Monday, May 19, 2008

Business: Covidien commences registered exchange offer

Hamilton, Bermuda (BUSINESS WIRE) - Covidien Ltd. (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV) and Covidien International Finance S.A. ("CIFSA") today announced that they have commenced a registered exchange offer to exchange up to $250,000,000 of CIFSA's newly registered 5.150% Senior Notes due 2010 (the "New 2010 Notes") for an equal amount of its privately placed 5.150% Senior Notes due 2010 (the "Outstanding 2010 Notes"), exchange up to $500,000,000 of CIFSA's newly registered 5.450% Senior Notes due 2012 (the "New 2012 Notes") for an equal amount of its privately placed 5.450% Senior Notes due 2012 (the "Outstanding 2012 Notes"), exchange up to $1,150,000,000 of CIFSA's newly registered 6.000% Senior Notes due 2017 (the "New 2017 Notes") for an equal amount of its privately placed 6.000% Senior Notes due 2017 (the "Outstanding 2017 Notes"), and exchange up to $850,000,000 of CIFSA's newly registered 6.550% Senior Notes due 2037 (the "New 2037 Notes" and, together with the New 2010 Notes, the New 2012 Notes and the New 2017 Notes, the "New Notes") for an equal amount of its privately placed 6.550% Senior Notes due 2037 (the "Outstanding 2037 Notes" and, together with the Outstanding 2010 Notes, the Outstanding 2012 Notes and Outstanding 2017 Notes, the "Outstanding Notes"). The New Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Covidien and are substantially identical to the Outstanding Notes, except that the New Notes have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and certain transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provisions relating to the Outstanding Notes do not apply to the New Notes.

Covidien and CIFSA will accept for exchange any and all Outstanding Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offer at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 16, 2008, unless extended.

The terms of the exchange offer and other information relating to Covidien and CIFSA are set forth in a prospectus dated May 16, 2008.

Copies of the prospectus and the related letters of transmittal may be obtained from Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, which is serving as the exchange agent for the exchange offer.

The address, email, telephone and facsimile number of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas are as follows: Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas By Mail: DB Services Tennessee, Inc.

Reorganization Unit P.O. Box 305050 Nashville, TN 37230 By Overnight Mail or Courier: DB Services Tennessee, Inc.

Trust and Securities Services Reorganization Unit 648 Grassmere Park Road Nashville, TN 37211 Email:
SPU-Reorg.Operations@db.com Information: (800)735-7777 Fax:
(615)835-3701

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of offers to buy or exchange the New Notes or the Outstanding Notes. The exchange offer is made solely pursuant to the prospectus dated May 16, 2008, including any supplements thereto.

Covidien Ltd. Bruce Farmer, 508-452-4372 Vice PresidentPublic Relationsbruce.farmer@covidien.com

Technology: iRise now available in 9 countries outside of U.S.

Demand for Business Software Visualization Increases Globally

El Segundo, Calif. (BUSINESS WIRE) - iRise, the world's leading visualization solutions company, today announced that iRise is now immediately available for purchase in select countries outside the United States, including; Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, India, Brazil and Mexico.

"Business software projects have suffered for years with poor communication of needs and requirements," said Maurice Martin, president, chief operating officer and founder of iRise. "These issues are not isolated to North America. We're seeing strong demand for visualization from all over the world as a strategy to finally solve one of the last great problems in software delivery and we're excited to be able to begin the process of offering iRise globally."

iRise offers a simple and effective solution to the billions of dollars wasted every year in failed business application projects - a collaborative software platform that enables businesses to quickly visualize and "test market" applications before a single line of code is written. Using iRise, business people can understand for themselves what they need, and then communicate that knowledge to others using visual models that replicate the exact look, feel and behavior of the final product, taking the guesswork out of application definition. Just as computer-aided design (CAD) tools transformed the automotive, aerospace and semiconductor industries iRise is now transforming the global business application market.

With thousands of projects completed successfully, the value of visualization has proven to be enormous for businesses in highly competitive markets: Get to market twice as fast; Eliminate 30% of project costs; Ensure success of global sourcing strategies; and, Improve customer experience.

About iRise

iRise is the world's leading provider of visualization software for business applications. Visualization is quickly becoming a critical competitive advantage for businesses to more effectively communicate their needs to technology teams and give everyone involved the ability to fully experience applications before they are built. Companies of all sizes like the Social Security Administration, UPS, Wachovia, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Manpower, CompuCredit, Capgemini and many others use iRise to "test drive" their applications before building, which accelerates time to revenue, improves customer experience and drives costs down.

At iRise, our vision is that by 2020, all business software will be visualized before being built, the same way that every car, airplane and building is visualized today. Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., iRise is backed by Morgan Stanley Venture Partners and Deutsche Bank and has sales offices across North America.

iRise is a registered trademark of iRise.All other companies and products mentioned are trademarks and property of their respective owners.

iRise Carla A. Schlemminger, 415-772-0827 carlas@irise.com

Business: Bernstein Litowitz and Milberg LLP proposed lawsuit settlement

Bernstein Litowitz and Milberg LLP announce the proposed settlement of a securities class action lawsuit against Biovail Corporation and Certain of its officers or Directors for U.S.$138 Million in cash

New York (BUSINESS WIRE) - This Notice relates to the following actions: In re Biovail Corporation Securities Litigation, Master File No. 03-CV-8917 (GEL) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ("U.S. Action").

Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan against Biovail Corporation, Eugene N. Melnyk, Brian H. Crombie, John R. Miszuk and Kenneth G. Howling, Court File No. 48172 CP in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ("Canadian Action").

A summary notice has been issued as follows: Summary Notice of Pendency of Class Action and Proposed Settlement, and
Settlement Fairness Hearing TO: all persons and entities who purchased the common stock of Biovail Corporation on the New York Stock Exchange or other U.S. stock exchanges or the Toronto Stock Exchange or other Canadian stock exchanges during the period from February 7, 2003, through and including March 2, 2004 (the "Class").

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, pursuant to Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and an Order of the Court, that the U.S. Action has been certified as a class action and that a Settlement for U.S.$138 million in cash has been proposed. A hearing will be held before the Honorable Gerald E. Lynch in the United States District Court, 500 Pearl Street, New York, New York 10007 at 11:00 a.m., on August 8, 2008 to determine (i) whether the proposed Settlement should be approved by the Court as fair, reasonable, and adequate; (ii) whether the proposed Plan of Allocation of the net proceeds of the Settlement should be approved by the Court as fair and reasonable; and (iii) to consider the application of Plaintiffs' Co-Lead Counsel for attorneys' fees and reimbursement of expenses.

YOU ARE ALSO NOTIFIED that a settlement of the Canadian Action, a parallel action commenced in Ontario, has been reached, principally based on the same relief negotiated in the U.S. Action. A hearing will be held at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, 80 Dundas St., London, Ontario, N6A 6A3, at 10:00 a.m. on September 15, 2008, to determine whether the settlement is fair, reasonable and in the best interests of class members.

IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THE CLASS DESCRIBED ABOVE, YOUR RIGHTS WILL BE AFFECTED AND YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO SHARE IN THE SETTLEMENT FUND. If you have not yet received the full printed Notice of Pendency of Class Action and Proposed Settlement, Motion for Attorneys' Fees and Settlement Fairness Hearing (the "Notice") and a Proof of Claim form, you may obtain copies of these documents by contacting the Claims Administrator: In re Biovail Securities Litigation c/o Complete Claim Solutions, LLC, Claims Administrator Post Office Box 24640 West Palm Beach, FL 33416 (877)465-5582

www.BiovailSecuritiesLitigationSettlement.com The U.S. and Canadian Actions are being resolved through a single Settlement Fund. However, there will be no distribution of funds through the Canadian Action. The only Proof of Claim form that will be distributed is the claim form in the U.S. Action.

To participate in the Settlement Fund, you must submit a Proof of Claim no later than September 8, 2008. If you are a Class Member and do not exclude yourself from the Class, you will be bound by the Judgments of the Courts. To exclude yourself from the Classes, you must submit a request for exclusion postmarked no later than July 8, 2008, which will exclude you from both actions. Any objections to the proposed Settlement, Plan of Allocation and/or the application for attorneys' fees and reimbursement of expenses must be served and filed by July 8, 2008. Requests for exclusion and objections must be made in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Notice. If you are a Class Member and do not submit a proper Proof of Claim, you will not share in the Settlement Fund but you nevertheless will be bound by the Judgments of the Courts.

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE COURTS OR THE CLERKS' OFFICES REGARDING THIS NOTICE. Inquiries regarding the U.S. Action, other than requests for the Notice and Proof of Claim, may be made to Plaintiffs' Co-Lead Counsel: Steven B. Singer, Esq.

Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP 1285 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10019 (212)554-1400 ? Sanford P. Dumain, Esq.

Milberg LLP One Penn Plaza New York, NY 10119-0165 (212)594-5300 Canadian Class Counsel are: Charles M. Wright and A. Dimitri Lascaris at Siskinds LLP, 680 Waterloo Street, London, ON N6A 3V8, Tel: (519) 672-2121, and Michael D. Wright at Cavalluzzo Hayes Shilton McIntyre & Cornish LLP, 474 Bathurst Street, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M5T 2S6.

By Court Order
Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLPSteven B. Singer,
Esq., (212) 554-1400 or Milberg LLPSanford P. Dumain, Esq.,
(212) 594-5300 or Siskinds LLPCharles M. Wright and A. Dimitri
Lascaris, (519) 672-2121 or Cavalluzzo Hayes Shilton McIntyre &
Cornish LLPMichael D. Wright

Health/Medical: World Hepatitis Alliance calls for urgent action on epidemic

- Shocking Lack of Global Statistics Prompts Creation of First Global Resource on Hepatitis: The Hepatitis Atlas

Geneva, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The World Hepatitis Alliance, a newly formed Non-Governmental Organisation, today called on governments around the world to do more to drive improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment for people living with chronic viral hepatitis B and C.

Although it is estimated that 500 million, approximately one in 12 people, are infected with either chronic viral hepatitis B or C globally[1], [2], there is a serious lack of awareness and political will to tackle these diseases.

Marking the first ever truly international World Hepatitis Day, the World Hepatitis Alliance today launched "The Hepatitis Atlas: Completing the Data Map" - a resource designed to become the first global public compendium of statistics and information relating to chronic viral hepatitis B and C. The Hepatitis Atlas has been launched as a result of the shocking lack of up-to-date global statistics relating to the two viruses.

Charles Gore, President of the World Hepatitis Alliance, said the current lack of data highlighted the need for greater surveillance at local, national and international levels. "If this information is not easily available, how can governments begin to tackle these diseases that kill 1.5 million people a year?" Mr. Gore said. "Governments are simply working in the dark and need to do more to ensure chronic viral hepatitis B and C are high up on national and international healthcare
agendas."

The World Hepatitis Alliance is also asking governments to sign up to 12 Asks for 2012 aimed at combating chronic viral hepatitis B and C. The '12 Asks' are a series of requests for commitment from policy makers to recognise the impact of the disease and the importance of adopting measures that address the issue from a public health perspective.

"The challenge for viral hepatitis is to make healthcare authorities and policy makers aware that this disease, if not tackled today, will be a major burden in the next 20 years as today's patients will develop liver cancer. It is better to act today than be unable to react tomorrow," said Professor Driss Jamil, a specialist in hepatitis B and C at the Department of Medicine, University of Casablanca, Morocco, and one of 12 members of the World Hepatitis Alliance Public Health Panel.

Professor Greg Dore, Head of the Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, and also a member of the Public Health Panel, added, "Increased awareness and understanding of the public health impact of chronic viral hepatitis is required to mobilise action on proven prevention and care strategies. Awareness raising will promote advocacy, improve global funding, and reduce the stigma and discrimination that affect many people with chronic viral hepatitis."

Did You Know?
-- 500 million people worldwide are currently infected with hepatitis B or C1,2
-- This is over 10 times the number infected with HIV/AIDS
-- Between them, hepatitis B and C kill 1.5 million people a year
-- One in every three people on the planet has been exposed to either or both viruses
-- Most of the 500 million infected do not know

World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is being observed on Monday 19 May and marks a brand new, entirely patient-led initiative. The day has been launched in response to the concern that chronic viral hepatitis has nowhere near the level of awareness nor the political will to tackle it that is seen in HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. This is despite the fact that the numbers chronically infected with, and annually killed by, hepatitis B and C viruses are on the same scale.

World Hepatitis Alliance

World Hepatitis Day is being coordinated by the World Hepatitis Alliance, a newly established Non-Governmental Organisation that represents more than 200 hepatitis B and hepatitis C patient groups from around the world. The World Hepatitis Alliance is governed by a representative board of patient groups from seven world regions: Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, North America, South America, Australasia and Western Pacific. For more information visit http://www.worldhepatitisday.com on Monday 19 May.

[1]World Health Organization. Hepatitis B Fact Sheet: http:// www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs204/en/index.html (accessed May 1, 2008)

[2] Initiative for Vaccine Research, Viral Cancers, Hepatitis C. World Health Organization, 2006. http:// www.who.int/vaccine_research/diseases/viral_cancers/en
index2.html
(accessed May 1, 2008)

SOURCE The World Hepatitis Alliance
CONTACT: The World Hepatitis Alliance,
+44-20-7395-7067,
worldhepday@fleishman.com,
or +44-20-7089-6231,
raquel.jose@worldhepatitisalliance.org
Web site: http://www.worldhepatitisday.com /

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Technology: Heidelberg acquires high-performance coating manufacturer

Heidelberg acquires high-performance coating manufacturer - Hi-Tech Coatings products expand Heidelberg consumables portfolio- Heidelberg consumables go under the name `Saphira'

Heidelberg, Germany (BUSINESS WIRE) - Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg)(FWB:HDD) is taking over the high-performance coating manufacturer Hi-Tech Coatings based in the U.K. and the Netherlands. This move will enable Heidelberg to add the manufacture and sale of high-performance coatings for the production of printed materials and packaging to its solutions portfolio for consumables. Based in Aylesbury in the U.K. and Zwaag in the Netherlands, Hi-Tech Coatings develops and produces over 1,000 environmentally-friendly products and formulations for the print media industry, primarily water- and UV-based coatings.

"By acquiring Hi-Tech Coatings, Heidelberg is pursuing its consistent strategy of expanding the range of services available to our customers," stated Heidelberg CEO Bernhard Schreier. "Using high-performance consumables on our machines makes customers more efficient and enables us to achieve margins that are not tied to economic cycles," he added. Heidelberg has been successfully selling the print coatings of the newly-acquired company for a number of years in the U.K., China, and parts of Eastern Europe. The global Heidelberg sales network will in future provide Hi-Tech Coatings with an international platform for expanding its operations.

Hi-Tech Coatings was founded in 1993 and was owned by the management team. The company sells its products worldwide via dealers and licensees, focusing today most strongly on Britain and Eastern Europe.

In 2007, Hi-Tech Coatings achieved sales of around EUR 25 million.

"We have long been aware of how important the link to presses and the printing process is. This makes it a logical step to merge Hi-Tech Coatings and Heidelberg," stressed Hi-Tech Coatings Managing Director Paul Bass.
"Coatings play a key role in the graphic arts industry. The enhanced durability of coated products and ongoing improvements in terms of esthetics make a major contribution to increasing printshop productivity," he continued.

The acquisition is still subject to the scrutiny of the German anti-trust authority, but the deal will go through as soon as the necessary approval has been obtained. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the conditions of the acquisition.
Heidelberg consumables go under the name "Saphira"

The name "Saphira" represents a broad portfolio of high-quality consumables suitable for standard print jobs, special applications, and all production requirements in prepress, press, and postpress. All consumables bearing the name Saphira have been specifically optimized and tested for use in Heidelberg solutions. They help the user benefit from the full range of functions supported by the equipment and ensure first-class print results. Saphira products also meet all industry standards on environmental protection and make a real contribution to safeguarding the customer's investment in his equipment.

In addition to Saphira products, Heidelberg also offers consumables from other suppliers under their own brand names.

Heidelberg actively expands sale of consumables At the end of 2007, Heidelberg took over the sales activities of consumables supplier Stielund & Taekker in Denmark and Sweden, together with around 35 employees.

Heidelberg is looking to become the number one company in the sale of consumables in the print media industry in the Nordic and Baltic countries.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG Thomas Fichtl, Corporate CommunicationsPhone: +49 (0)6221 92 4747 E-mail:
thomas.fichtl@heidelberg.com

Technology: Individuals who obtained the "XML Master Professional" certification

Results of a survey for individuals who obtained the "XML Master Professional" Certification

Tokyo - Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ - Survey reveals that all of the respondents experienced benefits from obtaining the "XML Master Professional" certification.

From today, the XML Technology Certification Committee will release the results of an online survey administered to individuals who obtained the "XML Master Professional" certification, a higher-level certification in the XML Master program.

The survey was conducted between Thursday, April 10, 2008 and Monday, April 21, 2008, among individuals who passed the latest version of the "XML Master Professional" certification examination. 68 individuals responded to the survey.

Regarding the survey results, for the question regarding the benefits of obtaining the "XML Master Professional" certification (multiple responses possible), 90% selected the response "I gained knowledge regarding XML and XML-related technology," 65% selected the response "It helped me build confidence in my knowledge about XML and XML-related technology," 31% selected the response "I received a bonus from my company," 29% selected the response "I received a higher evaluation at my company," 28% selected the response "It helped me with my work duties," and 6% selected the response "I received a pay raise." All of the survey respondents selected one or more of the above benefits of obtaining the certification.

As for the difficulty of the exam, a majority of the respondents (54%) selected the response "It was more difficult than I had expected." For the question, "Were the examination questions practical?" 80% of the 50 respondents selected the response "The questions were practical," excluding the individuals who responded that they did not know because they do not use XML/XML-related technology in their work duties.

The details of the survey results can be viewed at the following website:
http://www.xmlmaster.org/en/survey/professionalresult.html

About the XML Certification Program (XML Master)

The "XML Master" is a professional certification officially launched in August 2001. The primary objective of the "XML Master" is the broad-based development of professionals having XML skills. To date, more than 16,000 professionals throughout the world have become XML Masters. For more, please see: http://www.xmlmaster.org/en/

Source:
XML Technology Certification Committee
Contact:
Kaoru Shima
XML Technology Certification Committee
TEL: +81-3-5718-1297
For news article usage: office@xmlmaster.org
Web site: http://www.xmlmaster.org/en/

Business in Asia Today - May 19, 2008

RIO TINTO TO START BUILDING US$2 BLN NICKEL MINE IN SULAWESI
Jakarta (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) is expected to start work on a US$2 billion investment in a nickel mining project in Lasamphala, Central Sulawesi in the second half of this year.
Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Muhammad Lutfi, said the agency and the home affairs ministry wanted the mining giant to accelerate the implementation of its project.
Realization of the project has been long delayed since 2001, over conflicting regulations with the district administration issuing the mining license to the Bitangdelapan Group to operate in the same location.

BRIDGESTONE TO BUY 8PCT STAKE IN TOYO TIRE FOR ALLIANCE
Tokyo (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Bridgestone Corp. (TSE:5108) and the Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. (TSE:5105) said Friday that they would form capital and business ties, paving the way for joint materials procurement and mutual consignment of production to reduce costs amid rising materials prices.
Under their agreement, Bridgestone will purchase an 8.72 per cent stake in Toyo Tire for 8.02 billion yen (US$77 million) via a new-share issuance to be carried out in October.
This will make the leading Japanese tire manufacturer the second-largest shareholder of Toyo Tire, the No. 4 player in the domestic market.

BURRUP HOLDINGS LAUNCHES $US477 MLN IPO
Melbourne (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Burrup Holdings Ltd, which operates an ammonia plant in Western Australia, has launched a $A500 million ($US477.25 million) initial public offer (IPO) to list on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Burrup expects to raise between $390 million and $502 million through the sale of shares, based on the indicative price range of $1.75 to $2.25.
"The IPO will position Burrup to take advantage of its considerable growth opportunities and utilise its extensive skills in downstream industry to create further shareholder value," chairman and managing director Pankaj Oswal said in a statement.

MITSUBISHI INVESTS IN BRAZILIAN IT FIRM POLITEC, SETS UP JV
Tokyo (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Mitsubishi Corp. (TSE:8058) has spent Y3 billion ($US28.84 million) to acquire a 10 per cent stake in major Brazilian information technology service provider Politec.
The two companies have also established a system development and maintenance service joint venture in Tokyo. Mitsubishi took a 60 per cent interest in the new firm, with Politec holding the rest.
These moves follow a business tie-up the Japanese trading house formed with Politec last year. Mitsubishi hopes to exploit the 12-hour time difference between Japan and Brazil.

FIRST PRIVATE FINANCIAL GROUP MAKES DEBUT IN VIETNAM
Hanoi (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial Bank (Sacombank) officially made its debut as the Sacombank Group on May 16, becoming the first private financial group in Vietnam.
The Sacombank Group, with 11 subsidiaries, operates on a charter capital of 5.2 trillion VND (US$324.56 million) and total assets of 79.9 trillion VND. It has a total staff of more than 6,500.
During the launch ceremony, the group signed memoranda of understandings with the Industrial Bank of Taiwan and Dragon Capital to jointly carry out financial projects and set up securities trading and brokerage channels.

POSCO MAY FORM CONSORTIUM TO ACQUIRE DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING
Seoul (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The chairman of POSCO Co., (KSE:005490), South Korea's largest steelmaker, indicated Saturday that his company would probably form a consortium to buy a controlling stake in the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. (KSE:42660), the world's third-largest shipbuilder.
Creditors, led by the state-run Korea Development Bank, plan to select a preferred bidder to sell their 50.4 per cent stake in Daewoo Shipbuilding as early as August.
The deal, if successful, may be valued at as much as 8 trillion won (US$7.7 billion), according to local media reports.

BOSCH TO FOUND R&D HEADQUARTERS IN SHANGHAI
Beijing (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - German electric appliances giant, Bosch is set to found a research and development (R&D) headquarters in east China's Shanghai at a cost of 1.3 billion yuan (US$186 million).
Construction of The R&D headquarters building in the Hongqiao Linkong Economic Park has already begun and is expected to be completed by 2010.
Covering an area of 80,000 square meters, the building will be used as a center of Bosch (China) for office use, R&D and training.

ASAHI TO BUY SHARES IN LCD SUBSTRATE POLISHER
Tokyo (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The Asahi Glass Co. (TSE:5201) has said it intends to purchase all the shares in LCD glass substrate polisher Schott Processing Korea Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of leading German glassmaker Schott AG. Following approval by the Korea Fair Trade Commission, Asahi Glass will begin steps to buy the shares.
The acquisition is estimated to cost about 5 billion yen (US$48 million).
Asahi Glass is currently capable of churning out 5 million sq. meters of LCD glass substrates a year in South Korea.
Its second plant in that nation is set to come onstream soon, with a third to follow in spring 2009.

INDIAN IRON ORE MINER TO RAISE STAKE IN FLAGSHIP SA PROJECT
Melbourne (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Lincoln Minerals Ltd (ASX:LML) says Indian iron ore miner Mineral Enterprises Ltd plans to increase its stake in the junior explorer and its flagship Gum Flat project in South Australia.
Mineral Enterprises, which holds 4.7 per cent of the junior, plans to lift its stake in the company to 19.99 per cent by partially underwriting a proposed $A4.9 million ($US4.68 million) capital raising.
In addition, Mineral Enterprises will increase its interest in Lincoln's Gum Flat iron ore project to 50 per cent by providing a further $2 million in project finance.

INDONESIA'S PAMAPERSADA TO DEVELOP COAL MINES
Jakarta (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Indonesia's PT Pamapersada Nusantara said it has won a contract worth US$1 billion to develop coal mines for PT Jembayan Muarabara.
The subsidiary of heavy equipment company PT United Tractors (JSX:UNTR) will help in digging and removing soil in a coal mine with an estimated capacity to produce 10 million tons of coal a year.
The contract is an extension of a previous contract for another five years, United Tractors President Djoko Pranoto said. Pamapersada is the largest contractor in coal mining development and has been the main contributor to the income of United Tractors.
Last year, United Tractors reported sales in worth Rp18.2 trillion (US$1.983 billion) with contribution from the contracting division accounting for 43 per cent.

Source:
Business in Asia Today - MAY 19, 2008
published by Asia Pulse

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Business: 3M and Sony Sign license agreement for optical film technology

St. Paul, Minn. (BUSINESS WIRE) - 3M announced today that 3M and Sony Corporation have signed a license agreement that grants Sony the right to use certain 3M optical film technology in its prismatic films for LCD TV products.

This license agreement reflects the increased desire by 3M and Sony to work together to provide the overall best solution for the LCD TV panel market. Specific terms of the license agreement are confidential.

3M's optical film technology is used to make electronic displays, such as LCD TVs, laptops and cell phones, significantly brighter than displays without enhancement films, more energy efficient and more vibrant in real-life lighting conditions by optimizing and recycling light. By enabling vivid, lifelike pictures in environments ranging from natural daylight to a darkened room, optical film technology from 3M offers consumers more flexibility to use their electronic devices in a variety of locations without sacrificing picture quality.

About 3M A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms ? often in combination ? to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.
3M Donna Fleming Runyon, 651-736-7646

Business: naseba announces CFO strategies Middle East 2008

naseba Announces the Second Annual CFO Strategies Middle East 2008 in Dubai Following a First Successful Edition, naseba is Proud to Announce the Second Annual CFO Strategies Middle EastTaking Place at J W Marriott Hotel in Dubai on November 17th-18th, 2008 CFO Strategies Middle East 2008

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - The second annual CFO Strategies Middle East forum, organized by naseba, a leading international business information company listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, will take place in Dubai on November 17th-18th, 2008.

Following a first successful edition focusing on the evolving role of the CFOs in the region, the forum takes a step further in 2008 by focusing on the changing pressures on the CFOs as their role extends.

The forum will address the best practices in innovation, transformation and sustainability of the finance function and explore the strategies involved in improving corporate performance, minimizing risk and achieving exceptional growth.

Shireen Atassi, General Manager of Procu FZ LLC, a partner of BasWare and keynote sponsor of the second annual CFO Strategies Middle East, explains: "For years CFOs and other financial executives focused on cost-savings as the ultimate goal in supplier negotiations. It turns out that cost is one consideration, but it's the relationship that truly matters.
CFO Strategies Middle East is the best strategic platform to discuss how establishing a valuable supplier relationship is a winning strategy for corporate finance."

100 top CFOs from leading companies from different industry verticals in the Middle East will have the opportunity to reeducate, network and most importantly source solutions from the leading technology, financial and management solution providers to improve their corporate performance strategies and be competitive.

Keynote presentations and workshops will address the following current issues: Reporting beyond compliance Going private: lessons learned from public to private equity Integration synergies: post-merger effects Business growth through corporate performance management Evolving role of the CFO in the risk function Attaining the competitive advantage: efficiency and cost management

How to leverage invoice automation solutions to drive real bottom line savings

Are you ready to take off? An insight into outsource off shoring

Following the success of the first edition CFO Strategies Middle East, the Country Manager of Atradius commented: "Excellent event - very well organized. My appreciation and thanks to the entire naseba team involved in making this event a success. Loved the networking opportunities. Keep it up naseba!"

The CFO of Julphar/Gulf Pharmaceuticals Limited added: "The CFO Middle East event alerts you to the challenges being faced in the Middle East, as well as enhances your skills to add value to the organization."
www.cfomideast.comnaseba

Established in 2002, naseba produces business platforms focused on re-education, networking and most importantly increasing deal-making opportunities for executive clients.

With offices strategically located in 5 cities around the world, naseba employs over 250 executives from more than 30 nationalities. naseba group went public on the Paris Stock Exchange on October 5th, 2006.

www.naseba.com nasebaJosephine DeniauCommunications
officer+971 4367 1376 josephined@naseba.com

Business: FDA grants approval to begin landmark cardiac resynchronization

Berlin & San Francisco (BUSINESS WIRE) - BIOTRONIK, the pioneer in wireless remote monitoring technologies for patients with implantable cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, announced today the FDA approval to begin an international, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial to investigate the use of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) in heart failure (HF) patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

The study, called Echocardiography guided Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (EchoCRT), will include more than 1,250 patients with HF, already receiving current standard HF pharmacological therapy, with a narrow QRS width (< 130 ms) and echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony. The study will involve 125 centers worldwide, and is being conducted according to FDA guidelines under an Investigational Device Exemption.

"The objective of this study is to demonstrate that optimal medical therapy plus CRT reduces all-cause mortality or first hospitalization for worsening heart failure in the study population compared to optimal medical therapy alone," said Frank Ruschitzka, M.D., University of Zurich, Executive Committee Co-Chairman and International Co-Principal Investigator of EchoCRT. Dr.

Ruschitzka added, "EchoCRT will provide important scientific evidence for this large group of heart failure patients that currently lack treatment options beyond pharmacological therapy.""Previous randomized controlled trials with CRT had been limited to patients with a QRS width ? 120 - 130 ms who represent only 28% of all subjects with chronic heart failure," said William T. Abraham, M.D., The Ohio State University, U.S. Principal Investigator of the study. "Results of recent small studies are encouraging that patients without electrical intraventricular conduction delays but with LV dyssynchrony assessed by echocardiography may benefit from CRT. Thus, withholding CRT treatment from a significant proportion of heart failure patients with a narrow QRS complex (< 120 ms) that have LV dyssynchrony could be unwise. EchoCRT aims to definitively address this question."

Cardiovascular ultrasound equipment used to obtain echocardiograms will be limited to a single manufacturer, who will also provide training and technical support in order to reduce data variability and ensure optimal reliability of the outcomes. In addition, there will be a single Echo Core Lab which will independently confirm patient eligibility criteria.

Heart failure, with its associated morbidity and mortality, remains a major unresolved public health problem in the United States, Europe and throughout the world. It is estimated that HF affects nearly 5 million people in the United States, 6 million people in Europe and nearly 22 million people worldwide, and claims more than 300,000 lives annually in the United States alone. In many patients with HF, the clinicalcondition and outcome is worsened by poor coordination of the heart chambers in squeezing blood (known as ventricular dyssynchrony) leading to inefficient function of the heart as a pump. As a threshold seems to have been reached for drug therapy in HF, CRT with biventricular pacing has been proven to be effective in patients with severe HF and electrical intraventricular conduction delays (QRS ? 120-130 ms). Previous randomized clinical trials with CRT provide evidence of an improvement of symptoms, exercise capacity, quality-of-life, as well as significant reduction in all-cause mortality.

In recognition of its substantial clinical benefits, CRT has been recently included in the official guidelines for the management of HF patients. However, these guidelines have limited the recommendation to patients with a QRS width of ? 120 ms as a criterion for the prescription of CRT. Pending the outcomes of EchoCRT, the remaining 72% of HF patients with narrow QRS who are still in need could potentially be granted access to this promising therapy.

Johannes Holzmeister, M.D., University of Zurich, Executive Committee Co-Chairman and International Co-Principal Investigator of EchoCRT, reconfirmed, "It is established that CRT provides clinical benefit for heart failure patients with wide QRS. Now it is imperative that we understand the effects of CRT in patients with narrow QRS complex (< 130 ms) of whom up to 50% exhibit mechanical dyssynchrony."

The EchoCRT study was designed by an independent executive committee comprised of internationally renowned cardiology experts from electrophysiology, cardiac imaging and heart failure, and a biostatistician to ensure the clinical validity of the study protocol. A Clinical Events Committee, Data Safety Monitoring Board and study statistician are all operationally independent of BIOTRONIK, the study sponsor. The University of Zurich Coordination and Data Center will scientifically support study operations and oversight in cooperation with BIOTRONIK.
EchoCRT is registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About BIOTRONIK GmbH & Co. KG As one of the world's leading cardiovascular medical device companies, with several million implanted devices, BIOTRONIK is present in all world markets.
Known for having its finger on the pulse of the medical community, BIOTRONIK helps to assess the challenges physicians face, and provides the best solutions, be it cardiac implants, minimal invasive devices or other products and services ranging from diagnosis to electrotherapy and vascular intervention or therapy management. Quality, innovation, and reliability define BIOTRONIK and its growing success, and deliver confidence and peace of mind to physicians and their patients worldwide.

Contacts:
Amela Malja
Director Marketing Communications
BIOTRONIK GmbH & Co. KG.
Woermannkehre 1
12359 Berlin, Germany
Tel + 49 (0) 30 68905 1400
or Amy Klein
Senior Project Manager, Clinical Studies
BIOTRONIK, Inc.
6024 Jean Road
Lake Oswego, OR, USA 97035
Tel + 1 800-547-0394 (toll free)
www.biotronik.com
BIOTRONIK GmbH & Co. KG.Amela Malja, Director Marketing
Communications+49-(0)-30-68905-1400 or BIOTRONIK, Inc.Amy
Klein, Senior Project Manager, Clinical Studies+1-800-547-0394
(toll free)

Fund/Bank: Japan`s Taiyo Fund takes stake in Roland Corp

Tokyo, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The Taiyo Fund announced today that it had accumulated a position in excess of 5% in Roland Corp (TSE:7944) to become its fifth largest shareholder.

The Taiyo Fund is known for its cooperative investment style working with senior management to enhance shareholder value.

Brian K. Heywood, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Taiyo Pacific Partners, said: "Roland's superior digital technology and flexible production system make it a leader in high-end electronic musical instruments and large-format printers. We are excited about Roland's role as a leader in the digital revolution of concert halls and production studios with its ground-breaking Digital Snake and V-Mixer products.

"I am impressed by President Tanaka's strategic direction and we look forward to supporting Roland in achieving that vision."

Wilbur L. Ross Jr., Chairman of the Taiyo Fund investment committee said: "With the increasing popularity of digital instruments, such as e-drums, as well as Roland's exposure to the high-growth printer business of its subsidiary, we see significant upside for this innovative company as it continues to cultivate new markets."

Mr. Hidekazu Tanaka, President of Roland, commented: "As a company that at its core is committed to promoting musical culture, Roland's name is synonymous with 'music.' We strive to do our 'BEST' to be an organization that inspires 'Cooperative Enthusiasm' among all our stakeholders. We are honored that the Taiyo Fund supports our core vision and company philosophy, and is taking a positive long-term view of our company. We continue to work for all our shareholders towards raising our corporate value in a transparent way."

The Taiyo Fund was organized in July 2003 with an initial equity investment of $200 million by CalPERS, the State of California Public Employees Retirement System.

The Fund currently has over $1.4 billion under management.

The Fund is co-managed by Taiyo Pacific Partners LP and by WL Ross & Co. LLC. Taiyo Pacific Partners, located in Monterey, California, was founded in 2003 by bilingual professionals dedicated to friendly shareholder activism in Japan.

SOURCE: Taiyo Fund
CONTACT: Brian K. Heywood, +1-831-372-9601,
bheywood@tppllc.com; or
Wilbur L. Ross, +1-212-826-2111, wlross@wlross.com, both for Taiyo Fund/

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Business: Friendster social network now available in Vietnamese

Ho Chi Minh City, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Friendster, Inc. (http://www.friendster.com) today announced that Friendster.com is available in Vietnamese, allowing Friendster users and visitors a greater choice of languages with which to navigate the site, enter content and use Friendster's complete set of social networking features.

The 18 million Internet users in Vietnam and Vietnamese around the world can now easily join and use Friendster, the pioneer of social networking that is now the 8th largest website globally of any kind based on traffic.(1)

Friendster currently fully supports eight languages - English, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.

These languages represent over 67 per cent of the world's Internet users, or over three quarters of a billion Internet users in total.

"Since Friendster is the #1 social network in all of Asia and has more than twice the users of any other social network in Asia, the Friendster social networking experience clearly resonates with its 50 million users across Asia," said David Jones, vice president of global marketing for Friendster.

"Now that Friendster.com is available in Vietnamese, the entire country of Vietnam can now visit and use Friendster, see who's on Friendster, invite their friends, and start using Friendster to express themselves and share and communicate with friends and family globally."

In Asia, members use Friendster to find lost friends, keep in touch with friends and family, make new friends, share photos and photo albums, send messages, express themselves through their personalized profile page, write a personal blog, start or participate in a group on a specific topic, become a fan of their favorite artist or celebrity ("Fan Profiles"), post "shoutouts" and bulletins, and use many new features created by third parties via the Friendster Developer Program.

Friendster has implemented multi-language support on a single domain - Friendster.com - to promote communication and interaction among users who speak different languages.

About 79 per cent of active friendster users have friends in more than one country, and 23 per cent of friend connections are between users in different countries.

These cross-border percentages, believed to be the highest of all major social networks, require multi-language support to be implemented in a single, global Web site.

While other social networking sites create separate sites for different countries or languages, Friendster was the first global online social network to employ this single-site approach to allow and encourage multi-cultural exchange and communications - regardless of language - among users around the world.

"Friendster has a large number of bilingual users who would like the choice to enter their content and use the site in either English or Vietnamese, and countless users are looking forward to inviting their friends and family who speak Vietnamese to join them on Friendster," said Jones.

Users can permanently or temporarily set their language of choice via links at the top right of every page of the Friendster.com Web site or via the "Settings" link.

Friendster Leads in Asia

Friendster is the No. 1 social network in Asia, with over 50 million registered users and 34 million monthly unique visitors from Asia.(1) In Asia, Friendster is more than twice the size of any other social network. While Friendster has over 34 million monthly unique visitors in Asia, Facebook has 16 million, MySpace.com and MySpace.cn have only 15 million combined, Mixi (Japan) has 14 million, CyWorld (Korea) has 13 million, Hi5 has 12 million, Orkut has 10 million, Xiaonei (China) has 7 million, 51.com (China) has 7 million, and Bebo has 4 million.(1)

Friendster - A Top 10 Website Globally

Friendster is the 8th-largest Web site and the 3rd largest social network in the world in terms of traffic, and #1 in user engagement - time spent on site - among top social networks.

Friendster now has 68 million registered users and 39 million monthly unique visitors. Friendster continued its healthy growth by adding another 2 million monthly unique visitors in March and 9 million monthly unique visitors in the last 3 months.(1)

About Friendster

With more than 70 million members worldwide, Friendster is a leading global online social network. Friendster is focused on helping people stay in touch with friends and discover new people and things that are important to them.

Online adults, 18 and up, choose Friendster to connect with friends, family, school, social groups, activities and interests.

Friendster prides itself in delivering an easy-to-use, friendly and interactive environment where users can easily connect with anyone around the world.

Friendster has a growing portfolio of patents granted to the company on social networking, with more expected over the next several months.

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Friendster is backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Benchmark Capital, DAG Ventures and individual investors. For more information, visit: http://www.friendster.com.

(1) comScore Media Metrix, March 2008

SOURCE: Friendster, Inc.
CONTACT: Lerin O'Neill of The Hoffman Agency,
+1-408-975-3037, press@friendster.com, for Friendster
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh 20080515/AQTH053
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Web site: http://www.friendster.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Fund/Bank: SkyBridge Capital announces strategic Australian relationship

SkyBridge Also to Open London Office as Center for Sourcing Europe-based Managers and Investors

New York, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - SkyBridge Capital, which provides strategic capital to new and early-stage hedge funds, and Challenger Financial Services Group Limited (ASX: CGF), a leading Australian financial services company, today jointly announced an agreement to form a long-term strategic relationship focused on the launch of the first global institutional hedge fund seeding and alternative investment management platform.

In conjunction with the new strategic relationship, Challenger will make a significant capital commitment to the SkyBridge funds.

As part of their new strategic relationship, Challenger will support SkyBridge in penetrating new markets in the Australasia region to source both new capital as well as talented hedge fund managers.

Challenger will make available to SkyBridge its world-class investment and due diligence team.

In addition, Challenger's Richard Howes, Principal Executive Officer - Balance Sheet Asset Management, will become a member of the SkyBridge Investment Committee.

Anthony Scaramucci, Managing Partner of SkyBridge Capital, said: "Over the past two years, we have built SkyBridge Capital into one of the leading strategic investors in new hedge fund managers, and today SkyBridge and its underlying managers have approximately $1.5 billion under management.

"Our new relationship with Challenger Financial Services Group, an established participant in the Australian financial services sector, will allow us to dramatically extend our ability to source top managers globally, broadening the depth of our talent pool.

"Also, through Challenger, we will have a significant new distribution channel in Australia, positioning our partnership to capitalize on the current and expected growth of alternative asset investments there."

Richard Howes, a Challenger executive, said: "Our new relationship with SkyBridge Capital follows our extensive evaluation of the hedge fund seeding space. We believe SkyBridge has created a unique differentiated platform that presents an optimal opportunity for creating outsized returns for investors.

"We are fortunate to partner with Anthony Scaramucci and Scott Prince, SkyBridge's Managing Partners. Anthony and Scott each bring over 20 years of distinguished accomplishments in the Investment Management industry and have a unique set of talents that differentiate SkyBridge in its ability to source talented investment managers, manage complex global risks and grow a global distribution platform.

"Furthermore, we believe their distribution capability will be critical in attracting top-tier talent onto the platform. We are excited to work closely together with the SkyBridge team to capture the significant opportunity that we believe exists in this arena globally."

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2008.

SkyBridge also announced today that it plans to open in the third quarter of 2008 a London office that will serve as the firm's center for sourcing Europe-based managers and investors and will continue to add to the firm's global footprint.

About Challenger Financial Services Group Limited

Listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, Challenger is a diversified financial services organisation.

It is dedicated to providing smarter solutions to financial intermediaries and their clients, offering a broad spectrum of financial products and services with A$45 billion of assets under management as at 31 March 08.

Challenger's asset management division, which has assets under management of A$10.4 billion as at 31 March 08, has particularly strong expertise in infrastructure, real estate and fixed income and continues to develop specialist funds for institutional and retail investors.

It is also a proprietary investor in its own right, raising capital through retail and wholesale annuities and other sources to invest in assets which are under valued for risk or have value add potential.

Through the development of strategic relationships with key international partners Colony Capital LLC, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ and Mitsubishi UFJ Securities, Challenger sees significant growth opportunities in the future.

About SkyBridge Capital

SkyBridge Capital is a private investment partnership that provides strategic capital to talented managers who are developing new or early-stage hedge funds.

The firm's team of experienced professionals coordinates a global network of partners in sourcing hedge fund managers and providing business-building and investment-support services from its headquarters in New York.

To date, SkyBridge Capital has made strategic investments in nine funds. In aggregate, SkyBridge Capital and its underlying managers currently have approximately $1.5 billion under management.

Contact: Victor M. Oviedo
SkyBridge Capital
Tel: 212-485-3118
voviedo@skybridgecapital.com

SOURCE SkyBridge Capital
CONTACT: Victor M. Oviedo of SkyBridge Capital,
+1-212-485-3118, voviedo@skybridgecapital.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Entertainment: Eros and Jaman announce international licensing partnership

Eros and Jaman announce international licensing partnership to bring Blockbuster Bollywood movies to the internet partnership strengthens Jaman?s position as leading destination for world cinema

San Mateo, Calif. & Mumbai, India (BUSINESS WIRE) - May. 16, 2008-- Eros International, the leading global studio of Indian filmed entertainment and Jaman.com, the premier online destination for international and independent films, today announced a multi-year international partnership to distribute more than 100 Bollywood movies from Eros' catalogue, including blockbusters such as Sholay,Devdas and Eklavya on Jaman.com.

Serving an active community of film fans in more than 200 countries, Jaman allows viewers to rent or stream free, ad-supported movies in better-than-DVD quality. With the addition of the Eros titles from some of the India's best known filmmakers, Jaman builds upon its diverse collection of full-length features, documentaries and shorts from around the world.

"As the popularity of Bollywood films grows globally, Eros continues to lead in meeting this demand in India and internationally," said Marcus Vannini, EVP of Business & Corporate Development at Eros International. "Our partnership with Jaman allows us to expand our reach even further. We've been impressed by the high quality experience and vibrant community on Jaman, which we believe will create new audiences for Bollywood and Eros films all over the world."

"Eros has an incredible history of innovation and success showcasing blockbuster Bollywood films with stars including Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan," said Faisal Galaria, General Manager & Vice President of Corporate Development at Jaman. "We are delighted to bring these movies to new global audiences through our global entertainment platform."

A selection of Eros titles available on Jaman.com: Sholay, Mother India, Don, Being Cyrus, Heyy Babyy, Omkara, Devdas, Dil Se, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Provoked, Salaam-e-Ishq, Chalte Chalte, Cheeni Kum, Munna Bhai MBBS, Lage Raho Munna, Bhai, Deewar and Namaste London.

The Jaman library has more than 3,000 films online, including leading titles from Arts Alliance America BBC Worldwide, Celluloid Dreams, Fortissimo Films and Trust Films.

About Jaman

Jaman.com is revolutionizing the way people discover, enjoy and share movies all over the world. The company is pioneering entertainment on the Internet by delivering high-definition films to a growing online community of fans and filmmakers.
Viewers around the globe can browse and select from Jaman library of thousands of unique films and then view these movies on their PCs, Macs, televisions and home-set-top boxes.

Jaman's popular community features provide a forum where people around the world can review, discuss and share world-class films with each other. Jaman is based in San Mateo, California and is backed by luminaries in technology and media.
For more information, please visit www.jaman.com.

About Eros International

Eros International plc is the leading global player in the rapidly growing Indian media and entertainment sector. Eros produces, acquires and distributes films globally across all platforms including cinemas, home entertainment, television and new media.

Established in 1977, Eros International has over three decades of market leadership in creating a global platform for Indian cinema. The company operates in over 50 countries with worldwide offices throughout India, the United Kingdom, USA, UAE, Singapore, Australia, Fiji and the Isle of Man. Eros releases 35+ new films globally each year in Hindi, Tamil and English and continues to build upon its unrivalled library of over 1,900 titles.

Global Distribution, Motion Pictures, Music, Home Entertainment, Television, New Media and Animation are the primary Strategic Business Units of Eros. For more information, visit www.erosplc.com.

JamanJenny Michalski, 650-525-3513 Director of Corporate Communicationsjenny@jaman.comFaisal Galaria, 650-525-3542 GM &
VP of Corporate Developmentfgalaria@jaman.com or Eros InternationalMarcus VanniniEVP Business & Corporate Developmentmarcus.vannini@erosintl.com

Business: iTi Corporation appoints VP and General Manager, Japan

Boulder, Colo., (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - imaging Technology international (iTi), a global designer and manufacturer of high precision digital fabrication systems headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, announces the next stage of its international expansion with the appointment of Mr. Toshifumi Komatsu to the new position of Vice President and General Manager, Japan.

Prior to joining iTi, Mr. Komatsu worked for 24 years with IKONICS Corporation, most recently as Vice President for Technology where his duties included global new business development. He was actively involved in developing chemistries and products for the screen printing and digital printing industries. He most recently managed the development of a patent pending process utilizing a high precision flatbed inkjet system to produce mold texturing films. This project has given Mr. Komatsu an intimate understanding of the industrial inkjet market from a user perspective which will bring tremendous value to customers in Japan looking to integrate digital fabrication technology into their industrial processes.

"Japan is a very significant market for iTi and the appointment of Mr. Komatsu is an important step to better support our growing customer base," said R. Bruce Morgan, CEO, iTi. "Mr. Komatsu's strong background in research and development, and his hands-on experience in implementing inkjet in a complex industrial application, will bring great value to customers in Japan who are facing the challenge of implementing digital technologies into their industrial processes."

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to further develop and support iTi's customer base in Japan," said Mr. Komatsu. "I worked closely with iTi using their Lab2Fab concept for application development when I led the project at IKONICS to implement an industrial inkjet system. After 32 years studying and working in the United States, I am looking forward to returning to Japan to share my inkjet integration experience with companies developing digital fabrication technology."

Mr. Komatsu's appointment is effective immediately. He can be contacted at tkomatsu@iticorp.com or at +1.303.551.6322.

About iTi Corp

imaging Technology international Corporation (iTi) is a globally recognized leader in the high precision digital fabrication market. It has a 16 year track record of engineering, developing, and manufacturing industrial inkjet deposition and printing solutions. iTi's Lab2FabSM family of products include a comprehensive range of inkjet development tools, including the Materials Deposition System, Inkjet Web Press and Drop Watcher products, and production systems including the Digital Web Press and the VJET industrial deposition printer. iTi's customers include leading print head suppliers, ink manufacturers, universities, research institutes and Fortune 500 industrial inkjet users.

Information about iTi is available at http://www.iticorp.com or E-mail: Cindy Morgan cmorgan@iticorp.com in the United States or Debbie Thorp dthorp@iticorp.com in Europe.

imaging Technology international Corporation
Web Site: http://www.iticorp.com
HDQS: 8401 Baseline Rd, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
Phone:303-443-1036; FAX: 303-443-6191
e-mail: cmorgan@iticorp.com
St. John's Innovation Centre
Cowley Road, Cambridge, England, CB4 0WS, UK
Phone: +44-1223-422223; FAX: +44-1223-420844
e-mail: dthorp@iticorp.com

SOURCE imaging Technology international Corporation
CONTACT: Toshifumi Komatsu
of imaging Technology international Corporation,
+1-303-551-6322,
tkomatsu@iticorp.com
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh20080518/LASU002
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Web site: http://www.imagingtechnology-corp.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Medical/Technology: Landmark ATHENA Study Findings With Multaq(R)(dronedarone) Show 24% Reduction in Cardiovascular Hosp

Or Death in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

PARIS, May 16 (ANTARA/PRNewswire-AsiaNet)--

Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced today that findings from the landmark ATHENA study showed that Multaq(R) (dronedarone), a potential therapy for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, decreased the risk of cardiovascular hospitalisations or death from any cause by a statistically significant 24% (p=0.00000002), meeting the study's primary endpoint. The ATHENA results will be presented at the late breaking clinical trial session of Heart Rhythm 2008, the Heart Rhythm Society's 29th Annual Scientific Sessions in San Francisco, USA.

For the first time in twenty years of clinical drug trials in atrial fibrillation, an investigational medicine, Multaq(R), showed a significant decrease in the risk of cardiovascular death by 30% (p=0.03) on top of standard therapy, including rate control and antithrombotic drugs, in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Multaq(R) also significantly decreased the risk of arrhythmic death by 45% (p=0.01) and there were numerically fewer deaths (16%) from any cause in the dronedarone group compared to placebo (p=0.17). First cardiovascular hospitalisation was reduced by 25% (p=0.000000009) in the dronedarone group.

"The ATHENA results have the potential to change the face of atrial fibrillation management. For atrial fibrillation patients, who together with their physicians struggle on a daily basis to manage the dramatic consequences of this complex disease, Multaq(R) carries hope for patients" said Marc Cluzel, sanofi-aventis Senior Vice President, R&D. "This milestone is indicative of sanofi-aventis' commitment to bringing innovative therapies to market, and of our ongoing commitment to provide patients, physicians and public health stakeholders with breakthrough medicines in those therapeutic areas where there are major healthcare needs and limited solutions".

Atrial fibrillation is a major cause of hospitalisation and mortality and affects about 2.5 million people in the United States, as well as 4.5 million people in the European Union and is emerging as a growing public health concern due to an aging population. Patients suffering from atrial fibrillation have twice the risk of death, an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular complications, including congestive heart failure. Furthermore atrial fibrillation considerably impairs patients' lives, mainly because of their inability to perform normal daily activities due to complaints of palpitations, chest pain, dyspnoea, fatigue or light headedness, without consideration of the cumbersome and sometime serious constraints imposed by current therapies of atrial fibrillation.

"In atrial fibrillation where treatment morbidity-mortality benefit still needed to be demonstrated, ATHENA is a unique trial using clinically relevant outcomes such as cardiovascular hospitalisation or death as the primary endpoint. In this regard, the trial has clearly achieved these safety and efficacy endpoints," said Dr Stefan H. Hohnloser, J.W. from the Goethe University, Division of Clinical Electrophysiology, Frankfurt, Germany, who served as co-principal investigator of the ATHENA study. "As a consequence, dronedarone is the first safe treatment for atrial fibrillation, which has been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular hospitalisation or mortality in patients with AF" he added.

The most frequently reported adverse events of Multaq(R) vs. placebo in the ATHENA trial were gastro-intestinal effects (26% vs. 22%), skin disorders (10% vs. 8%, mainly rash) and increased blood creatinine (4.7% vs. 1%). The mechanism of blood creatinine increase (inhibition of creatinine secretion at the renal tubular level) is well defined. Compared to placebo, Multaq(R) showed a low risk of pro-arrhythmia and no excess of hospitalisations for congestive heart failure. There was a similar rate of study drug discontinuation between the 2 study groups.

"ATHENA is truly a landmark trial, that marks a paradigm change for the management of atrial fibrillation," said Dr Christopher Cannon, a Senior Investigator in the TIMI Study Group at Brigham and Women's Hospital, who was not involved in the study. "Atrial fibrillation is a very common disease, and our prior treatment options have been focused only on symptom relief and a hope to not do harm, which has been the problem with prior antiarrhythmic drugs. Now, with a highly significant reduction in death or hospitalisation, as well as a 45% reduction in arrhythmic death or 30% cardiovascular death, dronedarone may become a first line treatment of atrial fibrillation".

ATHENA, the largest double blind randomised study in patients with atrial fibrillation, was conducted in more than 550 sites in 37 countries and enrolled a total of 4,628 patients. The landmark ATHENA trial is the first morbidity-mortality study as part of the Multaq(R) phase III clinical development program, which also included five other multinational clinical studies, an initial study, ANDROMEDA, conducted in patients with severe congestive heart failure and a recent decompensation, and a total of 4 international studies in atrial fibrillation: EURIDIS/ADONIS, ERATO, and the ongoing DIONYSOS trial.

Based upon this new clinical data, sanofi-aventis plans to submit a registration dossier to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), and a new drug application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the 3rd quarter of 2008.

About Atrial Fibrillation / Flutter

Atrial fibrillation is a major cause of hospitalisation and mortality and affects about 2.5 million people in the USA and 4.5 million people in the European Union. The Atrial Fibrillation Foundation expects the number of patients with AF to double in the next 20 years. Without appropriate management, atrial fibrillation can lead to serious complications, such as stroke and congestive heart failure.

AF is a condition in which the upper chambers of the heart beat in an uncoordinated and disorganised fashion, resulting in an irregular and fast heart rhythm (i.e. an irregular heartbeat). Atrial flutter is an abnormal fast heart rhythm that occurs in the atria of the heart. This rhythm occurs often in individuals with other heart conditions (e.g. pericarditis, coronary artery disease, and cardiomyopathy). Atrial flutter frequently degenerates to atrial fibrillation. However, it may persist for months to years.

When blood is not completely pumped out of the heart's chambers, it can pool and clot. If a blood clot forms in the atria, it can exit the heart and block an artery in the brain, resulting in a stroke. Consequently, about 15 percent of all strokes result from atrial fibrillation.

The most common symptoms of atrial fibrillation include palpitations (a rapid, irregular, "flopping" movement or pounding sensation in the chest or neck), shortness of breath, dizziness and feeling of heaviness, or constriction in the chest. The disorder may even be more common than diagnosed, as patients may experience atrial fibrillation episodes that either do not cause symptoms or are not documented during their visits to the doctor.

About the ATHENA Study

The landmark ATHENA study is a randomised, placebo controlled, international multi-center study that evaluated for the first time a treatment on top of standard background therapy for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation in reducing morbidity and mortality by preventing cardiovascular hospitalisations or death from any cause. The study included 4,628 patients, which make it the largest ever outcome study of an anti-arrhythmic treatment for atrial fibrillation.

The ATHENA study objectives were to show a potential benefit of Multaq(R) on the primary composite endpoint of all-cause mortality combined with cardiovascular hospitalisation as compared to placebo. The pre-specified secondary endpoints were death from any cause, cardiovascular death and hospitalisation for cardiovascular reasons. The pre-specified safety endpoint was the incidence of treatment emergent adverse events (time of observation for treatment emergent adverse events) including: all adverse events, serious adverse events, adverse events leading to study drug discontinuation.

The atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter patients studied were either 75 years of age or over (with or without cardiovascular risk factor) or were below 75 years of age with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor (hypertension, diabetes, previous cerebrovascular event, left atrium size greater than 50 mm or left ventricular ejection fraction lower than 40 percent). Patients suffering from decompensated heart failure were excluded from the study. Patients were randomised to receive Multaq(R) 400 mg BID or placebo, with a maximum follow-up of 30 months.

The countries which enrolled patients included: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, The Netherlands, Tunisia, Turkey, the UK, the US.

About Multaq(R) (dronedarone)

Dronedarone (brand name Multaq(R)) is an investigational new treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation, which has been discovered and developed by sanofi-aventis for the prevention and treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Dronedarone is a multi-channel blocker that affects calcium, potassium and sodium channels and has anti-adrenergic properties. Dronedarone does not contain the iodine radical and did not show any evidence of thyroid or pulmonary toxicity in clinical trials.

About sanofi-aventis in Cardiology and Thrombosis

Sanofi-aventis' unmatched experience in the treatment of millions of patients suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and thrombosis has uniquely prepared us to take on the growing challenges in these domains. Today, together with academic institutions and healthcare professionals, we are a major contributor in the effort to reduce the public health burden across the broad CVD spectrum and in thrombosis.

Our comprehensive set of innovative therapeutic solutions includes antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents with Plavix(R) and Clexane(R)/Lovenox(R), as well the antihypertensive agent Aprovel(R)/Avapro(R). By listening and responding to the needs of patients and physicians, we constantly seek to improve the safety and efficacy of our products while developing new therapeutic strategies. Our dedication has already helped lay the foundations of modern cardiovascular treatment. In addition to the first-in-class ticlopidine, we pioneered treatment with amiodarone and heparins, therapies rooted in a deep legacy of research experience spanning decades.

Building on our deep foundations of experience and expertise, we are seeking improved treatment efficacy with new ultra-low-weight heparins (AVE5026), with a new reversible, long-acting anticoagulant, potentially better-suited for venous thromboembolism and atrial fibrillation (biotinylated Idraparinux). Our research into atrial fibrillation continues with ground breaking trials like ATHENA with the clinical development of dronedarone (Multaq(R)). We are simultaneously exploring targeted gene therapy (NV1FGF) with the aim of reducing the risk of amputation in patients with critical ischemia of the lower limbs. As we continue to push the frontiers of cardiovascular and thrombosis therapy, we do so with the conviction that the health of patients is our total commitment and our greatest reward.

About sanofi-aventis

Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include product development, product potential projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future events, operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans" and similar expressions. Although sanofi-aventis' management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of sanofi-aventis, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, future clinical data and analysis, including post marketing, decisions by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA or the EMEA, regarding whether and when to approve any drug, device or biological application that may be filed for any such product candidates as well as their decisions regarding labelling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of such products candidates, the absence of guarantee that the products candidates if approved will be commercially successful, the future approval and commercial success of therapeutic alternatives as well as those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by sanofi-aventis, including those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in sanofi-aventis' annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007. Other than as required by applicable law, sanofi-aventis does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.

Contact: Salah Mahyaoui : +33(0)6-73-68-78-88 / email salah.mahyaoui@sanofi-aventis.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Air China allocated large aircraft for disaster relief

Beijing, (ANTARA News/Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Air China adjusted capacity timely according to the relief situation and allocated wide-body aircraft as its best to evacuate stranded passengers in Sichuan province. On May 15, 28 flights departed from Chengdu and other 9 other flights were especially arranged for disaster relief.

Due to the congestion of CTU airport and affected navigation system, Air China adjusted large aircraft including A330 and B777 to transport remaining people. Therefore, total transported passenger volume did not change although the frequency was reduced. Another 9 flights departed from Chongqing collected passengers from Jiuzhaigou.

Passengers who bought Air China's tickets for flights from to Chengdu, Chongqing, Jiuzhaigou, Mianyang, Yibin, Xichang, Panzhihua, Luzhou, Dazhou and Wanxian or interline international flights and who traveled after May 12 could rebook or refund for free. Air China will inform passengers about changes of flight schedule through channels. Air China also suggests passengers call 4008100999 for real-time flight information.

In addition, after receiving special relief tasks on the night of May 14, Air China responded quickly by allocating 9 aircrafts to carry relief troops into Sichuan from Zhengzhou. At the morning of May 15, 3000 relief soldiers were sent to Chengdu on time.

For more information, please contact:

Han Xiao
Marketing Brand Management
Air China
Tel: +86-10-6464-5220
Email: hanxiao@mail.airchina.com.cn
SOURCE Air China

Business: Slowdown in growth rate of flights worldwide

- Volume of airline schedules climbs just 2% for May
- Number of flights increases by 40,000; just half of last month's year on year rise
- US domestic flight volumes down by 23,000 with more than 1.5 million fewer seats
- India and China lead global growth
- Continued growth in low cost sector boosts global figures
- Aircraft orders up by 35%

London, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The world's airlines are scheduled to operate 2% more flights for May 2008 compared with the same month last year.

According to the latest statistics from OAG (Official Airline Guide), the world's authority on flight information, this represents an additional 40,000 flights, which is half as many additional flights as last month's year-on-year figures. Capacity for May is up by 3%, representing an additional 10.1 million seats compared with the same month last year. A month ago the year-on-year rise in capacity was 5%.

The total number of flights scheduled to operate worldwide this month is 2.55 million, offering 306.9 million seats to travelers around the globe. Within this global figure of all scheduled passenger flight operations, the low cost sector shows a 14% increase both in frequency and capacity, with over 54,000 more flights year on year and an extra 8.2 million low cost seats worldwide compared to May 2007. The low cost sector for this month now accounts for 17% of all passenger flights worldwide (up from 16% a year ago) and 22% of all seats (up from 20%).

The United States, often a barometer of global trends, is showing a 3% drop in the total number of domestic flights scheduled this month, representing 22,900 fewer flights and 1.51 million fewer seats. Conversely, the US low cost sector has a 4% increase both in domestic flights and capacity for the month (an additional 6,661 flights and 752,392 seats). Internationally, there is a 3% rise in the total number of all flights to and from the US, including low cost, with a 5% increase in capacity.

The figures are revealed in the latest OAG Aviation Statistics, a regular snapshot of airline activity around the world. Flight information and data solutions company OAG collates data from more than 900 scheduled airlines, on a daily basis, which gives an accurate overview of anticipated travel demand.

Routes and Regional Growth

Most inter-continental routes are showing healthy growth, the largest increases being between Western Europe and the Middle East with flights up by 13% and capacity up by 11%. Madrid, Rome, Doha and Abu Dhabi airports are all showing high percentage increases in planned operations on these routes this month.

Transatlantic operations remain on an upward curve with an 8% increase in both flights and capacity compared with May 2007. On the transatlantic route, London Heathrow is showing the highest increase in operations, with airlines scheduled to operate 1,020 more flights to or from the airport this month (up by 18%) compared with May 2007; this is just under half of all additional transatlantic services and represents 249,570 more seats for flight arrivals and departures combined.

The changing landscape on the New York/London route has changed significantly year-on-year, with 2 airlines no longer operating at all (MAXjet and eos) and four carriers now offering new non-stop services, namely Continental Airlines between Newark and Heathrow; Zoom Airlines between JFK and Gatwick; Delta Air Lines between JFK and Heathrow; and American Airlines between JFK and Stansted.

India and China continue to show year-on-year growth far exceeding the average. For this month, there is a 31% increase in flights to and from India (4,126 extra flights) and a 13% rise in domestic operations (5,610 flights). International flights to and from China (including Hong Kong and Macau) is showing a 10% increase (3,775 extra flights), and there is a 4% rise in domestic operations (6,286 flights).

Other markets showing a strong upward trend in their domestic operations for May 2008 include Canada (up by 12%, or 8,065 more flights); the Russian Federation (up by 29%, or 6,666 more flights); and Brazil (up by 10%, or 4,650 more flights).

Fleet Growth

Aircraft fleet data from OAG reveals there are 40,076 planes operating worldwide this month compared to 38,656 the same time last year, an increase of 3.7%. North America accounts for 36% of the global market with 14,607 aircraft in active service, followed by Europe with 10,649. The regions showing the largest year on year increases are Latin America & Caribbean (7.7%) and Asia Pacific (6.6%).

Globally, there are more than 8,200 aircraft on order this month, a rise of just over 35% compared to this time last year. Asia Pacific accounts for the largest share of new orders with plans for another 2,755 aircraft. The Middle East is showing the largest year on year percentage increase at 145% (458 more aircraft on order than a year ago), followed by Latin America & Caribbean with an increase of 52%, representing 174 more aircraft.

Steve Casley, Chief Operating Officer, OAG, commented:

"Financial burdens caused by economic uncertainties and rising fuel prices are starting to take their toll. For those reasons we have seen a higher than usual number of airlines folded in recent weeks and we are seeing several other carriers looking to restructure, find partners or even consolidate with competitors to ensure their long-term survival.

"Yet, OAG's statistics indicate continued and growing consumer demand for air travel, albeit at a slower rate than previous months, and the airlines are responding with increased capacity in many markets. Airports, too, are reviewing their operations to cope with this demand. So far this year, we've seen at least four major international hubs expand their facilities, namely Singapore Changi T3 in January; Beijing T3 and Shanghai Pudong T2 in March, and Heathrow T5 last month. If you combine this with the 35% increase in aircraft orders, it indicates that despite current financial pressures, the industry as a whole is gearing up its investment for long-term sustainability."

In terms of capacity, the Asia and Europe regions are fast approaching the same levels as North America. For April 08 the volume of seats are 80 million within Asia Pacific and 75 million within Europe, compared with 83 million within North America. Despite this, Asia and Europe both are still some way behind in the number of flights operating within their regions.

OAG publishes a monthly quick reference tool, OAG FACTS (Frequency & Capacity Trend Statistics) which uses interactive graphs to give an overview of the performance of a specific airport, route, country or region from 2001 onwards. For more information, a product demo and subscription details, please visit www.oag.com/go/facts or email customers@oag.com

About OAG (Official Airline Guide)

OAG (www.oagcorporate.com) is a global flight information and data solutions company for the passenger aviation, air cargo logistics and business travel markets. It brings together buyers and sellers of air travel and transport through the management and distribution of airline product information; the supply of corporate travel planning tools; and the promotion of travel and transport products.

The business is underpinned by its data management expertise. It is best known for its airline schedules database which feeds the world's global distribution systems and travel portals and drives the internal systems of many airlines, air traffic control systems, aircraft manufacturers, airport planners and government agencies.

OAG is part of Commonwealth Business Media (www.cbizmedia.com) a wholly owned subsidiary of United Business Media plc (www.unitedbusinessmedia.com).

SOURCE: OAG
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Data on specific countries and key routes and hubs worldwide is available from OAG on request.

CONTACT: Alison Pickering,
Head of Corporate Communications of OAG,
+44(0)1582-695477,
apickering@oag.com
Web site: http://www.oagcorporate.com
http://www.cbizmedia.com
http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com
(UBM.L)

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