Business: Business in Asia Today - April 17, 2008

SAMSUNG GROUP CHAIRMAN INDICTED FOR TAX EVASION
Seoul (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - A special prosecutor probing alleged corruption at Samsung Group indicted Chairman Lee Kun-hee for tax evasion and breach of trust Thursday, divulging murky practices in the family-controlled conglomerate, but cleared the tycoon of a bribery charge.
The prosecutor, however, stopped short of detaining Lee, the head of the country's biggest conglomerate, citing the nature of the indictment of the "time-honored illegal practices" under the "stricter current legal standards".
"All the Samsung Group executives accused of lobbying and all former and incumbent senior prosecutors accused of being lobbied are unanimously denying the allegations of bribery," special prosecutor Cho Joon-woong said, reading an excerpt of the final 120-page report in a nationally-televised press conference.
Nine executives, including Samsung's number two official, Vice Chairman Lee Hak-soo, were also indicted without physical detention for irregularities.

WOODSIDE REPORTS LOWER SALES AND PRODUCTION FOR Q1 2008
Sydney (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Oil and gas producer Woodside Petroleum Ltd (ASX:WPL) has reported lower production and sales for the first quarter of 2008, due to the impact of tropical cyclones off the north west coast of Australia, shut downs and maturing fields.
Production for the three months ended March 31 totalled 17.2 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe), down four per cent from the same quarter in 2008.
Sales reached 17 MMboe, reflecting a fall of one per cent whereas revenue rose 22 per cent to $A1.09 billion ($US1.02 billion).

KOOKMIN BANK RAISES US$239 MLN THROUGH DEBT SALE
Seoul (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Kookmin Bank Co. (KSE:060000), South Korea's top lender, said Thursday it has raised 24.4 billion yen (US$239 mln) by selling bonds denominated in the Japanese currency to pay back maturing debts in a deal arranged by Mizuho Investors Securities Co., BNP and JP Morgan.
The so-called Samurai bonds (a yen-denominated bond floated in Japan by non-Japanese firms) mature in two years and carry an interest of the Yen Libor, or the yen-based London Inter-bank Offered Rate, plus a 160 basis point spread, Kookmin Bank said in a statement.

NIKE & ADIDAS PLAY HARDBALL IN CHINA COURT
Beijing (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Competition between two sports goods giants, Nike and Adidas, has moved to a different arena - a Shanghai court with Nike suing its German competitor, and Chinese soccer star Zheng Zhi. At a hearing held Tuesday, Nike Sports (China) Co Ltd told Shanghai No 1 Intermediate People's Court that Adidas and Zheng - captain of the Chinese soccer team and a midfield player with England's Charlton Athletic - had harmed its interests.
Nike said Zheng was seduced by Adidas who promised more money and wore Adidas products and attended its publicity events while working as a brand ambassador for Nike.
It is seeking eight million yuan (US$1.14 million) in compensation from the two. But the accused parties said Nike broke its contract with Zheng due to nonpayment.

HYUNDAI OILBANK JOINS HANDS WITH JAPAN'S COSMO OIL
Seoul (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - South Korea's fourth-largest oil refiner Hyundai Oilbank Corp. said Wednesday it has set up a strategic alliance with Japanese oil refiner Cosmo Oil Co. to boost their competitiveness in the global oil market.
Under the agreement signed in Seoul, the companies plan to cooperate in various aspects of their businesses in China and the United States,including marketing, while Cosmo Oil will pass its expertise in heavy-oil refining technology on to Hyundai Oilbank, the South Korean refiner said.

CHINA EASTERN AIRLINE MOVES TO THE BLACK WITH US$83 MLN PROFIT
Beijing (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines Tuesday posted a net profit of 586 million yuan (US$83.8 million) for 2007 compared with a 2.99 billion yuan loss the year before.
News of the company's turnaround pushed its A share up 2.78 per cent to close at 11.46 yuan. It attributed the growth in revenue to the enhancement in transportation capacity, increase in aircraft utilization ratio and a fuel surcharge.

TOSHIBA TO OPEN INDIAN SPECIALTY STORES IN BIG CITIES
Mumbai (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Toshiba Corp. (TSE:6502) will open specialty stores in major cities in India during fiscal 2008 with the aim of tripling sales there to US$1 billion in fiscal 2015.
These Toshiba Innovation Plazas will sell personal computers as well as LCD TVs and the full array of white goods with the first such store opened on the outskirts of New Delhi in February.
The move is intended to boost the Toshiba brand's name recognition and introduce consumers to the quality and functions of its products.

NIPPON STEEL, ARCELORMITTAL TO EXPAND JOINT U.S. OUTPUT
Tokyo (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Nippon Steel Corp. (TSE:5401) and ArcelorMittal said Wednesday that they have reached a final agreement to strengthen their ties by constructing an automotive steelworks in the U.S. state of Indiana.
This new facility will be built on the premises of their 50-50 joint venture, I/N Kote LP, doubling output capacity to about 1 million tons a year in 2010.
The investment is estimated to total US$240 million, or about 24 billion yen.
Nippon Steel will pay half of this. Although I/N Kote's capital base will be increased, Nippon Steel's and ArcelorMittal's relative stakes will remain the same.

KALGOORLIE BOULDER GETS POSITIVE RESULTS FROM W AUSTRALIA GOLD PJT
Perth (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Junior gold explorer Kalgoorlie Boulder Resources Ltd (ASX:KAL) has received positive results from the scoping study on its wholly owned Norseman gold project in Western Australia.
The company expects robust economic returns from a 1.8 million tonnes per annum open cut gold mining operation.
Production could start in 2010, producing an average of about 100,000 ounces of gold per annum for seven years with the news sening its shares 2.3 cents, or 26.44 per cent, higher to 11 cents at 1526 AEST.

WALTON LAUNCHES POWER-SAVING REFRIGERATORS IN BANGLADESH
Dhaka (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Walton, manufacturer of electronic gadgets, has launched two new models of refrigerators that consume low electricity.
The new model freezers, S-1D1 and S-1F6, consume at least 26 percent less electricity than those of other brands, claimed Walton's deputy marketing director Emdadul Haque Sarker at a function at the company office Wednesday.
"We have introduced the new power-saving refrigerators in Bangladesh markets considering the countrywide power crisis," he added. S-IDI sells at Tk 14,500 (US$211.37) and S-IF6 sells at Tk 16,000.
The brands are available at Walton selling outlets and in the market as well. The one-door refrigerator has 25 percent higher efficiency level, said Sarker.
Walton engineer Mainul Islam said the new models are manufactured with special emphasis on weather and environment of Bangladesh.

Source:
Business in Asia Today - APRIL 17, 2008
published by Asia Pulse


COPYRIGHT © 2008

Health/Medical: OptiMedica names Topcon Medical Japan as exclusive distribution partner

Santa Clara, Calif. - OptiMedica Corp., a global ophthalmic device company, has announced its expansion into Japan with the formation of an exclusive distribution agreement with Topcon Medical Japan Co., Ltd.

Under the terms of the agreement, Topcon Medical Japan will be the sole local distributor of OptiMedica's groundbreaking PASCAL (PAttern SCAn Laser) Photocoagulator system, a fully integrated pattern scan laser designed to treat a variety of retinal diseases including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and retinal vascular occlusive disease.

Unlike traditional single-spot photocoagulators, PASCAL offers a broad spectrum of pattern options that allow delivery of laser pulses in a rapid predetermined sequence, resulting in improved precision, safety and patient comfort as well as a significant reduction in treatment time.

PASCAL will be demonstrated at the Topcon Medical Japan booth at the Japanese Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in Yokohama, April 17 - 19.

"Topcon Medical Japan has a solid history of service to the ophthalmology community and has demonstrated a deep commitment to superior customer care," said Jean-Robert Strele, vice president of international business, OptiMedica.

"These values are important to OptiMedica and we look forward to entering this important partnership to serve the interests of Japanese ophthalmologists and patients."

With 10 offices across Japan, Topcon Medical Japan is a subsidiary of Topcon Corp., a world leader in the manufacturing of optical and electronic instruments.

Its product portfolio includes a broad range of premier diagnostic ophthalmic and therapeutic devices and instrumentation.

OptiMedica's PASCAL Photocoagulator system is currently distributed in major European markets by sister company Topcon Europe Medical.

"We strongly believe that adding the PASCAL Photocoagulator to our portfolio of outstanding products, which includes 3D OCT-1000 and IMAGEnet, will allow us to meet the needs of advanced medical care in the Japanese ophthalmic community," said Hiroshi Fukuzawa, director, executive officer and general manager of the Eye Care Business Unit of Topcon Medical Japan.

About Topcon Medical Japan

Topcon Medical Japan Co., Ltd. is a representative of the Japanese market for the Eye Care Business Unit of Topcon Corp.

Topcon Corp. is a world leader in the design and development of optical and electronic instruments for the medical, ophthalmic, surveying, construction and machine control businesses. Topcon Medical Japan has been a major supplier in the medical and ophthalmic instruments field for over 30 years.

About OptiMedica

OptiMedica Corp. is a Silicon Valley-based global ophthalmic device company dedicated to developing performance-driven technologies that improve patient outcomes. OptiMedica holds the exclusive license to the PASCAL (PAttern SCAn Laser) method of photocoagulation and its associated technologies, which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of a variety of retinal conditions.

Clinical experience with PASCAL has demonstrated unmatched precision, efficiency and patient comfort. Founded in 2004, the company is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., with international offices in Singapore.

OptiMedica is funded by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Alloy Ventures and DAG Ventures. For more information, please visit www.optimedica.com for OptiMedica Corp.

Nobles Communications
Laura Nobles, 310-795-0497 laura@noblescommunications.com

Technology:: NASDAQ OMX signs contract With the Tokyo Commodity Exchange

First technology contract as combined company

New York (PRIME NEWSWIRE) - The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:NDAQ) today announced it has signed a contract with the Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) and NTT Data to provide an integrated trading and clearing system for commodity derivatives. The contract with TOCOM represents NASDAQ OMX's first technology customer in Japan and its first major technology contract win since its merger.

In December 2007 TOCOM announced their selection of NASDAQ OMX as technology provider, and NTT Data as prime contractor and system integrator for its new trading and clearing platform. Today at a contract signing ceremony in Tokyo, NASDAQ OMX signed the License Agreement with TOCOM, as well as Project and Support Agreements with NTT Data. The new system is scheduled to roll out in May of 2009.

"Our signing today is a reflection of the successful collaboration between TOCOM, NTT Data and NASDAQ OMX in designing an agreement that puts us on course for a successful launch," said Markus Gerdien, Executive Vice President Market Technology at NASDAQ OMX. "In order to provide optimal support, we have recently appointed a local General Manager with plans to further increase our presence in Japan, which remains an important marketplace for NASDAQ OMX."

"It is with great pleasure and anticipation that we today signed this contract with NASDAQ OMX and NTT Data," says Mr. Fukui, Executive Director TOCOM Systems Division. "The deployment of a world-class, high performance exchange system will enable us to offer more and better services to our customers, allowing TOCOM to grow and thrive in the global commodity marketplace."

The integrated trading and clearing system delivered to TOCOM by NASDAQ OMX is based on an open architecture with Straight-Through-Processing (STP) capabilities that enable the entire trade process to be conducted electronically.

TOCOM is Japan's largest commodity exchange with more than 75% market share, and lists commodities futures and options contracts, including metals, oil and rubber.

The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. is the world's largest exchange company. It delivers trading, exchange technology and public company services across six continents, and with over 3,900 companies, it is number one in worldwide listings among major markets. NASDAQ OMX offers multiple capital raising solutions to companies around the globe, including its U.S. listings market; the OMX Nordic Exchange, including First North; and the 144A PORTAL Market. The company offers trading across multiple asset classes including equities, derivatives, debt, commodities, structured products and ETFs. NASDAQ OMX technology supports the operations of over 60 exchanges, clearing organizations and central securities depositories in more than 50 countries. OMX Nordic Exchange is not a legal entity but describes the common offering from NASDAQ OMX exchanges in Helsinki, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Iceland, Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius. For more information about NASDAQ OMX, visit www.nasdaqomx.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The matters described herein contain forward-looking statements that are made under the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about NASDAQ OMX's products and offerings. We caution that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond NASDAQ OMX's control. These factors include, but are not limited to factors detailed in NASDAQ OMX's annual report on Form 10-K, and periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release any revisions to any forward-looking statements.

NDAQG
-0-
CONTACT: The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.
Media Contacts:
Bethany Sherman
+1 212 401 8714
bethany.sherman@nasdaqomx.com
Carl Norell
+46 8 405 66 39
carl.norell@nasdaqomx.com

Health/Medical: Asia Pacific healthcare market to see robust growth in 2008

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Asia Pacific (APAC) companies are likely to be leaders in the global healthcare market in 2008 due to the region's high population growth rates, rising affluence and ageing societies.

Frost & Sullivan said that revenue for the Asia Pacific healthcare market is likely to grow 6.3 per cent to US$889 billion in 2008, compared to US$836 billion in 2007.

Ms. Reenita Das, Vice- President of Healthcare Asia Pacific at Frost & Sullivan said the region would continue to undergo a robust economic growth in 2008, attracting more investment in healthcare infrastructure.

Countries such as South Korea, Taiwan and Australia are estimated to have more than 10 percent of their population above 65 years old by 2010. In Japan, the ageing population is twice this amount.

"Asia- Pacific is moving into the "Golden Age" whereby ageing populations are increasing therefore, it directly contributes to the healthcare expenditure," Das said in a recent analyst briefing.

Das noted that China, South Korea and India have the highest healthcare spending growth rate in Asia due to their large population. Investments in healthcare infrastructures by the private sector had also contributed to the growth of the healthcare industry.

Currently, more private healthcare facilities are using sophisticated equipments for various procedures and are also increasing investments on local healthcare industries.
Governments in Asia are also gradually shifting the costs for healthcare development to the private sector.

Despite the industry's great potential, Das said that market participants to be aware of the varying healthcare regulations in different parts of a country, which may be a challenge.

"There is also a heavy reliance on public healthcare in many Asian countries, higher distribution and service costs, lack of developed infrastructure, intense competition from local companies and lack of market penetration in rural parts of Asia," she added.

With developed healthcare infrastructures in place, demand for premium healthcare products and services would be higher.

Therefore 2008 will be marked by a shift in focus from sick care mentality to healthcare philosophy and practice. Hence, there are more educated and well informed consumers, greater employer involvement in employees' healthcare, direct marketing to consumers and an overall wellness movement.

"A successful healthcare business model in 2008 is no longer about simply making and marketing medicines and devices; it will involve collaboration outside the core business focus," Das said.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Global Growth Consulting Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth.

The company's Growth Partnership Services, Growth Consulting and Career Best Practices empower clients to create a growth focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies.

Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents.

For more information about Frost & Sullivan's Growth Partnerships, visit http://www.frost.com Frost & SullivanCorporate Communications

Healthcare, Asia PacificShereen GillDID: 603 6204 5909
Mobile: +6017 617 8300 shereen.gill@frost.com

Technology: Axcelis regrets Sumitomo Heavy Industries' tactics are unproductive

Beverly, Mass. (PRIME NEWSWIRE) - Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ACLS), in response to a press release issued today by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (SHI) (TSE:6302), stated: "Axcelis has been and remains ready to engage in private, confidential discussions with SHI, but SHI appears to be more interested in negotiations through the press. Axcelis does not believe that negotiation through the press is productive. When SHI is ready to talk privately with Axcelis, Axcelis will be happy to do so." Axcelis also observed: "SHI in its press release reiterated its unsolicited proposal to acquire Axcelis at $6.00 per share. As previously announced, the Axcelis board has already rejected this proposal as undervaluing the company."

On Monday, Axcelis filed a shareholder letter discussing its efforts to negotiate with SHI and providing market and product updates. In that letter, Axcelis stated, "We will continue to commit to discussions with SHI at such time as SHI is ready to agree to reasonable terms for those discussions, and we will continue to be open to all reasonable solutions."

A copy of the letter can be viewed at: http://www.axcelis.com/Shareholder_Letter.pdf

About Axcelis Technologies, Inc.

Axcelis Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts, provides innovative, high-productivity solutions for the semiconductor industry. Axcelis is dedicated to developing enabling process applications through the design, manufacture and complete life cycle support of ion implantation and cleaning systems. Axcelis also licenses its 50% owned joint venture, SEN Corporation, an SHI and Axcelis Company, to manufacture and sell certain implant products in Japan. The company's Internet address is: www.axcelis.com.

-0-
CONTACT: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
Company Contact:
David Snyder
+1 (978) 787 4273
Fax: +1 (978) 787 4275
david.snyder@axcelis.com
Investor Contact:
Stephen Bassett
+1 (978) 787 4000
Fax: +1 (978) 787 9133
investor.relations@axcelis.com
Loomis Group
Agency Contact:
Heather Smith
+1 (617) 309 8005
Fax: +1 (617) 638 0033
smithh@loomisgroup.com

Business: Pizza Inn announces multi-unit agreement in Bahrain

20 unit development plan extends Chain's international growth strategy

The Colony, Texas (PRIME NEWSWIRE) - Pizza Inn, Inc. (Nasdaq:PZZI) today announced the signing of a multi-unit development agreement to open up to 20 new units in the country of Bahrain over the next 10 years in a continuation of the brand's expansion throughout the Middle East. Pizza Inn has awarded a territorial franchise agreement to the Attyab Al Bahrain Catering Company and Eastern Retail Services Company W.L.L., both owned by the Sheikh Terki Al Khalifa Group of Companies. Initially, the group is converting its former Domino's Pizza(R) locations to Pizza Inn restaurants in Bahrain.

The Sheikh Terki Al Khalifa Group of Companies is led by Sheikh Terki Al Khalifa, owner of the Crepe Cafe franchise & partner in Cementatia General Trading, UAE since 2006.

"We are proud to partner with the Al Attyab Al Bahrain Catering Company in Bahrain," stated Ward Olgreen, Senior Vice-President of Worldwide Franchising. "Their experience in the pizza category combined with our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes this a very formidable partnership."

"We are extremely excited about our future with Pizza Inn," stated Sheikh Terki Al Khalifa. "We know that families in Bahrain will love every aspect of Pizza Inn, whether they enjoy our made-from-scratch pizzas at home or in our restaurants."

The new partnership with the Al Khalifa Group will also utilize the support services of United Food Company, Pizza Inn's master licensee for Saudi Arabia and Qatar and a part of the Abdulla Abunayyan Group of Companies.

Pizza Inn is actively seeking new franchisees for both international and domestic development. To learn more about these opportunities, go to www.pizzainn.com for details and contact information.

Domino's Pizza(R) is a registered trademark of Domino's Pizza, Inc.

Certain statements in this press release, other than historical information, may be considered forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or expected. Among the key factors that may have a direct bearing on Pizza Inn's operating results, performance or financial condition are its ability to implement its growth strategies; success of its franchise operations; national, regional and local economic conditions affecting the restaurant industry; competition within the restaurant industry; restaurant sales cannibalization; negative publicity; fluctuations in quarterly results of operations, including seasonality; government regulations; weather; and commodity, insurance and labor costs.

Pizza Inn, Inc. (www.pizzainn.com) is headquartered in The Colony, Texas, along with its restaurant services division, Norco Restaurant Services Company. Pizza Inn franchises approximately 334 restaurants and owns one restaurant with annual chain-wide sales of approximately $145 million.

The Pizza Inn logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4933
-0-
CONTACT: Pizza Inn, Inc.
Ward Olgreen, Senior Vice President
469-384-5250
wolgreen@pihq.com

Technology: Photo Release -- Xcerion wins Red Herring 100 Europe Award

Linkoping, Sweden (PRIME NEWSWIRE) - Xcerion, the innovator of the world's leading collaborative and social "Cloud OS" - icloud, today announced that it has been selected as a winner of the Red Herring 100 Europe Award.
Xcerion was selected by Red Herring as one of the top 100 private companies based in the EMEA region that play a leading role in innovation and technology.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4931

Past Red Herring Award winners also include companies such as Google, Yahoo, Skype, Netscape, Salesforce.com, and YouTube.

Red Herring's editorial staff evaluated more than 700 private companies through a careful analysis of financial data and subjective criteria, including quality of management, execution of strategy, and dedication to research and development. Red Herring selected 200 companies out of the 700 as Finalists. At the ceremony held in Malta, 100 of the finalists where elected as winners of the Red Herring 100 Europe Award.

Daniel Arthursson, CEO of Xcerion, said, "Xcerion is a strong believer in the 'Cloud' as the new evolving computing platform and feels proud that Red Herring has recognized Xcerion as a Red Herring 100 Europe Winner. Working with all of our icloud users, partners and developers, together we have a great opportunity to rapidly propel our icloud experience to new heights."

The technology powering icloud is built on seven years of R&D.

About Xcerion and icloud

Founded in 2001 by Daniel Arthursson, Xcerion AB provides the world's leading social "Cloud OS" icloud as an online Web 2.0 service. The icloud service will before the end of 2009 have 50 collaborative applications developed by Xcerion, including development tools, an office suite, sharing and applications needed for everyday computing.

Xcerion is based in Linkoping, Sweden. Key management includes Daniel Arthursson, CEO, Jonas Thornholm, CFO, and Marcus Bristav, CTO. Xcerion is privately held and venture funded by Northzone Ventures, Scandinavia's leading Venture Capital firm with US $450 million under management. Other investors include Lou Perazzoli, one of the original architects of Windows NT and former General Manager of the Microsoft Core OS group, John Connors, a partner at Ignition Partners LLC and former CFO and CIO of Microsoft, and Terry Drayton, founder and former CEO of HomeGrocer.com.

Visit http://icloud.com
The icloud logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4742
The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.
-0- CONTACT: Xcerion AB
Jonas Thornholm
+46 709-991680
pr@xcerion.com

Business: Intellection, Bruker AXS sign strategic collaboration agreement

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-binmmg.cgi?eid=5660014

Brisbane, Australia & Karlsruhe, Germany - Bruker AXS GmbH, one of the world's leading manufacturers of X-ray diffraction and X-ray spectrometry equipment, and mineral analysis technology company Intellection Pty Ltd have announced a new strategic collaboration agreement which builds on the strong existing OEM relationship between the companies.

Under this agreement, Intellection will expand its range of products and services, directly supplying XRF (X-ray fluorescence) and XRD (X-ray diffraction) systems from Bruker AXS to its customers. This will allow both companies to develop highly competitive global sales strategies.

"Intellection's own technological credentials are impeccable, with our QEMSCAN? solutions the international market leader across the resources sector," said Intellection CEO Calvin Treacy.

"Bruker's XRD and XRF technologies complement QEMSCAN analysis, making them an excellent business fit for us."

"Intellection is able to strongly endorse Bruker's products, the Bruker XFlash, SD detector currently forms part of our QEMSCAN, solution, and has delivered outstanding performance and reliability."

X-ray analysis is one of the most advanced analytical techniques for process and quality control in the minerals industry.

It is well-established as a market leader for its accuracy and precision, ease of use, simple and fast sample preparation, and its high grade of automation and integration into any process control strategy.

"The combination of fast, accurate particle analysis and identification technology provided by Intellection with Bruker AXS' X-ray diffraction, powered by the unique and unmatched TOPAS data evaluation software, is the most powerful method available for quantitative phase analysis in the fields of minerals and mining," said Bruker AXS Executive Vice President Dr. Frank Burgaezy.

The new strategic collaboration agreement extends the range of analytical processes offered to customers in the mining and upstream oil and gas sectors, allowing Intellection to provide the most comprehensive range of advanced automated mineralogy solutions available from any supplier on a global basis.

It will also see Intellection and Bruker AXS undertake joint product development projects to add value to both companies' technologies.

ABOUT BRUKER CORPORATION

(NASDAQ:BRKR) Bruker Corporation has recently become the parent company of the entire Bruker group of companies. Bruker Corporation now operates in two segments, the Life Science and Analytical (LSA) systems segment, and the Advanced Supercon segment. For more information, please visit www.bruker.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT OF BRUKER
Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on current expectations, but are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties.

The factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to the integration of businesses we have acquired or may acquire in the future, changing technologies, product development and market acceptance of our products, the cost and pricing of our products, manufacturing, competition, dependence on collaborative partners and key suppliers, capital spending and government funding policies, changes in governmental regulations, intellectual property rights, litigation, and exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.

These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in our filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, our most recent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our current reports on Form 8-K.

We disclaim any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements other than as required by law.

About Intellection Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, with offices in the UK, US and Chile, Intellection provides integrated solutions and services for the automated, quantitative analysis of minerals, rocks, metals and other inorganic compounds based on the company's QEMSCAN technology.

QEMSCAN solutions and services significantly improve productivity, accuracy and the quality of key information resulting from the automated analysis of geological and process samples fundamental to decision making by companies, interest groups and government bodies involved in the mining, coal,and oil and gas industries.

Bruker AXS GmbHAnja Griessmeier, +49 721 595 6020 Marketing Services anja.griessmeier@bruker-axs.dewww.bruker-axs.deor

Intellection Pty Ltd.Sharon McHugh, +61 7 3512 9134 Public RelationsSharon.mchugh@intellectioncorp.com
www.intellectioncorp.com

Business: AES completes acquisition of Philippines power plant

AES completes acquisition of 660 MW power plant in the Philippines

Manila, Philippines - The AES Corporation (NYSE:AES) today announced it had completed the $930 million purchase and transfer of assets of the 660 MW (gross) Masinloc coal-fired thermal power plant located in Barangay Bula, Zambales Province, Luzon, Philippines.

"This acquisition is a key component of our strategy to invest in areas where there is a significant need for new capacity and offers AES an excellent entry point into the growing Philippine economy through the lowest cost thermal plant in the system," said Paul Hanrahan, AES President and Chief Executive Officer.

"This is a particularly attractive investment because the existing facility has the infrastructure in place to allow AES to add an additional 600 MW of generation capacity. As AES has done through similar acquisitions in other parts of the world, we expect to improve the overall efficiency and output of the existing plant, providing more reliable energy to the Philippine market."

AES and its eight percent minority partner International Finance Corporation (IFC) paid 100 percent of the purchase price upfront to complete the Masinloc transaction in one step.

Including transaction costs and completion of a planned upgrade program to improve environmental and operational performance, the total project cost is estimated at $1,057 million. The transaction funding included $635 million in secured non-recourse financing comprised of a $240 million, 18-year facility from IFC, a $200 million, 15-year facility from Asian Development Bank, and a $195 million, 10-year facility from a consortium of banks including ING Bank, Security Bank, Bank of Philippine Islands and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation.

In addition, over $30 million of unsecured working capital facility commitments have been obtained from three local banks.

"The impressive local and international group of commercial and multilateral lenders reflects not only the strong fundamentals of the project but also demonstrates the strength of the project finance market in Asia," said Mark Woodruff, Executive Vice President and President of AES's Asia and Middle East region.

Approximately 60 per cent of the electricity generated at the Masinloc plant will be sold to electric distribution companies, cooperatives and special economic zones via power supply contracts of various tenors in place at the plant turnover. The remaining capacity will be sold through the wholesale power pool or under new contracts.

AES provided the winning bid for the Masinloc facility in a privatization auction conducted by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM).

Originally constructed in 1998, the plant utilizes coal from a variety of sources in the Pacific Rim. Through this acquisition, AES now operates the Philippines' first privatized thermal plant.

AES has been operating in Asia since 1994. Today, AES's businesses in the region include electric utilities and generation facilities in China, India, Jordan, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and Sri Lanka.

AES has more than 5,000 MW of generation capacity in the region.

About AES AES is one of the world's largest global power companies, with 2007 revenues of $13.6 billion. With operations in 28 countries on five continents, AES's generation and distribution facilities have the capacity to serve 100 million people worldwide. Our 13 regulated utilities amass annual sales of over 78,000 GWh and our 121 generation facilities have the
capacity to generate approximately 43,000 megawatts.

Our global workforce of 28,000 people is committed to operational excellence and meeting the world's growing power needs. To learn more about AES, please visit www.aes.com or contact AES media relations at media@aes.com.

Safe Harbor Disclosure This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those related to future earnings, growth and financial and operating performance. Forward-looking statements are not intended to be a guarantee of future results, but instead constitute AES's current expectations based on reasonable assumptions.

Forecast financial information is based on certain material assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, continued normal levels of operating performance and electricity volume at our distribution companies and operational performance at our generation businesses consistent with historical levels, as well as achievements of planned productivity improvements and incremental growth investments at normalized investment levels and rates of return consistent with prior experience.

Actual results could differ materially from those projected in our forward-looking statements due to risks, uncertainties and other factors. Important factors that could affect actual results are discussed in AES's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the risks discussed under Item 1A "Risk Factors" in AES's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Readers are encouraged to read AES's filings to learn more about the risk factors associated with AES's business. AES undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

AES Corporation Media Contact: Robin Pence, 703-682-6552 or Investor Contact: Ahmed Pasha, 703-682-6451

Technology: Dohop.com Flight Search Engine launches in Japan

The world's fastest and most comprehensive flight search engine now available in Japanese; Searches 73 airlines servicing Japan and 660 airlines world wide for the best travel deals

Reykjavik, Iceland - Dohop Ltd., the travel technology company, today announces the release of the Japanese version of the award winning Dohop.com Flight Planner, the world's fastest and most comprehensive flight search engine.

The Japanese version of Dohop Flight Planner (http://www.dohop.jp) is free to use and provides guests with a fully localized service in the Japanese language and pricing information in Japanese Yen.

Dohop searches total of 73 airlines that service the Japanese market, 16 of which are based in Japan and other 57 foreign airlines that provide service to and from Japan.

In total, Dohop searches 660 airlines worldwide, including over 100 low-cost airlines, that fly to over 3,000 destinations.

The Dohop Flight Planner excels in finding cheap flight connections with low-cost airlines, and ranks flights results by combination of 'lowest price and fastest route,' helping travelers get to their destinations in the fastest and cheapest way.

"The launch of the Dohop Flight Planner in Japanese is a significant step towards our goal of offering a localized version of the Dohop Flight Planner in all major markets. Now our guests from Japan can find cheap flights and view travel information in their native language," says Frosti Sigurjonsson, CEO and co-founder of Dohop Ltd.

The Dohop Flight Planner uses a unique connection search technology that computes and finds all the naturally existing connections between airlines.

It is ideal for travelers who want to see all possible flight options for a trip and take advantage of cheap flights offered by low cost airlines.

About Dohop Ltd.

Dohop Ltd. is a technology company serving the travel industry. The Dohop Flight Planner has been recommended by travel editors of major media including CNN.com, BBC.co.uk, Times.co.uk. Dohop holds the Travel Mole Web Awards 2006 for best travel technology and was in 2007 nominated to the Innovator Awards by the Travel Industry Association of America.

Dohop solutions for airlines include the Dohop Connection Platform that enables airlines to book and cross-sell connected flights and the Dohop Connection Search, a connection flight information tool for airline websites.

Dohop also offers distribution and marketing services, and powers white label travel search engines on travel websites.

Dohop Press:Kristinn Thorleifsson, +354-561-4848 kt@dohop.comPress center: http://www.dohop.com/newsroom
Website: http://www.dohop.jp

Business: Thomson completes acquisition of Reuters

World's Leading Source of Intelligent Information for Businesses and Professionals US$500 Million Share Repurchase Program Announced

New York, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The Thomson Corporation today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Reuters Group PLC, forming Thomson Reuters (NYSE: TRI; TSX: TRI; LSE: TRIL: Nasdaq: TRIN), the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, scientific, healthcare, and media markets. Thomson

Reuters has more than 50,000 employees with operations in 93 countries on six continents and 2007 pro forma revenues of approximately US$12.4 billion.

Effective today, Thomson Reuters shares will begin trading on exchanges in Toronto, New York and London and are eligible for inclusion in S&P/TSX and FTSE 100 UK indices. Thomson Reuters Corporation's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "TRI". Thomson Reuters PLC ordinary shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol "TRIL" and its ADSs are listed on Nasdaq under the symbol "TRIN".

Thomas H. Glocer, chief executive officer of Thomson Reuters, said, "This is a very exciting day for our shareholders, customers and employees. Thomson Reuters will deliver the intelligent information needed to give businesses and professionals the knowledge to act. We call our information "intelligent" because it is not only insightful, highly relevant and timely, but it is also made available in formats which applications can consume and to which they can add further value. We are witnessing the maturation of the information economy and content from Thomson Reuters will be its currency."

"Thomson Reuters will benefit from the value created by more diversified revenue streams, a larger capital base and synergies resulting from the acquisition. Our leadership position and global footprint will give us opportunities to grow faster than either Thomson or Reuters could have on its own," said Mr. Glocer.

Thomson Reuters today unveiled its new branding and a global advertising campaign. Mr. Glocer said, "The dynamic new corporate identity is a marked departure from the historical look and feel of the two companies and represents Thomson Reuters positioning as the world's leading source of intelligent information to businesses and professionals."

Thomson Reuters also announced today that based on current fundamentals it may repurchase up to US$500 million of its shares over the course of the year. "Our plans to buy back Thomson Reuters shares underscores our financial strength and focus on shareholder value," said Mr. Glocer. "We will manage Thomson Reuters capital structure and set our cash distribution policy so as to maintain a strong yet efficient balance sheet," stated Mr. Glocer.

In March, Thomson entered into a pre-defined irrevocable agreement with its broker to allow for the repurchase of Thomson Reuters PLC shares through May 1. The agreement allows Thomson Reuters to be active in the market from soon after closing of the acquisition and during what otherwise would be an internal closed period for trading. All share repurchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws, rules and regulations. Shares repurchased will be cancelled by Thomson Reuters PLC.

On May 15, 2007, Thomson agreed to acquire Reuters for 352.5 pence in cash and 0.16 Thomson Reuters PLC ordinary shares for each Reuters ordinary share. On February 19, 2008, Thomson and Reuters received regulatory approvals from the European Commission (EC), US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Canadian Competition Bureau (CCB). The shareholders of both companies overwhelmingly approved the transaction on March 26, 2008, leading to subsequent court approvals in Ontario and the UK.

On May 1, 2008, Thomson Reuters plans to announce results for the first quarter as well as a financial outlook for the remainder of 2008.

More information on Thomson Reuters can be obtained at its new website, www.thomsonreuters.com.

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, scientific, healthcare and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 50,000 people in 93 countries. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TRI); Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: TRI); London Stock Exchange (LSE: TRIL); and Nasdaq (Nasdaq: TRIN).

For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements that are based on certain assumptions and reflect Thomson Reuters current expectations. Forward-looking statements are those that are not historical facts and include Thomson Reuters expectations about its future prospects and share repurchase plans. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations.

Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include risks related to Thomson Reuters ability to develop additional products and services to meet customers' needs, attract new customers, general economic conditions and actions of competitors.

Additional factors are discussed in materials filed by Thomson Reuters Corporation and Thomson Reuters PLC from time to time with securities regulatory authorities. Thomson Reuters disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable law, rule or regulation.

CONTACTS
Frank DeMaria
Global Director, Media Relations
+44 (0) 207 542 6005
frank.demaria@thomsonreuters.com
Fred Hawrysh
Global Director, Corporate Affairs
1.203 539 8314
fred.hawrysh@thomsonreuters.com
Frank Golden
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
1.203 539 8470
frank.golden@thomsonreuters.com
Victoria Brough
EMEA Media Relations
+44 (0) 207 542 8762
victoria.brough@thomsonreuters.com

SOURCE Thomson Reuters
CONTACT: Frank DeMaria,
Global Director, Media Relations,
+44 (0) 207 542 6005,
frank.demaria@thomsonreuters.com,
Fred Hawrysh,
Global Director, Corporate Affairs,
+1-1-203-539-8314,
fred.hawrysh@thomsonreuters.com,
Frank Golden,
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations,
+1-203-539-8470,
frank.golden@thomsonreuters.com,
Victoria Brough, EMEA Media Relations,
+44 (0) 207 542 8762,
victoria.brough@thomsonreuters.com,
all of Thomson Reuters
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgibin/prnh/20020227 NYW014LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Web site: http://www.thomsonreuters.com
(TOC TRI TRI. TRIN)

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Health/Medical: Int`l Society of Hair Restoration Surgery hosts workshop in Seoul

Geneva, Ill., (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - According to statistics released from a member survey conducted last year by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), approximately 225,800 hair restoration procedures were performed worldwide in 2006, up 34 percent from 2004. While nearly every region of the world experienced a boost, Asia experienced one of the largest increases in the number of hair restoration procedures performed with 57,542 procedures in 2006 vs. 20,673 procedures in 2004.

As a testament to the growing demand for hair restoration procedures in Asia, world-renown hair restoration physicians will gather in Seoul, South Korea, to present the latest surgical advances in treating hair loss in Asians at the ISHRSs Asian Hair Surgery Workshop hosted by ISHRS member Sungjoo Tommy Hwang, M.D., Ph.D., of Seoul. This specialized, two-day workshop is designed to demonstrate the unique considerations for performing hair transplants in Asians through a series of educational lectures and live surgeries.

Although hair transplantation might appear as a fairly straightforward procedure, there are scientific and artistic qualities involved that need to work in tandem to create permanent results that are both natural-looking and virtually undetectable, said Dr. Hwang, workshop director. The distinctive features of Asian patients, such as hair characteristics, head shape, and hair and skin color, need to be carefully considered before a hair transplant is performed. That is why the proper hair restoration technique is critical to achieve optimal results for Asian patients suffering from hair loss.

Surgical hair transplants use the patients own existing scalp hair to restore new hair growth in thin or bald areas safely and effectively. Today, a number of new transplant techniques are used to address the aesthetic needs of each individual patient from creating dense areas of new hair growth on the top of the scalp to skillfully reconstructing a receding hairline.

A sampling of the topics to be presented at the ISHRS Asian Hair Surgery Workshop includes:
-- Ethnic Differences of the Scalp and Hair between Asians and Caucasians
-- Optimal Hair Line for Asians
-- Management of Hair Loss in Women
-- Hair Transplantation of Eyebrow, Eyelash and Pubic Hair

As our recent member survey indicates, hair restoration procedures are more popular than ever in Asia which can be directly attributed to the highly customized techniques that we are continually refining to achieve excellent results for Asian patients, added Bessam K. Farjo, M.D., president of the ISHRS. The ISHRS is committed to expanding educational opportunities such as this workshop to further our knowledge and skills in treating hair loss patients of all races and ethnicities.

For a complete copy of the workshop program, visit: www.ishrs.org/RegionalWorkshop.html

Media interested in scheduling interviews with any of the workshop presenters can contact Dr. Hwang in Korea at 82 2 545 5824, doctorhair@naver.com or tommyhairdoctor@yahoo.com or ISHRS PR Consultant Karen Sideris in the United States at kmssgs@msn.com

Founded in 1993, the ISHRS is a non-profit medical association dedicated to the advancement of the art and science of hair restoration. With a membership of over 750 physicians worldwide, the ISHRS provides continuing medical education to physicians specializing in hair loss and restoration surgery and serves as a resource for the public on the latest medical and surgical hair restoration treatments for hair loss. For more information and to locate a physician, visit www.ishrs.org

SOURCE: International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery

NOTE TO EDITORS:
Media interested in scheduling interviews with any of the workshop
presenters can contact Dr. Hwang in Korea at +82 2 545 5824,
doctorhair@naver.com or tommyhairdoctor@yahoo.com or ISHRS PR
Consultant Karen Sideris in the United States at kmssgs@msn.com

CONTACT: Sungjoo Tommy Hwang, M.D., Ph.D.,
+82 2 545 5824,
doctorhair@naver.com,
tommyhairdoctor@yahoo.com, or
Karen Sideris,
kmssgs@msn.com,
both for the ISHRS
Web site: http://www.ishrs.org

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Fund/Bank: CVC announces closing of US$4.1 bln Asia Pacific fund

London, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - CVC Capital Partners ("CVC") today announced that it had successfully raised US$4.1 billion from a range of both international institutional investors and high net worth individuals.

The fund, CVC Capital Partners Asia Pacific III L.P. ("Fund III"), aims to invest in established companies in the most developed economies in the Asia Pacific region (Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Greater China).

Fund III, is the third Asian fund to be raised by CVC, and the biggest ever fund raised in the Asia Pacific region which underlines continued investor appetite for investment opportunities.

Fund III follows the success of CVC's previous fundraising in the region. This includes the CVC Capital Partners Asia Pacific L.P. ("Fund I"), which raised US$750m of commitments in 2000 and is one of the best performing Asian buyout funds of vintage year 2000, having invested US$525 million in 17 companies and generating significant cash returns.

CVC Capital Partners Asia Pacific II L.P. ("Fund II") closed in April 2005 with US$1,975 million of commitments. As at December 2007, Fund II was over 80 per cent invested having completed 12 transactions in six different countries. All of the funds, both in Europe and Asia, advised by CVC since 1996 have produced top quartile returns.

CVC has established a leading position in the Asia Pacific buyout market, having executed its proven methodology over an eight-year period, emphasising hands-on involvement in portfolio companies with a focus on long-term value creation and cash realisations to investors.

CVC Asia Pacific was named "Best Private Equity Fund" by Asian Investor magazine in 2007.

CVC believes that the Asia Pacific region will continue to evolve and present significant buyout opportunities.

Increased emphasis on shareholder value, more efficient governance structures and globalisation's pressure on optimisation are increasingly evident in the Asian arena, which CVC expects will result in continued increases in investment activity.

Citigroup is expected to be a significant investor in Fund III but will not be a joint venture partner for CVC Capital Partners with respect to Fund III.

The joint venture relationship with Citigroup will continue for the remainder of the terms of Funds I and II.

Michael Smith, Chairman of CVC commented: "The successful close of our third Asia Pacific Fund demonstrates the continued appetite for investment opportunities in the region. This part of the world exhibits certain strong economic fundamentals and is an area in which we continue to see excellent opportunities.

CVC greatly values its relationship with the LP's who have supported this new fund, many of whom have been with CVC since the inception of our business in Asia over nine years ago.

"We are delighted that demand remains strong among investors wishing to access this market and we value the long term relationships we have built with our investors both in Asia and in Europe.

"This fundraising is also a testament to the skills of the strong team of investment professionals at CVC who have made CVC's predecessor Asia Pacific Funds a success.

"It emphasises our local knowledge of the region and the extensive global network of contacts we have developed over the years."

For more information, please contact:
CVC Capital Partners
Claire Eilis: +44-207-420-4200
Brunswick
Sophie Brand/Leonora Pou: + 44-20-7404-5959

Notes to Editors

CVC Capital Partners is a leading global private equity firm with over US$19b in equity capital (Fund IV, Asia II, Tandem, Asia III). CVC was founded in 1981 and today has a network of 18 offices throughout Europe, Asia and the United States.

CVC Asia Pacific has a well-established local presence with 30 professional staff, working from five offices in the region (Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney and Singapore). The teams have extensive execution capability in all key markets, namely Japan, Greater China, Australia, South Korea and Southeast Asia; and most have worked together at CVC Asia Pacific since its inception.

CVC Asia Pacific has been one of the most active private equity investors in the region and has completed 30 management buyouts, with an enterprise value of US$19 billion, covering Greater China, Southeast Asia, Korea, Japan, and Australia.

CVC's current Asia Pacific portfolio includes:
-- Zhuhai Zhongfu: China's largest beverage packaging company
-- Stella Group: leading integrated travel and hospitality group in Australia
-- PBL Media: Australia's largest diversified media group (including Channel Nine, ACP Magazines and NineMSN)
-- DCA: the largest diagnostic imaging centre operator in Australia
-- Amtek: Singapore's largest precision metal stamping company
-- GS Paper and Packaging: Malaysia's largest paper and packaging company
-- Plantation Timber Products: a leading manufacturer of wood fibreboards and laminated flooring in China; and
-- Magnachip: a leading semiconductor company in Korea.

SOURCE: CVC Capital Partners
CONTACT: Claire Eilis,
CVC Capital Partners,
+44-207-420-4200,
or Sophie Brand
or Leonora Pou,
Brunswick,
+44-20-7404-5959

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Technology: Eurosport to deliver on demand sports coverage

Tarrytown, New York, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - On2 Technologies, Inc. (Amex: ONT), a leader in video compression technologies, announced today it has licensed its Flix(R) Engine encoding and publishing platform to Eurosport, a leading on-line sports brand. By using Flix Engine, Eurosport will standardize its online video programming to On2 based video for Adobe(R) Flash(R), and will migrate its archive programming across Europe and China to the On2 format.

Eurosport, a subsidiary of TF1 Group, is the most widely-distributed European sports satellite and cable network, with availability in 59 countries and broadcasts in 20 different languages.

Eurosport offers viewers many major sporting events such as the UEFA Euro 2008; the tennis Australian, French and U.S. Open tournaments; the Olympic Games; major cycling events such as Le Tour de France; World Championship Snooker, Australian Football League; major team sports such as handball, basketball, and volleyball; winter sports, and youth sports such as skating and surfing. Eurosport websites exist in French, Russian, Swedish and Chinese versions, plus four web sites co-branded with Yahoo!: .UK, .DE, .ES and .IT. Eurosport and Yahoo!Eurosport websites offer sports highlights, videos, news, live-scoring and live commentary, and many web 2.0 features.

"We chose to move to On2 based Flash Video programming for all our online video because of the quality versus datarate and decode simplicity the format offers. This means we can also provide high quality programming to sports fans with slower connection speeds and less powerful computers," said Nicolas Klein of Eurosport. "Equally important was the range of encoding and publishing tools available from On2 that allows for the future scalability of our services and expansion into other delivery modes within this environment."

On2, a de facto standard for web video through its adoption in Adobe Flash Player 8 and 9, plays back on over 90 per cent of Internet-connected PCs worldwide. On2 Flix Engine is the leading server side encoding solution for On2-based Flash video, powering some of the most popular video UGC and social networking sites on the internet.

"Eurosport's move to On2-based Flash video is an example of the enduring presence of this format for web video," said Bill Joll, president and CEO of On2 Technologies. "The quality and ease of use -- available to the vast majority of web video users -- makes On2 Flash the format of choice. The quality of programming that Eurosport provides using this format will deliver the experience that demanding users expect of web video."

About On2

On2 creates advanced video compression technologies for desktop and wireless. Powering the video in many of today's leading web and mobile applications and devices, On2's customers include: Nokia, Infineon, Mediatek, Sony, Facebook, Brightcove, Move Networks, Adobe and Skype. On2 Technologies is headquartered in Tarrytown, NY USA. For more information please visit www.on2.com All trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE: On2 Technologies, Inc.
CONTACT: Tony Hope of On2 Technologies, Inc.,
+358-440235-107, media@on2.com;
or Heather Bowler of Eurosport, +33-1-40-93-81-42,
hbowler@eurosport.com
Web site: http://www.on2.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Health/Medical: Global Health Progress initiative launched in Washington

Washington, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Industry supports hundreds of programs helping millions in the developing world and is looking for new partners.

The worldwide pharmaceutical industry today launched Global Health Progress, an initiative to bring research-based biopharmaceutical companies, global health leaders and policymakers together to build on current partnerships to improve health in the developing world.

Serving as a convening point for the industry and its partners, Global Health Progress will facilitate interaction between the private sector, NGOs and governments to share research and best practices; raise awareness of global health challenges; and build partnerships to improve global health.

"Research-based biopharmaceutical companies contribute hugely to health partnerships for the developing world, through their unique expertise in R&D, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, logistics and many other fields, but we cant work alone," said Dr. Harvey Bale, Director General of IFPMA.

"The Global Health Progress initiative should help to expand the range and scope of global health partnerships supported by our industry."

Global Health Progress today unveiled its web site, www.globalhealthprogress.org, which houses a database of research-based biopharmaceutical companies global health programs, including information on more than 300 partners, 400 programs and ongoing investments of billions of dollars annually in products and man-hours.

Featuring stories of health workers on the ground, the site highlights organizations and individuals who are making a difference in global health.

"Research-based biopharmaceutical companies have a longstanding commitment to improving global health this initiative is a recognition of our unique role and desire to accelerate progress in fighting disease and strengthening health care systems in developing countries," said Billy Tauzin, President and CEO of PhRMA.

"As individual companies and a united industry, we recognize that our efforts to address universal health challenges are best realized through partnerships with governments and NGOs that are dedicated to saving lives throughout the world."

Global Health Progress will leverage strengths in private industry to form new partnerships to further access to medicines; build capacity of health workers in developing nations; advocate for global action to address health challenges; and continue R&D to develop new tools to fight diseases that plague the developing world.

"Global Health Progress is a groundbreaking initiative to focus the expertise of the pharmaceutical industry to work with a diverse array of partners to create lasting, sustainable global health change," said Brian Ager, Director General of EFPIA.

"We recognize that global health challenges are complex and we want to contribute our experience and resources to developing new solutions."

About Global Health Progress

The Global Health Progress initiative brings research-based biopharmaceutical companies and global health leaders together to improve health in the developing world.

Through meaningful public-private partnerships with others in the field, including policymakers in the developed and developing world, multi-lateral institutions, non-governmental organizations, and academia, we can help shape sustainable solutions that improve the health of all people.

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) represents the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe.

Through its direct membership of 32 national associations and 43 leading pharmaceutical companies, EFPIA is the voice on the EU scene of 2,100 companies committed to researching, developing and bringing to patients new medicines that improve health and the quality of life around the world.

EPFIA Internet Address: www.efpia.eu

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) is the global non-profit NGO representing the research-based pharmaceutical, biotech and vaccine sectors.

Its members comprise 25 leading international companies and 45 national and regional industry associations covering developed and developing countries.

IFPMA Internet Address: www.ifpma.org

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the countrys leading pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives.

PhRMA companies are leading the way in the search for new cures. PhRMA members alone invested an estimated $44.5 billion in 2007 in discovering and developing new medicines.

Industry-wide research and investment reached a record $58.82 billion in 2007.

PhRMA Internet Address: www.phrma.org
PhRMA en Espaol: www.nuestraphrma.org

SOURCE: Global Health Progress
CONTACT: Chantal Porges of EFPIA,
newsroom@efpia.org,
+32-2-626-25-71,
Guy Willis of IFPMA,
g.willis@ifpma.org,
+41-22-338-32-00,
+41-22-338-32-99 (fax),
Mark Grayson of PhRMA,
mgrayson@phrma.org,
+1-202-835-3465
Web site: http://www.efpia.eu,
http://www.ifpma.org,
http://www.phrma.org,
http://www.nuestraphrma.org,
http://www.globalhealthprogress.org/

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Technology: 88DB.com tops Singapore shopping, classifieds Websites

Singapore, (ANTARA News/Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Singapore-based service portal 88DB.com tops the country's online shopping and classified sites for the month of March 2008. Hitwise - an Experian company - the leading competitive online service that keeps track of the 1.5 million internet users in Singapore, ranked 88DB.com as first out of a total of 199 websites. 88DB.com beats other Singapore classified advertisement sites and captured 16.98% of the market share.

"We are pleased to know that 88DB.com has earned the number one position on Hitwise's March list for shopping and classifieds. 88DB.com is able to provide an efficient platform for merchants and freelancers to highlight their services to the broadest groups of consumers both in Singapore and the region.

"88DB.com is now in seven Asian countries and we will continue to provide this successful model of provider and user interaction," said Managing Director Steven Seek.

Having launched its 'Shop for Services' campaign in January, 88DB.com now has an average traffic of 500,000 unique visitors per month. 88DB.com is popular among freelancers and establishments who want to advertise their lifestyle-related services. The site has twenty-five categories including automotive, pets, properties, business services, food and entertainment.

"It is not surprising that 88DB.com ranked the highest on Hitwise's list. 88DB.com is the premier online service portal and it covers a wide spectrum of Singapore's services. 88DB.com provides a unique platform to reach out to target professionals, managers, executives and business decision makers who are looking for an efficient buying and selling channel - 88DB.com provides just that," says Kenniess Wong, Regional Managing Director, Interactive Hub Pte Ltd.

88DB.com, a JobsDB company, is Asia-Pacific's leading service portal that has presence in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and China.

About 88DB.COM

88DB is the newest service developed by JobsDB.com, the number one jobsite in Asia Pacific. 88DB extends JobsDB's service to a new level by creating classified sites for organizations, companies, individuals, clubs, societies and associations to promote and hire services of various kinds.

It is a platform for service providers and consumers to find each other and a community where users can interact with different service providers.

Media contact
Caroline Yeung
Tel: +65-6259-3193/ +65-6253-3193
SOURCE: 88DB.COM

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Technology: Tommy Hilfiger and Sony BMG unveil TommyTV

Amsterdam, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Tommy Hilfiger continues to bring music and fashion together with the global launch of TommyTV (www.tommytv.com), an online evolution of the Hilfiger Sessions music series, staged in creative collaboration with Sony BMG Europe, that brings the excitement of live music to audiences around the globe.

TommyTV, which goes live today, builds on the existing success of The Hilfiger Sessions, a series of established and successful music events. The Hilfiger Sessions feature high profile artists playing with new and upcoming talent in intimate gigs in cities around the world, with recent Sessions taking place in Madrid, Berlin and Amsterdam hosted by artists such as Wyclef Jean and Kelly Rowland.

The live recordings of The Hilfiger Sessions form the centrepiece of TommyTV, allowing music fans to enjoy exclusive content and experience the thrill of live musical performances via unprecedented online video presentation.

TommyTV features:
-- Exclusive content from the global Hilfiger Sessions concerts.
-- Exclusive artist interviews and backstage footage.
-- The chance to discover new music talent or for new artists to be discovered through the Hilfiger Auditions.

Tommy Hilfiger said: "I have always been inspired by music and our Company was one of the first to truly fuse fashion and music through a variety of initiatives. The launch of TommyTV takes our musical heritage to the next level by offering the exclusive Hilfiger Sessions performances to a wider audience. With Sony BMG as our partner, we are thrilled to be at the forefront of bringing music and fashion together with the latest technological and online innovations."

Fred Gehring, CEO Tommy Hilfiger Group, said: "We first started the Hilfiger Sessions' concerts out of our love for live music and a pure desire to support upcoming talent. The Sessions grew to develop major followings in cities across Europe, and we have been actively seeking ways to bring the amazing spirit of these live evenings to a broader audience. We are extremely excited to unveil TommyTV as a highly innovative new platform which will inspire and extend the Sessions as well as strengthening our brand's commitment to its heritage of music," commented Fred Gehring.

Maarten Steinkamp, CEO Sony BMG Europe, said: "Great live music provides an audience with a truly unique shared experience, and the partnership of SONY BMG and Tommy Hilfiger, on TommyTV, allows an even wider audience to enjoy that excitement. In a digital age we are looking for innovative and engaging ways to bring our excellent content to our customers, TommyTV will give online exposure to a wide range of popular and established Sony BMG artists, as well as a vibrant mix of new and upcoming talent."

The TommyTV online experience

Alongside featuring globally renowned superstars and up and coming new talent, TommyTV will also offer music fans many other community and interactive options. The multimedia platform will stream across four segments, utilizing state-of-the-art Papervision3D technology to further enhance the online viewing experience.

Sessions
-- Unique live clips
-- Exclusive backstage footage (rehearsals, interviews)
-- Session photos
-- Information on upcoming sessions Auditions
-- A new channel for new and upcoming talent
-- The ability to upload your own music
-- Competitions Artists
-- Premium content from SONY BMG's archives
-- Including live performances and interviews with artists

My TommyTV
-- Create playlists of your favourite TommyTV clips
-- Manage your own account
-- Subscribe to a regular news update

The Hilfiger Sessions

Now in its third year, The Hilfiger Sessions have enabled a fashion and music-loving audience to enjoy an electrifying mix of music styles and cultures in an intimate atmosphere. Founded in Amsterdam, The Hilfiger Sessions - an ongoing series of jam sessions coupling established and local and new musicians - have grown into a European phenomenon. The launch of the TommyTV online experience will bring the Sessions to an even wider audience.

Partnerships

Launched by Tommy Hilfiger, Fred Gehring, CEO Tommy Hilfiger Group and Maarten Steinkamp, CEO Sony BMG Europe, TommyTV is a strategic and creative collaboration that offers premium channel content featuring internationally successful Sony artists and emerging talent. The exclusive partnership with Sony BMG Europe - the second largest record company in the world - also brings unique live and previously unavailable material from Sony artists to TommyTV. The TommyTV concept and online platform has been designed and developed by cross media architects Media Republic (www.mediarepublic.com). Tommy Hilfiger and Sony BMG have also partnered with YouTube(TM) and Joost(TM) in order to feature TommyTV content in online communities around the world.

The Tommy Hilfiger Group

Tommy Hilfiger is a leading premium lifestyle brand and one of the largest designer apparel brands globally. Tommy Hilfiger Group, through its subsidiaries, designs, sources and markets men's and women's casual wear, sportswear, jeans, children's wear and footwear. The Group's products can be found in its network of dedicated retail stores in Europe, the United States and Canada, as well as in leading specialty and department stores throughout Europe and North America. Through over 40 licensees, Tommy Hilfiger-branded products, including a broad array of related apparel, accessories, fragrance and home furnishings, are distributed worldwide, including in Mexico, Central and South America, Japan, Australia India, China and elsewhere throughout Asia.

SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is a global recorded music joint venture with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars, as well as a vast catalogue that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. SONY BMG is 50% owned by Bertelsmann A.G. and 50% owned by Sony Corporation of America.

SOURCE Tommy Hilfiger
CONTACT: Abdel El Hamri,
Director of Communications of Tommy Hilfiger Europe B.V.,
+31 (0) 20 589 5701,
Abdel.Elhamri@tommy.com;
Marybeth Schmitt,
Senior Vice President Communications of Tommy Hilfiger UAS Inc.,
+1-212-548-1952,
Mschmitt@tommy-usa.com;
Paul Bursche,
Communications Director of SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT (UK),
+ 44 207 384 8033,
paul.bursche@sonybmg.com
Web site: http://www.tommytv.com
http://www.mediarepublic.coms

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Business: Gramercy Advisors hires new portfolio manager

Greenwich, Conn., (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Gilberto Chavez-Velazquez has joined Gramercy Advisors LLC as a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager in their Greenwich, CT offices. Mr. Chavez-Velazquez will focus on hedging strategies and trading of emerging market distressed sovereign and corporate securities.

His trading activities will add value to Gramercy's $1.7 billion Gramercy Emerging Market Fund, as well as the $160 million Gramercy Argentina Opportunity Fund and the $390 million specialty finance company, Arco Capital Corporation.

Collaborating with Co-Managing Partners Robert Koenigsberger and Jay Johnston as well as the rest of the investment and research team, he will be looked upon to add further depth and capacity to the Firm's investment activities. This is a newly created role, in line with Gramercy's commitment to staffing ahead of asset growth.

Mr. Chavez-Velazquez has over 14 years of emerging market experience, including 2 years at JP Morgan, and 10 years on Credit Suisse's Emerging Markets team. Subsequent to Credit Suisse, he served as a portfolio manager for Millennium Partners, focusing on both local and external markets.

Established in 1998, Gramercy is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor with nearly $3 billion under management. Gramercy employs an event driven, value oriented strategy seeking to identify and exploit securities that are distressed or that could otherwise benefit from restructuring and that are selling below their intrinsic value. Investment vehicles include emerging markets distressed securities, emerging markets private equity as well as distressed global and emerging market equities. Gramercy has offices in Greenwich, San Juan Puerto Rico, Sofia Bulgaria, Singapore and Mexico.

SOURCE Gramercy Advisors LLC
CONTACT: Scott Ceaman,
+1-203-552-1900,
for Gramercy Advisors LLC
Web site: http://www.gramercy.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Business: Tejari advances e-Silk Road vision with govt of Qingdao, China

e-Procurement Portal Provides Online Gateway to the Middle East for 9,000 Qingdao Businesses

Dubai, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Tejari, the leading online B2B marketplace for emerging markets, today signed a strategic agreement with the government of Qingdao, China, to deliver an e-procurement portal that will boost commerce along the 'e-Silk Road' between China and the Middle East.

Reviving the historical trade route between the two regions, this deal will see the recently launched Tejari China (Te Jia Yi) create a customized one-stop B2B procurement platform for the Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Qingdao (BOFTEC).

This is a landmark step in BOFTEC's mission to grow commercial links with the Middle East and conduct one-half of its US$1 billion trade with the UAE online by 2013.

More than 800 Chinese suppliers are expected to register with the bi-lingual Tejari marketplace this year alone, providing a simple and transparent platform that is forecast to generate over US$50 million in trade for Qingdao's economy by the end of the 2008.

The announcement builds on Tejari's attendance at this month's high-profile trade delegation from the UAE to China, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, at which Tejari launched its ambitious growth plans for Tejari China.

Working with BOFTEC, this agreement sees Tejari offer its proven e-procurement technology and consultancy expertise to Qingdao's suppliers, enabling them to take advantage of the benefits of conducting business electronically.

Tejari will also offer a tailored 'e-readiness program' that will encourage qingdaochina.com's members to complete e-readiness training and grow business through the online trading platform.

The agreement with the City of Qingdao follows signing of a partnership with ShanghaiMart to strengthen links for China's textile trade industry with the Middle East.

With Qingdao boasting prominence as one of China's leading electronics centres, and home to many of the country's largest electronics corporations, these agreements will advance the 'e-Silk Road' vision and help trade relations between the regions to flourish in both industries.

CEO of Tejari, Omar Hijazi said: "We have a clear vision for restoring the former glory and success of the traditional trading route between China and the Middle East through a new 'e-Silk Road.' The City of Qingdao has over 9,000 enterprises that are involved in import and export, which highlights the tremendous potential that lies in developing effective procurement links.

Tejari's electronic marketplace will provide direct access to the largest buyer network in the Middle East, and Qingdao's businesses will benefit from our matchmaking and transactional services that are designed to enhance trade and boost buyer and seller interaction."

Mr. Wu Jingian Vice-Mayor of City of Qingdao added: "As one of the major gateways for China to the world, The City of Qingdao is keen to embrace new technologies and lead the way in initiatives that develop trading links for our businesses.

"Working with Tejari means that members will benefit from direct and transparent access to the vast and diverse marketplace of the Middle East, and will also benefit from Tejari's expertise in e-procurement.

"Online commerce is central to Qingdao's ambitions and it is through our partnership with Tejari that we will achieve our goals."

Hijazi added "Qingdao is working with Tejari as a pilot 'e-trading city' that will provide a model for rest of China's industrial cities, boosting bilateral trade and efficiency between our two regions.

By bringing advanced e-commerce technologies to this emerging marketplace Tejari enables buyers and sellers to transcend trade barriers, increase transparency and lower transaction costs - all of which emphasize the company's position as the future of commerce."

This announcement follows Tejari's recent participation in the high-profile trade UAE-China trade delegation, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

Within the forum, high-level Emirati and Chinese officials witnessed two strategic cooperation agreements between Tejari and its Chinese business partners to advance the 'e-Silk Road' vision.

Tejari also unveiled its export promotion packages for Chinese suppliers and plans for a series of ten offices to be opened in the country throughout upcoming months.

The company announced ambitious growth plans that will bring onboard 100,000 Chinese companies by the end of 2008.

Tejari, which was launched by the Government of Dubai, is one of the most successful units of Dubai World, a holding company responsible for much of the Emirate of Dubai's phenomenal economic growth.

Tejari's innovative online trading portal and training programs help to facilitate trade between companies and geographies across the globe and to develop electronic commerce skills of business throughout the emerging markets.

Tejari is committed to not leaving any company behind as the business world is transformed by electronic commerce.

About Tejari

Tejari is one of the leading B2B online marketplaces in the emerging markets. Tejari enables buyers and sellers to transact and share information about a variety of goods and services via a secured Internet environment.

Tejari provides a single point of contact for an open and growing community of buyers and suppliers, permitting spot-purchasing and on-line auctions that enable participants' real-time access to new markets and greater cost savings. Visit Tejari at http://www.tejari.com

About Export Promotion Package (EPP)

Export Promotion Package is Tejari's export promotion service through a combination of online and offline services.

The online part allows EPP members to transact directly with Middle East buyers and the offline part allows supplier members to attend sourcing fairs abroad and meet face-to-face with contracting buyers.

SOURCE: Tejari
CONTACT: Howaida Rabee,
Events and Public Relations Manager of Tejari,
+971-4-391-3777,
Howaida.Rabee@tejari.com;
Rania Helmy,
Account Manager of Hill and Knowlton,
+971-4-3344930,
rania.helmy@hillandknowlton.com
Web site: http://www.tejari.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Business: CRM Magazine Recognizes Convergys as a Service Leader in Outsourcing for Third Consecutive Year

(Cincinnati, April 16, 2008) - Convergys Corporation (NYSE: CVG), a global leader in relationship management, announced today that, for the third consecutive year, it has been recognized by Customer Relationship Management (CRM) magazine as a service leader in outsourcing in its “2008 Service Awards” issue - its fifth annual review of industry innovation and success. In making the award, CRM referred to Convergys’ strong customer satisfaction rating – scoring 4.5 out of 5 – and efforts to explore opportunities in Spanish-speaking markets.

“We are honored to be recognized by CRM Magazine as an outsourcing leader,” says Andrea Ayers, Convergys’ president of Customer Management. “This award validates the strength of our relationship management approach and global outsourcing capabilities, supporting our vision of being a market share leader in the markets we serve.”

CRM Magazine is a monthly publication designed to help business executives use CRM strategies and technologies to improve sales, marketing, and customer service; strengthen customer relationships; grow revenue; and increase profitability. The magazine determines which companies to recognize by using a formula that combines industry analyst ratings for customer satisfaction, depth of services, and company direction. Each year the magazine holds its Service Awards, recognizing the “Ones to Watch,” “Leaders,” and “Winners,” in the Contact Center Infrastructure, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), Web Self-Service, Web Interaction Management, Workforce Optimization Suite, Contact Center Search, and Outsourcing Categories.

CRM has continually recognized Convergys over the past three years as a service “Leader” in outsourcing.

About Convergys

onvergys Corporation (NYSE: CVG) is a global leader in relationship management. We provide solutions that drive more value from the relationships our clients have with their customers and employees. Convergys turns these everyday interactions into a source of profit and strategic advantage for our clients.

For 25 years, our unique combination of domain expertise, operational excellence, and innovative technologies has delivered process improvement and actionable business insight to clients that now span more than 70 countries and 35 languages.

Convergys is a member of the S&P 500 and has been voted a Fortune Most Admired Company for seven consecutive years. We have approximately 75,000 employees in 84 customer contact centers and other facilities in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and our global headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, visit
www.convergys.com

To receive Convergys news releases by email, click on http://www.convergys.com/news_email.html

(Convergys and the Convergys logo are registered trademarks of Convergys Corporation.)

Contacts:
Business and Financial Media - John Pratt
+1 513 723 3333 or john.pratt@convergys.com

Trade Media - Jeff Hazel
+1 513 723 7153 or jeff.hazel@convergys.com
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