the PDC instrument and the due diligence of the underlying assets, and will continue its advisory role during the holding period of this investment.

Muhannad Abulhasan, CEO of Arzan Wealth said:

“As market conditions change around the world, Arzan Wealth is always searching for opportunities that provide clients with safe and predictable income streams, while reducing risks as much as possible.  I believe that debt instruments offer such opportunities now, especially in markets where buying property directly can come with higher risks.  I am pleased that Arzan Wealth has been able to launch this new strategy for our clients, and am grateful for their continued support and trust.

What is most interesting about the way we have structured this PDC instrument, is that due to the escalating amortization schedule, our clients are de-risking their investment from the first quarterly payment, while receiving as fixed 9% coupon.  In addition, the linkage of the final payment to the performance of an index rather than the Portfolio itself, creates further risk diversification for investors.

We look forward to growing our new debt strategy during 2018, as we continue to work on similar advisory assignments for our clients.  Our aim will always be to create low-risk opportunities for our clients to earn a predictable and regular income stream from their investments, and with as much diversification as possible.”

Notes to Editors

About Arzan Wealth (DIFC) Limited

Arzan Wealth is an investment advisory firm registered at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).  Arzan Wealth currently advises various professional clients on real estate, private equity and other investments with a total value of assets advised around US$ 1.4 Billion.  Arzan Wealth focuses on arranging yielding investments in major global markets, as well as bespoke investments that meet the requirements of specific clients.

Past or projected performance is not necessarily a reliable indicator of future results.

Contacts

Ahmad AlSabbrei, Senior Investment Analyst, +96599888624

a.alsabbrei@arzanwealth.com

Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/5289/en

Saturday, December 23, 2017

First Eagle Investment Management Completes Acquisition of NewStar Financial



NEW YORK-Saturday, December 23rd 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- First Eagle Investment Management (“First Eagle”) today announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of NewStar Financial Inc. (NASDAQ:NEWS) ("NewStar”), an established lender and investment manager specializing in direct lending to middle-market companies and management of broadly syndicated loans. NewStar’s credit platform and investment teams now form the alternative credit group of First Eagle.

“We are very pleased to add NewStar, a high-quality alternative credit manager that will broaden our investment lineup for both institutional and retail investors,” said Mehdi Mahmud, president and chief executive officer of First Eagle Investment Management. “NewStar has a track record of prudent lending that dates back to before the global financial crisis of 2007-2008. Given where we are in the credit cycle, we think thoughtful investors will find NewStar’s approach compelling. We look forward to delivering middle-market direct lending and broadly syndicated loan solutions to investors searching for sources of meaningful and sustainable income.”

“With the closing of the transaction, we can now embark on the next phase of our evolution,” said Tim Conway, chief executive officer of NewStar. “While continuing to provide the quality of service our clients have come to expect from us, we will also be able to deliver our credit solutions to a wider circle of institutions and individuals that already know and respect First Eagle. We are confident that we have joined the right firm and are excited about our future at First Eagle.”

About First Eagle Investment Management

First Eagle Investment Management is an independent, privately-owned investment management firm headquartered in New York with approximately $116 billion in assets under management (as of September 30, 2017). Dedicated to providing prudent stewardship of client assets, the firm focuses on active, fundamental and benchmark-agnostic investing, with a strong emphasis on downside protection. Over a long history dating back to 1864, First Eagle has helped its clients avoid permanent impairment of capital and earn attractive returns through widely varied economic cycles—a tradition that is central to its mission today. The firm’s investment capabilities include equity, fixed income and multi-asset strategies. For more information, please visit www.feim.com.

Contacts

Kekst
Jeremy Fielding / Peter Hill
212-521-4800
jeremy.fielding@kekst.com / peter.hill@kekst.com

Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/5285/en

Friday, December 22, 2017

Peak Performance: ABB Technology Powers New Cable Car Zugspitze

Company’s state-of-the-art motors and drives ensure safety and reliability on record-setting gondola system for Germany’s highest mountain



ZURICH -Friday, December 22nd 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Long queues waiting to ascend Germany’s tallest mountain may now be history. And that is not the only thing historical about the new ABB-powered cable car system that opened today and can take as many as 580 passengers an hour to the Zugspitze, the Bavarian Alps peak that is Germany’s highest.

The cableway breaks three world records for a pendular, or hanging, cable car system: at 127 meters, its steel column is the tallest, with 1,950 meters it overcomes the highest elevation difference and with a total run of 3,213 meters from base station to peak, it has the longest span.

The system replaces the 50-year-old Eibsee cableway and will help overcome the Eibsee’s notoriously long waiting times by transporting nearly three times the number of passengers per hour.

Making the record-breaking new cableway feasible for the operator, Bayerische Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn AG, is an array of innovative technology from ABB, which has extensive experience solving transportation challenges in the Alps.

“In Switzerland, most cableways and chairlifts use ABB motors and drives,’’ says Hans-Georg Krabbe, Chairman of the Board of ABB AG, Germany. “We are absolutely delighted to contribute to such a unique project in Germany, too.’’

Powerful twin-motor design

The demands posed by the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn for trouble-free operation and availability were particularly challenging, requiring a system capable of operating 365 days a year, regardless of wind and weather. In such a setting, safe and comfortable transport through the air depends on the perfect interplay of motors, drives and mechanics.

Pulling the gondolas such a long distance at steeps gradients of as much as 104 percent (about 46°) and a speed of 10.6 meter per second requires significant power, which is supplied by two 800-KW three-phase AC motors from ABB that are housed in the cableway’s Valley Station.

ABB’s alpine legacy

Since the late 19th century, ABB has built a lasting reputation for safe, reliable and energy-efficient transportation in the alpine region.

In the case of the world-famous Jungfrau Railway, a 9-kilometer cog railway that began operation in 1912, ABB was responsible for the electrification that made the route possible. Today, ABB technologies still ensure that the Jungfrau Railway safely carries more than a million passengers a year – even during heavy snowfalls – to the Jungfraujoch, which at 3,454 meters above sea level is Europe’s highest train station.

And the world’s steepest funicular railway recently went into operation in Stoos in the Swiss Alps, a 1.7-kilometer route whose two 136-passenger cable cars are powered by high-efficiency electric motors designed and built by ABB. The company also supplied other key components for the system.

“Today, it is all about making advancements in terms of energy efficiency,” says Ueli Spinner, Head of Sales, Key Accounts & Service ABB AG, Switzerland. “But also where support, maintenance and service are concerned, we are the preferred partners of cableway operators.’’

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a more than 125-year history of innovation, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization and driving the Energy and Fourth Industrial Revolutions. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 136,000 employees. www.abb.com





View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171221005676/en/

Contacts

ABB Ltd
Media Relations
Phone: +41 43 317 71 11
Email: media.relations@ch.abb.com