BOLSA DE VALORES DE COLOMBIA (BVC) EXTENDS TRADING TECHNOLOGY CONTRACT WITH NASDAQ

BVC marketplace to implement major modifications to trading engine, which operates multi-asset classes and multi-currency trading

NEW YORK and BOGOTÁ, Colombia, July 29 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq, Inc. (Nasdaq:NDAQ) and the Bolsa de Valores de Colombia (BVC) today announced the extension of their current trading technology contract for an additional seven years. This extension is part of BVC’s ongoing initiative to continue strengthening its position in both the regional and international exchange arena.

The upgraded Nasdaq matching engine, X-stream INET Trading, further enhances the Colombian capital market by supporting new asset classes and providing more efficient MILA connectivity, which integrates the stock exchange markets of Chile, Colombia, México and Perú, as well as the throughput needed to manage the increase in volumes. X-stream Trading is deployed in more than 35 markets, making it the most widely used marketplace system in the world. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27234

PERANGSANG SELANGOR CLINCHES TOP AWARD AS RISK MANAGER OF THE YEAR FOR 2016 BY MARIM

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor Berhad (“Perangsang Selangor” or the “Company”), has been named Risk Manager of the Year for 2016, by the Malaysian Association of Insurance & Risk Management (“MARIM”) at the recently held MARIM Conference 2016. MARIM is a non-profit trade association representing corporate entities which practice Risk and Insurance Management in Malaysia, and presents the award to the organisation which clearly demonstrates an implemented effective risk management system with the objective of minimising potential losses while also adding value to the organisation. The MARIM Risk Manager of the Year Award recognises the pursuit of excellence in the risk management sector, and strives to set benchmarks for the risk management profession in the country. Ultimately, through the award and the related recognition, MARIM aims to promote the integration of sound risk management standards into business processes to enhance the overall growth and survival of an organization.

Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Perangsang Selangor, Ahmad Fariz Hassan (“Fariz”) expressed, “We are extremely pleased to be recognised by MARIM as Risk Manager of the Year for 2016. It affirms the importance all of us at Perangsang Selangor place on risk management, not only in our investment strategy but also in our day to day operations and management processes. We are always mindful of our responsibilities as a public listed investment company and are constantly working to ensure that we effectively mitigate any risks to our shareholders.” 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27237

​A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF YOUI NZ PTY LIMITED

SINGAPORE, July 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of B++ (Good) and the issuer credit rating of “bbb” of Youi NZ Pty Limited (Youi NZ) (New Zealand). The outlook for each rating remains stable.
 
The rating affirmations reflect Youi NZ’s strong risk-adjusted capitalization, resulting from the company’s low underwriting leverage, its prudent reinsurance program and conservative investments. In addition, actual claims experience during the company’s first two years of operation has been largely consistent with the assumptions it uses in pricing its policies.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27232

TOYO RICE CORPORATION'S HIGH PRICED RICE AT 11,304 YEN/KG LISTED IN GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS(R)(1)

Benefits of Kinmemai Rice promoted worldwide, helping to expand Japan's rice exports

 

TOKYO, July 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The "World's Highest Quality Rice," which Toyo Rice Corporation (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President: Keiji Saika) made publicly available for the first time through its online shopping site ^(*2) for five days between June 29^th and July 3^rd, 2016, is listed in Guinness World Records as the world's most expensive rice. The rice was sold in units of six packages x 140 g for 10,800 yen (including consumption tax and postage). All 30 boxes of the rice were sold as planned. The rice is certified and listed in Guinness World Records as priced at 11,304 yen/kg (109 U.S. dollars/kg) excluding consumption tax and postage.

Toyo Rice Corporation has advanced its "World's Highest Quality Rice" business since last winter in order to improve the global perception of Japanese rice and provide "a dream and hope" to rice producers in Japan. Six varieties of rice were carefully selected from among 18 varieties of brown rice that were awarded gold prizes and certified as the world's top quality rice in the International Category at the 17^th International Contest on Rice Taste Evaluation (hosted by the Association of the Certified Rice Appraisers) held in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture in November 2015. A total of 3,870 kg of the six varieties of rice were purchased from their producers at 1,900 yen/kg, approximately eight times the usual price for rice. Then approximately 2,000 kg of brown rice grains were selected for their superior vital energy to produce Kinmemai Rice, an ultra-high class rice, with improved taste and vital energy thanks to Toyo Rice's unique aging, polishing, blending and rinse-free technologies. Regarding the stock of the World's Highest Quality Rice, only amounts reserved by Yugyoan Tankuma Kitamise, a Japanese restaurant headquartered in Kyoto, and amounts reserved for export overseas are now available. Toyo Rice Corporation will continue to advance its "World's Highest Quality Rice" business in order to proclaim the quality of Japanese rice and rice processing technologies worldwide. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27228

A.M. BEST REVISES OUTLOOKS TO POSITIVE FOR BIDV INSURANCE CORPORATION

SINGAPORE, July 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to positive from stable and affirmed the financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and the issuer credit rating of “bbb-” of BIDV Insurance Corporation(BIC) (Vietnam). BIC is majority owned by the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam JSC (BIDV), one of the largest banks in Vietnam.

 
The revised outlooks reflect BIC’s strengthened risk-adjusted capitalization, following support from Fairfax Asia Limited (Fairfax Asia) as a strategic investor.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27233

​TOSHIBA TO START MASS PRODUCTION OF BIPOLAR 2-CHANNEL STEPPING MOTOR DRIVER WITH MAXIMUM RATING OF 40V AND 2.0A

TOKYO, July 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Corporation's (TOKYO:6502) Storage & Electronic Devices Solutions Company today announced that mass production of "TC78S122FNG," a bipolar 2-channel stepping motor driver offering a maximum output withstand voltage of 40V and output current of 2.0A, will start on August 5. The company also added "TC78S122FTG" to its stepping motor driver line-up as a package variation housed in more compact QFN package, with mass production set to start at the end of August.
 
High speed, high performance motor drives are required for applications that include printers, surveillance cameras, office automation equipment, banking terminals such as ATMs, banknote identification machines, amusement machines, and home appliances. In parallel, the downsizing of equipment is being accelerated by customer demand for space-saving products with excellent design. Measures to reduce heat generated inside equipment and low power consumption of the overall unit are also growing in importance.
 
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27230

PITNEY BOWES EXPANDS BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA WITH GLOBAL RETAIL ECOMMERCE SOLUTIONS

Australian retailers and brands will sell across borders with the Pitney Bowes Borderfree Retail Platform
 
SYDNEY, July 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE:PBI), a global technology company that provides innovative products and solutions to power commerce, today announced that it is expanding its business in Australia to provide global ecommerce solutions to retailers looking to sell their goods across international borders. With the Pitney Bowes Borderfree Retail solution, Australian retailers will reach consumers in 220 countries and territories.
 
For nearly 40 years, clients in Australia have turned to Pitney Bowes for solutions that provide simplicity and remove complexities across the physical and digital worlds of commerce. Pitney Bowes solutions help clients identify customers, locate opportunities, enable communications, power shipping from anywhere to everywhere, and manage payments.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27227

ASIAN BANKING SCHOOL AND OCBC BANK TEAM UP TO RAISE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS IN WEALTH MANAGEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 July (Bernama) -- The Asian Banking School (ABS) and OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) have teamed up to raise the bar on bankers’ mastery of the complexities of wealth management through a 13-module training programme that kicks off next month (August).

 
The unprecedented collaborative effort equips OCBC Bank’s relationship managers with best-in-class wealth management knowledge both for customers as well as their own benefit through a sustainable career-defining and perspective-enhancing programme. The ABS-OCBC Wealth Management Programme will prominently feature insights into the trends, challenges and opportunities in the industry.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27216

VERMILION SECURES MAJOR ASSET MANAGER IN AUSTRALIA FOR REPORTING

SYDNEY, July 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Vermilion Software (‘Vermilion’), the leading global supplier of client reporting and communications software, is delighted to announce that its reporting suite has been selected by one of the largest investment managers in Australia, Challenger. Vermilion Reporting Suite was selected by Challenger Limited following a rigorous market selection process. The Vermilion solution will primarily be used in delivering reporting to Challenger’s institutional client base. David Mackaway, General Manager of Operations at Challenger: “Vermilion’s multi-tenanted approach will enhance our ability to deliver reporting for our boutique investment manager partners and our Life company. Having the capability to provide factsheets, questionnaire responses and client reports from a single platform is an attractive proposition.” http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27215

AG&P INTRODUCES VIRTUAL LNG PIPELINE TO MEET DEMAND FOR CLEANER, MORE EFFICIENT POWER

MANILA, Philippines, July 22 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AG&P (Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Company), the leading infrastructure solutions provider, has announced it will be introducing a virtual LNG pipeline to bridge the capacity demands for power in Southeast Asia. The announcement was made by Albert Altura, President, AG&P, in his keynote address at the fourth annual Power and Electricity Philippines conference in Manila.

According to AG&P, the Philippines provides a unique challenge for the distribution of energy to 100 million people living across 7,000 islands. Traditional power delivery models are often too bulky to be viable to meet relatively smaller-scale energy requirements. Small-scale LNG solutions, including floating storage, regasification and power, provide power plants tailored to the archipelago, from even 5MW all the way up to traditionally-sized plants.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27206

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF SOMPO JAPAN NIPPONKOA INS. INC., ITS SUBSIDIARY, NIPPONKOA INSURANCE COMPANY (CHINA) LIMITED AND ITS U.S. SUBSIDIARIES

HONG KONG, July 22 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of “aa-” of Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc. (SJNK) (Japan). A.M. Best also has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the ICR of “a-” of SJNK’s subsidiary, NIPPONKOA Insurance Company (China) Limited (NKC) (China). The outlook for each rating remains stable. Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A+ (Superior) and the ICRs of “aa-” of Sompo Japan Insurance Company of America (SJA) and its reinsured affiliate, Sompo Japan Fire and Marine Insurance Company of America(SJFM), collectively known as Sompo Japan US Group (both domiciled in New York, NY). The outlook for each of these ratings remains stable. Additionally, A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to negative from stable and affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the ICR of “a-” of Canopius US Insurance, Inc. (Canopius US) (Wilmington DE).

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27207

EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS BERHAD DECLARES INCOME DISTRIBUTION FOR THE EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS ASIAN HIGH YIELD BOND MY FUND

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- Eastspring Investments Berhad today announced the first income distribution for its Eastspring Investments Asian High Yield Bond MY Fund (“Fund”). The Fund is a wholesale feeder fund which aims to maximise income and capital appreciation by investing in the Eastspring Investments-Asian High Yield Bond Fund (“Target Fund”), which invests primarily^ in Asian high yield bonds.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27208

RANGE INTERNATIONAL TO LIST ON ASX FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL IPO

SYDNEY, Australia, July 21 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- Recycled plastic pallet manufacturer Range International (ASX: RAN) will list on the Australian Securities Exchange on Friday July 22, following a successful IPO.

Range International produces Re>Pal(TM) pallets, an affordable durable and sustainable product made from 100% recycled waste plastic.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27199

JOY GLOBAL ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO BE ACQUIRED BY KOMATSU IN $3.7 BILLION ALL-CASH TRANSACTION

Delivers substantial all-cash premium to Joy Global stockholders

Komatsu committed to long-term growth of Joy Global, which will operate as a separate subsidiary of Komatsu

MILWAUKEE, July 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Joy Global Inc. (NYSE: JOY) (“Joy Global”), a worldwide leader in high-productivity mining solutions, today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which Komatsu America Corp., a subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd. (TYO: 6301) (“Komatsu”), will acquire Joy Global in a transaction valued at approximately $3.7 billion, including Joy Global’s outstanding indebtedness. Under the terms of the agreement, Joy Global stockholders will receive $28.30 per share in cash for each outstanding share of common stock held, representing a 48% premium to the volume weighted average closing price of Joy Global’s common stock for the 90 trading days and a 41% premium to the volume weighted average closing price of Joy Global’s common stock for the 60 trading days prior to July 21, 2016.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27203

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF CENTURY INSURANCE COMPANY (GUAM) LIMITED

HONG KONG, July 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of “bbb+” of Century Insurance Company (Guam) Limited (CIC Guam) (Guam). The outlook for the FSR remains stable, while the outlook for the ICR remains negative.
 
The ratings reflect CIC Guam’s improved underwriting performance and sound reinsurance program. The negative outlook for the ICR reflects the company’s declining risk-adjusted capitalization and a significant proportion of overdue premium receivables. New management discarded its initial plan to merge the insurance book of an affiliated company, Century Insurance Company Ltd., into CIC Guam, which would have placed material negative pressure on the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio. However, A.M. Best expects CIC Guam’s risk-adjusted capitalization to continue declining based on its business plan. This decrease is mainly due to higher growth in underwriting risk relative to statutory capital and surplus, historically and prospectively. In addition, the decline in statutory capital and surplus since 2013 was mainly due to the increase in non-admitted assets (primarily composed of overdue premium receivables), which was deducted from statutory surplus. CIC Guam’s management will continue to work with its designated managing general agency to reduce the size of overdue receivables going forward.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27196

HELIOS AND MATHESON ANALYTICS FILES $50 MILLION UNIVERSAL SHELF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Shelf Registration Follows Recently Announced Merger Agreement With Zone Technologies, Inc.

NEW YORK, July 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helios and Matheson Analytics Inc. (Nasdaq:HMNY) announced today that it has filed a universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Under the shelf registration, once it is declared effective by the SEC, HMNY may offer and sell, from time to time, up to $50 million of a variety of its securities over the next three years.

Under the shelf registration statement, HMNY will have the flexibility to publicly offer and sell from time to time, common stock, preferred stock, warrants or any combination of such securities. HMNY may periodically offer one or more of these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms announced, if and when the securities are ever offered. The terms of any potential future offerings, along with the intended use of proceeds from the sale of any such securities offered by HMNY, will be described in detail in a prospectus supplement at the time of any such offering.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27176

NRI ADDS NEW FUNCTIONALITY TO ITS I-STAR SUITE

- New feature will allow increased engagement in post-trade activities and respond to JPX’s derivatives trading system -

TOKYO, July 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. (NRI, TOKYO:4307), a leading provider of consulting services and system solutions, today announced it has added new functionality to I-STAR, NRI’s securities back-office solution for wholesale brokerage firms. The new feature adapts to the Next Generation Derivatives Trading System (Next J-GATE) of Osaka Exchange Inc., which is Japan Exchange Group subsidiary. Next J-GATE went live today.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27187

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES PHOTORELAYS IN DIP8 PACKAGES WITH INDUSTRY-LEADING 5A DRIVE CURRENT

Line-up of large-current products enhanced for replacement of mechanical relays in industrial applications
 
TOKYO, July 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Corporation’s (TOKYO: 6502) Storage & Electronic Devices Solutions Company today announced the addition of three new products to its line-up of photorelays that can replace mechanical relays in industrial applications, including an industry-leading^[1] 5A large drive current for DIP8 package photorelays. Shipments of the new products, “TLP3547”, “TLP3548” and “TLP3549”, start from today.
 
“TLP3547” is a 60V product with an industry-leading^[1] 5A (max.) large drive current for a DIP8 package photorelay. “TLP3548” is a 400V product with 0.4A (max.) drive current and high-speed switching of 1ms (max.). “TLP3549” is the industry’s first^[2] photorelay to utilize a super-junction structure MOSFET, “DTMOS series”, and is a 600V product with 0.6A (max.) drive current.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27184

BARRY CALLEBAUT SELECTS DESCARTES TO ENHANCE GLOBAL TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

WATERLOO, Ontario, July 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that Barry Callebaut Group, a world leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, has selected Descartes’ cloud-based transportation management solution to enhance its global shipping processes, performance, and visibility.

“Barry Callebaut operates 52 factories across four continents and serves customers in more than 100 countries. We needed a transportation management solution to automate existing manual processes in order to operate more efficiently and better track the thousands of containers we ship annually,” said Martin Kaeshammer, Cocoa Planner - Global Planning Cocoa at Barry Callebaut Group. “Descartes’ solution helps us improve supply chain transparency, reduce stock-in-transit and transportation costs, better manage carrier rates and performance, and improve delivery reliability for our factories and end customers.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27180

JEWELLERY RECORDS US$ 316 BILLION SALES IN 2016, WITH 15 PERCENT INTERNET RETAILING GROWTH

SINGAPORE, July 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global Market Research Company Euromonitor International released today 2016 personal accessories data.

According to the new research, jewellery is the best performing personal accessories category with sales worth US$ 316 billion in 2016. It is also the fastest growing segment within the personal accessories industry with 3 percent growth between 2015 and 2016. Jewellery, that includes both costume and fine jewellery, experienced 15 percent year-on-year growth of internet retail sales, reaching US$ 19 billion in 2016, up from US$ 9 billion in 2011. Interestingly, the 16 percent growth of internet retailing for fine jewellery is higher than the growth of internet retailing for costume jewellery at 12 percent, as more fine jewellery players go online.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27183

HERTZ ASIA PACIFIC LAUNCHES 2016 / 2017 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND VALUE VOUCHERS PROGRAMME

MELBOURNE, Australia, July 18 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ) https://www.hertz.com, the world's largest airport general use car rental company, has released its 2016-2017 Value Vouchers programme, offering car rental customers visiting Australia and New Zealand a wide range of bonus deals on attractions and activities including accommodation, theme parks and sightseeing.

Customers from the Asia Pacific region are eligible for their complementary Value Vouchers with every holiday rental made online or through a reservation centre. These special offers include two-for-one deals, 20 per cent off scenic cruises, free add-ons as well as cash vouchers for accommodation.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27166

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF TUNE PROTECT RE LTD

SINGAPORE, July 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of B (Good) and the issuer credit rating of "bbb " of Tune Protect Re Ltd (TPR) (Malaysia). The outlook for each rating remains stable.

The ratings reflect TPR's favorable business profile and strong operating performance. As a subsidiary of Tune Protect Group Berhad (TPG) and an affiliate of AirAsia Berhad and its associates (AirAsia Group), TPR has exclusive access to a profitable travel insurance portfolio derived primarily from the AirAsia Group via its partnership with cedents and distribution partners. This competitive advantage has allowed TPR to achieve strong and stable combined ratios of below 50% between 2012 and 2015, while growing revenue and profits.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27152

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES NEW ICS FOR BLUETOOTH® SMART DEVICES WITH INDUSTRY-LEADING-CLASS LOW CURRENT CONSUMPTION

TOKYO, July 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Corporation's (TOKYO: 6502) Storage & Electronic Devices Solutions Company today announced the launch of three new ICs "TC35678FSG", "TC35678FXG" and "TC35679FSG" as additions to its line-up of ICs that support Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)[1] ver.4.1 communications. At 3V supply voltage, the new ICs consume just under half the power of Toshiba's previous products[2], and realize current consumption on par with the lowest in the industry[3]. Sample shipments start today, with mass production scheduled to start by the end of 2016 for "TC35678FXG" and in early 2017 for the other two ICs.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27151

NRI PRODUCT UPGRADE FOR BASEL COMMITTEE'S NEW SA-CCR REGULATION

TOKYO, July 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. (NRI, TOKYO:4307), a leading provider of consulting services and system solutions, today announced that T-STAR/GX, NRI's solution for asset managers' securities operation management, will be upgraded to respond to the new standardized approach for measuring counterparty credit risk exposures (SA-CCR) under Basel III which takes effect in January 2017. The new function will be available in April 2017 and be used by multiple financial institutions in Japan including major asset managers.

The Basel Committee's final standard on the SA-CCR includes a comprehensive, non-modelled approach for measuring counterparty credit risk associated with OTC derivatives, exchange-traded derivatives, and long settlement transactions. The new standardized approach (SA-CCR) takes effect on January 1st, 2017.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27145

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY LAUNCHES PUBLIC OFFERING OF SECURITIES & EXCESS SIDE A DIC INSURANCE IN ASIA

BOSTON, July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSI) today announced that it is expanding its Executive & Professional Lines capabilities with the introduction of Executive FirstTM Public Offering of Securities Insurance (POSI) and Executive FirstTM Side A Difference In Conditions (DIC) Liability Insurance in Asia.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27141

MINUTE MEDIA HIRES MARK MCFARLANE AS GENERAL MANAGER, ASIA-PACIFIC AND OPENS SINGAPORE OFFICE

McFarlane to focus on growing Minute Media brands and commercial platforms throughout the region

LONDON, July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Minute Media, parent company of 90min and 12up, today announced the appointment of Mark McFarlane as General Manager, Asia Pacific. A seasoned media professional, McFarlane will be responsible for growing the company's publisher relationships, engagements with brands and agencies and broader business development and strategy throughout APAC. With McFarlane's appointment, Minute Media has also opened a Singapore office, in addition to its existing office in Manila, to serve its growing brands.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27137

MEDIA PARTNERS ASIA: ASIA PACIFIC PAY-TV INDUSTRY FACES SLOWING GROWTH

HONG KONG & SINGAPORE, July 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Asia-Pacific pay-TV industry will grow at a 5.8% average annual rate from 2016 to 2021, according to a new report, Asia Pacific Pay-TV & Broadband Markets, published by leading industry analysts Media Partners Asia (MPA).

 
MPA projects pay-TV industry sales across 18 major markets in Asia Pacific to climb from US$54 billion in 2016 to US$72 billion by 2021, rising thereafter to US$81 billion by 2025. The pace of pay-TV subscriber and revenue growth is slowing however, weakened by an economic slowdown and increasing competition from both legal and illegal alternatives. Pay-TV subscriber growth declined or substantially decelerated in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in particular.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27155

NASDAQ LAUNCHES POWERFUL NEW TOOL FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING PROFESSIONALS TO SEAMLESSLY LEVERAGE INDUSTRY INFLUENCERS

Industry Influencers Essential to Credibility of Integrated Marketing Efforts and Successful Digital and Social Campaigns

NEW YORK, July 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq’s Corporate Solutions business (Nasdaq:NDAQ), has launched Nasdaq Influencers, a new solution designed specifically for communications and marketing professionals to discover and connect with the most relevant thought leaders in their industry and uncover new opportunities to share their news and information, insights and recommendations as well as drive brand identity and awareness.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27154

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF DONGBU INSURANCE CO., LTD.

HONG KONG, July 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating of “a+” of Dongbu Insurance Co., Ltd. (Dongbu) (South Korea). The outlook for each rating remains stable.

 
The rating affirmations reflect Dongbu’s very strong risk-adjusted capitalization, favorable operating performance and sound market profile. Dongbu’s risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), remains at a very strong level and supportive of the current ratings. Although profitability has remained stagnant in recent years primarily due to the deterioration in medical indemnity and auto insurance lines, the company’s five-year results outperformed the industry in several key financial measures as evidenced by the profitable level of its operating ratio. Profitability was mainly supported by strong net investment income and an efficient cost structure. Moreover, Dongbu continued to gradually increase its domestic market share across all three major product lines of auto, commercial and long-term insurance during the period.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27153

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN CITIES' USD$197 BILLION MARKET: THE NEW INVESTMENT FRONTIER FOR MULTINATIONALS

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global Market Research Company Euromonitor International released today its new white paper: "Sub-Saharan African Cities of Opportunity: Expanding Business Horizons Beyond South Africa."

According to the white paper, Sub-Saharan African cities represent the new frontier for multinational businesses. Richly gifted with natural resources, Sub-Saharan Africa has profited from surging global raw material demand. The region is seeing a growing proportion of foreign direct investments into the manufacturing and services sectors, with investment inflows amounting to US$41 billion in 2014. Furthermore, Sub-Saharan Africa has a young expanding population - it surged by 31 percent to 957 million during 2005-2015, with a median age of 18.2 years in 2015.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27126

NORSK TITANIUM RECEIVES BOEING ENGINEERING TEST ARTICLE ORDER

Titanium RPD™ Components to Enable Flight Certification for Boeing Commercial Airplanes

FARNBOROUGH, U.K., July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Norsk Titanium AS, the world's pioneering supplier of aerospace-grade, additive manufactured, structural titanium components today announced it has received an order for titanium engineering test articles from The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) produced by Norsk's proprietary Rapid Plasma Deposition™ (RPD™) process. Terms of the purchase order were not released.

"We are pleased with Boeing's thoughtful review of structural titanium components made by our RPD™ process," said Norsk Titanium President & Chief Executive Officer Warren M. Boley, Jr. "Together, we seek to create significant customer value by reducing cost and lead time from their premier commercial airplane platforms."

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27135

NRI TO UPGRADE SMARTBRIDGE SOLUTION TO CONNECT TO JASDEC

Upgrade will enable the integration of ISO 20022 messaging standards

TOKYO, July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. (NRI, TOKYO:4307), a leading provider of consulting services and system solutions, has today announced it is upgrading its SmartBridge solution to connect to Japan's Securities Depository Center, Inc. (JASDEC) new settlement system. SmartBridge, a solution for asset managers, brokerage firms, trust banks and life insurance companies, enables external straight-through processing (STP) for securities trading by allowing clients to electronically exchange messages related to all trading activity.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27133

HUNTER ULTRASONICS CALLS FOR A GREENER WAY TO CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE FILTERS

Environmental regulations miss the mark on reducing diesel engines' carbon emissions

TORONTO, July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Regulations, ranging from the 2015 Paris Agreement's wide ranging guidelines to mandates on nonroad vehicles, have all aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

But as Ken Hunter, Founder and CEO of Hunter Ultrasonics, points out in a recent article, the measures to reduce pollution exclude a key part of the process - regular, thorough cleaning of engine filters.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27130

KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO WILL OPEN NEW CLUB FLOORS "PREMIER GRAND" IN DECEMBER, 2016

Strengthening the Lineup of High End Facilities and Services

TOKYO, July 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (KPH), one of Japan's most prestigious international hotels located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, will begin renovation of 11 suite rooms and 100 club rooms. At the same time, a special Club Lounge will be opened on the upper level 45th floor of the main tower and begin operating from December, 2016. Special attention will be paid to making significant upgrades to amenities and facilities to make guest experiences at our hotel more comfortable and enjoyable. A total of JPY 2.5 billion will be spent on these renovations.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27124

NASDAQ WELCOMES IHS MARKIT LTD. TO THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET

Commences Trading Under New Ticker Symbol “INFO”

NEW YORK, July 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq (Nasdaq:NDAQ) announced that trading of IHS Markit Ltd. (Nasdaq:INFO) commenced on The Nasdaq Stock Market on July 13, 2016.  This marks the successful merger of two companies – IHS (formerly NYSE:IHS) and Markit (formerly Nasdaq:MRKT) – creating a global leader in financial and corporate information. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27146

INTL FCSTONE HIRES JASON BRAY TO LEAD ASIA-PACIFIC DAIRY PRACTICE

Move Demonstrates INTL’s Commitment to Serving its Customers and Growing its Market Presence in Region

NEW YORK, July 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INTL FCStone Inc. (NASDAQ:INTL), a diversified global financial services organization delivering execution and advisory services in commodities, currencies, and securities, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, INTL FCStone Pte Ltd., has hired Jason Bray to lead its dairy practice in the Asia-Pacific region. Bray will work from INTL FCStone’s office in Singapore.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27140

PAGNOTTA DESIGN ANNOUNCES FINAL DAYS TO REALIZE THE WORLD'S FIRST PRODUCTION 3D-PRINTED TITANIUM WRITING INSTRUMENT

NEW YORK, July 11 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pagnotta Design today announced the final days to obtain the P22, the world's first additively manufactured production Titanium writing instrument. Key features include:

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27122

TOURISM EXPECTED TO GROW BY 4% BY 2020, DESPITE ADVERSE EXTERNAL SHOCKWAVES

LONDON, July 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Market Research Company Euromonitor International released today its latest travel research, providing the latest insights on the industry performance.

According to Euromonitor's new research, global travel and tourism sales grew consistently despite high external shockwaves. Geopolitical tensions, whether terrorism or political concerns, have impacted the traditional sun and sea destinations in locations such as the Mediterranean Sea, with safer destinations winning out. "The substitution effect, where tour operators shift capacity away from troubled hotspots to more stable countries, is visible" says Caroline Bremner, Head of Travel Research at Euromonitor International. International arrivals declined in Egypt and Tunisia, suffering a negative growth of 25 percent and 5 percent respectively, as the travel industry and consumers shun trouble for the safer shores of Spain, Portugal and Croatia.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27121

ENTEGRIS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Company traces its roots to the 1966 founding of Fluoroware

 
BILLERICA, Mass., July 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Entegris Inc. (NASDAQ:ENTG), a leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials solutions for the microelectronics industry, is proudly celebrating its 50th year of helping customers solve their critical materials challenges and enhance their manufacturing yields.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27139

NTT COMMUNICATIONS LAUNCHES DIGI-PATH PREMIER INTERNET SERVICE FOR ENTERPRISES IN YANGON, MYANMAR

Obtains communication service license to deliver one-stop ICT solutions

 
TOKYO, July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT (NYSE: NTT) Group, announced today that it has received a network service license from Myanmar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications and has begun offering reliable, high-speed internet connections for enterprises throughout the Yangon area as a first phase, effective immediately.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27138

BENTLEY ANNOUNCES AUTODESK LICENSE UPGRADE PROGRAM

Evergreen Bentley Licenses Recover Forfeited Investment in Orphaned Autodesk Licenses

 
EXTON, Pa., July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Bentley Systems, Incorporated, a leading global provider of comprehensive software solutions for advancing infrastructure, today announced its Autodesk License Upgrade Program. For consideration by owners of Autodesk perpetual licenses facing Autodesk’s imminent deadline for the write-off of the future value of their investment, Bentley Systems is offering recovery of the value otherwise subject to forfeit. Bentley Systems will credit the net value of Autodesk licenses towards upgraded “evergreen” perpetual licenses of Bentley’s applications. These perpetual licenses never depreciate, as (for instance) Bentley’s SELECT’s annual “portfolio balancing” permits exchanges among Bentley’s comprehensive application portfolio.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27136

FOLEY HOAG WINS HISTORIC VICTORY FOR THE PHILIPPINES IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

Arbitral Tribunal Condemns China’s “9-Dash Line” And Upholds the Philippines’ Maritime Rights

 
WASHINGTON, July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- An international arbitral tribunal today unanimously upheld the Philippines’ claims in a much-watched arbitration against China. The Tribunal rejected China’s claim to “historic rights” in the maritime areas encompassed by its so-called “nine-dashed line” as inconsistent with the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27134

C.H. ROBINSON VOTED #1 3PL BY INBOUND LOGISTICS READERS FOR SIXTH YEAR

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., July 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- C.H. Robinson, a global leader in third party logistics (3PL), was named the #1 3PL by readers of Inbound Logistics magazine for the sixth consecutive year.

"Our people are dedicated to providing our customers, contract carriers, suppliers, and growers with solutions and services to make their supply chain a competitive advantage," said John Wiehoff, chief executive officer at C.H. Robinson. "This honor is for our people-our 13,000 employees around the globe that demonstrate daily how C.H. Robinson believes in helping our customers work smarter, not harder."

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27129

THE 13TH CHINA-ASEAN EXPO TO BOOST CHINESE ENTERPRISES' INVESTMENT IN ASEAN

NANNING, China, July 12 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- The China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) Secretariat announced the trade and investment promotion program to be launched during this year's Expo on July 5th , so as to promote the "going global" strategy and investment of Chinese enterprises in ASEAN countries. The high-profile investment promotion conference on ASEAN's industrial parks and China-ASEAN matchmaking symposia on investment and financing projects will be given high priority during the Expo.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27127

VERMILION GOES LIVE WITH REPORTING AT MAGELLAN

SYDNEY, July 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Vermilion Software ('Vermilion'), the leading global supplier of client reporting and communications software, announces that it has gone live with leading Australian investment manager Magellan Asset Management Limited ('Magellan').

Vermilion has integrated existing data sources, customised workflow and automated the re-use of data to create a more streamlined reporting solution.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27118

XYLEM EXECUTIVES TO COLLABORATE WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS TO ADDRESS GLOBAL WATER CHALLENGES AND WORK TOWARD A SECURE WATER FUTURE AT SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK 2016

RYE BROOK, N.Y., July 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Executives from Xylem Inc. (NYSE: XYL), a leading global water technology company dedicated to solving the world's most challenging water issues will participate in key industry meetings and panel discussions on water management and innovative technology at Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) 2016. The five-day event will take place from July 10 - 15, in conjunction with the World Cities Summit (WCS) and CleanEnviro Summit Singapore (CESS).

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27115

A.M. BEST BRIEFING: TAIWAN COMMERCIAL FIRE RATE ADEQUACY EXPECTED TO IMPROVE

HONG KONG, July 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Rate increases in the Taiwan commercial fire insurance line of business is expected as a result of recent regulatory changes intended to address inadequate pricing, particularly on mega-risks, according to a new A.M. Best briefing.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27114

ACQUIRO OPENS SINGAPORE OFFICE TO ENHANCE ITS PRESENCE ACROSS THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

New Location Represents Additional Investment by Selling Simplified Group to Capitalize on Growing Opportunity in Marketing Data Quality Segment

 
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., July 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- With its charter and focus of improving marketing data quality for today’s sales and marketing teams, Acquiro, a marketing technology solutions vendor launched earlier this year, announced today the opening of its Singapore office. Acquiro – part of the Selling Simplified Group (SSG) – was formed with the mission of bringing to market data quality solutions engineered to dramatically increase a company’s revenue by validating and enriching lead contact data.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27123

NORSK TITANIUM TO BUILD WORLD'S FIRST INDUSTRIAL-SCALE AEROSPACE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PLANT IN NEW YORK

State Releases First Funds for Signature Economic Development Project for Initial Lot of 20 Norsk Titanium MERKE IV™ Rapid Plasma Deposition™ Machines to Launch Aerospace Factory of the Future

 
FARNBOROUGH, England, July 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Norsk Titanium AS, the world’s pioneering supplier of aerospace-grade, additive manufactured, structural titanium components announced today the State of New York, in partnership with SUNY Polytechnic Institute, has placed an order for an initial lot of 20 of Norsk Titanium’s patented MERKE IV™ Rapid Plasma Deposition™ (“RPD™”) machines. The order is in accordance with an approved state budget allocation to facilitate Norsk Titanium’s US subsidiary building and operating the world’s first industrial-scale metal additive manufacturing plant in New York with the following details:

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27125

INFOTERIA AND TECH BUREAU COMPLETE WORLD'S FIRST SUCCESSFUL DEMONSTRATION EXPERIMENT OF PRIVATE BLOCKCHAIN IN ACCOUNT DATA RECORDING FOR MICROFINANCE

TOKYO, July 11 (Bernama-AsiaNet) --

- Operational Applicability Also Verified by Connecting Blockchain Mijin on Microsoft Azure Using ASTERIA WARP -

Infoteria Corporation (TSE: 3853; hereinafter "Infoteria") and Tech Bureau Corporation (hereinafter "Tech Bureau") have successfully transferred loan and deposit account data in the main system of BC Finance, one of the largest microfinance institutions in Myanmar, to mijin (*1), the private blockchain (*2) placed on Microsoft Azure (*3) using ASTERIA WARP (*4) and mijin adapters (*5).

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27116

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES PHOTORELAYS FOR SEMICONDUCTOR TESTERS IN INDUSTRY'S SMALLEST PACKAGE

For 1.5A large current control and 110 degrees Celsius operation

 
TOKYO, July 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Corporation’s (TOKYO:6502) Storage & Electronic Devices Solutions Company today announced the launch of photorelays in the industry's smallest^[1] package. Shipments start from today.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27120

NASDAQ IS GLOBAL LEADER FOR NEW LISTINGS IN FIRST HALF OF 2016

NEW YORK and STOCKHOLM, Sweden, July 11 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq (Nasdaq:NDAQ) announced today that it welcomed a combined 176 new listings - including 68 initial public offerings (IPOs) - in the first half of 2016 to its U.S. and Nordic exchanges, maintaining its position as the leading global exchange venue. This includes DONG Energy - the largest IPO of 2016 YTD across global exchanges - and a record number of 13 company listing transfers from NYSE. Despite a global market under pressure from a combination of economic and political uncertainty, companies from a diverse range of industries and geographies successfully launched their IPOs on Nasdaq's U.S. and Nordic exchanges, raising $3.8 billion and €4.2 billion, respectively.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27113

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES LARGE-CURRENT CONTROL PHOTORELAYS IN SMALL PACKAGES

Line-up for 1.7A to 4A in 2.54SOP4 and 2.54SOP6 packages

 
TOKYO, July 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Corporation’s (TOKYO:6502) Storage & Electronic Devices Solutions Company today announced the launch of large-current control photorelays, for currents in the range of 1.7A to 4A, in 2.54SOP4 and 2.54SOP6 small packages. Shipments start from today. Applications for the new line-up of four products, TLP3106, TLP3107, TLP3109 and TLP3127, include programmable logic controllers (PLC), battery management systems (BMS) and factory automation inverters. The new photorelays utilize Toshiba’s latest generation trench MOSFETs to control large currents at levels equivalent those usually handled by mechanical relays^[1]. Compared to mechanical relays, which have mechanical contacts, photorelays have the advantages of producing less noise and no deterioration caused by the contacts wearing.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27112

MCLAREN-HONDA AND NTT COMMUNICATIONS ANNOUNCE THREE YEAR PARTNERSHIP

Network, cloud, data connectivity and other innovations to push motorsport boundaries

WOKING, United Kingdom & TOKYO, July 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- McLaren-Honda, a pioneer for over 50 years in Formula 1, and NTT Communications Corporation, the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT Group (NYSE:NTT), has today announced the start of a three-year technology partnership.

                                                   

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27111

TOKYO SKYTREE (SM) RELEASES "FAST SKYTREE COMBO TICKET" TO OBSERVATION DECKS FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

TOKYO, July 8, 2016 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --

 

TOKYO SKYTREE, operated by TOBU TOWER SKYTREE CO., LTD., released the "Fast Skytree Combo ticket" to the tower's observation decks, "Tembo Deck" and "Tembo Galleria" exclusively for visitors from overseas on July 1, 2016. The admission fee system has also been simplified under the new ticket, which is easier for inbound tourists to understand. TOKYO SKYTREE launched the "Fast Skytree Ticket" -- the predecessor to the "Fast Skytree Combo ticket" -- exclusively for visitors from overseas on February 19, 2015, to allow them to swiftly enter the Tembo Deck without waiting in line at the ticket window to buy admission tickets, thereby improving their convenience.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27110

"IPPIN" - CROSS BORDER E-COMMERCE MALL BRINGING JAPAN QUALITY TO THE WORLD LAUNCHED BY C-CONNECT CORPORATION

Available in 18 regions and countries. Deploying websites in 8 countries based in China and South-east Asian regions.

TOKYO, July 5 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- July 5th 2016, C-Connect, the retail e-commerce company selling printer inks and sanitary napkins, has launched "Ippin" - the Online Shopping Mall specialized in direct sales and distribution from Japan to foreign countries.

"Ippin" not only sells "Made in Japan" products but also high-quality "Produced by Japan" and "Popular in Japan" items, enabling customers to purchase directly from 18 regions and countries. We mainly target China and South-east Asian countries rapidly growing in e-commerce market as a start, selling popular "Japan-quality" items in categories such as foods, fashion items, cosmetics, kids & baby items, electric appliances.
Ippin: https://ippin.com/

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27103

UNILEVER JAPAN K.K. LAUNCHED NEW CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT WHO WEAR HEADGEAR FOR WORK

TOKYO, July 5 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- Unilever Japan K.K. has launched a campaign titled "CLEAR Headgear-Cover Plan. A Salute to Headgear Warriors." to promote CLEAR, a scalp care shampoo which is the world's best-selling male shampoo brand (*1). The campaign is also the world's first project (*2) to promote companies and sports teams to provide shampoo to their employees and players who wear headgear for work, thus exposing their scalps to risk.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27107

​PWC'S NETWORK CHAIRMAN ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM

LONDON, July 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bob Moritz, the new Chairman of PwC International, has announced the members of his new leadership team who took office on 1 July 2016.

Joining the team for the first time are:

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27100

A.M. BEST TO CO-ORGANIZE SEMINAR WITH THAILAND GENERAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION

HONG KONG, July 4 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best will co-organize a complimentary seminar with the Thailand General Insurance Association (TGIA), to take place Thursday, August 4, at the TGIA offices in Bangkok, Thailand. The seminar is, titled, "Liberalization of the Thailand Market: What's Next?," and will feature a keynote address by the President of TGIA, Khun Anon Vangvasu, as well as a panel discussion of the impact of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) market liberalization on Thailand’s insurance industry.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27095

NEWMONT ENTERS AGREEMENT TO SELL INTEREST IN INDONESIAN ASSETS

DENVER, July 1 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Newmont Mining Corporation (NYSE: NEM) (Newmont or the Company) has entered into a binding share sale and purchase agreement with PT Amman Mineral Internasional (PT AMI) to sell its interests in PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (PTNNT), which operates the Batu Hijau copper and gold mine in Indonesia.   The total consideration is $1.3 billion for Newmont’s 48.5 percent economic interest in PTNNT. This amount is comprised of cash proceeds of $920 million expected to be paid at closing and contingent payments of $403 million tied to metal price upside and development of Elang. Nusa Tenggara Mining Corporation, majority owned by Sumitomo Corporation, has also agreed to sell its ownership stake to PT AMI.  http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27088