Saturday, November 30, 2019

PhocusWright Conference Honors Magicstay.Com With Launch People's Choice Award



MIAMI-Friday 29 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On Thursday, November 21, MagicStay won the Launch People's Choice Award at the Phocuswright Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - the world's leading event showcasing the latest technological trends in tourism.
This prestigious award, a veritable acknowledgement of the entire tourism and mobility sector, is a reflection of MagicStay's development strategy, which was put into effect over the past two years on a global scale. With this award, MagicStay has established itself as a key player in Business Travel and mobility on the international stage.

MagicStay, winner of the Launch People's Choice Award

The Launch People's Choice Award recognizes companies which are at least 4 years old and have come up with an innovation that revolutionizes the travel industry. Through this award, the Phocuswright Conference showcases the latest trends and technological innovations in the main sectors of the travel market every year.

In a 10-minute pitch, William Lecerf, co-founder of MagicStay, was able to impress the Dragons - the ten members of the Jury. He received nine positive endorsements in front of around 2,000 of the most influential international experts from the travel industry. The prize was presented to William Lecerf, co-founder (on the left), Valéry Linyer, co-founder and CEO (in the center) and Slobodan Petrovic, COO (on the right).

These 2,000 experts then elected MagicStay.com ahead of twelve competitors previously selected by Phocuswright: Affirm, Airdna, Amadeus, Arrivalist, Cover Genius, HotelRunner, Left Travel, Mistifly, Nezasa, Sift, Kiwi or Travelcompsitor. The prize was awarded jointly to MagicStay.com and Kiwi.

The Dragons' comments were very complimentary:
"You are building a database which offers unique value that no-one else has managed to develop".
Will Philippson, former Co-founder and COO SilveRail Technologies

"I really like the fact that your content is available in the SBTs".
Charuta Fadnis, Senior Director Product Strategy and Analytics BCD Travel

"As an expat looking for accommodation in a foreign country, anything you can do to simplify this process is absolutely fantastic. It's an infernal procedure that companies spend a lot of time dealing with and your solution is BRILLANT".
Philip Wolf, Serial Board Director and Founder Phocuswright Inc.

"I was really impressed by your Duty of Care presentation. As a large company, I know that this issue is one of the biggest fears we have to face when sending our employees abroad on assignments".
Gayle Knolls, Head of Business Development TRAVELPORT

An effective development strategy

Launched in 2013 in Grasse, the www.MagicStay.com platform devoted its first five years of business to R&D.
After initially focusing on the market of trade show organizers, since 2016 MagicStay has been offering business travelers and, since the beginning of this year, expatriates and/or persons on professional mobility assignments, a secure alternative to professional hotels by responding to duty of care challenges, traveler safety demands and personal data protection, required by large companies.
While broadening its scope, the hosting platform dedicated to professionals has doubled its offer since the beginning of the year. It now has more than 600,000 apartments, villas or apart-hotels available throughout the world (in more than 3,000 cities and 130 countries).
In 2020, MagicStay hopes to reach one million hosting units.

The photo on the previous page and other photos are available on request

www.magicstay.com

MagicStay media library (press releases, logo, photo gallery, etc.)

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The original source-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191126005486/en/

Contacts

MagicStay press contacts:
Fabienne Frédal (AB3C)
Tel. +33 (0)1 53 30 74 07 - fabienne@ab3c.com

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Panasonic's Continuous Sustainable Seafood Efforts in Its Corporate Cafeterias Win "Japan Sustainable Seafood Award" Champion

TOKYO.-Friday 29 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On November 7, 2019, Panasonic's efforts to transform consumer behavior and contribute to the achievement of SDGs (*1) by promoting sustainable seafood in its corporate cafeterias won the Initiative Award Champion at the inaugural "Japan Sustainable Seafood Award" during the Tokyo Sustainable Seafood Symposium 2019.

[Video] Protect Marine Life with Corporate Cafeterias - Sustainable Seafood Initiatives [Panasonic]
https://youtu.be/lnPtiBO12ok

The Japan Sustainable Seafood Award is given to people, organizations, and projects that contribute to the promotion of sustainable seafood and enhance the sustainability of the fisheries industry in Japan, and is comprised of the Initiative and Collaboration Award categories. Panasonic's project was selected as one of the finalists for the Initiative Award and ultimately awarded as the Champion.

From March 2018, Panasonic has been serving MSC, ASC certified (*2) sustainable seafood in its cafeterias. MSC and ASC certifications are the only 2 certifications recognized by WWF, and Panasonic became the first company to continuously serve such sustainable seafood in its corporate cafeterias. As of November 20, 2019, sustainable seafood has been adopted at 27 cafeterias, and by the end of FY2020, Panasonic is aiming to serve sustainable seafood in approximately 100 corporate cafeterias in Japan.

Panasonic became the Champion for taking the initiative to adopt sustainable seafood in its corporate cafeterias and for promoting CoC (*3) certification among the food service industry. Its efforts were also highly recognized because of the significant social impact it can have through its numerous employees and for the know-how it has provided to other companies.

Through these efforts, Panasonic will continue to contribute to achieving SDGs by enhancing awareness for sustainable seafood and by changing consumer behavior. More specifically, through its activities in corporate cafeterias, Panasonic will communicate to its employees the critical situation of fishery resources, and augment employee awareness for MSC and ASC certification, so that they will change their consumer behavior and begin choosing sustainable seafood even outside their workplace.

*1 SDGs refer to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development comprised of 17 Sustainability Development Goals unanimously adopted at the United Nations in 2015. This initiative specifically addresses Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.

*2 MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certifies sustainable and appropriately managed fisheries, while ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certifies responsible aquaculture practices that minimize harm to the environment and society. In both cases, products and suppliers are audited against stringent standards by a third-party certifying organization.

*3 Abbreviation for Chain of Custody, which refers to processing and distribution control. It is a system that ensures the traceability of products by following the route they have taken in their distribution and processing in order to prevent contamination of uncertified seafood into certified seafood.

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, and B2B businesses. The company, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018, has expanded globally and now operates 582 subsidiaries and 87 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 8.003 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2019. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers. To learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global.

Source: https://news.panasonic.com/global/topics/2019/73623.html

Related Links

Environment: Biodiversity Conservation | Panasonic
https://www.panasonic.com/global/corporate/sustainability/eco/biodiversity.html

Sustainability | Panasonic
https://www.panasonic.com/global/corporate/sustainability.html

Sustainability Data Book 2019 | Panasonic
https://www.panasonic.com/global/corporate/sustainability/downloads.html

[Feature Story] Conserve Marine Environment through Its Corporate Cafeterias - Panasonic's Challenge to Propagating Sustainable Seafood (Aug 02, 2019)
https://news.panasonic.com/global/stories/2019/70462.html

[Video] Protect Marine Life with Corporate Cafeterias - Sustainable Seafood Initiatives [Panasonic]
https://youtu.be/lnPtiBO12ok

[Video Review] Protect Marine Life with Corporate Cafeterias - Sustainable Seafood Initiatives (Jul 04, 2019)
https://news.panasonic.com/global/stories/2019/69670.html

Creating a Better World Through "Sustainable Development Goals" (Nov 01, 2018)
https://news.panasonic.com/global/stories/2018/62660.html

Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform - United Nations
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/

Japan Sustainable Seafood Award - Tokyo Sustainable Seafood Symposium
https://sustainableseafoodnow.com/2019/en/award/

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Contacts

Panasonic Corporation
Global Communications Department
Global PR Office
Click here to go to Media Contact form

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Thales, European Leader in Quantum Physics and Artificial Intelligence, Opens InnovDays 2019

PARIS LA DÉFENSE -Friday 29 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

    Exclusive presentation of 70 high-tech innovations
    Tour of Europe's top physics research unit
    Immersive experience in the cockpit of the future

    At the InnovDays 2019 event on 27, 28 and 29 November 2019 at the Grande Arche in the La Défense district of Paris, Thales will present a vast array of new technologies and solutions underpinning its ability to build a future we can all trust in the areas of aerospace, transport, defence and digital security.
    Working with partners in the academic research community, Thales will also invite visitors to take an immersive tour of Europe's top physics research unit* to show how quantum physics is pushing back the boundaries of sensor technologies and communication systems.
    In Toulouse, the Group will also present the brain of tomorrow's aircraft and show what flying will be like in the future — clean, comfortable and on time.

*ranked by Nature, the international journal of science

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Thales launched InnovDays in 2012 as a way for its customers and partners to gain exclusive insights into the technological excellence of its research facilities. Since then, successive InnovDays events have turned the spotlight on the latest technological innovations developed by more than 29,500 Thales engineers and researchers.

InnovDays: building a trusted future through science

InnovDays is a reflection of Thales's objective of leveraging science and high technology to build a future we can all trust. By harnessing the unprecedented precision and power of quantum physics and augmenting the performance of its systems thanks to artificial intelligence, Thales is developing the new generation of technologies that will shape the world of tomorrow.

"InnovDays is an illustration of Thales's outstanding technological capabilities and the passion displayed by our 29,500 engineers for helping our customers step up to society's major challenges through innovation." Marko Erman, Chief Technology Officer.

As an expert in critical systems, Thales is conducting in-depth research into both digital technologies and deep tech solutions to develop a portfolio of products based on a common core of technological building blocks. At InnovDays on 27, 28 and 29 November 2019, Thales will present a total of 70 practical applications of this research centred around the following themes:

Round tables:

    Thursday 28 November:
        8.30 am: How can we make AI trustable?
        1.30 pm: Sovereignty in the digital age
    Friday 29 November:
        8.30 am: High tech and climate change: friend or foe?
        11.00 am: The strategy and the future of air transport
        1.30 pm: The second quantum revolution starts now!

Star guests from the world of science and industry will be taking part in these round table sessions, including Albert Fert (Nobel Prize in Physics 2007), Jean-Marc Jancovici (Founder and President of The Shift Project), Alexandre de Juniac (IATA Director General and CEO) and Pascale Senellart (research director at the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Paris-Saclay University, Paris-Sud University, CNRS).

Proposed press tours at InnovDays 2019

    Tomorrow's cities
    The future of transport
    Biometrics
    The Cloud
    Big Data
    Tomorrow's connectivity in the civil world
    Tomorrow's connectivity in the world of defence
    Air defence of the future
    Land and naval defence of the future
    The augmented soldier
    Secure identities and data for citizens and businesses

On 27, 28 and 29 November 2019, the Thales YouTube channel will feature live coverage of the round table sessions and some of the most popular demonstrations.

From sensors that are up to 10,000 more accurate to ultra-secure communications, quantum technologies are set to push back the boundaries of physics and unleash previously unexploited properties of matter.

An aircraft flying from Paris to New York with only an inertial navigation system to guide it could determine its location to within a few kilometres. With future quantum sensors, it could land with a precision of within a metre. In other fields, quantum sensors could detect tumours that are invisible today, or provide a basis for developing new sources of energy.

Quantum physics relies on radically new concepts and ways of manipulating matter. Quantum sensors, like quantum communications and quantum computing, are currently under the microscope in the laboratories operated by Thales and its academic partners (CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, etc.) at the Saclay research and technology cluster, south of Paris.

On 26 November 2019, Thales and its academic and research partners are organising a presentation at Saclay to highlight European excellence in quantum research: from cold atoms to flawed diamonds and superconductors, scientific progress in quantum physics has the potential to harness unexploited properties of matter and unleash a whole host of new opportunities.

Thales is working on these new properties to develop the next generation of quantum sensors, relying on the exact same technological building blocks as quantum computers. Quantum encryption too, could soon lead to communication systems that are completely secure and trustworthy.

Thales has also been selected to take part in the European OPENQKD initiative as part of the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) consortium chosen by the European Commission to install infrastructure in several European countries to test quantum communication networks.

Navigating intelligently among millions of aircraft movements: Thales presents the brain of tomorrow's aircraft.

Ultimately, quantum technologies will provide untold benefits for avionics systems, including order-of-magnitude improvements in navigation precision. But the immediate truth is that solutions are needed now to deal with the growth in air traffic, which is expected to have doubled by 2030.

This is the thinking behind PureFlyt, developed by Thales as the brain of tomorrow's aircraft, a fully connected cockpit that will significantly increase aircraft performance.

PureFlyt will be unveiled in Toulouse on 25 November. One of the core innovations that makes PureFlyt a game-changer is its ability to draw on both onboard and open-world data, such as weather information, so that the aircraft trajectory can be permanently controlled, adapted and enhanced, resulting in optimised flight, decreased fuel consumption and a better flying experience for both passengers and crew.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global technology leader shaping the world of tomorrow today. The Group provides solutions, services and products to customers in the aeronautics, space, transport, digital identity and security, and defence markets. With 80,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of €19 billion in 2018 (on a pro forma basis including Gemalto).

Thales is investing in particular in digital innovations — connectivity, Big Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity — technologies that support businesses, organisations and governments in their decisive moments.

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Thales Group
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Contacts

PRESS

Thales, Media relations
Cédric Leurquin
+33 (0)1 57 77 90 93
cedric.leurquin@thalesgroup.com

Thales, Media relations
Alice Pruvot
+331 57 77 89 52
alice.pruvot@thalesgroup.com

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Friday, November 29, 2019

IDEMIA to Provide eSIM Service to KDDI

COURBEVOIE, France -Friday 29 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IDEMIA, the global leader in Augmented Identity, will provide its Smart Connect Subscription Management and Hub for eSIM-enabled laptops and PCs for Enterprise customers.

IDEMIA’s Smart Connect Platform will be used by KDDI for its eSIM management technology to provide Japanese enterprise users with cellular connectivity. This will allow employees in the field to go online anytime and anywhere, without waiting for Wi-Fi connectivity or managing physical SIM cards.

KDDI’s Japanese enterprise customers will have their employees enjoy secure and reliable cellular connectivity on their eSIM-enabled Windows 10 devices. Thanks to IDEMIA’s Smart Connect Hub, enterprise IT Administrators will be able to easily activate, provision, and manage eSIM connectivity remotely through their existing unified endpoint management (UEM) platform.

IDEMIA’s Smart Connect Hub was selected by KDDI for its ability to quickly support new eSIM devices while avoiding any modifications to their existing B/OSS. IDEMIA will continue to work together with KDDI to maintain a strong business relationship and together become leaders in eSIM connectivity.

“In a time of intense connectivity needs, we are ready to offer our customers the possibility to support any eSIM use case. IDEMIA’s innovative and unique solutions allow us to provide the best-in-class technology to KDDI”, said Emir Aboulhosn, VP Connectivity Domain, Digital Business Unit at IDEMIA.

“We are delighted to accompany our client KDDI in its mission of bringing more flexibility to Japanese enterprise customers travelling around the world and multiplying connectivity”, added Nobuyoshi Nezu, Representative Director, IDEMIA Japan office.

About IDEMIA

IDEMIA, the global leader in Augmented Identity, provides a trusted environment enabling citizens and consumers alike to perform their daily critical activities (such as pay, connect and travel), in the physical as well as digital space.

Securing our identity has become mission critical in the world we live in today. By standing for Augmented Identity, an identity that ensures privacy and trust and guarantees secure, authenticated and verifiable transactions, we reinvent the way we think, produce, use and protect one of our greatest assets – our identity – whether for individuals or for objects, whenever and wherever security matters. We provide Augmented Identity for international clients from Financial, Telecom, Identity, Public Security and IoT sectors.

With 13,000 employees around the world, IDEMIA serves clients in 180 countries.

For more information, visit www.idemia.com / Follow @IDEMIAGroup on Twitter

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191128005197/en/

Contacts

Press contact:
Hanna Sebbah
idemia@havas.com

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EHL Awarded for Revamp of Its Flagship Bachelor



PARIS-Friday 29 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- EHL has been awarded the World Hospitality Awards (WHA) prize for “Innovation in Education”, in recognition of its revamped Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management which leverages the full power of the multi-campus education group.

First international campus
Establishing an international presence was a paramount factor in EHL’s plans to enrich its students’ learning and broaden their perspectives. With such clear intent to expand into emerging hospitality markets, EHL Group has been authorized to deliver its Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management in Singapore. EHL Campus (Singapore)1 will receive its first cohort in the fall of 2021. In the meantime, the Group plans to deliver short courses on site as early as summer 2020.

“We very much look forward to expanding our connection to the local community and participate in this thriving environment. It is with enthusiasm and conviction that we embark on this new adventure. Our commitment to the local economy will start on-campus and extend throughout the country, as we hope to strengthen our existing ties to the Singaporean hospitality industry”, said EHL Group CEO Michel Rochat.

Candidates can visit: https://singapore.ehl.edu and apply to start their Preparatory Year at EHL Campus Lausanne in September 2020 and then begin their Bachelor course as the first cohort at EHL Campus (Singapore) in September 2021.

1 Bachelor, 2 Pathways, 3 Campuses
The novel organization of EHL’s offering, which the WHA has awarded, is best represented by the new slogan 1 Bachelor, 2 pathways, 3 campuses. 1 degree, representing the world-renowned Bachelor degree which is the foundation of EHL’s global recognition, 2 pathways, as EHL Passugg students who are studying to get a professional diploma are now given the opportunity to extend their studies and work towards a university-level degree. Finally, 3 campuses thanks to the third South-East Asian campus in Singapore, in addition to the Swiss campuses in Lausanne and Passugg.

“EHL has become a truly global education provider and now sets itself further apart by enabling students to aspire for bigger, better things either in Switzerland or abroad. We are proud of being recognized for our pioneering efforts and very much look forward to the new global alliances and partnerships that will stem from our Asian foothold”, concluded Michel Rochat.

1EHL Campus (Singapore) is registered as a private education institution in Singapore under the Private Education Act, Enhanced Registration Framework (ERF), Registration No 201731189N, and has received EduTrust Certification Scheme (Certification number EDU-2-2124, valid from June 14 2019 to June 13 2023).

About EHL Group

www.ehl.edu

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Contacts

EHL Group
Sherif Mamdouh | External Communications Manager
communication@ehl.ch | +41 21 785 10 53



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Exclusive Networks Launches MSSD: Managed Security Services Distributor

New easy-to activate, SOC-based services enable partners to double revenue growth from cyber solutions with zero risk, investment and channel conflict

PARIS-Friday 29 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Exclusive Networks today unveils ‘MSSD’, its platform for delivering a suite of 100% channel-only managed security services that wrap around core Exclusive Networks vendor offerings and allow partners to increase customer lifetime value and tap into a market opportunity growing twice as fast as traditional cybersecurity. The first services, available now, are backed by advanced 24/7 SOC facilities, ISO-certified service delivery and highly accredited engineers – all the infrastructure and skills needed to provide world-class security-as-a-service without needing to procure from a competing reseller/MSP.

“As the cyber market evolves, MSSD is the logical step forward, extending our value and leveraging our channel focus to fill a significant gap in the market,” said Andy Travers, EVP Worldwide Sales & Marketing, Exclusive Networks. “Our initial MSSD services are designed to be as easy to understand and transact as possible so that partners can maximise customer mindshare immediately. Everything is geared towards giving partners risk-free access to managed services revenues, and allowing them to be more relevant to how their customers’ adopt cyber technologies over the long term. This initiative promotes market access across the channel and boosts growth for our vendors and reseller partners alike.”

Exclusive Networks has launched two core SOC-based managed security services on its MSSD platform, which each support multiple vendor technologies and can be white-labelled with volume commitment. MSSD: Monitoring & Alerting delivers expert 24/7 oversight of core security infrastructure such as firewalls, allowing end customers to avoid resourcing and training overheads even as threats increase in intensity and frequency. MSSD: Monitoring & Alerting + Prevention & Countermeasures builds on this to provide a complete reactive and proactive managed security service for next-gen security infrastructure. Further services will be added in 2020.

Julien Antoine, EVP Strategy & Operations, Exclusive Networks said: “We see the high set-up costs and skills requirements of building an MSSP SOC restricting the channel’s dynamism and preventing the majority of partners from addressing customer demand for new forms of security consumption. The MSSD platform levels the playing field by removing the need for partners to put hard-earned business through competitors. As we evolve the MSSD offering to include additional services, we will retain its unique 100% channel focus.”

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191127005122/en/

Contacts

Jon Bawden
Jonbawden@wearecohesive.com
07525 474563

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Thales Takes an Active Role in OPENQKD, the European Research Project That Will Set up Quantum Communication Infrastructures in Several European Countries

Quantum communication infrastructure being developed in Europe

PARIS LA DÉFENSE -Friday 29 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Thales has been an active participant in quantum technology research for several years already. For instance, Thales research centers are working on subjects ranging from quantum sensors and quantum measurement instruments, to quantum communication as well as various building blocks of quantum computers

It was therefore only natural that Thales join the AIT (Austrian Institute of Technology) consortium, chosen by the European Commission to conduct its OPENQKD project, the forerunner to a major European quantum communication infrastructure. Its primary objective is to drastically strengthen security for critical applications in telecommunications, finance, healthcare, electricity supply and public services. In a subsequent phase, it will support the networking of quantum computers, which heralds a new type of Internet. Budgeted at 15 million euros, this is the only project of its type in the world. The consortium led by AIT is composed of 38 companies and research organizations across the continent as partners.

OPENQKD aims to change the way we perceive, understand and use quantum communication. Its main goal is to create and test European components of communication networks that include quantum devices, to implement applications such as quantum cryptography (Quantum Key Distribution, QKD). The keys generated by QKD provide ultra-secure encryption to transmit data with a very high level of confidentiality.

Thales is making two main contributions to this project, one on land, the other in space. The former entails providing encryption equipment compatible with QKD for terrestrial networks, with the aim of creating a European center of expertise in this area. Secondly, Thales will define the space segment of a quantum communication network, because these types of networks will need satellites to provide coverage across entire countries or continents.

To learn more about the OPENQKD project, click here.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global technology leader shaping the world of tomorrow today. The Group provides solutions, services and products to customers in the aeronautics, space, transport, digital identity and security, and defence markets. With 80,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of €19 billion in 2018 (on a pro forma basis including Gemalto).

Thales is investing in particular in digital innovations — connectivity, Big Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity — technologies that support businesses, organisations and governments in their decisive moments.

PLEASE VISIT
Thales Group
Market page
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Contacts

PRESS CONTACT

Thales, Media Relations
Ground Transportation Systems
Chrystelle Dugimont
+33 (0)6 25 15 72 93
chrystelle.dugimont@thalesgroup.com

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SES and Luxembourg Government Renew Orbital Concession, Establish New Fund for Space Sector



LUXEMBOURG-Friday 29 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SES and the Luxembourg Government announced today that they have reached an agreement to renew SES’s concession to operate satellites flying under Luxembourg jurisdiction for 20 years, effective from January 2022 when the current concession expires, with an annual fee of EUR 1 million from 2025 onwards. As part of the agreement and starting from 2022, SES will also contribute a maximum of EUR 7 million per year into a fund to support and strengthen the Luxembourg space sector as well as benefit the wider local economy.

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About SES

SES is the world’s leading satellite operator with over 70 satellites in two different orbits, Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). It provides a diverse range of customers with global video distribution and data connectivity services through two business units: SES Video and SES Networks. SES Video reaches over 355 million TV homes, through Direct-to-Home (DTH) platforms and cable, terrestrial, and IPTV networks globally. SES Video delivers a full suite of innovative end-to-end value-added services for both linear and digital distribution, and includes the ASTRA satellite system, which has the largest DTH television reach in Europe. SES Networks provides global managed data services, connecting people in a variety of sectors including telecommunications, maritime, aeronautical, and energy, as well as governments and institutions across the world. The SES Networks portfolio includes GovSat, a 50/50 public-private partnership between SES and the Luxembourg government, and O3b, the only non-geostationary system delivering fibre-like broadband services today. Further information is available at: www.ses.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191129005253/en/

Contacts

Suzanne Ong
Public Relations, SES
Tel. +352 710 725 500
suzanne.ong@ses.com

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Thursday, November 28, 2019

MSCI Completes Private Offering of $500 Million 4.000% Senior Notes Due 2029

NEW YORK-Sunday 24 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- MSCI Inc. (NYSE: MSCI), a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community, announced today that it has successfully completed its private offering of $500.0 million aggregate amount of its 4.000% senior unsecured notes (the “Notes”) due 2029 (the “Offering”). The Notes constitute a further issuance of, are fully fungible with, rank equally with and form a single series with the $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.000% senior unsecured notes due 2029 issued on November 7, 2019. The Notes will mature on November 15, 2029.

MSCI intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering, together with available cash, for the pre-maturity redemption or repurchase of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.250% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”) pursuant to the indenture governing the 2024 Notes (the “Redemption”). There is currently $800.0 million aggregate principal amount outstanding on the 2024 Notes.

MSCI expects to recognize additional expenses associated with this Redemption of the 2024 Notes and exclude such amounts from the calculation of adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter and full-year ending December 31, 2019.

The Notes were offered only to (i) persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and (ii) certain non-U.S. persons outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and therefore may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful.

About MSCI Inc.

MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 45 years of expertise in research, data and technology, we power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. We create industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to future events or to future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond MSCI’s control and that could materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

Other factors that could materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements can be found in MSCI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 22, 2019 and in quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed or furnished with the SEC. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if MSCI’s underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from what MSCI projected. Any forward-looking statement in this press release reflects MSCI’s current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to MSCI’s operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. MSCI assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191120005789/en/

Contacts
Investor Inquiries
sallilyn.schwartz@msci.com
Salli Schwartz +1 212 804 5306

Media Inquiries
PR@msci.com
Sam Wang +1 212 804 5244
Melanie Blanco +1 212 981 1049
Laura Hudson +44 20 7336 9653
Rachel Lai +852 2844 9315

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450 Experts and Professionals Discuss Smart Future Transport in the UAE

Al Maeeni: Testing of first self-driving heavy vehicle in Middle East and Africa in Abu Dhabi-Dubai trip

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, -Wednesday 27 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

With over than 450 major manufacturers from 22 countries, automotive and modern technology experts and government agencies, the UAE hosted the 5th International Conference on Future Mobility. The two-day conference and exhibition organized by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) in Dubai, aims to explore the future of the global transport sector.

The conference featured a first-ever experiment in the Middle East and North Africa region, with the first self-driving heavy vehicle making the trip between Abu Dhabi and Dubai for approximately 140 kilometers, marking the longest trip for this type of vehicle in the UAE and possibly in neighboring countries.

 HE Abdulla Al Maeeni, Director General of ESMA said that experts discussed the latest technological advancements and new mobility solutions in the transport sector, such as big data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and new alternatives set to radically change the transport sector.

“We tackled Cyber Security Threats in Connected Mobility, the unique technical requirements for self-driving vehicles, as well as the UAE Government's Initiatives on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles.”

Al Maeeni added: “The UAE has been at the forefront of developing alternate modes of mobility with sustainable technologies, prioritizing the transformation of current mass transport modes into more efficient and intelligent systems. It also seeks to recognize research undertaken by universities across the region in sustainable mobility, development of supporting infrastructure and digital innovation in mobility.”

ESMA introduced the UAE’s first preparation of a technical regulation, including requirements for self-driving vehicles and safety requirements. Participants were briefed about the use of intelligent mobility systems to improve transport efficiency and electric vehicle charging stations, marking a forward-thinking shift in the transport sector.

The UK and Netherlands Governments presented two case studies on the UK’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure and Amsterdam's experience in connected and autonomous vehicles.

New types and models of luxury vehicles were showcased at the accompanying exhibition (Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Audi…), as well as the first 100% electric bus, the first self-driving truck, the first electric motorcycle.

Contacts
ESMA – Media Contact

Mohamed Othman

+971502682444

Mohamed.o@esma.gov.ae

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Nikon unveils its Latest Mirrorless Camera, Z50 in Egypt

Cairo, Egypt.-Thursday 28 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

Global leader in imaging technology, Nikon Middle East FZE recently unveiled their latest mirrorless camera in their Z series - the Z50 in Egypt. Designed keeping the needs of new-age video and content creators in mind, the Z50 is Nikon’s smallest interchangeable lens DX-format camera ever. Built around the widest lens mount amongst other comparable camera systems, the Z mount, this device is compatible with about 360 NIKKOR lenses.

The smallest mirrorless camera from Nikon yet, the Z50 delivers 4K Ultra HD videos with inbuilt time-lapse and slow-motion features, making it an ideal ally for the growing videography and film-making community in Egypt. Made to understand the photography needs during those beautiful moments that require complete silence, the Z50 can shoot stills up to ISO 51,200 with virtually no noise. It is powered by Nikon’s fast and comprehensive EXPEED 6 image processing system that lets you record stunning videos at up to ISO 25,600.

The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in Z50 is quick to pair with devices and makes sharing images on social media a snap! This compact and convenient device is going to be a game-changer for vlogging and selfies. The exciting launch was followed by a session on advanced camera operations by Tarek Abdel Rahman for photography and videography professionals who were interested in taking a step closer to using this. The interactive and enriching session left the videographers quite kicked about using the latest offering from Nikon.

Nikon has been strengthening its position in the video and film industry with its newest Z series cameras and a series of exciting and engaging videography workshops and seminars. Just prior to the launch of Z50, Nikon organized cinematography workshops with Sydney based cinematographer, Rah Sharma on 19th and 20th November in Dubai. The workshops were held in association with some of the most renowned and respected brands in the Video Industry like Zhiyun, Atomos, Aputure, Deity Microphones and Adobe.

After successful completion of these workshops in Dubai, the “Master The Art Of Cinematography” workshop came to Egypt on the 19th and 20th of November before moving to other countries in the region. Footfall of both the sessions witnessed an overwhelming number of talented and enthusiastic participants. It was an excellent session for budding videographers who wanted to enhance their film-making skills. This 4-hour workshop began with an introduction to camera setup and controls in mirrorless cameras like the Nikon Z6 before moving on to teaching some super useful lighting and sound modulating techniques. The participants were taught how to shoot a live subject along with some lessons on external recording. These quick-to-learn, easy-to-follow tricks of video-making proved to be ideal for those wanting to transform their videography game. The same module was taught across both the days by Rah Sharma, a cinematographer and content creator with an expertise in films and music videos. His vast experience in operating cinema cameras and DSLRs made him a great mentor for the workshops that were designed especially for video makers.

About Nikon

Nikon is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognised for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Middle East FZE distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX compact digital cameras; Nikon sports optics as well as the latest mirrorless cameras in over 50 countries. For more information, visit http://nikon-mea.com. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NikonMEA and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/NikonMEA.

Contacts
Royston Rodrigues

Absolute Communications

Roystonr@absolutecg.net

+971- 507541420


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Gillette to Sponsor the EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series

Gillette sponsorship is the largest non-endemic brand activation in the history of the EA SPORTS FIFA Global Series

BOSTON & REDWOOD CITY, Calif.-Sunday 24 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Gillette (NYSE: PG), the world’s leading expert in men’s grooming, and Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today announced its EA SPORTS™ FIFA 20 Global Series sponsorship. This Gillette sponsorship will drive engagement and connect the brand with younger audiences through football and esports.

Gillette will activate the EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series sponsorship through Twitch and YouTube “Precision Play of the Day, Presented by Gillette” embedded broadcast segments, on-stream commercials, live on-air promotions, and unique branded content later this season. Activations begin with the EA FUT Champions Cup Stage 2 live from Bucharest, Romania today through Sunday, November 24. Gillette will also be the presenting sponsor for the EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series Xbox Playoff on June 26.

“The EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series is an incredibly powerful esports platform, and to add it to Gillette’s long history in football, sports and esports is a true honor,” said Gary Coombe, CEO of Global Grooming at P&G / Gillette. “We look forward to getting this season underway and working together with a world class video game publisher in EA SPORTS to connect with their fans and a whole new generation of Gillette consumers.”

“Gillette is a brand synonymous with its connection to the biggest sports in the world,” said Brent Koning, FIFA Competitive Gaming Commissioner. “EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series sponsorships such as Gillette exemplify the worldwide power of this esport.”

The EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series* is a nine-month long competitive gaming ecosystem of tournaments held by Electronic Arts and FIFA with more than $3 million in prize money up for grabs. Featuring an inclusive competitive structure, virtually all eligible players* have a similar path to superstardom on The Road to the FIFA eWorld Cup™ 2020.

For additional information, please visit Gillette’s official website and social media pages including: Twitter and Facebook.

*Eligibility restrictions apply. See Official Rules for details. Final terms and structure subject to change.

About Gillette

For more than 115 years, Gillette has delivered precision technology and unrivalled product performance – improving the lives of over 800 million consumers around the world. From shaving and body grooming, to skin care and sweat protection, Gillette offers a wide variety of products including razors, shave gel (gels, foams and creams), skin care, after shaves, antiperspirants, deodorants and body wash. For more information and the latest news on Gillette, visit www.gillette.com. To see our full selection of products, visit www.gillette.com. Follow Gillette on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers.

In fiscal year 2019, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.95 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Apex Legends™, The Sims™, Madden NFL, Need for Speed™, Titanfall™ and Plants vs. Zombies™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

EA SPORTS, Battlefield, Apex Legends, The Sims, Need for Speed, Titanfall and Plants vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. ©FIFA and FIFA’s Official Licensed Product Logo are copyrights and/or trademarks of FIFA. All rights reserved. Manufactured under license by Electronic Arts Inc. John Madden and NFL are property of their respective owners and used with permission.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191122005327/en/

Contacts
Patrick Wixted, MMK on behalf of Gillette
Patrick.wixted@ketchum.com

Travis Varner, EA Sports
tvarner@ea.com

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MSCI Completes the Successful Implementation of Final Phase of the 20% Partial Inclusion of China A Shares in MSCI Indexes

LONDON -Thursday 28 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MSCI Inc. (NYSE: MSCI), a leading provider of research-based indexes and analytics, is pleased to announce today the successful completion of the third and final phase of the 20% partial inclusion of China A shares in the MSCI Indexes, including in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

As of the close of markets on November 26, 2019, the MSCI Indexes will include 472 China A shares, comprised of 244 large cap and 228 mid cap securities. The weight of China A shares in the MSCI ACWI and MSCI Emerging Markets Indexes will reach 0.5% and 4%, respectively. The MSCI China Index, which includes China A shares and offshore listed shares, will include 710 securities representing 4% and 34% of the MSCI ACWI and MSCI Emerging Markets Indexes, respectively.

As previously stated, any further inclusion of China A shares in the MSCI Indexes would follow a public consultation and be reviewed against the progress made towards addressing the remaining market reforms highlighted by international institutional investors. During MSCI’s most recent public consultation on China A inclusion1 investors stressed the need to resolve the following concerns ahead of consideration of further inclusion:

    Access to hedging and derivatives instruments: International institutional investors require liquid on and offshore index futures and options contracts in order to expand their allocation to China and manage their increased exposure. Index futures and options contracts are critical risk management tools for global investors, particularly for complex, deep and varied equity markets such as in China.
    Short settlement cycle for China A shares: International institutional investors have highlighted that they continue to face significant operational challenges and risks in dealing with the short settlement cycle of China A shares. China currently operates on a T+0/T+1 non-Delivery versus Payment (non-DVP) settlement cycle. Most markets in the MSCI ACWI operate currently on a T+2/T+3 DVP settlement cycle.
    Trading holidays of Stock Connect: International institutional investors are concerned with the misalignment between onshore China and Stock Connect holidays. Given that most global institutional investors currently rely on Stock Connect as the primary access channel for China A shares, it is important that the current trading holiday arrangement be reviewed to minimize unnecessary investment frictions.
    Availability of Omnibus trading mechanism in Stock Connect: Many large fund managers and broker dealers have highlighted the pressing need for a well- functioning omnibus mechanism. The ability to place a single order on behalf of multiple client accounts is critical to facilitate best execution and lower operational risk to international institutional investors.

MSCI will launch a public consultation on further inclusion of China A shares in MSCI Indexes only after all the above-mentioned concerns have been addressed by the Chinese authorities in order to continue to facilitate international investment.

About MSCI

MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 45 years of expertise in research, data and technology, we power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. We create industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process. To learn more, please visit www.msci.com.
_________

1 MSCI conducted a public consultation on the increased weighting of China A Shares in MSCI Indexes from September 2018 – February 2019.

This document and all of the information contained in it, including without limitation all text, data, graphs, charts (collectively, the “Information”) is the property of MSCI Inc. or its subsidiaries (collectively, “MSCI”), or MSCI’s licensors, direct or indirect suppliers or any third party involved in making or compiling any Information (collectively, with MSCI, the “Information Providers”) and is provided for informational purposes only. The Information may not be modified, reverse-engineered, reproduced or redisseminated in whole or in part without prior written permission from MSCI.

The Information may not be used to create derivative works or to verify or correct other data or information. For example (but without limitation), the Information may not be used to create indexes, databases, risk models, analytics, software, or in connection with the issuing, offering, sponsoring, managing or marketing of any securities, portfolios, financial products or other investment vehicles utilizing or based on, linked to, tracking or otherwise derived from the Information or any other MSCI data, information, products or services.

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Information containing any historical information, data or analysis should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of any future performance, analysis, forecast or prediction. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

The Information should not be relied on and is not a substitute for the skill, judgment and experience of the user, its management, employees, advisors and/or clients when making investment and other business decisions. All Information is impersonal and not tailored to the needs of any person, entity or group of persons.

None of the Information constitutes an offer to sell (or a solicitation of an offer to buy), any security, financial product or other investment vehicle or any trading strategy.

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Exposure to an asset class or trading strategy or other category represented by an index is only available through third party investable instruments (if any) based on that index. MSCI does not issue, sponsor, endorse, market, offer, review or otherwise express any opinion regarding any fund, ETF, derivative or other security, investment, financial product or trading strategy that is based on, linked to or seeks to provide an investment return related to the performance of any MSCI index (collectively, “Index Linked Investments”). MSCI makes no assurance that any Index Linked Investments will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. MSCI Inc. is not an investment adviser or fiduciary and MSCI makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in any Index Linked Investments.

Index returns do not represent the results of actual trading of investible assets/securities. MSCI maintains and calculates indexes, but does not manage actual assets. Index returns do not reflect payment of any sales charges or fees an investor may pay to purchase the securities underlying the index or Index Linked Investments. The imposition of these fees and charges would cause the performance of an Index Linked Investment to be different than the MSCI index performance.

The Information may contain back tested data. Back-tested performance is not actual performance, but is hypothetical. There are frequently material differences between back tested performance results and actual results subsequently achieved by any investment strategy.

Constituents of MSCI equity indexes are listed companies, which are included in or excluded from the indexes according to the application of the relevant index methodologies. Accordingly, constituents in MSCI equity indexes may include MSCI Inc., clients of MSCI or suppliers to MSCI. Inclusion of a security within an MSCI index is not a recommendation by MSCI to buy, sell, or hold such security, nor is it considered to be investment advice.

Data and information produced by various affiliates of MSCI Inc., including MSCI ESG Research LLC and Barra LLC, may be used in calculating certain MSCI indexes. More information can be found in the relevant index methodologies on www.msci.com.

MSCI receives compensation in connection with licensing its indexes to third parties. MSCI Inc.’s revenue includes fees based on assets in Index Linked Investments. Information can be found in MSCI Inc.’s company filings on the Investor Relations section of www.msci.com.

MSCI ESG Research LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and a subsidiary of MSCI Inc. Except with respect to any applicable products or services from MSCI ESG Research, neither MSCI nor any of its products or services recommends, endorses, approves or otherwise expresses any opinion regarding any issuer, securities, financial products or instruments or trading strategies and MSCI’s products or services are not intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such. Issuers mentioned or included in any MSCI ESG Research materials may include MSCI Inc., clients of MSCI or suppliers to MSCI, and may also purchase research or other products or services from MSCI ESG Research. MSCI ESG Research materials, including materials utilized in any MSCI ESG Indexes or other products, have not been submitted to, nor received approval from, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory body.

Any use of or access to products, services or information of MSCI requires a license from MSCI. MSCI, Barra, RiskMetrics, IPD, and other MSCI brands and product names are the trademarks, service marks, or registered trademarks of MSCI or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions. The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) was developed by and is the exclusive property of MSCI and Standard & Poor’s. “Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS)” is a service mark of MSCI and Standard & Poor’s.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191126005578/en/

Contacts

Media Inquiries
PR@msci.com
Sam Wang +1 212 804 5244
Melanie Blanco +1 212 981 1049
Laura Hudson +44 20 7336 9653
Rachel Lai +852 2844 9315

MSCI Global Client Service
EMEA Client Service + 44 20 7618.2222
Americas Client Service +1 888 588 4567 (toll free)
Asia Pacific Client Service + 852 2844 9333


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Acronis #CyberFit Summit brings much-needed Cyber Protection to the U.A.E.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates-Thursday 28 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

In a bid to drive cyber protection innovation, discuss modern-day data management challenges and map out strategies to combat the increasing threat of cyber-attacks, global cyber protection experts, Acronis, hosted service providers and corporations from the region to a stakeholders’ summit in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island to discuss.

The inaugural event, dubbed CyberFit Summit, will largely compliment UAE government’s efforts to boost cybersecurity investments across the Emirates through its recently launched National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCS).

With the UAE’s strategic position as a business hub coupled with its rapid modernization and rising smartphone penetration, recent findings reveal a 12 percent increase in malware attacks occurring in the first three months of 2019 compared to the same period last year.

New cyber protection tools unveiled

As part of the summit, Acronis unveiled three new cyber protection solutions for the Gulf region. The Middle East is one of the fastest growing markets for Acronis, with 6,000 resellers promoting and using Acronis technology in the region.

These include Acronis Cyber Protect, which integrates seven key cyber protection capabilities into one easy-to-use solution and Acronis Cyber Platform, which is set to provide developers and ISVs the ability to customize, extend and integrate Acronis Cyber Protection solutions. The Acronis Cyber Infrastructure is designed to delivers cost-efficient, easy-to-use and reliable hyper-converged infrastructure optimized for cyber protection deployments

Speaking at the summit, Nidal Othman, Co-Founder and Managing Director of StarLink said that “cloud adoption was one area that has experienced growth in the Middle East. He termed the Acronis #CyberFit Summit as a timely event for those looking for a secure way to start using cloud technology.”

“Every day, more cloud vendors are jumping into the lucrative MENA market, with an estimated value of US$2.2 billion to cloud vendors. This figure is expected to increase by 24 percent yearly on average as UAE governments allocate resources to cloud technology to power their smart city projects.”

On his part, Serguei Beloussov, founder and chief executive officer, Acronis, said that traditional backup was dead and was not enough to provide just one aspect of what a company needs to protect itself.

“Our solutions have been constantly re-designed to now provide holistic cyber protection, ensuring data is not only secure, but also easily accessible, as well as authentic. We want companies to be certain that their data has not been manipulated or falsified in any way. We want them to be able to trust their data.”



About Acronis

Acronis leads the world in cyber protection - solving safety, accessibility, privacy, authenticity, and security (SAPAS) challenges with innovative backup, security, disaster recovery, and enterprise file sync and share solutions that run in hybrid cloud environments: on-premises, in the cloud, or at the edge. Enhanced by AI technologies and blockchain-based data authentication, Acronis protects all data, in any environment, including physical, virtual, cloud, mobile workloads, and applications. With 500,000 business customers, and a powerful worldwide community of Acronis API-enabled service providers, resellers and ISV partners, Acronis is trusted by 80% of Fortune 1000 and has over 5 million customers. With dual headquarters in Switzerland and Singapore, Acronis is a global organization with offices worldwide and customers and partners in over 150 countries. Learn more at acronis.com.

Contacts

Matrix PR

Melwyn Abraham, +97143430888

melwyn@matrixdubai.com


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Carbon Appoints Ellen Kullman President and CEO, Dr. Joseph DeSimone Named Executive Chairman

New Leadership Changes to Accelerate Rapid Growth as Company’s Digital Manufacturing Platform Becomes More Widely Adopted

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.-Saturday 23 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Carbon (www.carbon3d.com), the world’s leading digital manufacturing platform, announced today that Ellen J. Kullman, former Chairman and CEO of DuPont, has been named President and CEO of the company and Dr. Joseph M. DeSimone has been named Executive Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. Kullman will also remain on Carbon’s board of directors where she has served since 2016. Today’s leadership announcements are the result of a succession plan that DeSimone, Kullman, and members of the board have worked on to prepare the company for its next chapter.

Carbon has been strengthening its leadership bench over the past several months to support the growth of the business. As President and CEO, Kullman will lead the development and execution of short- and long-term strategies, positioning Carbon to continue delivering value to its employees, customers, partners, and shareholders around the world. DeSimone is transitioning into the role of Executive Chairman to focus on growing mainstream adoption of the Carbon Digital Manufacturing Platform and evangelizing the company’s vision to existing and prospective customers, partners, and the public.

“Today’s announcement is a great honor,” said Kullman. “I am privileged to have spent the last few years on the Carbon board working alongside Joe, one of the greatest entrepreneurs and scientists of our time. Joe has built Carbon into the world’s leading digital manufacturing platform, and as President and CEO of Carbon, I am excited to partner with Joe and build on the solid foundations he’s put into place.”

“For the last six years, I have led Carbon as Chief Executive Officer and am enormously proud of what we’ve accomplished during my tenure,” said DeSimone. “I know what we will accomplish under Ellen will be even more extraordinary. Ellen is the right person to lead Carbon today. She has broad experience across multiple businesses, cycles, and geographies. Her vision, outstanding leadership traits, and distinguished track record will continue to drive Carbon’s growth into the future. In assuming the Executive Chairman role, I will be able to focus on evangelizing the platform and driving adoption more widely.”

Prior to joining DuPont in 1988, Kullman worked for Westinghouse and General Electric. DuPont's board of directors elected Kullman President and a director of the company in October 2008 and Chief Executive Officer in January 2009. She was the nineteenth executive and the first woman to lead the company in its 212-year history. As a business leader, Kullman led double-digit growth of the company’s Safety and Protection business portfolio and started two successful high-growth businesses known today as DuPont Industrial Biosciences and DuPont Sustainable Solutions. During her seven years as CEO, Kullman led the company’s focus on growth in emerging international markets and championed the power of DuPont science and global market knowledge to transform industries. She executed a strong plan and decisively positioned the company for its next generation of growth.

Kullman is co-chair of the Paradigm for Parity coalition and a board director of United Technologies, Dell Technologies, Amgen, and Goldman Sachs. She is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and past president of the U.S. China Business Council. She serves on the board of trustees of Northwestern University. Kullman has been named one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” by Fortune and one of the “World’s Most Powerful Women” by Forbes. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University.

As co-founder of Carbon, DeSimone took on 3D printing by bringing together insights from diverse fields to co-invent the core technology that now drives the Carbon Platform. Powered by Digital Light Synthesis™ (DLS™) technology, the Carbon Platform is enabling companies to break free of traditional polymer manufacturing methods to advance product innovation. Just this week, he was recognized for his achievements by EY as the U.S. Entrepreneur of the Year.

Before founding Carbon in 2013, DeSimone was a professor at the University of North Carolina for over 20 years. DeSimone has made scientific breakthroughs in areas including green chemistry, medical devices, and nanotechnology, also co-founding several companies based on his research. At UNC, DeSimone built a strong culture in his research group centered on the notion that diversity is a fundamental tenet of innovation.

DeSimone has achieved international recognition as a scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur, earning major accolades including the U.S. Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award and the Lemelson-MIT Prize. In 2016, President Obama awarded DeSimone the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the highest honor in the U.S. for achievement and leadership in advancing technological progress. He is also one of only roughly 20 individuals elected to all three U.S. National Academies—the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, and the National Academy of Engineering.

About Carbon

Carbon’s mission is to reinvent how polymer products are designed, engineered, manufactured, and delivered towards a digital and sustainable future. Based in Silicon Valley, Carbon brings together innovations in software, hardware, and material science to deliver industry-leading digital manufacturing solutions. With Carbon’s ground-breaking Digital Light Synthesis™ technology and broad family of programmable liquid resins, manufacturers can unlock new business opportunities such as mass customization, on-demand inventory, and previously impossible product designs. The Carbon Platform allows customers to build uniquely differentiated products while reducing waste and time to market. To learn more, visit www.Carbon3d.com, like the Carbon Facebook page, or follow Carbon on Instagram and Twitter at @Carbon.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191121005835/en/

Contacts
Iska Hain Saric, Head of Strategic Communications, pr@carbon3d.com

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Thales Unveils PureFlyt, the Brain of Tomorrow’s Aircraft

• Thales launches PureFlyt, a breakthrough Flight Management System (FMS) that advances both safety and efficiency of flight.

• PureFlyt has been designed from the outset to capitalise on the greater availability of data from both onboard and open-world sources. 


PARIS-Wednesday 27 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Innovdays -Thales is unveiling PureFlyt, the Flight Management System (FMS) of the future, specifically designed to efficiently manage aircraft in a connected aerospace ecosystem and in increasingly crowded skies. Indeed, with the global commercial aircraft fleet forecast to double by 2030, and the use of drones set to rapidly grow, we will be entering an era in which millions of aircraft movements are recorded each day.

Combining extensive knowledge of Avionics, Connectivity, Air Traffic management and 40-year Flight Management System expertise, Thales has developed PureFlyt, an entirely connected FMS, designed to offer airframers and airlines the best combination of safety, security, and fuel and operations efficiency. PureFlyt will allow crews to make better decisions using more sources of information, will bring improved performance and reactivity to the aircraft during complex phases of flight and will calculate alternative trajectories in real time to propose or react quickly to changes of plan. Providing pilots with the right information at the right time heightens trust in the computed trajectory, enhancing efficiency and reducing pilot workload throughout all flight phases.

One of the core innovations making PureFlyt a game changer in the FMS world is its ability to draw on both onboard and open-world data, such as weather information. By combining the integrity of the FMS and the agility and power of Electronic Flight Bag flight functionalities, aircraft trajectory can be permanently controlled, adapted and enhanced, resulting in optimised flight, decreased fuel consumption and improved passenger comfort.

While being a technological breakthrough, PureFlyt enjoys an unparalleled maturity level. Using massive testing and artificial intelligence technologies to simulate 2 billion test cases enabled accumulating an invaluable experience, equivalent of 100 million actual flight hours.

Cyber-secure by design, PureFlyt has also been designed to be future-proof, accommodating the implementation of concepts such as the Initial 4D (I4D) trajectory management methods currently being researched by SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) in the EU and NextGen in the US. By increasing the accuracy of flight in four dimensions, the fourth dimension being time, PureFlyt will enable more effectiveness in maintaining optimal distance between aircraft, particularly in the demanding phases of departure and approach.

PureFlyt will be available for entry into service in 2024, for both linefit and retrofit.

“In the air, the digital revolution has only just begun. A paradigm shift in onboard cockpit electronics is taking place in the connected airspace and PureFlyt is at the forefront of this digital new age, leading the next generation of Flight Management System that truly makes the aircraft a node of connectivity. By computing and sharing vast amounts of data, PureFlyt will make flights safer, greener, easier for the pilots to manage, more profitable for airlines and, all this, ultimately for the full benefits of passengers” declared Jean-Paul Ebanga, Thales Vice-President Flight Avionics.

For more information please visit:
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/group/magazine/quantum-leap-flight-management

About Thales

The people we all rely on to make the world go round – they rely on Thales. Our customers come to us with big ambitions: to make life better, to keep us safer. Combining a unique diversity of expertise, talents and cultures, our architects design and deliver extraordinary high technology solutions. Solutions that make tomorrow possible, today. From the bottom of the oceans to the depth of space and cyberspace, we help our customers think smarter and act faster - mastering ever greater complexity and every decisive moment along the way.

Thales generated revenues of €19 billion in 2018 with 80,000 employees in 68 countries.

PLEASE VISIT

Thales Group
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This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191125005715/en/

Contacts

PRESS
Thales, Media Relations
Civil Aerospace
Giaime Porcu
+33 1 57 77 92 18
giaime.porcu@thalesgroup.com


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Andersen Global Premieres in North Macedonia

SAN FRANCISCO-Thursday 28 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Andersen Global signed a Collaboration Agreement with legal firm, Law Office Pepeljugoski, marking the debut of Andersen Global in North Macedonia as the organization continues to strengthen its growing presence in the region.

Owner and Managing Partner Valentin Pepeljugoski founded the firm in 1999 and expanded it to include Partner Aleksander Trajkovski and more than 15 legal professionals. With a presence in both North Macedonia and the Republic of Kosovo, Law Office Pepeljugoski is a multidisciplinary law firm that specializes in business law, commercial law, intellectual property rights, litigation, customs law, contract law, finance law and tax law.

“The dedication of our team to provide our clients with best-in-class service has helped us become leaders in our practice areas,” said Valentin. “Now that we have established a strong reputation regionally, we want to enhance our service offerings. Collaborating with Andersen Global brings the benefits and resources of a global firm to our clients while extending our cross-border reach.”

“Law Office Pepeljugoski is another important addition to providing more comprehensive coverage in the region,” said Mark Vorsatz, Andersen Global Chairman and Andersen CEO. “Valentin and his team demonstrate our passion for stewardship, seamlessness and independence. All the legal firms collaborating with Andersen Global in the region share our commitment to setting the bar when it comes to client service and transparency. This commonality of vision provides a solid foundation for strong working relationships and the development of a superior practice in the region.”

Andersen Global is an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax and legal professionals around the world. Established in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global now has more than 5,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 164 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191126005002/en/

Contacts
Megan Tsuei
Andersen Global
415-764-2700




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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Takeda Presents Long-Term Data in ALK+ NSCLC Showing ALUNBRIG® (brigatinib) Continues to Demonstrate Superiority in the First-Line After Two Years of Follow-Up

– ALUNBRIG Reduced the Risk of Disease Progression or Death by 76% in Patients whose Disease Had Spread to the Brain, and by 57% in All Patients, when Compared to Crizotinib –

– Median Progression-Free Survival with ALUNBRIG was Three Times Longer than that with Crizotinib – 


CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & OSAKA, Japan-Wednesday 27 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) today announced updated data from the Phase 3 ALTA-1L trial, which evaluated ALUNBRIG versus crizotinib in adults with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had not received a prior ALK inhibitor. Results show after more than two years of follow-up, ALUNBRIG reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 76% (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.12–0.45) as assessed by investigators in newly diagnosed patients whose disease had spread to the brain at time of enrollment. ALUNBRIG also demonstrated a 57% (HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.31–0.61) reduction in risk of disease progression or death in all patients. These data will be presented during the Presidential Session at the 2019 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia Congress on Saturday, November 23 in Singapore.

Results from the ALTA-1L trial were evaluated by two separate review bodies – study investigators and a blinded independent review committee (BIRC) – and results from both assessments were reported. At the data cutoff for the second interim analysis (June 28, 2019), the BIRC-assessed HR of progression-free survival (PFS), which is the primary endpoint, was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.35–0.68, log-rank P<0.0001), demonstrating a reduced risk of disease progression or death by 51%.

“Given the complexity of this disease and the expected longevity of the population, it is important for physicians to have multiple well-tolerated and durable treatment options to address the needs of their patients,” said D. Ross Camidge, M.D., Ph.D., Joyce Zeff Chair in Lung Cancer Research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center and the lead investigator of ALTA-1L. “With 25 months of follow up from the ALTA-1L trial, brigatinib continues to demonstrate overall and intracranial effectiveness, while also significantly improving quality of life compared to crizotinib, reinforcing its potential as a first-line therapy for ALK+ NSCLC.”

Additional data from the long-term analysis showed that newly diagnosed patients treated with ALUNBRIG benefited regardless of the presence or absence of brain metastases at baseline, which is one of the most common sites of first progression and associated with poor quality of life.

    ALUNBRIG demonstrated high and durable responses in the brain, with patients with baseline brain metastases having superior efficacy compared to crizotinib, as assessed by a BIRC, and an early separation of the PFS curves in these patients was observed.
        ALUNBRIG reduced the risk of intracranial disease progression or death by 69% in patients with brain metastases at baseline (HR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.17–0.56), with a median intracranial PFS of 24 months compared to 5.6 months with crizotinib. Median PFS for patients with brain metastases at baseline was not reached with ALUNBRIG and was 5.9 months with crizotinib, as assessed by investigators.
        Confirmed intracranial objective response rate (ORR) for patients with measurable brain metastases at baseline was 78% (95% CI: 52.4–93.6) for patients treated with ALUNBRIG and 26% (95% CI: 10.2–48.4) for patients treated with crizotinib.
        Median intracranial duration of response (DOR) in confirmed responders with measurable brain metastases at baseline was not reached (95% CI: 5.7–NE) with ALUNBRIG and was 9.2 months (95% CI: 3.9–9.2) with crizotinib.
    ALUNBRIG demonstrated consistent overall efficacy (intent to treat population) with a longer follow-up of 25 months.
        Median PFS with ALUNBRIG was 29.4 months (95% CI: 21.2–NE) versus 9.2 months (95% CI: 7.4–12.9) with crizotinib, as assessed by investigators. The BIRC-assessed median PFS was 24.0 months (95% CI: 18.5–NE) for ALUNBRIG and 11.0 months (95% CI: 9.2–12.9) for crizotinib.
        Confirmed ORR was 74% (95% CI: 65.5–80.9) for ALUNBRIG and 62% (95% CI: 52.9–69.7) for crizotinib as assessed by a BIRC.
        Median DOR was not reached (95% CI: 19.4–NE) with ALUNBRIG and was 13.8 months (95% CI: 9.3–20.8) with crizotinib as assessed by a BIRC.
    Quality of life (QoL) for newly diagnosed ALK+ NSCLC patients was also evaluated, with results showing patients treated with ALUNBRIG experienced significant improvements in health-related QoL (HRQoL).
        ALUNBRIG delayed median time to worsening in Global Health Score (GHS)/QoL score (≥10 point worsening in score) by 27 months versus 8 months with crizotinib.
        Patients treated with ALUNBRIG had longer duration of improvement in GHS/ QoL, with duration of improvement not yet reached versus 12 months with crizotinib.
        ALUNBRIG also delayed time to worsening and prolonged duration of improvement in multiple subscales such as fatigue, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, and emotional and social functioning.

“At Takeda, we are committed to developing products that seek to advance the lung cancer treatment landscape and address the unmet needs of patients,” said Phil Rowlands, Head, Oncology Therapeutic Area Unit. “We are proud of the progress made thus far, including these updated results from the ALTA-1L trial, which show that ALUNBRIG delayed disease progression by more than two years and significantly reduced the risk of disease progression in patients with baseline brain metastasis. We look forward to submitting these data to regulatory authorities around the globe with the goal of making ALUNBRIG available to ALK+ NSCLC patients worldwide.”

“Individual treatment needs for patients with ALK+ NSCLC are diverse because cancer is not a one-size-fits-all disease,” said Bonnie Addario, Co-Founder, Board Chair, GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer. “Ongoing research and clinical trials such as ALTA-1L are critical to achieving our goal of improving outcomes and quality of life for patients early on in their treatment journey. We’re grateful for the patients, families and investigators who participated in this clinical trial, which shows meaningful results for those with newly diagnosed ALK+ NSCLC.”

The safety profile of ALUNBRIG in the ALTA-1L trial was generally consistent with the existing U.S. prescribing information.

    Most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) Grade ≥3 in the ALUNBRIG arm were increased CPK (24.3%), increased lipase (14.0%) and hypertension (11.8%); and for crizotinib were increased ALT (10.2%), AST (6.6%), and lipase (6.6%).
    The frequency of early pulmonary events (interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis) in the ALTA-1L trial was slightly lower compared with the ALTA study in a post-crizotinib population.
    Pulmonary events at any time occurred in 5.1% of patients in the ALUNBRIG arm and 2.2% in the crizotinib arm.
    Discontinuations due to AEs occurred in 12.5% of patients in the ALUNBRIG arm and 8.8% in the crizotinib arm.
    ALUNBRIG is not currently approved for use in the first-line.

About the ALTA-1L Trial
The Phase 3 ALTA-1L (ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of BrigAtinib in 1st Line) trial of ALUNBRIG in adults is a global, ongoing, randomized, open-label, comparative, multicenter trial, which enrolled 275 patients (ALUNBRIG, n=137, crizotinib, n=138) with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have not received prior treatment with an ALK inhibitor. Patients received either ALUNBRIG, 180 mg once daily with seven-day lead-in at 90 mg once daily, or crizotinib, 250 mg twice daily.

The median age was 58 years in the ALUNBRIG arm and 60 years in the crizotinib arm. Twenty-nine percent of patients had brain metastases at baseline in the ALUNBRIG arm versus 30% in the crizotinib arm. Twenty-six percent of patients received prior chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic disease in the ALUNBRIG arm versus 27% in the crizotinib arm.

Blinded independent review committee (BIRC)-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1, intracranial ORR, intracranial PFS, overall survival (OS), safety and tolerability.

About ALUNBRIG® (brigatinib)
ALUNBRIG is a potent and selective next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that was designed to target and inhibit the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion protein in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In April 2017, ALUNBRIG received Accelerated Approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) metastatic NSCLC patients who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib. This indication is approved under Accelerated Approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

ALUNBRIG is currently approved in more than 40 countries, including the U.S., Canada and the European Union, for the treatment of people with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC whose disease has worsened during crizotinib treatment or they could not tolerate taking crizotinib.

ALUNBRIG received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for the treatment of patients with ALK+ NSCLC whose tumors are resistant to crizotinib and was granted Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA for the treatment of ALK+ NSCLC, ROS1+ and EGFR+ NSCLC.

Takeda in Lung Cancer
Takeda is dedicated to expanding experience in the ALK+ NSCLC and EGFR exon 20 treatment landscapes. Our comprehensive programs include the following clinical trials to continue to address unmet needs for people living with lung cancer:

ALUNBRIG

    Phase 1/2 trial, which was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary anti-tumor activity of ALUNBRIG.
    Pivotal Phase 2 ALTA trial investigating the efficacy and safety of ALUNBRIG at two dosing regimens in patients with ALK+ locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who had progressed on crizotinib.
    Phase 3 ALTA-1L, global, randomized trial assessing the efficacy and safety of ALUNBRIG in comparison to crizotinib in patients with ALK+ locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not received prior treatment with an ALK inhibitor.
    Phase 2 J-ALTA, single-arm, multicenter trial in Japanese patients with ALK+ NSCLC, focusing on patients who have progressed on alectinib. This trial is now enrolling.
    Phase 2 ALTA 2, global, single-arm trial evaluating ALUNBRIG in patients with advanced ALK+ NSCLC who have progressed on alectinib or ceritinib. This trial is now enrolling.
    Phase 3 ALTA 3, global randomized trial comparing the efficacy and safety of ALUNBRIG versus alectinib in participants with ALK+ NSCLC who have progressed on crizotinib. This trial is now enrolling.

TAK-788

    Phase 1/2 study evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics and antitumor activity of oral EGFR/HER2 inhibitor TAK-788 in patients with NSCLC.
    Phase 2 EXCLAIM, pivotal extension cohort of the Phase 1/2 trial, which was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TAK-788 at 160 mg once daily in previously treated patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. This trial is closed to enrollment.
    Phase 3 EXCLAIM 2, global, randomized study evaluating the efficacy of TAK-788 as a first-line treatment compared to platinum-based chemotherapy in treatment-naïve patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors harbor EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations.
    Phase 1, open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation study evaluating the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of TAK-788 in Japanese patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. This trial has been fully enrolled.
    Phase 2, open label, single-arm study evaluating the efficacy of TAK-788 in treatment-naïve patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors harbor EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations.
    Phase 1, open-label, two-period, fixed-sequence study designed to characterize drug-drug interaction between TAK-788 and either a strong cytochrome P-450 (CYP)3A inhibitor, itraconazole (Part 1) or a strong CYP3A inducer, rifampin (Part 2) in healthy adult subjects.

For additional information on the ALUNBRIG and TAK-788 clinical trials, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About ALK+ NSCLC
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of the estimated 1.8 million new cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.1,2 Genetic studies indicate that chromosomal rearrangements in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are key drivers in a subset of NSCLC patients.3 Approximately three to five percent of patients with metastatic NSCLC have a rearrangement in the ALK gene.4,5,6

Takeda is committed to continuing research and development in NSCLC to improve the lives of the approximately 40,000 patients diagnosed with this serious and rare form of lung cancer worldwide each year.7

ALUNBRIG IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis: Severe, life-threatening, and fatal pulmonary adverse reactions consistent with interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis have occurred with ALUNBRIG. In Trial ALTA (ALTA), ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.7% of patients in the 90 mg group (90 mg once daily) and 9.1% of patients in the 90→180 mg group (180 mg once daily with 7-day lead-in at 90 mg once daily). Adverse reactions consistent with possible ILD/pneumonitis occurred early (within 9 days of initiation of ALUNBRIG; median onset was 2 days) in 6.4% of patients, with Grade 3 to 4 reactions occurring in 2.7%. Monitor for new or worsening respiratory symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, cough, etc.), particularly during the first week of initiating ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG in any patient with new or worsening respiratory symptoms, and promptly evaluate for ILD/pneumonitis or other causes of respiratory symptoms (e.g., pulmonary embolism, tumor progression, and infectious pneumonia). For Grade 1 or 2 ILD/pneumonitis, either resume ALUNBRIG with dose reduction after recovery to baseline or permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG. Permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 ILD/pneumonitis or recurrence of Grade 1 or 2 ILD/pneumonitis.

Hypertension: In ALTA, hypertension was reported in 11% of patients in the 90 mg group who received ALUNBRIG and 21% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 hypertension occurred in 5.9% of patients overall. Control blood pressure prior to treatment with ALUNBRIG. Monitor blood pressure after 2 weeks and at least monthly thereafter during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 hypertension despite optimal antihypertensive therapy. Upon resolution or improvement to Grade 1 severity, resume ALUNBRIG at a reduced dose. Consider permanent discontinuation of treatment with ALUNBRIG for Grade 4 hypertension or recurrence of Grade 3 hypertension. Use caution when administering ALUNBRIG in combination with antihypertensive agents that cause bradycardia.

Bradycardia: Bradycardia can occur with ALUNBRIG. In ALTA, heart rates less than 50 beats per minute (bpm) occurred in 5.7% of patients in the 90 mg group and 7.6% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 2 bradycardia occurred in 1 (0.9%) patient in the 90 mg group. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Monitor patients more frequently if concomitant use of drug known to cause bradycardia cannot be avoided. For symptomatic bradycardia, withhold ALUNBRIG and review concomitant medications for those known to cause bradycardia. If a concomitant medication known to cause bradycardia is identified and discontinued or dose adjusted, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose following resolution of symptomatic bradycardia; otherwise, reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG following resolution of symptomatic bradycardia. Discontinue ALUNBRIG for life-threatening bradycardia if no contributing concomitant medication is identified.

Visual Disturbance: In ALTA, adverse reactions leading to visual disturbance including blurred vision, diplopia, and reduced visual acuity, were reported in 7.3% of patients treated with ALUNBRIG in the 90 mg group and 10% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 macular edema and cataract occurred in one patient each in the 90→180 mg group. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms. Withhold ALUNBRIG and obtain an ophthalmologic evaluation in patients with new or worsening visual symptoms of Grade 2 or greater severity. Upon recovery of Grade 2 or Grade 3 visual disturbances to Grade 1 severity or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at a reduced dose. Permanently discontinue treatment with ALUNBRIG for Grade 4 visual disturbances.

Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation: In ALTA, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation occurred in 27% of patients receiving ALUNBRIG in the 90 mg group and 48% of patients in the 90 mg→180 mg group. The incidence of Grade 3‑4 CPK elevation was 2.8% in the 90 mg group and 12% in the 90→180 mg group. Dose reduction for CPK elevation occurred in 1.8% of patients in the 90 mg group and 4.5% in the 90→180 mg group. Advise patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Monitor CPK levels during ALUNBRIG treatment. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 CPK elevation. Upon resolution or recovery to Grade 1 or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose or at a reduced dose.

Pancreatic Enzyme Elevation: In ALTA, amylase elevation occurred in 27% of patients in the 90 mg group and 39% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Lipase elevations occurred in 21% of patients in the 90 mg group and 45% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 amylase elevation occurred in 3.7% of patients in the 90 mg group and 2.7% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 lipase elevation occurred in 4.6% of patients in the 90 mg group and 5.5% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Monitor lipase and amylase during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 pancreatic enzyme elevation. Upon resolution or recovery to Grade 1 or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose or at a reduced dose.

Hyperglycemia: In ALTA, 43% of patients who received ALUNBRIG experienced new or worsening hyperglycemia. Grade 3 hyperglycemia, based on laboratory assessment of serum fasting glucose levels, occurred in 3.7% of patients. Two of 20 (10%) patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance at baseline required initiation of insulin while receiving ALUNBRIG. Assess fasting serum glucose prior to initiation of ALUNBRIG and monitor periodically thereafter. Initiate or optimize anti-hyperglycemic medications as needed. If adequate hyperglycemic control cannot be achieved with optimal medical management, withhold ALUNBRIG until adequate hyperglycemic control is achieved and consider reducing the dose of ALUNBRIG or permanently discontinuing ALUNBRIG.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animals, ALUNBRIG can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. There are no clinical data on the use of ALUNBRIG in pregnant women. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 4 months following the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of ALUNBRIG.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 38% of patients in the 90 mg group and 40% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. The most common serious adverse reactions were pneumonia (5.5% overall, 3.7% in the 90 mg group, and 7.3% in the 90→180 mg group) and ILD/pneumonitis (4.6% overall, 1.8% in the 90 mg group and 7.3% in the 90→180 mg group). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.7% of patients and consisted of pneumonia (2 patients), sudden death, dyspnea, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, bacterial meningitis and urosepsis (1 patient each).

The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) in the 90 mg group were nausea (33%), fatigue (29%), headache (28%), and dyspnea (27%) and in the 90→180 mg group were nausea (40%), diarrhea (38%), fatigue (36%), cough (34%), and headache (27%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS
CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid coadministration of ALUNBRIG with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it may also increase plasma concentrations of brigatinib. If coadministration of a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG.
CYP3A Inducers: Avoid coadministration of ALUNBRIG with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. If coadministration of moderate CYP3A inducers cannot be avoided, increase the dose of ALUNBRIG.
CYP3A Substrates: Coadministration of ALUNBRIG with sensitive CYP3A substrates, including hormonal contraceptives, can result in decreased concentrations and loss of efficacy of sensitive CYP3A substrates.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy: ALUNBRIG can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus.

Lactation: There are no data regarding the secretion of brigatinib in human milk or its effects on the breastfed infant or milk production. Because of the potential adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with ALUNBRIG.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential:
Pregnancy Testing: Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ALUNBRIG.
Contraception: Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 4 months after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 3 months after the final dose.
Infertility: ALUNBRIG may cause reduced fertility in males.

Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of ALUNBRIG in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of ALUNBRIG did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.

Hepatic or Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment or mild or moderate renal impairment. Reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG for patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment.

Please see the full U.S. Prescribing Information for ALUNBRIG at www.ALUNBRIG.com.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to bringing Better Health and a Brighter Future to patients by translating science into highly-innovative medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Gastroenterology (GI), Rare Diseases and Neuroscience. We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people's lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in health care in approximately 80 countries and regions.
For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com.

Important Notice
For the purposes of this notice, “press release” means this document, any oral presentation, any question and answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws.

The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, “Takeda” is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and any materials distributed in connection with this press release may contain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions regarding Takeda’s future business, future position and results of operations, including estimates, forecasts, targets and plans for Takeda. Without limitation, forward-looking statements often include words such as “targets”, “plans”, “believes”, “hopes”, “continues”, “expects”, “aims”, “intends”, “ensures”, “will”, “may”, “should”, “would”, “could” “anticipates”, “estimates”, “projects” or similar expressions or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements in this document are based on Takeda’s estimates and assumptions only as of the date hereof. Such forward-looking statements do not represent any guarantee by Takeda or its management of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including but not limited to: the economic circumstances surrounding Takeda’s global business, including general economic conditions in Japan and the United States; competitive pressures and developments; changes to applicable laws and regulations; the success of or failure of product development programs; decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates; claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates; the timing and impact of post-merger integration efforts with acquired companies; and the ability to divest assets that are not core to Takeda’s operations and the timing of any such divestment(s), any of which may cause Takeda’s actual results, performance, achievements or financial position to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or financial position expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For more information on these and other factors which may affect Takeda’s results, performance, achievements, or financial position, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” in Takeda’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and Takeda’s other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available on Takeda’s website at: https://www.takeda.com/investors/reports/sec-filings/ or at www.sec.gov. Future results, performance, achievements or financial position of Takeda could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Persons receiving this press release should not rely unduly on any forward-looking statements. Takeda undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. Past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results of Takeda in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast or projection of Takeda’s future results.

1 World Health Organization. Latest Global Cancer Data. https://www.who.int/cancer/PRGlobocanFinal.pdf. Accessed May 11, 2019.
2 American Cancer Society. What is Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-small-cell-lung-cancer/about/what-is-non-small-cell-lung-cancer.html. Accessed May 11, 2019.
3 Kris MG, et al. JAMA, 2014;311:1998-2006.
4 Gainor JF, Varghese AM, Ou SH, et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2013;19(15):4273-81.
5 Koivunen JP, Mermel C, Zejnullahu K, et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2008; 14(13):4275-83.
6 Wong DW, Leung EL, So KK, et al. Cancer. 2009; 115(8):1723-33.
7 Chia PL, Mitchell P, Dobrovic A, John T. Clin Epidemiol, 2014;6:423-432.

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Contacts

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Japanese Media
Kazumi Kobayashi
kazumi.kobayashi@takeda.com
+81 (0) 3-3278-2095

Media Outside Japan
Lauren Padovan
lauren.padovan@takeda.com
+1-617-444-1419


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