Copyright 2014 PR Newswire

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According to a new CA Technologies global study conducted by Vanson Bourne, “TechInsights Report: The Changing Role of IT and What to Do About It”, Indian IT leaders are investing 65% of their IT budget in delivering new services. As software-driven business transformation becomes the norm, and businesses use new applications to engage their employees and customers, this trend is expected to continue, and accelerate, in the years to come.

The survey findings show that the top trends impacting IT in India today are Cloud Computing (53%), DevOps (53%) and Big Data (33%). With the focus on innovation, 71% of India Inc’s top management considers IT to be fundamental to the organization’s success or very strategically important, compared to 51% in the United States. The survey also reveals that 92% of the top IT executives in India report to the CEO or the most senior officer in the organization.

Commenting on the study findings, Sunil Manglore, managing director, CA Technologies India said: “Today, every business is technology driven. Customers are demanding new applications and a different experience, and employees require new tools to succeed and be productive. This is compelling CIOs to evolve the role of IT. Hence, the need of the hour for Indian CIOs is to become senior advisors and business enablers that leverage new technologies to win in this new business landscape.”

The way technology is seen, purchased, used and deployed across enterprises is changing. In India, 55% of IT spend is happening outside the IT department. This is the highest percentage in the world of company-wide IT spending controlled by other lines of business. The consequences for IT leaders are enormous as they must influence and guide and not just manage a corporation’s IT investments. As such, IT leaders must increase their IT interactions with lines of business from the current levels which are encouraging: 39% act as a service broker and advise the business on recommended vendors while 13% act as a consultant to the business.

Other notable findings in India include:

• 89% of respondents in India anticipate further changes in the roles of IT in their organization over the next five years, compared to just 42%  in the United States.
• 49% of respondents list ensuring the organization’s critical data is secure as their primary role
• 52% of IT leaders say more training on new technologies like Cloud, DevOps and Big Data are needed to leverage these technologies for the business

Survey Methodology

Vanson Bourne conducted the CA Technologies-sponsored study of 1,300 senior IT leaders in six Asia-Pacific countries (Australia, China, India, Japan, Singapore and South Korea) and 15 other countries around the world in May through July 2013. The study’s respondents assume IT executive, management, project lead or enterprise architect positions at enterprises with revenues of $100 million or more.

For more information on the research and to download the whitepaper, visit here.

Click here to access an infographic on the survey findings.

About CA Technologies

CA Technologies (NASDAQ:CA) creates software that fuels transformation for companies and enables them to seize the opportunities of the application economy. Software is at the heart of every business in every industry. From planning, to development, to management and security, CA is working with companies worldwide to change the way we live, transact, and communicate – across mobile, private and public cloud, distributed and mainframe environments. Learn more at www.ca.com.

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Legal Notices

Copyright © 2014 CA. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks, trade names, service marks, and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies.

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JVC Americas Corp. and Kenwood U.S.A. Corporation, subsidiaries of Japan-based JVCKENWOOD Corporation, have merged to form a single subsidiary, JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation. The merger, effective today, is part of a global integration strategy initiated by JVCKENWOOD Corporation in 2012.

The merger completes a process that was first announced in April, and is designed to enhance operating efficiencies and spur innovation throughout the company. The two entities will consolidate their business and financial resources under the new company.

Commenting on the merger, Kazuhiro Aigami, President, JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation “The merger of our two companies will accelerate innovation across all divisions by the sharing of technologies and expertise, and will provide efficiencies in logistics and back office operations. This has been carefully planned and executed to drive innovation and growth within the Kenwood and JVC brands and their respective product divisions.”

JVC and Kenwood will remain as two distinct brands in their respective user markets and sales channels for each brand. JVC and Kenwood sales and marketing of Car Electronics are already located in Long Beach, California. Sales and marketing of Communications and Security will be located in Suwanee, Georgia. Sales and marketing of Audio and Video products and Professional camera will remain in Wayne, New Jersey. JVCKENWOOD USA headquarters will be located in Long Beach, California.

When two successful companies join together, the result is a combined organization that creates new and exciting opportunities. The combination will lead to powerful new areas of innovation, products and solutions, for consumer and enterprise markets.

About JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation

JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation and is a leading developer of imaging, home and car entertainment and navigation products for the consumer market, and two-way radio communications systems for public safety, private industry and amateur users and video equipment for the broadcast and professional markets. For detailed information, call JVCKENWOOD USA at 1-800-950-5005 or visit us at http://us.jvckenwood.com, www.kenwoodusa.com and www.jvc.com.

Source: Business Wire India

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One of the most awaited commercial properties, ‘Prime Towers’ from the realty major, DLF is all set to give its customers a premium address in the heart of South Delhi. The building is fully approved and DLF has commenced giving possession of shops and offices. Many buyers have also begun their interior fit-outs.

Project Details

• 1.92 Hectares  with 70% open space
• 57,500 square meters (approx.) built-up area
• Ground + 8 Floors
• Ground Floor for Retail & Offices
• First to Eighth floor for Offices
• Flexible sizes : 204 square meters to 687 square meters approx.

‘Prime Towers’ a well-planned commercial complex is suitable for end users and investment for small, medium and large corporate offices, sales & marketing set ups, call centres, financial institutions, law & CA firms, retail brands, F & B outlets and much more.

Mr. Mohit Gujral, Chairman and Managing Director, DLF Universal Ltd. said, “We are delighted to announce the possession of Prime Towers, Okhla during the festive season. It offers a perfect opportunity for those who are looking at expanding or relocating their business in Delhi. Steep hike in commercial property prices, scarcity of space and parking problems are  few of the major issues which have forced MNC’s and other corporate offices to move out of Delhi and set up their offices elsewhere. Prime Towers, located in the heart of south Delhi is the perfect solution to all these obstacles”.

Prime Towers is located in Okhla -Phase 1, in the vicinity of hotel ‘Crowne Plaza”. With its proximity to business districts like Jasola, Mohan Cooperative Industrial Estate, Nehru Place, Bhikaji Cama Place, Saket and retail hubs like Central market- Lajpat Nagar and M-block market- GK II, ‘Prime Towers’ is sure to be bustling with energy soon. Tucked away from the usual traffic, parking and infrastructural woes, with additional benefits of Metro connectivity, Prime Towers is one of the brightest stars on Delhi’s corporate skyline.

Photo Caption: DLF Prime Towers ‘Prime Towers’ a well-planned commercial complex in heart of South Delhi

Source: Business Wire India

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By Research News Today

Net revenues grew one percent on both a reported and constant-currency basis. Increased sales from the company’s global retail network were partially offset by lower sales at wholesale in the Americas. Third quarter net income declined to $51 million reflecting charges associated with the company’s global productivity initiative. Adjusted EBIT declined two percent to $119 million reflecting a lower gross margin and increased advertising investment, partially offset by savings realized from the initiative.

“Despite continued external challenges, including soft retail traffic and a highly-promotional environment, we grew revenue in the third quarter by focusing on the controllable aspects of the business. The decline in net income essentially reflects the investments we’re making to improve productivity,” said Chip Bergh, president and chief executive officer. “As we enter the fourth quarter, we remain confident in our ability to grow sales and adjusted EBIT this year, as we continue to focus on driving retail conversion, engaging with consumers globally with our Live in Levi’s® campaign, and improving the structural economics of our business.”

Third-Quarter 2014 Highlights

Gross profit in the third quarter declined to $562 million compared with $573 million for the same quarter of 2013. Gross margin for the third quarter declined to 48.7 percent of revenues compared with 50.2 percent of revenues in the same quarter of 2013. The gross margin decline was primarily due to higher product costs and an increase in discounted sales across channels, reflecting a promotional retail environment and efforts to manage high inventory levels.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) for the third quarter of $455 million were flat compared with the same quarter of 2013. Increased advertising investment and consulting fees primarily related to centrally-led cost-savings and procurement projects associated with the company’s global productivity initiative were offset by SG&A savings realized from the initiative and a decline in incentive compensation expense.
Operating income of $105 million in the third quarter was down from $118 million in the same quarter of 2013 primarily due to the lower gross margin. Increased advertising investment and the charges associated with the company’s global productivity initiative were partially offset by savings realized from the initiative.
Adjusted EBIT, which excludes the charges associated with the company’s global productivity initiative, was $119 million, a decline of two percent compared with the same quarter of 2013. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBIT is provided at the end of this press release.

Net revenues in the Americas declined primarily due to lower sales of women’s products at wholesale. Operating income declined due to the region’s lower net revenues. A decline in gross margin was offset by lower SG&A.
In Europe, net revenues and operating income growth resulted from performance and expansion of the company-operated retail network and higher gross margins.
In Asia, net revenues grew in the company-operated retail network and at wholesale, primarily driven by price-promotional activity. Operating income declined due to the region’s lower gross margin, reflecting the highly-promotional environment.

Cash Flow and Balance Sheet

At August 24, 2014, cash and cash equivalents of $367 million were complemented by $606 million available under the company’s revolving credit facility, resulting in a total liquidity position of approximately $1.0 billion. Net debt at the end of the third quarter remained less than $1.1 billion. Free cash flow through the third quarter of 2014 was $4 million. The company has revised its estimate of capital expenditures for 2014, which it now projects will be in the range of $80 – $90 million.

Global Productivity Initiative

Restructuring and related charges associated with the company’s global productivity initiative primarily reflect severance benefit costs, pension plan curtailment gains and losses, other expenses associated with staffing reductions, and consulting fees primarily related to centrally-led cost-savings and procurement projects. Actions taken through the first nine months of 2014 for the global productivity initiative have resulted in aggregate restructuring and related charges of $103 million, and are expected to deliver net annualized savings of $100 – $125 million. The company anticipates that it will incur additional restructuring charges in the fourth quarter of 2014 related to the global productivity initiative. Cash payments for these additional charges are not expected to be made in the fourth quarter of 2014.

The company expects additional savings in future periods to come from streamlining its product development, planning and go-to-market strategies, implementing efficiencies across its supply chain and distribution network, adopting lower-cost service-delivery models and continuing to pursue improved procurement practices.

Source: http://www.retail-business-review.com/news/levi-strauss-co-announces-third-quarter-2014-financial-results-071014-4396335

Source:: Consumer Products and Retail

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By Research News Today

The Company reported a 38.7% increase in adjusted net income of $5.1 million or $0.11 per adjusted diluted common share compared to $3.7 million or $0.08 per adjusted diluted common share for the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Net sales were $193.2 million, up 5.2% as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Company comparable store sales for the second quarter were down 0.4%.

“Our gross margin is strong, our SG&A expense management is strong, and we continued to achieve increased average ticket growth. We’re pleased that this, combined with our new store growth, helped drive our earnings performance with a 38.7% increase in adjusted net income, despite sluggish comparable store sales. We have maintained our pricing integrity in an increasingly promotional retail environment,” said Kip Tindell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are very excited about our new store growth, with three more openings ahead of us this year. Our targeted annual 12% minimum square footage growth is among the fastest growth rates in the retail industry. We are encouraged by the prospects of our three major initiatives to help drive deeper engagement with our omni-channel customer and to increase traffic and average ticket — POP! TM, Contained Home TM and TCS Closets TM. TCS Closets is without a doubt the most significant merchandising initiative in our history, leveraging our core competency of high service sales of exclusive, solutions-based products and systems.”

TCS Closets TM: The Company is preparing for the pilot launch of TCS Closets — its new, exclusive collection of solid, custom-built solutions crafted from the highest quality materials and with a variety of choices in wood grain finishes and extras including lighting, glass doors and innovative storage options for shoes, jewelry and handbags. TCS Closets is planned to launch in seven stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth market beginning in November and includes services in its stores from the retailer’s expert salespeople, and in the home from the Contained Home Organizers and Installation Service professionals. TCS Closets is planned to roll out to the remaining stores by the end of 2015.

The Company stated that it believes the average ticket on an average master TCS Closet will greatly exceed its day-to-day, $60 average ticket and be much more than the $2,000 average ticket its Contained Home service has experienced to date. Therefore, the Company believes TCS Closets will contribute meaningfully to comparable store sales increases in the longer term.
POP! Perfectly Organized Perks®: The Container Store’s new customer frequency program has reached almost one million customer enrollments since launching in all stores in July. Approximately 50 percent of store sales are now coming from “POP! Stars TM.”
Contained Home TM (previously called ATHOME): The Company’s in-home, customized design and organization service is currently available in Dallas, Houston, Austin, Manhattan and Los Angeles, with plans to rollout in Washington DC this month and in Denver and San Antonio in November. The service is expected to be available in all stores by the end of 2015. The Company is encouraged by the service’s average ticket to date of $2,000.

The Company has opened five new stores this fiscal year (including one store relocation), with three more planned to achieve its targeted 12% minimum square footage growth in fiscal 2014:

Salt Lake City area in Murray, UT (Fashion Place Mall) (Opening October 18th)
Chicago, IL (South Loop — in the Roosevelt Collection) (Opening November 15th)
Phoenix area in Glendale, AZ (Arrowhead Towne Center) (Opening February 7, 2015)

Tindell added, “As we move into the second half of the year, we are well positioned and well invested in the infrastructure to support our increasing omni-channel customer base. We continue to be encouraged as we move closer to our important fourth quarter where we’ll be comping against last year’s weather, which impacted traffic and sales more than at any time in our history. Historically, over 60 percent of our net income has been derived in the fourth quarter and we expect it to derive approximately 70 percent of our reported net income this year. We’ll continue to maximize every customer interaction while also focusing on the long-term health and growth opportunities of our business, as well as on our beloved employees and culture.”

Second Quarter 2014 Results

For the second quarter (thirteen weeks) ended August 30, 2014, on a consolidated basis:

Net sales were $193.2 million, up 5.2% as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Net sales in The Container Store retail business were $174.8 million, up 5.7% as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2013, primarily due to new store sales. This more than offset the comparable store sales operating measure decline of 0.4%. Elfa’s third party net sales increased by 3.7% in Swedish krona; however due to the depreciation of the Swedish krona against the US dollar, Elfa’s third party net sales in US dollars declined slightly by 0.1%.
Gross margin was 58.8%, an increase of 40 basis points compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2013, as increased margins in non-elfa® departments were partially offset by lower margins in elfa® branded products during the second quarter at The Container Store retail business. This improvement in gross margin at The Container Store retail business more than offset a decline in the Elfa segment gross margin, which was due to a shift in sales mix.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) increased by 5.5% to $90.5 million from $85.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. SG&A as a percentage of net sales increased 10 basis points primarily due to ongoing costs incurred related to becoming a public company, as well as implementation of strategic initiatives.

The Company ended the second quarter with 67 stores in 24 states and the District of Columbia. The Company opened one new store and relocated one store in each of the second quarters of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013.
Net interest expense decreased to $4.4 million from $5.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013.
The effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 was 17.5%, as compared to 30.5% in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to a $1.8 million reduction in tax expense recorded in fiscal 2014 primarily related to an expected refund of tax paid in a prior period, partially offset by a shift in the mix of projected domestic and foreign earnings.

For the year-to-date (twenty-six weeks) ended August 30, 2014, on a consolidated basis:

Net sales were $366.7 million, up 6.8% as compared to year-to-date fiscal 2013. Net sales in The Container Store retail business were $324.5 million, up 7.2% as compared to year-to-date fiscal 2013. The increase in net sales was driven by new store sales and the extension of Our Annual elfa® Sale in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, which led to an increase in merchandise delivered to customers during the first half of fiscal 2014 as compared to the first half of fiscal 2013. This more than offset the comparable store sales operating measure decline of 0.6%. Elfa’s third party net sales increased by 5.5% in Swedish krona; however, due to the depreciation of the Swedish krona against the US dollar, Elfa’s third party net sales in US dollars increased 3.7%.
Gross margin was 58.5%, an increase of 10 basis points compared to year-to-date fiscal 2013. The improvement in gross margin was primarily due to a higher percentage of net sales coming from our higher gross margin The Container Store retail business.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) increased by 7.3% to $181.7 million from $169.3 million in year-to-date fiscal 2013. SG&A as a percentage of net sales increased 30 basis points primarily due to ongoing costs incurred related to becoming a public company, as well as preparation for future growth and implementation of strategic initiatives.

Net interest expense decreased to $8.7 million from $11.1 million in year-to-date fiscal 2013.

The effective tax rate was (15.5%), as compared to 24.0% in year-to-date fiscal 2013. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to a $1.8 million reduction in tax expense recorded in fiscal 2014 primarily related to an expected refund of tax paid in a prior period partially offset by the impact of an increase in pre-tax earnings from fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2014 and a change in mix between projected domestic and foreign earnings.

Balance sheet highlights as of August 30, 2014:

Cash: $15.3 million
Total debt: $366.0 million
Total liquidity (cash plus availability on revolving credit facilities of $58.1 million): $73.4 million

Outlook

The Company is updating its annual fiscal 2014 guidance as follows:

Full fiscal 2014 consolidated net sales are expected to be $800 to $810 million based on announced store openings and an estimated increase in comparable store sales of flat to slightly positive. Net income is expected to be $0.52 to $0.57 per diluted common share based on estimated diluted common shares outstanding of 49 million.

Included in this outlook is a $3.3 million non-taxable gain on the sale of an Elfa subsidiary, whose principal asset was a building, which the Company will record in the third quarter of this year. Due to the non-taxable nature of this entity sale and the tax benefit the Company recorded in the second quarter of 2014, the Company expects its tax rate for the full fiscal year 2014 on a GAAP basis to be approximately 30%, or 38% on an adjusted basis. Adjusting for these items, adjusted net income is expected to be $0.41 to $0.46 per diluted common share based on estimated diluted common shares outstanding of 49 million. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be $95 to $99 million.

The Company also expects comparable store sales to be flat to down low single digits in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, and to increase in the low to mid-single digit range in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.

Source: http://www.retail-business-review.com/news/the-container-store-announces-second-quarter-2014-financial-results-071014-4396203

Source:: Consumer Products and Retail

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By Research News Today

This new experience makes art and collectibles accessible to the broadest possible audience and offers a fresh, modern way to discover, browse and buy premium pieces online.

eBay’s live auctions provide virtual entrance to auction house salerooms from anywhere in the world, and eBay’s 149 million active buyers now have the same access to auction merchandise as those bidding in person on the auction room floor. Inventory is sold directly by hundreds of world class traditional auction houses, including premier partners such as Doyle New York, Freeman’s, Garth’s Auctions and Swann Auction Galleries. All items are backed by the eBay Money Back Guarantee.

“Through the launch of live auctions, eBay is reimagining the time-honored auction house experience,” said Gene Cook, general manager of emerging verticals for eBay Marketplaces. “We know that people want new ways to peruse and purchase fine art and collectibles, and eBay’s live auctions are a best-in-class, inspiring shopping experience that delivers on this at a variety of price points.”

eBay’s live auctions are launching in partnership with Invaluable, the market leader in online live auctions for fine art and collectibles. The new experience utilizes Invaluable’s online bidding technology and other software solutions to bring billions of dollars of one-of-a-kind live auction merchandise to eBay.

“Invaluable is committed to rapidly scaling the live auction industry and making unique, premier artwork, antiques and collectibles available to online bidders through our strong relationships with auction houses around the world,” said Rob Weisberg, Invaluable CEO. “We’re excited to be working with eBay to make it even easier for shoppers, collectors and dealers to have access to the incredible merchandise only available through the world’s premier auction houses, right at their fingertips.”

Starting today, shoppers can preview catalogs and sign up for upcoming sales. Users can then bid at individual events. In addition, users can also enter absentee bids prior to an event for added convenience.

Among the first events eBay users will be able to participate in include:

10/9 African-American Fine Art – hosted by Swann Auction Galleries

10/14 Rare & Important Travel Posters – hosted by Swann Auction Galleries

10/15 English & Continental Furniture & Decorations/Old Master Paintings – hosted by Doyle New York

10/16 Books, Maps and Manuscripts – hosted by Freeman’s

10/17 Fine Photographs: Icons & Images – hosted by Swann Auction Galleries

10/21 Early Printed, Medical & Scientific Books – hosted by Swann Auction Galleries

10/21 Important Jewelry – hosted by Doyle New York

As previously announced, eBay has also partnered with the iconic international art business and auctioneer, Sotheby’s, to be the anchor tenant of the new live auctions experience. In the coming months, eBay will begin to offer a number of live auctions that are taking place at Sotheby’s headquarters in New York. The Sotheby’s auctions will present 18 collecting categories. The two companies are exploring themed and time-based sales, as well as live auctions from Sotheby’s other global salesrooms.

Source: http://multichannelandonlineretailing.retail-business-review.com/news/ebay-launches-live-auctions-for-premium-art-and-collectibles-071014-4396345

Source:: Consumer Products and Retail

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By Research News Today

The retailer intends to list its shares on the London Stock Exchange, in an initial public offering, valuing the company at around $1bn.

The proceeds will be used to help it expand in Asia and other new markets. The sale is expected to close on 16 October, reports Bloomberg citing a person with knowledge of the matter.

The maker of $1,995 Lust peep-toe sandals, which was acquired by private-equity investors three times before being bought by JAB in 2011, sells women’s and men’s shoes, handbags and accessories in more than 100 stores worldwide.

In its listing announcement, Jimmy Choo said that it plans to open 10-15 shops a year until 2016.

The company said it would look at franchise opportunities in Latin America and Eastern Europe. Also, it is looking to strengthen its presence in Asia and other new markets.

Source: http://apparelaccessoriesluxurygoods.retail-business-review.com/news/jimmy-choo-seeks-to-raise-175m-in-london-ipo-071014-4395393

Source:: Consumer Products and Retail

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By Research News Today

The Financial Conduct Authority has notified Tesco that it has commenced a full investigation following the overstatement of expected profit for the half year.

Tesco said that the guidance issued on 29 August for the group profits for the six months was overstated by an estimated £250m. The amount equates to almost a quarter of its expected profit for the period.

According to the retailer, during its final preparations for the forthcoming interim results, it identified the overstatement was principally due to the accelerated recognition of commercial income and delayed accrual of costs.

Following this, Tesco has suspended four executives, including its most senior UK managing director, Chris Bush.

The supermarket giant has issued four shock profit warnings this year and the additional £250m accounting scandal has made matters worse for the retailer.

Meanwhile, Tesco has commissioned Deloitte to review the issues and is also working closely with Freshfields, its legal advisers.

Source: http://hypermarketsandsupermarkets.retail-business-review.com/news/uks-financial-watchdog-to-probe-tesco-over-accounting-scandal-031014-4393151

Source:: Consumer Products and Retail

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On World Animal Day (Saturday 4 October) World Animal Protection is exposing the hidden suffering of wild animals used in the tourism entertainment industry, in travel destinations frequented by Indian tourists both at home and overseas.

The world’s worst wild animal attractions: elephant rides, taking selfies with tigers, walking with lions, swimming with dolphins and dancing macaques are part of too many holidays. Yet tourists from around the world, including India, remain unaware of the cruelty that goes on behind the scenes.

Global research carried out for World Animal Protection highlights the startling truth that 57% of people in India pay for a wild animal experience because they love animals. Over 80% of people in India also believe that wild animals belong in the wild. Yet sadly, tourists are unwittingly contributing to the suffering of wild animals because they are simply not aware that their ‘once in a lifetime’ experience means a lifetime of misery for wild animals.

World Animal Protection, which has campaigned successfully to stop the cruelty of bear dancing in India, as well as Greece and Turkey, is revealing today’s worst abuses of wild animals in tourism, so holiday makers know about the truth behind the scenes before they book.

Tourists might think riding an elephant or walking with lions does no harm. But the brutal truth is that breaking these animals’ spirits to the point where they allow humans to interact with them involves cruelty at every turn; snatching them from their parents in the wild or breeding them in captivity; transporting them; keeping them in isolation and beating them to break their wills. That is why World Animal Protection is launching this new global campaign to keep wild animals in the wild.

World Animal Protection’s India Country Director Gajender Sharma said: “The need to raise awareness in India of the suffering endured by wild animals in the tourism industry is highlighted by attitudes to one of India’s most loved and revered wild animals – the elephant. Our research shows that 64% of people in India think that riding an elephant is acceptable.

“Despite India moving in the right direction by ending the cruel tradition of bear dancing and introducing legislation for captive elephants; many people here – and around the world – still simply don’t realise that that animal entertainment is animal abuse.

“At home or overseas, it makes no difference, wild animals belong in the wild. Now that people know the truth we’re calling for them to help us raise awareness and end this animal cruelty once and for all.”

Go to www.beforetheybook.org to learn more about World Animal Protection’s campaign and how to stop the cruelty facing wild animals in entertainment.

Notes to editors

For file footage, images or to request an interview with World Animal Protection’s Country Director Gajender Sharma, please contact: SharmisthaC@worldanimalprotection.org.in or call +91 9650202612 or write to LeahSlattery@worldanimalprotection.org

The Show Can’t Go On – a special report by World Animal Protection highlights five of the worst wild animal abuses in the name of entertainment that are taking place across the world today. For copies of the report email: SharmisthaC@worldanimalprotection.org.in  or LeahSlattery@worldanimalprotection.org 

Attitudes towards animals in tourism in India:

While people want to see an end to animals suffering for entertainment, attitudes vary about what is acceptable:

• 82% agreed that wild animals belong in the wild
• When asked why they had included an experience with a wild animal in their holiday – whether it be riding on an elephant’s back, taking a ‘tiger selfie’ or looking at animals in a zoo – 57% surveyed said it was because they love animals
• Sadly, people saw cruelty to wild animals on their holidays and it was witnessed in particular by Asian and American tourists. Worryingly, though, more than a third of people (36%) ignored the cruelty or took part
• The poll revealed varying attitudes to different types of wild animal entertainment: 55% of people thought swimming with dolphins was acceptable, 64% thought the same about riding elephants while 49% said watching a show or performance involving wild animals is acceptable, with almost 60% saying it was acceptable to have a selfie taken with a wild animal such as a tiger or a monkey
• People would like to see an end to animals suffering in the name of entertainment; a vast majority (83%) agreed that tour operators should avoid activities that cause suffering to wild animals. However, 39% admitted that finding the best value holiday took precedence over the welfare of the animals when making their decision.

Opinion poll:

• The opinion poll, Wild Animals in Entertainment Global Report, was carried out by TNS BMRB and presented to World Animal Protection on 18 September 2014. Data was collected online, using TNS online omnibus and weighted to be representative by age, gender and region within country
• A total of 13,000 people were surveyed across fourteen countries: 1,000 each in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, India, Netherlands, Sweden, Thailand and the United States, and 500 each in New Zealand and South Africa.

Source: Business Wire India

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FactChecker.in, an independent fact-check initiative, has confirmed that the state government (2009-10 to 2013-14) led by Prithviraj Chavan built 715,339 homes for poor families.  This is an increase of 117% compared with the previous government’s (2005-06 to 2008-09) record of 329,277 homes built for poor families.

The government led by Mr Chavan had claimed to have built more than 400,000 homes.

Mr Chavan said, “I am pleased that an independent-fact checker has confirmed my government’s record in providing housing for poor families in Maharashtra. The people of Maharashtra are the engine of India’s growth and they deserve decent housing.  I pledge to continue this record of progress to provide every Maharashtrian family with a clean, safe home with electricity, clean water and sanitation.”

These homes were built under the Indira Awas Yojana.

FactChecker.in scrutinises and researches “for veracity and context, statements made by individuals in public life. As well as picking up on issues where we feel there is a strong need to examine data that is in public domain”. FactChecker.in is an initiative of The Spending and Policy Research Foundation, which also runs www.indiaspend.org, which claims to be India’s first data journalism initiative.

Source: Business Wire India

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Fenesta Building Systems, India’s largest windows company and a division of DCM Shriram Ltd. is expanding its retail reach in the country. The company announced the launch of its Signature Studio at Raghuvanshi Mill Compound, Lower Parel in Mumbai today.

The new Signature Studio will change the way of buying windows and doors for the Indian consumers as the customers will be able to touch and feel the product before the purchase.

The studio showcases the Fenesta range of products…. windows, doors, conservatories and their various design and color possibilities. Composite doors suitable for exterior as well as interiors are on display in attractive colors and also a life size conservatory to give the consumers a real experience of the product. The design team at Fenesta uses a special software to help the customer visualize and create unique, customized solutions suitable for any type of façade…. villas, apartments, penthouses, hotels, hospitals, schools and etc.

Fenesta is committed to its customers to provide impeccable end-to-end services. Fenesta is the only company in India to control the entire supply chain starting from making of UPVC that goes into making of the profile, to installation of end product, as well as after sales service. The range of products is specially designed in UK and Austria to give consumers a well-engineered but contemporary style. The products at Fenesta go through stringent tests and quality check at every step to ensure performance in India’s varied and extreme climates. Fenesta products are immensely popular amongst leading builders, architects and interior designers across the country for its noise insulating, rain proof, dust proof features without compromise on aesthetics.

While inaugurating the studio Mr. Nagaverma, VP Sales, West said,”Fenesta is the only brand in India that is bringing alive the experience for the consumers through such Signature Studios across the country and we are confident that these studios will help our consumers to make better design choices and faster purchase decision. It will also help the architects and interior designers to enhance their palette”

Fenesta Signature Studios will be soon coming to other cities in India including Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune and Bangalore. Last month Fenesta launched its Noida and Gurgaon studios for the Delhi-NCR market.

About Fenesta Building System:

Fenesta is a division of the Rs.6400 Cr conglomerate DCM Shriram Ltd. Fenesta is India’s largest windows and doors company. It has installed more than a million windows and doors across nearly 150,000 homes. Empowered with the knowledge of India’s extreme conditions, Fenesta has designed UPVC windows and doors that are able to withstand India’s extreme climate. Headquartered in Gurgaon, Fenesta has its own sales and service presence in nearly 50 cities with 4 factories and 100 showrooms. With Fenesta, the customer is assured of end to end service starting from selecting the right designs, site survey, fabrication, delivery and installation. As a leader in the category, Fenesta takes pride in its ability to serve individual homes and large developers with equal ease.

Visit here for more details – http://www.fenesta.com/signature-studio/upvc-windows-doors-store-mumbai.aspx

For further information :

Website : http://www.fenesta.com

Photo Caption- Fenesta Signature Studio, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Source: Business Wire India

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Velcro Industries N.V. and Velcro Group Corporation today announced the appointment of Gemma Dreher, Vice President and General Counsel, to the Velcro Group Leadership Team (VGLT). The VGLT and the Board of Directors believe it is vital for our General Counsel to contribute her broad and strategic thinking to our long-term growth plans.

Gemma Dreher, Vice President and General Counsel (Photo: Business Wire)

“As we continue on our trajectory of sustained growth, it’s critical that every aspect of our global business is incorporated into our strategic management plan,” said Scott Filion, Interim CEO and President of the Americas. “Gemma’s focus on protecting our intellectual property and trademark drive our goal of creating and delivering innovative fastening solutions and I’m honored to announce her appointment. All of us on the VGLT are confident that her participation will support our defined and strategic plan to grow the company over the next 5-10 years and will enable us to ultimately better serve our customers and partners around the world.”

A four-year veteran of the Velcro Industries’ legal team, Gemma manages legal operations, intellectual property compliance, corporate governance, and other legal matters as directed by various Velcro Industries companies. Prior to Velcro Industries, Gemma served as Senior Counsel for BAE Systems. Gemma reports to Fraser Cameron, MD of Velcro Holdings B.V. and Chief Financial Officer.

The Velcro Group Leadership Team is comprised of seven senior management positions including the Interim CEO and President of the Americas, Scott Filion; Fraser Cameron; President of EMEA, Klaas Jan Stol; President of APAC, Andrew Ellis; Vice President of Marketing, Jurjen Jacobs and Vice President of Operations, Hille Dik.

About Velcro Industries

Velcro Industries together comprise a technology-driven, global organization providing fastening solutions that solve problems in simple, elegant and surprising ways for businesses and consumers around the world. With more than 50 years of experience, Velcro Industries is proud of their heritage in innovation. Velcro Industries B.V. owns over 300 active patents and numerous trademarks, including the VELCRO® mark which is registered throughout the world. Velcro Industries offers global resources for world-class solutions, with manufacturing locations in Spain, the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China and sales offices around the world. 

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Source: Business Wire India

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Panasonic Corporation has announced that it has developed a battery connector to FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) board corresponding to high current capacity and boasting the industry’s thinnest thickness^*. It is useful in the connection of the battery to the electric circuit in smartphones, tablets, and other wearable devices using embedded batteries. *: As a battery connector for mobile devices. As of October 1, 2014, Panasonic survey.

Battery Connector B01 Series Corresponding to High Current Capacity. (Photo: Business Wire)

Features

1. Industry’s thinnest^* 0.6mm battery connector with 6.0 A (3.0A/pin x 2 pins) high electric currency capacity. It will contribute to further improvement in mobile devices.
2. Its high retention force, despite its small size and thin profile, has been achieved thanks to Panasonic’s unique multi-contact mechanism^[1], obtaining higher connection reliability as a result.
3. Higher assembly efficiency is realized with its easy positioning when fitting the socket to header.

For more detail information, please visit the following site:
URL：http://www3.panasonic.biz/ac/e/control/connector/battery/b01/

Smartphones and other mobile or wearable devices involve lots of functions; some of these functions need a high electrical current like camera flashes and brighter displays, and this trend is expected to continue. On the other hand, these devices become thinner and lighter year by year, so the batteries must be smaller and lighter. Therefore, the connector between batteries and the electronic circuit must be small and able to correspond to larger electric currents.
Panasonic has successfully created a commercial product with this connector, which features the industry’s thinnest^* profile of 0.6 mm and a high electric current capacity of 6A. By realizing a high retention force for powerful connection reliability, despite being compact and thin, this product is perfect as a connection point transmitting high currents, such as the battery connections of mobile devices, smartphones, tablets, and other wearable devices.

About Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and engineering of electronic technologies and solutions for customers in residential, non-residential, mobility and personal applications. Since its founding in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates over 500 consolidated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.74 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2014. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company strives to create a better life and a better world for its customers. For more information about Panasonic, please visit the company’s website at http://panasonic.net/.

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Source: Business Wire India

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Hilton Worldwide has announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns. The 237-room Cairns hotel, formerly a Holiday Inn, occupies an exceptional waterfront location on the Coral Sea in the vibrant city of Cairns. The hotel also marks the fourth DoubleTree by Hilton in Australia and the 400^th hotel in the brand’s global portfolio.

“Guests at DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns can look forward to experiencing the brand’s signature service in the tropical surrounds of Far North Queensland,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “The opening of this hotel further cements our commitment to the Australian market. We know that the little things mean everything when it comes to a rewarding travel experience and strive to bring each guest the special comforts and acts of kindness that are unique to the brand – starting with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome at check-in and continuing throughout every aspect of a guest’s stay.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns is located at 121 The Esplanade, approximately six kilometers from Cairns International Airport and half a kilometer from Cairns’ CBD center. Cairns itself is the gateway to some of Australia’s greatest tourism experiences including the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

The hotel incorporates a unique open air rainforest garden with a barramundi pond, providing an excellent space for guests to relax. Each of the 237 Cairns hotel rooms are modern and spacious and offer stunning floor-to-ceiling city, mountain or water views. Guests have a choice of 161 double-double rooms, 75 king rooms and one king one-bedroom suite.

At the heart of DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns, The Atrium restaurant serves a wide variety of cuisine that incorporates local ingredients with inspired presentation and flavors. Dishes such as barramundi with a lemon myrtle and macadamia crust served on a saffron pea risotto with wild rosella chutney and leek exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to unique local produce. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Atrium also offers 24-hour room service.

In addition to The Atrium restaurant, the Lobby Bar is an ideal place for guests to unwind after a day exploring Cairns or some of the region’s incredible natural wonders.

Guests can enjoy a range of complimentary services and amenities including an outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness and business centers and dedicated tour desk providing information on local attractions and activities. The Cairns hotel also offers meeting and event space that can facilitate meetings for up to 160 guests theatre-style.

As participants in the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, the property will offer guests the ability to earn and redeem Hilton HHonors points and all Hilton HHonors members will earn double Hilton HHonors points for eligible stays until 31 December 2014.

“Australia has really embraced the DoubleTree by Hilton brand. We are pleased to provide another exemplary upscale, full-service hotel option in the Australian market with DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns,” said Ashley Spencer, vice president, operations, Australasia. “Cairns has long been a desirable leisure location for Australian and international travelers and we know DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns will deliver exceptional service and easy access to Far North Queensland’s iconic attractions.”

Among the amenities that guests will enjoy are the invigorating array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn, 24-hour business and fitness centers, outdoor swimming pools, a range of food and drink offerings to meet every guest’s need, complimentary high-speed internet access in public areas, and an industry-recognized service culture which is built around the idea of CARE, or Create A Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community.

Recognized worldwide for its warm, hospitable service, DoubleTree by Hilton is Hilton Worldwide’s fastest growing full service brand and offers 400 properties in 33 countries and territories. Along with three existing DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in Australia, DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade-Darwin and DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs, two new DoubleTree by Hilton hotels are planned in Perth and Fremantle in Western Australia. The DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns is owned by the BG Hotels group (Mr and Mrs Ludwig Berger), and is the sixth hotel within the group’s portfolio to be managed by Hilton Worldwide.

In celebration of its opening, Hilton by DoubleTree Cairns is offering guests a discount of up to 20 percent for advance purchase bookings (made at least seven days in advance of arrival) for all bookings made up until October 31, 2014. Bookings can made directly with the hotel on +61 7 4050 6070 or at www.cairns.doubletree.com.

Media can access additional information and download high resolution images at http://news.doubletree.com.

About DoubleTree By Hilton

With a fast-growing, global collection of 400 upscale hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across six continents, every little thing we do at DoubleTree by Hilton inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our hotel guests, our team members and the communities we proudly serve. Our hospitality begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival and continues with the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, an array of fine services and amenities and our longstanding CARE Culture tradition that empowers more than 45,000 team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveler feel human again. To make reservations at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers may visit our brand website at www.doubletree.com. Social media users may connect with us at www.facebook.com/doubletree, www.twitter.com/doubletree and www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels. For the latest news, story starters and fact sheets about our brand, reporters and bloggers may visit our DoubleTree by Hilton Global Media Center at news.doubletree.com.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 95 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company’s portfolio of eleven world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,200 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 690,000 rooms in 93 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

Source: Business Wire India

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By Research News Today

• BRICS Tobacco market to reach USD 530 billion in 2018
• Rising tobacco consumption in China is expected to drive the future growth of BRICS Tobacco market

Ken Research announced its latest publication on “BRICS Tobacco Market Outlook to 2018” which provides a comprehensive analysis of the various aspects such as the market size of Tobacco, cigarettes, cigar, smokeless tobacco, gutkha and beedis market in Brazil, China, Russia, India and South Africa. The report also covers the market shares of major players and brands in BRICS Tobacco Market in each industry segment.

BRICS tobacco market which encompasses the sales of cigarettes, cigars, snuffs, smokeless tobacco and others have showcased increasing growth rate during the last few years. BRICS countries are amongst the major tobacco producing countries in the world. Major producers of tobacco products in the world are China, India, Brazil, the
US, Turkey, Zimbabwe and Malawi which together produce more than ~% of the world’s tobacco products. China alone accounts for nearly ~% of world tobacco production. In majority of the BRICS countries, volume sales of cigarettes have declined, however, growing taxes on cigarettes have led to an inclination in the sales revenue of tobacco products in the last few years. The revenue of BRICS tobacco market grew at a CAGR of ~% from USD ~ million in 2007 to USD ~ million in 2013.

Unlike other BRICS countries, China hasn’t banned the smoking in all public places, but it has banned smoking in ~ indoor public places as listed in the state council regulations. China has formed stringent regulations on advertising and promotions but sponsorship is still allowed. South Africa has had a strong tobacco control laws and policies since 1990s. Few of the control measures encompass complete ban on indoor smoking, prohibited advertising and promotions and pictorial health warning on tobacco products.

The competitive landscape of the BRICS countries is highly concentrated amongst few players and in the upcoming years, it is expected to increasingly intensify. In China, the CNTC has a virtual monopoly over marketing, production, distribution and sales of all tobacco products, be it domestic or foreign company. In 2011, the CNTC generated profits of worth USD ~ million. Working in a strategic alliance with the CNTC is the only option for foreign manufacturers such as BAT and PMI to gain the access in the China tobacco market. However, BAT and PMI are amongst the most successful companies in the world. Brazil and South Africa market tobacco market is dominated by British American Tobacco with a share of more than ~% of total cigarette market. In India, ITC controls more than ~% of the market and in Russia, Japan Tobacco held a share of more than ~%. As the India market is primarily dominated by smokeless tobacco and beedis, the market for such products is fragmented which encompasses large number of small and medium scale domestic manufacturers.

According to the research report “In the upcoming years, the BRICS tobacco market is expected to showcase a considerable growth in terms of revenue as increasing prices and taxes are expected to enforce the tobacco addicted population to spend more on such products.”, according to the Research Analyst, Ken Research.

Key Topics Covered in the Report:

• Market Size by Revenue and Volume Sales
• Market Segmentation
• Trends and Development
• SWOT
• Competition and Market Share
• Growth Drivers
• Future Outlook
• Macro Economic Parameters

Companies Covered in the Report

China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC)

Godfrey Philips (GPI)

VST Industries

Japan Tobacco International (JTI)

Philip Morris International (PMI)

Imperial Tobacco Inc

British American Tobacco

Souza Cruz

Mastermind Tobacco

ITC Limited

VST Industries

Bharat Beedi Works

Kerala Dinesh Beedi Workers Cooperative

Mangalore Ganesh Beedi Works

Dhariwal Industries

Dharampal Satyapal

Som Sugandh Industries

Kothari Products

Related Reports:

India Tobacco Market Outlook to 2018 – Soaring Demand of Tobacco Products among Young Generation

China Tobacco Market Outlook to 2018 – Driven by Rising Consumption of Cigars

Contact
Ken Research
Information Department
info@kenresearch.com
+91-11-47017199

Source:: Agriculture

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Capgemini, one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, today announced the names of the companies that will participate in the third season of the Capgemini Super Techies Show (CSTS). This year, all ten episodes of the innovative technology based reality show, targeting young IT talent, will be broadcast on the high profile TV channel ET NOW and across the web via YouTube. Contestants will be teams of Indian IT professionals and university students with technology backgrounds from across the globe including India, UK, USA, the Netherlands, Sweden and France.

The Capgemini Super Techies Show was set up to provide a totally unique platform to showcase the best minds amongst IT professionals and under-graduates. In 2013 alone Capgemini recruited 32,000 employees, 45% of whom were young graduates. The first and second series of the show saw over 19,000 people applying to compete and had a reach of over 10 million viewers – across TV and social media channels.

This year’s line-up of judges includes the following leaders from global brands:

1. Michael Zimbalist, Sr. VP, Advertising Products and Research & Development, The New York Times
2. Sam Gourley, Sr. VP – Global Delivery, Epsilon
3. Philip Clark, Head Fixed Income & ALMT Technology (Asset Liability Management and Treasury) at BNP Paribas India Solutions and Neena Rodrigues, CIO, BNP Paribas India Solutions
4. Atul Tewari, COO (Chief Operating Officer), Quikr
5. Susheel Navanale, Group CIO, Tata Global Beverages
6. Neil Clark, CIO, Heathrow
7. Nitin Rohilla, Chief – SAP Center of Excellence, TATA Power
8. Ranjan Patnaik, Technology Director South Asia & ASEAN, DuPont
9. Parag Deodhar, CRO & VP – Process Excellence & Program Management, Bharti AXA General Insurance
10. Grand Final Episode – featured company soon to be revealed

Commenting on this year’s prestigious line-up, Aruna Jayanthi, CEO, Capgemini India said “After two very successful seasons, this third edition of the Capgemini Super Techies Show is going global in the truest sense of the word with participation from six countries. Furthermore, the involvement of eminent leaders from prestigious global brands will give the participants insights into genuine business challenges faced by these major enterprises, while providing them with the opportunity to showcase their innovative skills in solving them.”

The adjudicating leaders will set the 12 teams tasks to solve their business challenges in the areas of Big Data, Social, Mobility, Cloud, digital transformation, the digital customer experience and IT Infrastructure. The contestants were shortlisted after a stringent selection process, which was based on gauging their technology skills and business problem-solving abilities.

“The Capgemini Super Techies Show brings together burning business challenges, impacting global enterprises today, with the creative and innovative approaches to IT that are needed to gain competitive edge,” explains Philippe Grangeon, Group Corporate Marketing and Communications Director, Capgemini.  “We have seen an exponential growth of both applicants and viewers during the first two series of the show. For season three, we wanted to expand the program to showcase up and coming talent from around the world. We are really looking forward to sharing their innovative ideas with a global audience.”

Capgemini Super Techies Show will be on air from the 19^th October on the mainstream news channel ET NOW at 11.30am in India and will also be broadcast to a global audience via Capgemini’s YouTube channel. The show will comprise 10 episodes each focused on solving a business challenge. The judging panel, of leaders from both the participating companies and Capgemini, will award points to each team based on their proposed solution.  After rigorous league selection rounds and then semi-finals, the three best teams will go head-to-head in the grand finale, competing for the prize of 25,000 USD.

About Capgemini

With almost 140,000 people in over 40 countries, Capgemini is one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services. The Group reported 2013 global revenues of EUR 10.1 billion. Together with its clients, Capgemini creates and delivers business and technology solutions that fit their needs and drive the results they want. A deeply multicultural organization, Capgemini has developed its own way of working, the Collaborative Business Experience^TM, and draws on Rightshore^®, its worldwide delivery model.

Capgemini in India is over 50,000 people strong across 9 cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai – Trichy and Salem).

Learn more about us at www.capgemini.com.

Rightshore^® is a trademark belonging to Capgemini

Source: Business Wire India

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Azbil Corporation (TOKYO:6845) announced today that it has launched sales of the AX series vortex flow meters with TIIS explosion-proof certification in Japan. The AX series is manufactured by Azbil VorTek, LLC (Head office: Longmont, CO, U.S.A.; President: Jim Storer), an azbil Group company, and is sold by Azbil and its overseas subsidiaries and affiliates. The AX series already has multiple explosion-proof approvals including FM/CSA in North America, IECEx for Europe and Australia, and KOSHA in Korea. In addition to the acquisition of TIIS explosion-proof certification, it is planned to acquire explosion-proof approval in China in 2015. Azbil will further drive global expansion by focusing on hazardous-area installations in key regions worldwide.

Vortex flow meters are ideally suited for measuring steam and gases. In oil, petrochemical, and chemical plants and factories, flow measurement is needed for processes using steam and gas, such as in crude oil toppers. Measuring devices installed in areas handling flammable liquids and gases must comply with explosion-protection regulations which differ by country or region, and therefore makes it is necessary to obtain the required certifications for each region. The azbil Group has been actively acquiring various certifications so that the AX series would be used in hazardous-area installations of plants and factories in key countries and regions worldwide.

Guided by its philosophy of “human-centered automation”, the azbil Group is striving to realize customers’ safety, comfort, and fulfillment, while contributing to global environmental preservation.
Azbil Corporation

Founded in 1906. Azbil Corporation pursues “human-centered automation,” which aims to contribute to people’s safety, comfort and fulfillment and also to global environmental preservation. In April 2012, Azbil Corporation has changed its name from Yamatake Corporation.

Source: Business Wire India

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The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Royal FrieslandCampina (FrieslandCampina) today announced that 71 Jr. NBA All-Stars from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam will travel to China to attend NBA Global Games Beijing 2014 presented by ZTE featuring the Brooklyn Nets and the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 15 at the MasterCard Center.

The Jr. NBA program—presented by FrieslandCampina in Southeast Asia through its Dutch Lady, Foremost, Frisian Flag and Alaska brands—is the NBA’s international youth development program that promotes basketball participation and an active lifestyle. The 2014 Jr. NBA All-Stars, selected from Jr. NBA programs in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, are comprised of 50 boys and 21 girls ages 10-14. The All-Stars will also play exhibition games against local basketball teams and visit historical landmarks as part of their visit to Beijing.

The partnership also marked the launch of FrieslandCampina’s Drink.Move.BeStrong program, which builds on FrieslandCampina’s support to bridge critical nutrition gaps identified by the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS) and marks another milestone in FrieslandCampina’s efforts to improve the health of children across Southeast Asia through the power of nutrition and sport. FrieslandCampina encourages parents and children to drink a glass of milk and take part in an hour of outdoor sport—two simple things that when done daily, can help Southeast Asian kids become strong.

“We believe in the power of sport and good nutrition to secure the health of Asia’s future generations,” said Hendro Poedjono, Regional Public Affairs and Regulatory Affairs Director, FrieslandCampina. “Our partnership with Jr. NBA gives children a great avenue to develop important healthy habits from an early age that have a long-term impact on their growth and development.”

“We are thrilled for this group of exceptional young athletes from across Southeast Asia to get an up-close and personal look at NBA players in action,” said Francesco Suarez, Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships & Events, NBA Asia. “We are grateful to Royal FrieslandCampina for providing this unique experience to inspire children to stay fit and healthy through basketball.”

As part of its effort to connect with fans globally, NBA teams will play five preseason games in four countries this October as part of NBA Global Games 2014. In addition to the game in Beijing, the Nets and Kings will also play in Shanghai, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs will play a series of games in Brazil, Germany and Turkey.

Fans can visit the official event website at www.jrnba.asia for more information on the Jr. NBA programs in Southeast Asia. For all things NBA, visit www.nba.com.

About Royal FrieslandCampina:

Every day Royal FrieslandCampina provides millions of consumers all over the world with food that is rich in valuable nutrients. With annual revenue of 10.3 billion euros, FrieslandCampina is one of the world’s five largest dairy companies, supplying consumer and professional products, as well as ingredients and half-finished products to manufacturers of infant & toddler nutrition, the food industry and the pharmaceutical sector around the world. FrieslandCampina has offices in 28 countries and almost 20,000 employees, and its products are available in more than 100 countries. The Company is fully owned by Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina U.A, with 19,487 member dairy farmers in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium—making it one of the world’s largest dairy cooperatives. For more information please visit: www.frieslandcampina.com.

About the NBA:

The NBA is a global sports and media business built around three professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, and the NBA Development League. The league has established a major international presence with offices in 13 markets worldwide, games and programming in 215 countries and territories in 47 languages, and NBA merchandise for sale in more than 125,000 stores in 100 countries on 6 continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2013-14 season featured a record 92 international players from 39 countries and territories. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, which is available in 60 million U.S. homes, and NBA.com, which recorded 26.9 billion page views during the 2013-14 season, with more than half of all visitors originating from outside of North America. The NBA is the No. 1 professional sports league on social media, with 700 million likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league and its teams and players have donated more than $242 million to charity, completed more than 3 million hours of hands-on community service, and created more than 915 places where kids and families can live, learn, or play.

Issued by NBA Asia, Limited.

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Source: Business Wire India

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“GE Lighting is thrilled to offer our congratulations to Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano and Shuji Nakamura for their outstanding contributions to science, which are being recognized with the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics,” said Maryrose Sylvester, GE Lighting President and CEO. “It is fitting that the Nobel committee chose to honor the groundbreaking work of these three scientists, who created blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Their successful efforts, when combined with the previous discoveries of red and green LEDs, has fundamentally changed the way we see the world in the 21st century. Their visionary work has helped to transform the lighting industry, and is also instrumental in the television and smartphone industries.”

About GE Lighting

GE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs about 13,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the reveal® and energy smart® consumer brands, and Evolve™, GTx™, Immersion™, Infusion™, Lumination™, Albeo™ and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com.

Source: Business Wire India

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