Supermicro showcases OfficeBlade, DatacenterBlade server

Supermicro Showcases OfficeBlade(TM), DatacenterBlade(TM) Server and Whisper-Quiet 28dB Workstation at CeBIT 2008

San Jose, California (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Green Solutions with Industry-Leading Energy Efficiency Super Micro Computer, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMCI), a leader in application optimized, high-performance server and workstation solutions, is showcasing its latest SuperBlade(TM) server and high-performance whisper-quiet (28dB*) workstation technologies at CeBIT 2008 in Hannover, Germany, March 4-9 in hall 21, stand B46, booth A1.

With 93 per cent* peak power supply efficiency, Supermicro's SuperBlade(TM) is the industry's most energy-efficient and earth-friendly family of blade servers. In addition, the SuperWorkstation 7045 A-C3, based on the new Intel(R) 5100 (San Clemente) chipset, is the quietest high-performance workstation in it class.

"We are showcasing over 40 of our latest server and workstation motherboards plus more than 20 server and workstation systems including our whisper-quiet (28dB) workstations.

"For the ultimate in energy efficiency (93 per cent) and server technologies, we are showcasing two new SuperBlade(TM) server systems -- OfficeBlade(TM), optimized for office environments http://www.supermicro.com.

About Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI)

Supermicro emphasizes superior product design and uncompromising quality control to produce industry-leading serverboards, chassis and server systems.

These Server Building Block Solutions provide benefits across many environments, including data center deployment, high-performance computing, high-end workstations, storage networks and standalone server installations.

For more information on Supermicro's complete line of advanced motherboards, SuperServers, and optimized chassis, visit http://www.Supermicro.com, email Marketing@Supermicro.com or call the San Jose, CA headquarters at +1 408-503-8000.

SMCI-F *Performance, efficiency, power consumption and noise level figures verified by internal test results.

Supermicro and Server Building Block Solutions are registered trademarks and 1U Twin, SuperBlade, OfficeBlade and DatacenterBlade are trademarks of Super Micro Computer, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Super Micro Computer, Inc.
CONTACT: Michael Kalodrich of Super Micro Computer, Inc.,
+1-408-503-8063, michalek@supermicro.com/
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080304AQTU069
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com/
Web site: http://www.Supermicro.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008 - ANTARANEWS

Startech Environmental Corp. reports strong 2007 financials

Startech Environmental Corp. Reports Strong 2007 Financials and Announces Strong Outlook

Wilton, Connecticut (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Startech Environmental Corp. (OTC Bulletin Board: STHK), a fully reporting company and the internationally recognized, Award-winning environment and energy company announced today that its 2007 Year End Report, filed on schedule with the SEC, shows Shareholders' Equity in excess of $4.4 million with approximately $11.6 million in Cash on Hand, along with Plasma Converter Sales Bookings of approximately $25 million.

The Company also announced the Annual Shareholders Meeting in May in its recent filing with the SEC.

Startech VP and CFO, Peter Scanlon, said, "With sales in Asia, Europe and North America, and manufacturing well under way, the Company has never before been as strong as it is today, and getting stronger. We're all very optimistic about Startech's future."

About Startech --

The Environment and Energy Company Startech is the internationally recognized, award-winning environment and energy industry company engaged in the production and sale of its innovative, proprietary plasma processing equipment known as the Plasma Converter System(TM).

The Plasma Converter System safely and economically destroys wastes, no matter how hazardous or lethal, and turns most into useful and valuable products. In doing so, the System protects the environment and helps to improve the Public Health and Safety.

The System achieves closed-loop elemental recycling to safely and irreversibly destroy Municipal Solid Waste, organics and inorganics, solids, liquids and gases, hazardous and non-hazardous waste, industrial by-products and also items such as "e-waste," medical waste, chemical industry waste and other specialty wastes, while converting many of them into useful commodity products that can include metals and a synthesis-gas called Plasma Converted Gas (PCG)(TM).

Among the many commercial uses for PCG, is its use to produce "Carbonless Power," Gas-To-Liquid (GTL) fuels such as ethanol, synthetic diesel fuel and other higher alcohol "alternative" fuels. Hydrogen, for use and sale, can also be separated and recovered from the PCG synthesis gas mixture.

The Startech Plasma Converter is essentially a manufacturing system producing valuable commodity products from feedstock-materials that were previously regarded as wastes.

Startech regards all wastes, hazardous and non-hazardous, as valuable renewable resources and as feedstocks.

For further information, please visit http://www.startech.net or contact Steve Landa at (888) 807-9443, (203) 762-2499 EXT 7 or sales@startech.net.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company's plans and expectations regarding the development and commercialization of its Plasma Converter(TM) technology.

All forward-looking statements are subject to risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that could cause such a difference include, without limitation, failure of the customer to obtain appropriate financing for the project, general risks associated with product development, manufacturing, rapid technological change and competition as well as other risks set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this press release.

The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statement to reflect any change in the Company's
expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

SOURCE Startech Environmental Corp.
CONTACT: Steve Landa of Startech Environmental Corp.,
+1-888-807-9443, or +1-203-762-2499, Ext. 7, sales@startech.net
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp113537.html
Web site: http://www.startech.net

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Supermicro SuperBlade servers chosen for CERN Project

Superior Computational Performance, Scalability, and Power Efficiency

San Jose, California (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Super Micro Computer, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMCI), a leader in application-optimized, high performance server solutions, today announced that its dual-processor (DP) SuperBlade(TM) servers were recently chosen by CERN (one of the world's largest research labs) for part of a significant upgrade of its computing capacity for the new LHC (Large Hadron Collider) project in Geneva.

High computational performance, excellent scalability, superior energy efficiency and a competitive price/performance ratio were key factors in this prestigious selection process.

"Our success on previous CERN projects, coupled with Supermicro's industry-leading blade server technology, enabled us to distinguish ourselves from the competition," said Charles Liang, CEO and president of Supermicro.

"Ideal for HPC clusters and data centers, Supermicro SuperBlade platforms deliver unsurpassed performance, computing density and energy efficiency, which saves operational costs (lower total cost of ownership) and also helps preserve our environment for future generations."

"As one of the world's leading international research centers, we are always looking to meet an ever-growing demand for computing performance, striving for maximum performance over total cost of ownership," said Helge Meinhard, coordinator for server and storage procurements, of CERN.

"This is even more true this year when the LHC will start operating and producing an estimated 15 Petabytes of data each year that need to be processed. With these blade server platforms, we can efficiently realize a significant increase in computational power while minimizing our operational costs."

This latest CERN project deploys 210 Supermicro SuperBlade servers equipped with Intel(R) Xeon(R) Quad-Core processors. These servers feature Supermicro's industry-leading high-efficiency (93 per cent*) power supplies, which help significantly increase overall system power savings.

As with some previous CERN projects, Supermicro worked closely with E4 Computer Engineering S.p.A., a highly respected supplier of major Italian and European computation and scientific research centers. Together with the supply of some storage systems, the monetary value of this order exceeds one million Euros, and it also means that E4 has now provided over 1500 total servers to CERN.

"We are proud to work with Supermicro to provide its SuperBlade solutions to CERN, one of the world's largest and most established centers for scientific research," said Vincenzo Nuti, CEO of E4 Computer Engineering.

"Supermicro's blade technology is among the best in the world, our partnership with them has already achieved great results and I am sure that, thanks to the combination of E4's know-how and Supermicro's technology, we will continue to obtain extraordinary outcomes."

Supermicro Server Building Block Solutions(R) offer exceptional flexibility and outstanding feature advantages.
For more information on Supermicro's complete line of server and workstation solutions go to http://www.supermicro.com.

About Super Micro Computer, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMCI)

Established in 1993, Supermicro emphasizes superior product design and uncompromising quality control to produce industry-leading serverboards, chassis and server systems.
These Server Building Block solutions provide benefits across many environments, including data center deployment, high-performance computing, high-end workstations, storage networks and standalone server installations.
For more information on Supermicro's complete line of advanced motherboards, SuperServers, and optimized chassis, visit http://www.Supermicro.com, email Marketing@Supermicro.com or call the San Jose, CA headquarters at +1 408-503-8000.

SMCI-F Supermicro and Server Building Block Solutions are registered trademarks and SuperBlade is a trademark of Super Micro Computer, Inc. Other names, brands and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

* Peak power efficiency rating based on internal test results.

About E4 Computer Engineering
Founded by a group of experienced professionals from the IT industry, our Company specialises in the production of high-performance Server and Workstations both for top level professional use and for small and large businesses, as well as academic and educational. E4 solutions are focused on the four aspects of Specialised Workstations, Server, Multiprocessor Servers for industrial solutions, HPC/HA clusters and PC systems for dedicated office use.

By virtue of the high level of professionalism that distinguishes the Company, E4 Computer Engineering have earned the respect of prestigious companies such as Supermicro, Intel, AMD, Panasas and ICP Vortex. Working in partnership with such companies allows us to keep on top of the latest innovations and to stay on the leading edge of Information Technology trends and techniques.

SOURCE Super Micro Computer, Inc.
CONTACT: Michael Kalodrich, +1-408-503-8063,
michalek@supermicro.com
Web site: http://www.Supermicro.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008 - ANTARANEWS

Talent management is broken: DDI study

DDI Study finds that Senior Leaders Set it as a High Priority, But Aren't Dedicating Enough Effort

Singapore, (ANTARA News/Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - More than half of senior leaders anticipate their companies' performance will soon suffer because they don't have the right talent in place, according to a recent report from Development Dimensions International (DDI) written in co-operation with the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

The report "Growing Global Executive Talent: High Priority, Little Progress" found that while talent management was a significant priority for organizations, their efforts weren't meeting the needs of the business.

The disconnection is that while senior leaders recognize its importance for the success and future of their companies and divisions, they are not hands-on about what needs to be done.

"Leaders see the opportunity, they talk about it, they invest in it, but this is a job that requires their direct involvement, and most just aren't skilled or experienced at doing it themselves," said Matt Paese, vice president of Executive Solutions for DDI.

"It's astounding given the fact that they recognize the business impact of having the right people-yet they're outsourcing accountability for it."

The findings are based on a survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, on behalf of DDI, in September and October of 2007 with 412 senior leaders in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. To complement the quantitative findings, eight C-suite executives, or its equivalent, were interviewed on their perceptions on talent management.

The major findings of the report include: Talent management from the top down The study found that 85 per cent of CEOs said that talent management is as important as or more important than other business priorities. But only two in 10 leaders say they often spend time managing talent and one in 10 often review it with their boards.

"Many leaders don't recognize that their involvement in talent management initiatives could turn the tide for the organization," Paese said. "It's a missed opportunity for those leadership teams."

CEOs and other senior leaders have an opportunity to set the tone for the entire organization through their own involvement. Yum Brands CEO David Novak sees talent management as his responsibility. He said he spends 100 per cent of his time on talent management "because every opportunity is a chance to coach, develop, share what you've learned with somebody else, get a perspective on somebody, assess their potential, assess their development needs."

"Any time I go into a meeting, I'm always looking at the people and thinking about what I can do to develop them, improve their skills, give them the coaching they need," Novak said.

Right place, wrong people? The executives surveyed said their greatest obstacle to executing business strategies well was not having the right person in the right job. For some organizations, this means not making the right promotion decisions, and for others, it's not having enough talent ready to move into critical roles.

"This suggests that while organizations fully recognize the criticality of talent management, they are often not prepared to replace leaders who are not executing effectively," Paese said.

Development disillusionment Half of the leaders surveyed said their organizations are doing sub-par work in developing their leaders and more than half said they were fair or poor at identifying talent.

Further, 60 per cent of organizations are not satisfied that talent is growing fast enough to meet their most critical business needs.

"This is dramatic, because this tells us that leaders are grading themselves poorly on the two most fundamental elements to growing talent -- identifying and developing leaders," Paese said.

About DDI

Founded in 1970, Development Dimensions International, a global human resources consulting firm, helps organizations close the gap between todays talent capability and future talent needs. DDI's expertise includes designing and implementing selection systems, and identifying and developing front-line to executive leadership talent. With more than 1,000 associates in 76 offices in 26 countries, the firm advises half of the Fortune 500.

For more information about DDI visit http://www.ddiworld.com/aboutddi .

Contact: Fiona Cheong
Tel: +65-6226-5335 Email: fiona.cheong@ddiworld.com
SOURCE Development Dimensions International

COPYRIGHT © 2008 - ANTARANEWS

HUYA Bioscience announces clinical trial milestones in China

San Francisco, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - IBC Conference -- HUYA Bioscience International (HUYA), the leader in U.S./China pharmaceutical co-development, today announced the completion of three Phase I clinical trial protocols in China of a promising anti-arrhythmic compound, HBI-3000 (Sulcardine sulphate). The data from the trials support a desirable safety profile at dose levels displaying indications of pharmacologic activity. HBI-3000 is being developed as a potential treatment for both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.

Anti-arrhythmic drugs are used today to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), a serious condition that afflicts 5.6 million Americans. Anti-arrhythmic agents have also been used for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, although most have failed to demonstrate a survival advantage, and in some cases carry significant safety risk.

The main concern with anti-arrhythmic drugs is an increased risk of sudden death (Torsade de Pointes) in patients with underlying organic heart disease such as coronary artery disease, prior history of myocardial infarction and heart failure. A large subset of individuals with atrial and ventricular arrhythmias suffers from these conditions, precluding treatment with most existing anti-arrhythmic drugs. Development of safe anti-arrhythmic agents for use in these patients is needed. Pre-clinical data developed by HUYA and its Chinese partner, along with the Chinese clinical trial data suggest that HBI-3000 may have safety advantages over other anti-AF agents and exhibits broad spectrum ion channel inhibition without pro-arrhythmic activity that suggests it may also be safer to use in treatment of ventricular arrhythmias.

According to Mireille Gingras, Ph.D., CEO of HUYA, "the progress on this exciting new compound validates the efficiency and effectiveness of our co-development model with our Chinese partners. With HBI-3000, for example, we will have the opportunity to collaborate with our Chinese partners on their Phase II trials, which will be valuable in the U.S. development process. We leverage the knowledge and experience of both teams -- in addition to existing Phase I data from China -- to streamline and optimize that process in both countries. Our model sets a new standard for integrated, China/U.S. pharmaceutical co-development."

HUYA's innovative co-development model

HUYA was one of the first companies to recognize the potential of China as a source for novel pre-clinical and clinical stage compounds and pioneered an innovative co-development model. HUYA partners with Chinese research institutions and pharmaceutical companies to leverage and extend their research efforts, accelerate development, and provide a bridge into the U.S. development process and the biopharma market.

This model contrasts with that of large pharmaceutical companies whose approach is to start their own research facilities in China hoping to tap its large biotech talent pool, or that of smaller competitors with "one-off" single compound strategies. With three strategic offices in China, the broadest Chinese compound portfolio, and more exclusive agreements with premier Chinese biotech centers than any other company, HUYA is uniquely positioned to identify and license novel Chinese compounds. Moreover, the strength of its relationships with its Chinese partners ensures a continuous source of these compounds for the future.

One of the key differentiators of HUYA's approach is the assembly of a world-class team of scientific and clinical advisors for each promising new compound, such as HBI-3000. This team collaborates with its Chinese partners and is then able to leverage and extend these efforts as the compounds enter the development process in the U.S, speeding the process and mitigating risk.

The U.S. advisors (announced in a separate release) for HBI-3000 comprise a world class team of scientists and clinicians including Benedict Lucchesi, Ph.D. MD, Peter R. Kowey, M.D., Dennis Roy, M.D., Jefferson L. Anderson, M.D., Eric J. Topol, M.D., and Stanley Nattel, M.D.

About HUYA

HUYA is the leader in U.S./China pharmaceutical co-development, formed to meet the global need for new, untapped sources of pre-clinical and clinical stage compounds. HUYA identifies the most promising new compounds in China and partners with Chinese research institutions to leverage and extend their research efforts, accelerate development, and provide a bridge into the U.S. development process and the biopharma market. With three strategic offices in China, the broadest Chinese compound portfolio, and more exclusive agreements with premier Chinese biotech centers than any other company, HUYA has pioneered the most innovative and productive approach for pharmaceutical co-development between the U.S and China. Further information about the company is available at www.huyabio.com.

Contact:
USA:
Jan Tuttleman, Ph.D.
Vice President, Marketing
HUYA Bioscience International
(858) 798-8800
jtuttleman@huyabio.com
China:
Wen Chen, M.S., MBA
EVP China Operation and Chief Representative
HUYA Bioscience International
86 (21) 51323312
wchen@huyabio.com
Media Contacts:
Amy Berry
(415) 793-2258
amyeberry@comcast.net
Juliet Travis
(510) 452-3771
juliet@travispr.com

SOURCE: HUYA Bioscience International

EDITORS NOTE: HUYA CEO Mireille Gingras, Ph.D., will be available for interviews at the IBC Conference, March 3-4 in San Francisco

CONTACT: USA, Jan Tuttleman, Ph.D., Vice President, Marketing, +1-858-798-8800, jtuttleman@huyabio.com, or China, Wen Chen, M.S., MBA, EVP China Operation and Chief
Representative, +862151323312, wchn@huyabio.com, both of HUYA Bioscience International; or Media, Amy Berry, +1-415-793-2258, amyeberry@comcast.net, or Juliet Travis, +1-510-452-3771, juliet@travispr.com/

WEB SITE: http://www.huyabio.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008 - ANTARANEWS

Smith & Nephew wins OXINIUM approval in Japan

Memphis, Tenn., (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Smith & Nephew, Inc.'s (NYSE: SNN; LSE: SN) Orthopaedic Reconstruction business today announced Japanese regulatory approval of its award winning OXINIUM(TM) oxidized zirconium technology.

Smith & Nephew is the only orthopaedic company to offer such a revolutionary and award winning joint replacement material. OXINIUM is a proprietary transformed metal alloy with a ceramic bearing surface. OXINIUM provides low friction and wear resistance combined with the strength of a metal implant. This material is the only orthopaedic implant material to receive the ASM International Engineering Materials Award for outstanding achievement of a material used in the design and manufacture of products.

This approval marks the first time Smith& Nephew's revolutionary technology will be available in the world's second largest Orthopaedic market. The highly successful GENESIS II(TM) knee system, which has been used in excess of 500,000 surgeries worldwide and has 10 year published clinical data showing 98% survivorship, will be the first implant system available in Japan with OXINIUM.

"This is an important milestone for Smith & Nephew and our OXINIUM platform. Our premier technology is revolutionizing joint replacement around the world by providing and maintaining unparalleled wear resistance," said Joseph DeVivo, president of Smith & Nephew Orthopaedic Reconstruction. "OXINIUM material has proven to be a superior metal in implants, and our trail blazing technology has given patients the significant benefit of greater durability from their implants. We are pleased with the hard work our regulatory teams performed to make this innovative implant material available for the numerous Japanese physicians and patients that have been anxiously awaiting this approval."

OXINIUM was developed and patented by individuals within Smith & Nephew Orthopaedic's Research, Development, and Manufacturing groups.

All of Smith & Nephew's major knee and hip implant systems, including the GENESIS(TM) II Total Knee System, the LEGION(TM) Total Knee System, the JOURNEY(TM) BCS Knee system, the JOURNEY(TM) DEUCE(TM) Knee System, the SYNERGY(TM) Total Hip System and the ANTHOLOGY(TM) Total Hip System, are available with OXINIUM(TM) oxidized zirconium technology. The first OXINIUM oxidized zirconium component was implanted in 1995 and now more than 230,000 hip and knee components have been implanted with remarkable clinical success.

(TM) Trademark of Smith & Nephew. Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off.

About us

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopaedics companies.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company has 8,800 employees and operates in 32 countries around the world. Annual Sales in 2007 were nearly $3.4 billion.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, statements regarding planned growth in our business and in our trading margins discussed under "Outlook" are forward-looking statements as are discussions of our product pipeline. These statements, as well as the phrases "aim", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "well-placed", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "consider" and similar expressions, are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors (including, but not limited to, the outcome of litigation and regulatory approvals) that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Smith & Nephew, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Please refer to the documents that Smith & Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Smith & Nephew's most recent annual report on Form 20F, for a discussion of certain of these factors.

All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Smith & Nephew as of the date hereof. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Smith & Nephew or any person acting on behalf of Smith & Nephew are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing. Smith & Nephew does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Smith & Nephew's expectation with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

SOURCE: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
CONTACT: Analyst-Investor Inquiries, Liz Hewitt,
+44-(0)-20-7960-2256,
liz.hewitt@smith-nephew.com,
or
Media Inquiries, Victor Rocha,
+1-901-399-6771,
victor.rocha@smith-nephew.com,
both of Smith & Nephew
Web site: http://www.smith-nephew.com
(SNN)

COPYRIGHT © 2008 - ANTARANEWS

Computershare`s IML grows with acquisition of Machine Dreams` biz

Canton, Mass., (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Computershare Ltd. (ASX: CPU) announced today its continued international expansion of IML, a Computershare company, with the acquisition of Machine Dreams Inc.'s business.

Under terms of the deal, Computershare will acquire the majority of the assets of Machine Dreams, an audience response specialist and IML distributor. IML is a leading supplier of audience response systems, which bring sophisticated interactive communications and data capture to events and meetings.

Machine Dreams -- based in Minneapolis and New York -- specializes in cutting-edge audio-visual and event-related multimedia technology. The Machine Dreams business is the most recent expansion for IML, following the acquisitions over the last three months of two other leading providers of audience response services -- Ezicomms in Australia and Four Points in Belgium.

"In addition to its team of product experts on the ground in the US, Machine Dreams has impressive R&D resources that will enhance the solutions offering for IML's clients worldwide," said Richard Taylor, CEO, IML. "This acquisition expands IML's client base and the market opportunity for our award-winning Communicator keypad."

IML's Communicator keypad is an easy to use, wireless keypad system that ensures audiences remain involved and actively participate throughout conferences and events. Proven secure, accurate and reliable, the Communicator system instantly polls audience responses, delivering rapid results that can be displayed live to an audience immediately. Additionally, the Communicator enables an audience to send text messages and vote during interactive PowerPoint(R) presentations. The keypads even include a built-in microphone for more convenient Q&A sessions.

About IML

IML is the UK's leading supplier of audience response systems. Their award-winning, interactive keypads and software are recognised globally as the most advanced and sophisticated audience participation and voting technology available. IML's services are used worldwide by big name clients who rely on their systems to gather accurate and invaluable feedback data in seconds. IML has delivered more than 10,000 successful interactive events globally since being launched in 1991.

For more information about IML, visit http://www.imlworldwide.com

About Computershare

Computershare (ASX: CPU) is a global leader in transfer agency, employee equity plans, proxy solicitation and other specialized financial and communication services. Many of the world's largest companies employ our innovative solutions to maximize the value of their relationships with investors, employees, customers and members. Computershare has approximately 10,000 employees across the world and serves 14,000 corporations and 100 million shareholders and employee accounts in 17 countries across five continents.
For more information about Computershare, visit http:/www.computershare.com

Contacts:
Juli Bark
EVP, Marketing
Tel: 1 312 588 4249
juli.bark@computershare.com
Jeff Stein
Media Relations, Marketing
Tel: 1 212 805 7271
jeff.stein@computershare.com
Simon Bryan
Operations Manager, IML North America
Tel. 1 781 575 4074
simon.bryan@imlworldwide.com

SOURCE Computershare Ltd.
CONTACT: Juli Bark,
EVP, Marketing,
+1-312-588-4249,
juli.bark@computershare.com,
or Jeff Stein,
Media Relations, Marketing,
+1-212-805-7271,
jeff.stein@computershare.com,
both of Computershare Ltd.; or
Simon Bryan,
Operations Manager of IML North America,
+1-781-575-4074,
simon.bryan@imlworldwide.com/
Web site: http://www.computershare.com
http://www.imlworldwide.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008 - ANTARANEWS

Baird Private Equity expands Asia operations

Chicago, IL., (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Baird Private Equity, the global private equity group affiliated with Robert W. Baird & Co. (Baird), today announced the establishment of Baird Capital Partners Asia (BCPA), an investment team focused on providing growth equity capital to smaller, high potential companies in China or with substantial operations and growth opportunities in Greater China.

Baird Private Equity and its affiliates have raised and managed more than $2.4 billion in venture and buyout capital across the U.S. and European markets.

"We see an attractive number of investment opportunities in Greater China, and BCPA's investment strategy is a natural extension of our proven success in Asia," said Paul Carbone, Director of Baird Private Equity. "As private equity has flowed into China, smaller high potential companies have been left behind. Few investors in the region focused on these size companies can offer the global operating resources and relationships that Baird can provide."

"Baird Capital Partners Asia is well-positioned to support smaller, high growth companies and their management teams as they look to grow their businesses in Asia, Europe and the United States," said Huaming Gu, Partner, Baird Capital Partners Asia. "BCPA is the ideal partner for companies in China that want access to our global footprint, financial resources and operating expertise."

The Baird Capital Partners Asia team includes the following professionals and will begin identifying potential investments immediately:

-- Hock Goh, Partner -- Goh has been a Baird Capital Partners' Operating Partner in China since 2004, and previously served as the President of SchlumbergerSema's Asia operations and also President of SchlumbergerSema's Network & Infrastructure Solutions business where he had global responsibility.

-- Huaming Gu, Partner -- Prior to joining Baird, Gu was a Senior Vice President at EQT Partners Asia Limited, a Greater China focused buyout fund and held a number of business development positions in China at both GE and Emerson Electric.

-- Brett Tucker, Partner -- Tucker, currently a Principal with Baird Capital Partners ("BCP"), will be relocating to Shanghai. Tucker has been originating and structuring transactions in the US for the past four years with BCP. He has been doing business in Asia for over 12 years, including four years living in China in the id-1990s.

-- Bruce Allen, Chairman of Investment Committee -- Allen previously was the CEO of AIF Capital Ltd., a Hong Kong-based private equity firm that managed two private equity funds that invested across Asia. Allen has over 10 years of direct investment experience in Asia managing over $1 billion in capital invested in a variety of businesses.

-- Peter Chung, Operating Partner -- Chung joined Baird Capital Partners in 2003 as an Operating Partner in China and oversees from Hong Kong, Baird Asia Limited, Baird's China operating team. Chung previously served as President of Racing Champions Limited, the Hong Kong-based subsidiary of RC2 Corporation, from 1996 through 2003.

-- June Shen, Principal -- Shen previously was a Senior Vice President with a $650 million global fund, based in Shanghai, responsible for deal sourcing, due diligence, investment reporting, deal negotiation, and post-deal management. Prior to that, Shen was part of the investment team at China Merchants & Fortune Assets Co., Ltd.

-- Helen Lin, Associate -- Lin previously was a Senior Financial Analyst for Baird Investment Banking and Houlihan Lokey, providing analytical support on equity offerings, mergers and acquisitions and other financial advisory services. Lin will be relocating to Shanghai.

Through offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, the team will seek growth equity investment opportunities that complement Baird Private Equity's global operating resources and expertise in the Business Services, Manufactured Products and Healthcare sectors.

Baird Capital Partners Asia is the second phase of Baird Private Equity's strategic expansion in China. In 2003 Baird Private Equity established a team of now more than 20 operating professionals in China who have helped more than 15 Baird Private Equity portfolio companies create value through sourcing, manufacturing or distributing in Asia.

To complement that team, Baird Private Equity in 2004 raised Baird Asia Partners I LP, a $37 million fund focused on co-investing with BCP in U.S. companies with strategic operations in China. A number of portfolio companies, such as Backyard Leisure, The Mayline Group and Xaloy Inc., have enhanced the profitability and efficiency of their Asian operations with support from Baird Private Equity's operating and financial resources.

In addition to the operating resources in China and India, Baird Capital Partners Asia is backed by an international network of relationships, which includes:
-- Baird Private Equity's team of 80 including 45 investment professionals and 35 operating professionals across the globe providing industry, strategic, operational and transaction execution expertise.
-- Buyout and venture funds in the United States and Europe.
-- The award-winning research, investment banking capabilities and industry expertise of Robert W. Baird & Co.

About Baird Private Equity

Baird Private Equity, the global private equity group affiliated with Robert W. Baird & Co. (Baird), makes venture capital, growth equity and buyout investments in the United States through Baird Venture Partners and Baird Capital Partners, in Greater China through Baird Capital Partners Asia, and in Europe through Baird Capital Partners Europe and Granville Baird Ltd, an affiliated fund manager that invests in Germany. Baird Private Equity has 45 investment professionals in the United States, Europe and Asia, and over 20 operating professionals in Asia. Baird Private Equity and its affiliates have raised and managed $2.4 billion in capital and invested in over 220 companies since the 1980s.

For more information, please visit http://www.bairdprivateequity.com

SOURCE: Baird Private Equity
CONTACT: Brett Tucker,
Partner,
+1-312-609-5491,
btucker@rwbaird.com, or
Paul Carbone,
Director,
+1-312-609-4911,
pcarbone@rwbaird.com, or
Huaming Gu,
Partner,
+86-21-5887-8238,
hgu@bairdasia.com.cn, or
Angela Pittman Taylor,
PR Coordinator,
+1-414-298-1902,
apittmantaylor@rwbaird.com,
all of Baird Private Equity
Web site: http://www.bairdprivateequity.com

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