GLEIF Defines new Validation Agent Role for Banks & Financial Institutions to Simplify and Accelerate Client Lifecycle Management

 New operating model enables financial institutions to improve customer experience, facilitate digital transformation and reduce client lifecycle management costs by utilizing their ‘business-as-usual’ onboarding processes to obtain LEIs for their clients

BASEL, Switzerland-Wednesday 30 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) has today announced that financial institutions (FIs) worldwide can realize a variety of cost, efficiency and customer experience benefits by assuming a new ‘Validation Agent’ role within the Global LEI System. FIs acting as Validation Agents simplify LEI issuance for their clients, reduce time-to-revenue, and future proof their institutions for digital innovation. The Validation Agent Framework is a new operational model in the Global LEI System.

By leveraging their know-your-customer (KYC), anti-money laundering (AML) and other regulated ‘business-as-usual’ onboarding processes, Validation Agents can now obtain an LEI for their customers when verifying a client’s identity during initial onboarding or during a standard client refresh update. Until now, labor intensive and time consuming legal document and data collection procedures, which are conducted as standard to verify the identity of a client entity within a bank’s onboarding process, have been replicated within the Global LEI System by a Local Operating Unit (LOU), as part of the LEI issuance process.

By becoming Validation Agents, FIs can spare their clients from these duplicative processes and deliver a faster and more convenient customer experience. Validation Agents can also capitalize on additional opportunities to add client value and achieve market differentiation. By expanding their LEI issuance beyond those that require an LEI for financial compliance, a Validation Agent can equip its whole business client base with globally recognized identities, which can be used across borders with any counterparty or supplier around the world.

In addition to these client benefits, the new operating model will allow FIs to enhance their internal data management capabilities and reduce costs. It also paves the way for FIs to expand their usage of the LEI beyond capital markets to encompass all banking business lines, an opportunity anticipated to save the industry U.S.$2-4 billion annually in client onboarding costs alone. Furthermore, widespread usage of the LEI better prepares the FI for the digitization of customer onboarding, payments, transactions, and contract signing. This new level of efficiency created by the Validation Agent role will remove numerous points of redundancy from the LEI issuance process, resulting in a more streamlined Global LEI System which supports GLEIF’s vision for increased voluntary adoption of LEIs by the banking sector across non-regulatory use cases.

The Validation Agent Framework has been introduced following extensive consultation with GLEIF’s Globally Important Financial Institutions (GIFI) Relationship Group, which comprises representatives of large banks, global asset management firms, insurance companies, and other FIs. The group facilitates communication between GLEIF, banks, FIs and other key LEI stakeholders and has given its full support to the Framework.

“GLEIF is committed to supporting the banking industry’s widespread implementation of the LEI beyond mandated requirements,” comments Stephan Wolf, GLEIF CEO. “The Validation Agent role helps financial institutions to improve their operations and enable their customers to more quickly achieve their desired financial transactions. By becoming Validation Agents financial institutions can streamline, accelerate and diversify their use of the LEI, and ensure their autonomy as they look to digitize their business processes. Considering that from a macro level, broader LEI usage and increasing volumes translate into more efficient financial transactions – from digitally signing contracts to financial markets participation – Validation Agents contribute to growth across the entire ecosystem, which will benefit all financial ecosystem stakeholders, as well as the global economy.

“As a next step, GLEIF is actively engaging with the global banking community to support trials of the Validation Agent Framework and to ensure that the Global LEI System continues to meet the sector’s needs. Our LEI issuer network plays an important role in supporting financial institutions to easily connect to the global financial ecosystem. LEI issuers, also known as Local Operating Units (LOUs) bring local knowledge to the Global LEI System and understand the needs of small and mid-sized financial institutions in the jurisdictions in which they operate. Their efforts, combined with GLEIF’s, will undoubtedly generate some interesting pilot projects over the next twelve months, and these will be critical to the advancement of LEI adoption across banking portfolios.”

For more information on the Validation Agent role, please visit the GLEIF website.

Full resolution images and logos can be downloaded via this link

https://www.gleif.org/en/newsroom/gleif-graphics-images

Relevant link

https://www.gleif.org/en

Source:

Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation, St. Alban-Vorstadt 5, 4052 Basel, Switzerland

Chairman of the Board: Steven Joachim, CEO: Stephan Wolf

Commercial-Register-No.: CHE-200.595.965, VAT-No.: CHE-200.595.965MWST

LEI: 506700GE1G29325QX363

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200929005475/en/

Contacts

Elisabeth Dean / Ellie Bokros, iseepr

elisabeth@iseepr.co.uk / ellie@iseepr.co.uk

+44 (0) 113 350 1922

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/gleif-defines-new-validation-agent-role-for-banks-amp-financial-institutions-to-simplify-and-accelerate-client-lifecycle-management/en

Wenatchee Valley College Evaluates IT Environment After Local College Hit with Ransomware

 College Invests in ExaGrid Tiered Backup Storage with Ransomware Recovery

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.-Wednesday 30 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ExaGrid®, the industry’s only Tiered Backup Storage solution, today announced that Wenatchee Valley College switched to an ExaGrid-Veeam solution for superior data protection and to implement a strategy for ransomware recovery.

Wenatchee Valley College enriches North Central Washington by serving educational and cultural needs of communities and residents throughout the service area. The college provides high-quality transfer, liberal arts, professional/technical, basic skills, and continuing education for students of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds. The Wenatchee campus is located near the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains, midway between Seattle and Spokane. The WVC at Omak campus is located near the Canadian border in Omak, about 100 miles north of Wenatchee.

“A college in our system suffered a massive ransomware attack and all of their servers were impacted, including their backup data, so they couldn’t recover anything. We’ve used their experience as a case study to improve on the areas that they were weak on, the root causes of how it happened, when it happened, and what led up to that ransomware - then made changes to our environment and instituted best practices. Now, even if we are impacted, if our VMware environment and our servers are impacted, we know that the ExaGrid data will not be impacted,” said Steve Garcia, the college’s Information Security Officer. “We scrapped our old solution and went with an ExaGrid system and Veeam, which tied in nicely with our VMware infrastructure. The combined solution of ExaGrid and Veeam is amazing! They work very well together. Now that I’ve used the ExaGrid-Veeam solution, I’ve recommended it to colleagues at other community colleges as a solid, reliable solution for any backup infrastructure needs.”

ExaGrid provides Tiered Backup Storage with a front-end disk-cache Landing Zone and separate Retention Tier containing all retention data. Data is written directly to the “network facing” ExaGrid disk-cache Landing Zone, then it is tiered into a “non-network facing” long-term retention repository where it is stored as deduplicated data objects to reduce the storage cost of long-term retention data. ExaGrid’s approach to ransomware is called Retention Time-Lock. It prevents hackers from deleting or encrypting backups in ExaGrid system’s retention tier. ExaGrid has the only non-network-facing tiered backup storage solution (a tiered air gap) with delayed deletes and immutable deduplication objects. This unique approach ensures when a ransomware attack occurs, data can be easily recovered or VMs booted from the ExaGrid Tiered Backup Storage system. Not only can primary storage be restored, but all long-term backup retention data also remains intact after a ransomware attack.

“It offers peace of mind knowing we have a robust backup system, and that if we are attacked by ransomware, we will get our data back and can resume normal operations. We take precautions to make sure when that does happen—I used to say if that happens, but it’s a matter of when now, from my perspective—when that happens, we can recover and we can get our end users back to their day-to-day operations with all their data,” said Garcia.

Read the complete Success Story to learn more about Garcia’s experience using ExaGrid. ExaGrid’s published customer success stories and enterprise stories demonstrate how satisfied customers are with ExaGrid’s unique architectural approach, differentiated product, and unrivaled customer support.

About ExaGrid

ExaGrid provides Tiered Backup Storage with a unique disk-cache Landing Zone, long-term retention repository, and scale-out architecture. ExaGrid’s Landing Zone provides for the fastest backups, restores, and instant VM recoveries. The retention repository offers the lowest cost for long-term retention. ExaGrid’s scale-out architecture includes full appliances and ensures a fixed-length backup window as data grows, eliminating expensive forklift upgrades and product obsolescence. Visit us at exagrid.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. See what our customers have to say about their own ExaGrid experiences and why they now spend significantly less time on backup in our customer success stories.

ExaGrid is a registered trademark of ExaGrid Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200929005145/en/

Contacts

Media:

Kristina O’Connell

ExaGrid

koconnell@exagrid.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/wenatchee-valley-college-evaluates-it-environment-after-local-college-hit-with-ransomware/en

Velodyne Lidar, Inc. and Graf Industrial Corp. Announce Closing of Business Combination

 Trading of Common Stock on Nasdaq to Commence on Wednesday, September 30, 2020

SAN JOSE, Calif. & HOUSTON-Wednesday 30 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Velodyne Lidar, Inc. (“Velodyne”) and Graf Industrial Corp. (“Graf”) jointly announced today that they have closed their previously announced business combination, pursuant to which Velodyne became a wholly owned subsidiary of Graf and Graf changed its name to Velodyne Lidar, Inc. The business combination was approved at a special meeting of Graf’s stockholders held today.

Beginning on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, the common stock and warrants of Velodyne Lidar, Inc., the post-combination company, are expected to begin trading on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbols “VLDR” and “VLDRW,” respectively. Graf’s units, common stock and warrants will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange today.

About Velodyne Lidar, Inc.

Velodyne Lidar is a global leader in lidar technology providing real-time 3D vision for autonomous systems thereby empowering the autonomous revolution by allowing machines to see their surroundings. Its lidar-based smart vision solutions are well known in the automotive industry, but also deployed in many nonautomotive applications, such as last-mile delivery, autonomous mobile robots, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), advanced security systems and smart city initiatives. Velodyne’s website is www.velodyne.com.

About Graf Industrial Corp.

Graf Industrial Corp. was a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination involving Graf Industrial Corp. and one or more businesses.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “plan”, “outlook”, and “project” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. A number of factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those indicated by such forward looking statements, including but not limited to, (1) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with suppliers and customers and obtain adequate supply of products and retain its key employees; (2) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (3) the possibility that Velodyne may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (4) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in filings with the SEC by Velodyne.

Investors are referred to the most recent reports filed with the SEC by Velodyne and Graf. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and Velodyne and Graf undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200929006064/en/

 

Contacts

Velodyne Lidar, Inc.

Andrew Hamer

Chief Financial Officer

InvestorRelations@velodyne.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/velodyne-lidar-inc-and-graf-industrial-corp-announce-closing-of-business-combination/en

SMITHS DETECTION INTRODUCES COMPACT X-RAY SCANNER FOR VERSATILE COMMERCIAL SECURITY APPLICATIONS

 EDGEWOOD, Md.-Wednesday 30 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Smiths Detection announces its newest X-ray inspection system, HI-SCAN 5030C, that addresses a critical gap in commercial security screening solutions with its optimal size, durability and mobility.

Combined with a market-leading HiTraX 3 electronic platform for superior image quality, the HI-SCAN 5030C is specifically designed to enhance security screening operations from courthouses to corporate campuses. Its compact size and lightweight construction enable it to fit seamlessly into checkpoints and mailrooms. Vibration absorbers make it possible to transport HI-SCAN 5030C between various locations without requiring re-calibration, providing maximum flexibility.

The HI-SCAN 5030C is Smiths Detection’s smallest X-ray inspection system and offers a wide variety of options including stainless steel castors, storage compartment, 24” monitor, newly designed keyboard with image manipulation keys, and foldable input/output conveyors. It can be upgraded with add-on software packages for training and detection support.

Matt Clark, Vice President, Technology, Smiths Detection said, “Our mission is to deliver the right solutions to help our customers achieve safety and security no matter what size or scale of their operations. The HI-SCAN 5030C fulfills an important role for a wide range of commercial applications, helping improve security with ease and efficiency. Engineering the HI-SCAN 5030C for mobility further maximizes its utility and versatility, enabling customers to share it or relocate it as required.”

For more information on HI-SCAN 5030C, please visit: https://www.smithsdetection.com/products/hi-scan-5030c/

 

About the HI-SCAN 5030C

Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 5030C X-ray inspection system screens a range of items such as, mail, small packages, and personal belongings at checkpoints and any location within a facility. The system is compact and mobile, which makes it ideal for customers who have space limitations of the need to move the system quickly between multiple locations.

About Smiths Detection

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, defence and urban security markets. Our experience and history across more than 40 years at the frontline, enables us to deliver the solutions needed to protect society from the threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals and narcotics.

Our goal is simple – to provide security, peace of mind and freedom of movement upon which the world depends.

For more information visit http://www.smithsdetection.com/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200929005143/en/

Contacts

Media Contacts:

Dana Knox-Gower, Communications and Marketing - Americas

203-482-6752

dana.gower@smiths-detection.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/smiths-detection-introduces-compact-x-ray-scanner-for-versatile-commercial-security-applications/en

Andersen Global Strengthens Caribbean Presence with Addition of Templar Chambers

 SAN FRANCISCO-Wednesday 30 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Andersen Global enters a Collaboration Agreement with Templar Chambers, one of the largest law firms in Guyana, providing additional coverage for the organization’s Caribbean platform.

The full-service law firm was founded in 2004 and provides legal expertise across a wide spectrum of practice areas including banking and finance, corporate, contract and commercial, energy, mining, oil and gas, real estate, litigation as well as intellectual property. The firm brings in a highly experienced team of four attorneys and seven staff members, providing services to local and international clients doing business in Guyana.

“Our firm is proud of the key role that we play in supporting Guyana’s development by helping new business enterprises grow and international companies enter the Guyanese market,” Office Managing Partner Glenn Hanoman said. “As one of Guyana’s leading commercial and business law firms, we are committed to providing our clients with best-in-class solutions. Our values and vision align strongly with Andersen Global, and we look forward to working together to provide our clients with the most comprehensive, seamless service.”

“The Caribbean is a diverse region and an important market for global business, and it is critical to our success in this region that we collaborate with firms that are committed to stewardship and transparency,” said Andersen Global Chairman and Andersen CEO Mark Vorsatz. “We have ambitious plans to continue our expansion in the region and collaborating with the respected Templar Chambers team further strengthens an already solid Caribbean platform.”

Andersen Global is an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax and legal professionals around the world. Established in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global now has more than 6,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 203 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200929005227/en/

Contacts

Megan Tsuei

Andersen Global

415-764-2700

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/andersen-global-strengthens-caribbean-presence-with-addition-of-templar-chambers/en

Pierre Choueiri: “We’re proud of the mutual trust, record growth and shared successes with MBC Group, over 16 years. New partnerships with top industry players in perspective.”

  Tackling the non-renewal of the partnership between MBC Group and AMS FZ LLC after nearly 16 years of sustained commercial growth…



Dubai, United Arab Emirates-Tuesday 29 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

In his first comments on the non-renewal of the strategic commercial partnership between MBC Group AMS FZ LLC – “Arabian Media Services”, the Chairman and CEO of Choueiri Group, Pierre Choueiri said: “We are proud of the mutual trust, record growth and shared successes with MBC Group, over nearly 16 years of sustained growth, across all MBC channels, platforms and offerings.” Choueiri further added:” Initiated in 2005, our partnership comes to an end on December 31, 2020. Our journey has been paved with challenges, opportunities, great achievements and tangible results. We obviously have a lot of gratitude and appreciation to MBC.”  

Commenting on this multi-year partnership, Choueiri continued by saying that: “Our key objectives have always been to grow the Advertising market in MENA, drive innovation, increase investments and consumption activity, create jobs and instill measurability, up to international standards. Clearly, representing MBC Group and partnering with the region’s top Advertisers and Ad/Media Buying Agencies were privileges that have helped us achieve most of these outlined objectives, while stabilizing and growing the regional Advertising market, especially in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, among others.”

In terms of results, Choueiri highlighted the fact that: “MBC Group’s Advertising revenues witnessed sustained exponential, record growth during our multi-year partnership, consistently exceeding the TV Advertising market performance. Basically, this growth – coupled with MBC’s unique know-how - enabled millions of individuals in MENA, over the years, to experience the best multi-media, family entertainment offerings and to enjoy premium TV and Digital content that’s world-class.”

Going forward, Choueiri said that his group is: “Optimistic, or rather bullish about the future, especially in light of the sharp “Vision 2030” in KSA. We are currently assessing new partnerships with top industry players across the advertising, media and entertainment spectrum; and we are investing in state-of-the-art technologies, with a primary focus on data and analytics.”

Finally, Choueiri concluded: “We are committed to further growing the industry and to moving it forward, while trying to energize the consumption activity; create more jobs and opportunities for Arab youth; and instill global best practices.”

“Messages of respect, gratitude and appreciation”

In the same context, Pierre Choueiri - in his personal capacity; and on behalf of Choueiri Group business partners, directors and CG team members - extended what he described as "messages of respect, gratitude and appreciation" to the "Dream Team" at MBC Group, represented by its visionary leader-founder; senior management and top executives; and all team members. Choueiri went on to ascertain that this partnership has always been marked by trust, mutual respect, professionalism and stellar performance.

These messages of respect, gratitude and appreciation go out from Pierre Choueiri to: Sheikh Waleed Al-Ibrahim (Chairman, MBC Group); Ali Al-Hedeithy (Group General Manager); Sam Barnett (Former Group CEO over 18 years); John Whitehead (Group Legal Counsel); as well as Abdul Rahman AlRashed, H.E. Adel Al-Toraifi, H.E. Turki Al-Dakhil; Mamdouh Al-Muhaini; Matar Al-Ahmadi; Nakhlé El-Hage, Dr. Nabil Khatib; Jamil El-Hage; Faisal Abbas… in addition to:  Dawood Alshirian, Mohammed Altunisi; Ali Jaber, Mohamed Abdel-Motaal, Samar Akrouk, Mazen Hayek, Fadel Zahreddine, Sharif Badreddine, amongst many others. Finally, Choueiri concluded by wishing Mark Antoine D’Halluin, MBC Group’s new CEO, a successful journey ahead.

About Choueiri Group

As the leading media representation group in the Middle East, Choueiri Group is a company built from the ground up over the past forty plus years. Today, the Group’s companies' market and manage the advertising space of 6 satellite and 1 terrestrial television stations, 10 print titles, 10 radio stations, 40+ web portals along with their apps and the largest network of outdoor signs in the GCC. Choueiri Group operates in ten markets covering the MENA region, Europe and Japan and ensures the best support for its regional and international clients through its extensive network of thirteen subsidiaries, 3 representative offices and more than 700 committed executives.

Contacts

Walid YARED

CMO

Choueiri Group

+971 554542642

wyared.mr@choueirigroup.com



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PMI to Address Equality & Transformation During Upcoming International Events

 LAUSANNE, Switzerland-Tuesday 29 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE: PM) today announced its participation in several global forums focused on equality in the workplace. Members of PMI’s Senior Management Team—including Chief Diversity Officer Silke Muenster—will detail the steps PMI is taking to further diversify its workplace and explain how fostering a culture built on broader perspectives increases creativity and productivity, ultimately driving innovation and consumer-centricity.

Events include:

- Sept. 30: Marian Salzman, senior vice president, global communications, will address The Hill’s “Century of the Woman,” an event bringing together remarkable women leaders and decision-makers to discuss progress toward equality and the barriers that remain today.

- Oct. 1: Silke Muenster and Marian Salzman will participate in the Financial Times LIVE “Accelerating Equality” digital conference to mark the 25th anniversary of the UN Conference on Women. Thought leaders and international experts in gender equality will convene to discuss what policymakers, businesses, and civil society can do to accelerate progress on gender diversity and equality.

- Oct. 8: Silke Muenster will join the Financial Times LIVE “Women at the Top UK” digital conference in a panel titled “How to be an inclusive leader,” discussing how to lead teams to adopt more inclusive behaviors and strategies.

- Nov. 16-20: Michael Voegele, chief technology officer, will speak at this year’s Women in Technology World Series virtual event about PMI’s business and IT transformation and the range of equal opportunities for talent in tech to accelerate progress toward a smoke-free future.

- Nov. 19: Marian Salzman will join the Financial Times LIVE “Women at the Top USA” digital conference in a panel discussing “The future of work—and why it matters for equality.” The conversation will feature implications of the pandemic and how it will transform the way we connect at work.

To find out more about Inclusion & Diversity at PMI, click here.

Philip Morris International: Delivering a Smoke-Free Future

Philip Morris International (PMI) is leading a transformation in the tobacco industry to create a smoke-free future and ultimately replace cigarettes with smoke-free products to the benefit of adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, society, the company, and its shareholders. PMI is a leading international tobacco company engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, as well as smoke-free products and associated electronic devices and accessories, and other nicotine-containing products in markets outside the United States. PMI ships a version of its smoke-free devices and consumables authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to Altria Group, Inc. for sale in the United States under license. PMI is building a future on a new category of smoke-free products that, while not risk-free, are a much better choice than continuing to smoke. Through multidisciplinary capabilities in product development, state-of-the-art facilities, and scientific substantiation, PMI aims to ensure that its smoke-free products meet adult consumer preferences and rigorous regulatory requirements. For more information, please visit www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com.

# # #

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200929005799/en/

MILAN AIRPORTS MALPENSA & LINATE FIRST IN ITALY TO DEPLOY ECAC STANDARD 3 CABIN BAGGAGE SCREENING SYSTEMS WITH SMITHS DETECTION

  Smiths Detection partners the SEA Group to support Milan in meeting the aviation industry’s highest standards

MILAN-Tuesday 29 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Smiths Detection today announced that it has been awarded a contract by SEA Group to support the upgrade of Malpensa and Linate Airports, two of the three international airports in Milan, to the highest security standard for cabin baggage in the industry - ECAC EDS CB C3. As part of the implementation, up to 18 advanced Computed Tomography (CT) screening systems — HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX — will be installed at Milano Malpensa Airport Terminal 1 along with up to 10 more at Milano Linate Airport.

Besides providing advanced explosives detection with low false alarm rates, the CT technology allows electronic devices and liquids to remain in bags. SEA Group also selected Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX carry-on baggage scanners to help protect the health of travellers by reducing the number of trays required during security screening and minimising points of contact at security lanes.

“As key gateways to the rest of the world for Milan, our priority for Malpensa and Linate airports is to provide passengers with the highest standards of security, including taking the precautions to safeguard health. With CT technology and high-resolution 3D images, their security officers will be able to make quick and accurate assessments, speeding up security checks to ease any crowding and allow travellers to maximise their safe distance from others at the security lanes,” said Smiths Detection Vice President Europe and Africa, Tony Tielen.

The multi-phase installation will begin in the third quarter of 2020 and is projected to close by end 2021. The first four CTiX units will be installed and put into operation in Linate Airport by the end of October 2020.

This contract also comes with a Full Risk service, comprising of preventive and corrective maintenance.

Besides ECAC EDS CB C3 approval, the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX has also achieved the highest level of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) AT-2 certification.

About Smiths Detection

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, defence and urban security. Our experience and history across more than 40 years at the frontline, enables us to deliver the solutions needed to protect society from the threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals and narcotics.

Our goal is simple – to provide security, peace of mind and freedom of movement upon which the world depends.

For more information visit www.smithsdetection.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200928005224/en/

Contacts

Terri Teo
Edelman on behalf of Smiths Detection
SmithsDetectionRHQ@edelman.com

Sophie Mills
Global Communications Manager
sophie.mills@smithsdetection.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/milan-airports-malpensa-amp-linate-first-in-italy-to-deploy-ecac-standard-3-cabin-baggage-screening-systems-with-smiths-detection/en

“Japanese Cuisine and Food Culture Human Resource Development Program 2020” (Tokyo Japan) Now Accepting Applications for Online Participants

 TOKYO-Wednesday 30 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Applications are now being accepted for a training program on Japanese cuisine for non-Japanese chefs who are serious about studying Japanese cuisine, officially supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan.

We are now accepting applications for an online training program to acquire correct knowledge and skills in Japanese cuisine and food culture. Study under a curriculum taught by first-class chefs in your own country. It’s a great opportunity to learn techniques in authentic Japanese cuisine and obtain official certification by the Japanese government in a short period of time.

Application Deadline: Oct. 30, 2020

E-learning Course: Oct. 19 - Nov. 30, 2020

Real-time Online Course (selected participants only): Dec. 1, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021

(Dates are Japan standard time)

Participate by watching videos of top chefs*1 supervised by the Japanese Culinary Academy*2 free of charge! Study the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine via videos and textbooks.

During the program, trainers from the prestigious Kyoto Culinary Art College*3 (partnership school of the Japanese Culinary Academy) will be available to attentively answer participants’ questions.

Those who complete the e-learning course can take the exam for Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries, Bronze*4 established by MAFF.

If you have internet connection that enables you to watch the online training videos, you can participate whenever you like.

All participants will be provided a Japanese kitchen knife, whetstone, and textbook needed for the program (participants must provide their own ingredients).

Participants who demonstrate outstanding performance in the e-learning course will be able to join a special real-time face-to-face online course taught by a master chef. Those who complete this course will also be given additional materials to acquire more advanced skills and knowledge.

The aim of this program is to provide participants with correct knowledge and skills in Japanese cuisine, so they can spread the magnificence of Japanese food, food culture, and Japan-produced ingredients around the globe.

List of chefs supporting the program:

YOSHIHIRO MURATA (Kikunoi)

MASAHIRO KURISU (Tankuma Kitamise)

HIROSHI SASAKI (Gion Sasaki)

TAKASHI TAMURA (Tsukiji Tamura)

MAMORU SUGIYAMA (Ginza Sushiko Honten)

MASAYOSHI KAZATO (Sakae Sushi)

MOTOKAZU NAKAMURA (Issisoden-Nakamura)

SHIGEO ARAKI (Uosaburo)

AKIO SAITO (Shichijyuniko)

MOTOI KURISU (Arashiyama Kumahiko)

TAKUJI TAKAHASHI (Kinobu)

SHINICHIRO TAKAGI (Zeniya)

YOJI SATAKE (Takeshigero: Minokichi Main Restaurant)

KIMIO NONAGA (Nihonbashi Yukari)

HARUYUKI TAKADA (Takada Hassho)

HIROTOSHI OGAWA (WSSI (World Sushi Skills Institute))

NAOYUKI YANAGIHARA (Kinsaryu-Shika, Yanagihara School of Traditional Japanese Cuisine)

RYOHEI HAYASHI (Tenoshima)

Supervisor:

MASAHIRO NAKATA (President of Taiwa Gakuen Kyoto Culinary Art College)

Note:

This program is organized by the Japanese Cuisine and Food Culture Human Resource Development Committee (JCDC), with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan.

*1. The program will be supervised by master chefs from famous restaurants, including Mr. Yoshihiro Murata of Kikunoi in Kyoto, one of the most well-known restaurants in Japan.

*2. NPO that promotes global understanding of Japanese cuisine, holds training programs, conducts research, and more.

https://culinary-academy.jp/english

*3. Prestigious culinary school boasting 90 years of history and tradition that has produced many famous chefs in Japanese cuisine.

https://sites.google.com/st.taiwa.ac.jp/eng/kyocyo?authuser=0

*4. A certification program established to certify non-Japanese chefs of Japanese cuisine who have gained correct knowledge and skills in Japanese cuisine in accordance with the guidelines established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

https://www.maff.go.jp/j/shokusan/syokubun/pdf/chori_o_e.pdf

Eligibility to Participate in the Program

Applicants must:

Have internet connection that enables them to watch the online training videos.

Have a place where they can practice kitchen knife techniques (cutting vegetables and filleting fish).

Be a non-Japanese national (non-Japanese nationals residing in Japan are also eligible).

Be 18 or older at the time of the start of the program.

Have the ability to speak (at a conversational level or above), read, and write English or Japanese.

Be able to cover costs that incur during the program for things other than those stated in Covered Costs below.

Have basic culinary skills and a strong will and desire to actively learn about Japanese food and food culture.

Covered Costs

Tuition for the training program

Basic Japanese cuisine set needed for the program: textbook, Japanese kitchen knife (usuba hocho), whetstone, etc.

Note: Participants must pay any telecommunication costs involved in participating in the program. Participants must pay for any other ingredients and materials needed during the program besides those provided above.

Other

The collaboration tool Lark will be used for the program, so participants will need to install the application.

https://www.larksuite.com/

Schedule (All times are in Japanese Standard Time. The current schedule is subject to change.)

1. Application period

(Until Friday, October 30, 2020, 23:59)

Submit the following documents to nihonshoku@tow.co.jp before 23:59 on Friday, October 30, 2020:

Application form, photograph of face

Copy of an official government-issued ID such as a passport

2. Notification of results

(From the time the application documents arrive until Monday, November 2, 2020, 23:59)

Application documents will be reviewed in the order they arrive, and you will be contacted about the results.

3. Agreement ~ Online training system setup, shipment of basic set

(From the time of completion of the agreement until Monday, November 30, 2020, 23:59)

Sign pledge

Once you have signed the pledge, you will be officially accepted as a participant.

4. E-learning course and tests

(From the time of completion of the agreement until Monday, November 30, 2020, 23:59)

A training course (lesson 0-10) based on an e-learning curriculum created in line with the Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries, Bronze established by MAFF. A test will be given after each lesson.

5. Bronze certification exam

(From the time of completion of the agreement until Monday, November 30, 2020, 23:59)

Exam for the Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries, Bronze established by MAFF. Those who pass the exam will be registered as Bronze certified chefs and will receive a Bronze Certificate.

6. Real-time face-to-face online course by master chef for outstanding performers

(Tuesday, December 1, 2020 to Sunday, February 14, 2021, 23:59)

Real-time face-to-face online course taught by a master chef held in a small group, which only those who were specially selected for their outstanding performance in the above e-learning course can participate. While the e-learning course covered one of the five basic techniques for Japanese cuisine (goho or “five methods”), that of “cutting/peeling,” participants in this course will acquire more practical skills and know-how while making actual dishes using not only cutting/peeling technique but also the other basic techniques of simmering, grilling, steaming, and frying.

7. Final exam, and shipment of Certificate of Completion and materials

(Until Sunday, February 28, 2021, 23:59)

One-on-one online exam with a master chef to confirm understanding of what was taught in the real-time face-to-face online course. Those who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and materials to enable more in-depth study of and further their dedication in Japanese cuisine.

Application documents will be reviewed in the order they arrive, and you will be contacted about the results. After that, you can start the program once you have signed the pledge, so the sooner you apply and are accepted, the longer you can participate.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200929005401/en/

Contacts

Direct inquiries to the email address below.

(Contact people: Yayoi Makino and Aya Hamasuna)

Japanese Cuisine and Food Culture Human Resource Development Committee

nihonshoku@tow.co.jp

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Sintavia Acquires Two Additional M400-4 Printers from EOS GmbH

 Acquisition brings company’s total number of industrial metal printers to twenty-one

HOLLYWOOD, Fla.-Tuesday 29 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sintavia, LLC, the leading Tier One additive manufacturer supporting the Aerospace, Defense, & Space industry, announced today that it had acquired two additional M400-4 quad laser printers from EOS GmbH of Krailling, Germany. The printers, which were delivered in September 2020, represent the seventh and eighth M400 printers operated by the company, as well as the 20th and 21st industrial printers it owns overall. The purchases follow Sintavia’s announcement in July of its acquisition of an additional Arcam Q20+ electron beam printer from GE Additive.

 “As we have grown over the past several years, we have shied away from issuing press releases when we acquire new equipment. In a normal year, these announcements are kind of boring. However, this is an unusual year, and we feel it is important to let the industry know that demand for aerospace additive manufacturing is booming,” said Brian Neff, Sintavia’s CEO. “The global pandemic has turned the traditional aerospace supply chain on its head, creating real opportunities for companies like Sintavia to offer high precision solutions to OEMs worldwide, and this trend underpins our announcement today. The EOS M400-4 is the workhorse of our factory, and we continue to see great results with it.”

The company stated that it expects to add an additional 6-8 large, industrial printers by the end of 2021, and 8-10 in 2022.

About Sintavia

Sintavia is the global leader in applied additive manufacturing for the Aerospace, Defense, & Space industry. With high-speed printers co-located alongside precision post processing equipment, a full complement of mechanical testing equipment, and a full metallurgical and powder laboratory, Sintavia is able to optimize parameters, serially manufacture, and audit quality parts for aerospace applications. A founding member of the Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association, Sintavia is committed to the highest quality standards in the industry and holds multiple Nadcap and other aerospace accreditations. For more information visit http://www.sintavia.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200929005046/en/

Contacts

Sintavia, LLC

Lindsay Lewis, Marketing Manager

+1 954.474.7800

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/sintavia-acquires-two-additional-m400-4-printers-from-eos-gmbh/en

PCI Pharma Services Introduces First-of-its-Kind Digital Platform to Provide Clients with Real-Time Supply Chain Data and Analytics

 pci | bridge launch is part of larger three-year corporate digital transformation strategy



PHILADELPHIA-Tuesday 29 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PCI Pharma Services (PCI), a leading pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical global outsourcing solutions provider today announced the launch of pci | bridge, an innovative digital platform that will give customers immediate visibility into their clinical and commercial supply chain, and provide instantaneous data and insights to inform decision-making. Created using an agile development process whereby key clients collaborated and provided input, PCI built an industry-leading digital interface that delivers greater transparency to clients – saving time and resources to ultimately help bring life-changing therapies to patients faster. The launch of pci | bridge is one of many initiatives that PCI has undertaken to incorporate digital transformation as core to its business strategy.

 “At PCI, we are always looking to the future and could see the potential that technology and digital systems held for the pharmaceutical supply chain industry,” said Salim Haffar, Chief Executive Officer, PCI Pharma Services. “Twelve months ago, we made the deliberate decision as an organization to invest more in this area, with the goal of enhancing client experiences, digitizing business processes and aligning our IT to scale as we grow. The launch of pci | bridge represents a key milestone achievement in our digital transformation journey. We believe our unique offering will simplify how our clients interact with us and create a leading-edge client experience.”

A direct connection between PCI and clients, the platform will make real-time information readily accessible to clients including inventory, production, distribution and shipping data, presented in organized, customizable formats. The platform also features a document repository where electronic paperwork can be stored and accessed in one place, and signatures secured on the platform.

“Having a fully functioning supply chain, whose foundation is built on digitally-enabled capabilities and technologies, means we can be more adept at moving resources, assets and inventory – quickly and effectively,” said Wayne Hull, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, PCI Pharma Services. “We are embracing new technologies at PCI because they improve client experiences, give greater visibility into the supply chain, and provide data insights to optimize efficiencies and mitigate risks.”

The technology behind pci | bridge will closely and very securely integrate PCI’s systems with those of clients so that the supply chain can be easily managed by both parties. One significant advantage is removing manual processes that are often time intensive for both sides.

“Seeking input from multiple customers to understand how we hope to use the platform and previewing iterations with us is invaluable in terms of structuring the tool so it can actually be helpful to our work,” said Wendy Xia, Senior Director, Head of Supply Chain at Agios Pharmaceuticals, a key PCI client who collaborated with the company on pci | bridge. “I am very excited about my team using pci | bridge because I think it will greatly increase productivity and efficiency on both ends.”

“The benefits I see of using pci | bridge is that is that it eliminates the need for clients to constantly reach out to the project teams for updates. Now, we will have that information at our fingertips and can instead focus on the bigger picture with PCI, such as what’s coming next,” added Kevin Gregorczyk, Director, Development Operations at eFFECTOR Therapeutics, another key PCI client who participated in the development process.

Post-launch, PCI will continue to evolve and update pci | bridge features to meet client needs.

To learn more about pci | bridge, click here.

About PCI Pharma Services

The global healthcare industry trusts PCI for the drug development solutions that increase their products’ speed to market and opportunities for commercial success. Only PCI brings the proven experience that comes with more than 50 successful product launches a year and over five decades in the healthcare business. Leading technology and continued investment enable us to address global development needs throughout the product life cycle — from Phase I Clinical trials through commercialization and ongoing supply. Our clients view us as an extension of their business and a collaborative partner, with the shared goal of improving patients’ lives. For more information, please visit www.pci.com or follow us on Twitter at @PCI_Social.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200928005059/en/

Contacts

Bailey Watroba, WE Communications
bwatroba@we-worldwide.com / +1-617-234-4110

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/pci-pharma-services-introduces-first-of-its-kind-digital-platform-to-provide-clients-with-real-time-supply-chain-data-and-analytics/en

ACI Worldwide and Mastercard to Collaborate and Advance New Payment Solutions and Experiences for Customers

 ACI and Mastercard will begin their collaboration by working together to offer industry-leading technology and expertise to central banks, scheme operators and market participants to fast-track the migration and modernization of real-time payment solutions around the world



NAPLES, Fla. & PURCHASE, N.Y.-Tuesday 29 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW), a leading global provider of real-time digital payment software and solutions, and Mastercard, the global multi-rail payments technology company, today announced that they will partner to provide a wide range of real-time payment solutions globally. They will initially collaborate to offer best-in-class central infrastructure, payments localization and access solutions to central banks, scheme operators, financial institutions, payment service providers, and other organizations launching real-time payments initiatives.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200929005265/en/

The real-time account-to-account payments market continues to quickly expand. Prime Time for Real-Time — a recent study analyzing global real-time, account-to-account payment volumes and forecasts across 30 global markets — projects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.4 percent from 2019 to 2024. While existing schemes around the world are adding new participants and value-added services, additional country and regional schemes are launching each year, including more than 20 schemes in varying planning stages.

With a complementary real-time payments vision, the combination of Mastercard’s central infrastructure and ACI’s payments access and real-time message transformation technology delivers an unmatched end-to-end offering. The new joint solution delivers key benefits including:

    Flexible deployment options — Mastercard and ACI collaboration provides deployment options that range from a fully managed service in the cloud, to supporting on-premise software for government, central bank and system operator-owned platforms
    Ability to support existing local market requirements — the joint solution reduces the amount of time to onboard participants and provides flexibility to accelerate real-time adoption
    ISO20022-first approach — joint real-time capabilities support organizations today and tomorrow, and provide translation to and from existing standards
    Digital services — further capabilities to support new digital services such as request to pay, proxy services and biller services
    Global proposition, local expertise —Mastercard and ACI collaboration brings together global reach, international experience and the local market knowledge

“With more countries and regions embarking on the modernization of their payments systems to capitalize on real-time technologies and customer demand, the market opportunity is significant,” said Paul Stoddart, President of New Payment Platforms, Mastercard. “Working together with ACI, we will explore a wide range of opportunities to accelerate the development and usage of real-time and multi-channel payment platforms, driving choice and innovation to market participants and end customers.”

“Mastercard and ACI share an extensive and complementary track record of real-time payments success — driving global central infrastructure clearing and settlement schemes, and this partnership creates the most robust and complete set of real-time capabilities in the market today,” said Craig Saks, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, ACI Worldwide. “Our companies are the leaders in real-time payments and aligning on an end-to-end solution will provide great benefit not only to banks and central infrastructures, but to merchants, billers, fintechs and intermediaries — and their customers — as well.”

Mastercard is a leading provider of account-to-account and card payments technology globally, with markets including the US, UK and Singapore as real-time payment infrastructure customers. ACI currently supports 18 real-time domestic schemes around the world, including Zelle and TCH in the US. Approximately 50 percent of the UK’s Faster Payments (UKFP) and 75 percent of Hungary’s GIRO transactions are processed through UP Immediate Payments. The solution is also the core processing infrastructure for Malaysia’s Real-Time Retail Payments Platform (RPP), and STET’s real-time payments platform for PSPs in Europe. Additionally, ACI has customers using UP Immediate Payments to access Singapore FAST and the Australian NPP (New Payments Platform).

About ACI Worldwide

ACI Worldwide powers digital payments for more than 6,000 organizations around the world. More than 1,000 of the largest financial institutions and intermediaries, as well as thousands of global merchants, rely on ACI to execute $14 trillion each day in payments and securities. In addition, myriad organizations utilize our bill presentment and payment services. Through our comprehensive suite of software solutions delivered on customers’ premises, through the public cloud or through ACI’s private cloud, we provide real-time payment capabilities and enable the industry’s most complete omni-channel payments experience. To learn more about ACI, please visit www.aciworldwide.com. You can also find us on Twitter @ACI_Worldwide.

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA) www.mastercard.com

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

© Copyright ACI Worldwide, Inc. 2020
ACI, ACI Worldwide, ACI Payments, Inc., ACI Pay, Speedpay and all ACI product/solution names are trademarks or registered trademarks of ACI Worldwide, Inc., or one of its subsidiaries, in the United States, other countries or both. Other parties’ trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners.

Product roadmaps are for informational purposes only and may not be incorporated into a contract or agreement. The development release and timing of future product releases remains at ACI’s sole discretion. ACI is providing the following information in accordance with ACI's standard product communication policies. Any resulting features, functionality, and enhancements or timing of release of such features, functionality, and enhancements are at the sole discretion of ACI and may be modified without notice. All product roadmap or other similar information does not represent a commitment to deliver any material, code, or functionality, and should not be relied upon in making a purchasing decision.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200929005265/en/

Contacts

ACI
Dan Ring
dan.ring@aciworldwide.com
781-370-3600

Mastercard
James Thorpe
James.Thorpe@mastercard.com
+44 20 7557 5430

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/aci-worldwide-and-mastercard-to-collaborate-and-advance-new-payment-solutions-and-experiences-for-customers/en

Rimini Street Celebrates 15 Years of Delivering Client Success

 Company’s award-winning support model delivered to more than 3,500 clients to date, enabling savings of nearly $5 billion in total maintenance costs



LAS VEGAS-Tuesday 29 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), a global provider of business software products and services, the leading third-party support provider for Oracle and SAP software products and a Salesforce partner, today announced that September marks the 15th anniversary of the Company’s founding in 2005 to redefine the enterprise software support market. The Company set out to deliver a premium, ultra-responsive support model, and bring choice and value to software licensees around the world. Since its inception, Rimini Street has continually set the premium standard on what Oracle and SAP licensees should expect from their support experience. The Company is responsible for delivering a long history of innovative “firsts” for the enterprise software support market, including guaranteed ultra-responsive SLA’s, support for customizations at no additional cost, support for at least 15 years without required upgrades or updates and saving clients nearly $5 billion in total maintenance and support costs.

15 Years of Innovation and Client Success

Rimini Street entered the market in 2005 offering a disruptive 50% savings compared to the software vendor’s annual support fee and a better, more comprehensive support model. In addition to receiving a premium support experience, every Rimini Street client is guaranteed support on their current platform for a minimum of 15 years from the time that they switched support providers, regardless of the software release they are currently running. Software licensees are no longer required to implement updates, upgrade their system, or perform a full migration to a new platform to be able to receive full support. Unneeded upgrades and migrations are a time-consuming, costly and highly disruptive process and switching to Rimini Street improves the operational efficiencies of both the enterprise software system and the IT organization, allowing the client’s internal support teams to focus on priority projects that support competitive advantage and growth.

To date, the Company has helped more than 3,500 clients solve their enterprise software roadmap and support challenges, enabling them to save up to 90% in total maintenance costs and giving them funding for their business transformation needs. Rimini Street has helped IT departments across the globe become valuable, strategic partners to their business, rather than be viewed as a cost center.

“We switched our enterprise software support to Rimini Street in 2015 and have not looked back. The Company has closely partnered with our organization, and on more than one occasion delivered on our needs beyond what we were expecting,” said Ron Abreu, director, Global IT, SWM International. “The combination of their responsive service and cost savings was important to us. To date we have been able to extend the life expectancy of our legacy systems and reduce our total cost of ownership. Switching to Rimini Street Support was an important part of this success.”

People, Process and Technology Innovation Drive Award-Winning Support Model

Rimini Street’s unique, award-winning enterprise software support model puts its highly experienced engineers, with an average of 15 years’ experience in the client’s specific software system, on the front lines with clients ensuring a personalized, ultra-responsive approach to all support cases. The Company fosters a client-obsessed culture which prioritizes client-centric KPIs to ensure that everyone across the service delivery organization is working together toward a common goal. Rimini Street continues to regularly achieve an average client satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5.0, where 5.0 is “excellent,” and in the second quarter of 2020, the Company delivered more than 104,000 case update communications to its clients on time. In addition, Rimini Street was the first third-party support provider to deliver SLAs based on client update communications, as well as for response times. Recently the Company further enhanced its industry-leading SLA for all clients with a 10-minute guaranteed response time for critical Priority 1 cases and a 15-minute response time for all Priority 2 cases.

“Our experience with Rimini Street over the seven plus years of our support partnership has been their continual commitment to going above and beyond to deliver value back to our organization – something that we never experienced with the original software vendor,” said Dennis Ratliff, IT Applications/Development, Viking Range. “Not only have we been a client for the last seven years, but we have also had the same Primary Support Engineer during this time, and we appreciate the longevity and personal connection we have established with the Company as a result. In addition, we have saved numerous IT personnel hours over the years courtesy of our Rimini Street support team who are dedicated to helping us find a solution, even when the issue is not part of our ERP system. They are truly a trusted advisor and partner.”

Rimini Street has won numerous industry awards for delivering excellence and innovation in customer service – 24 awards for customer service in 2019 alone – largely due to its combined approach of putting proven, experienced engineers on the front lines, its strength in processes that are also ISO 9001 and ISO 27001-compliant, and the Company’s patented and patent pending purpose-built support solutions and technologies. The Company recently won two awards for innovation and achievement in customer success with its patent pending Rimini Street Artificial Intelligence Support Applications (AI Applications), which has already reduced software case resolution time for clients by 23%. The AI Applications are a result of the Company’s continued investment in optimizing support processes and ensuring global service delivery outcomes at scale.

Building Trusted Partnerships

All Rimini Street clients benefit from an assigned senior Primary Support Engineer (PSE), who is backed by a team of functional and technical experts that form specialized teams as needed to resolve complex client cases, available to the client 24/7/365. The Company has nearly 700 professionals in its Global Service Delivery organization, based in 17 countries serving clients around the world, including 200 full-time employees on its Tax, Legal and Regulatory Compliance team. Support engineers have specific application and technology experience that enables the Company to overlap skillsets to ensure optimal, global resource assignments.

Third-Party Enterprise Software Support Market is Now Mainstream

According to a Gartner research note, the third-party enterprise software support market is expected to grow from $351 million in 2019 to $1.05 billion by 2023 – a 200% increase.1 And according to a recent Valoir report, “The third-party support market is becoming mainstream. What was once considered a cost-cutting tactic for IT leaders has become a strategic tool for effective application IT portfolio management, enabling companies to reduce risk and support greater innovation.”2 Rimini Street is the leader in the third-party enterprise software support space with more than an 80% worldwide market share, as evidenced by the Company’s 2019 fiscal year revenue of $281.1 million in comparison to Gartner’s total revenue of $351 million market in 2019, and its active and to date client count, number of full-time employees and breadth of product support portfolio. The Valoir report also cites Rimini Street’s depth of knowledge about SAP and Oracle applications, modules and databases as well as its expertise in tax, legal and regulatory updates, and a large, global engineering team that can work a case 24/7/365 with its “Follow the Sun” support model.

The Rimini Street Foundation

In 2015, Rimini Street launched the Rimini Street Foundation, a reflection of the values, hearts and passion of the Company and its employees. A program funded entirely by Rimini Street, the Foundation shares Rimini Street’s success with charitable organizations around the world via financial donations, employee volunteer hours and/or donations in kind. The program mantra is “The More we Grow, the More we Can Give” and to date, the Foundation has provided financial aid to more than 100 charities across six continents and contributed thousands of employee volunteer hours.

“When we founded Rimini Street, it was with a single mission in mind – to redefine the enterprise software support industry by delivering a higher quality, better value option than what the industry was getting from the software vendors,” said Seth A. Ravin, Rimini Street co-founder, CEO and chairman of the board. “Over our 15 years, we have celebrated many significant milestones and have grown and changed as an organization. However, one thing has never changed – our passionate, unwavering commitment to our clients. We built Rimini Street on a commitment to service excellence and delivery of the best support experience available to enterprise software licensees. It’s all about our clients, and we look forward to achieving another 15 years of growth and success by helping our clients grow, prosper and achieve success.”

About Rimini Street, Inc.

Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI) is a global provider of enterprise software products and services, the leading third-party support provider for Oracle and SAP software products and a Salesforce partner. The Company offers premium, ultra-responsive and integrated application management and support services that enable enterprise software licensees to save significant costs, free up resources for innovation and achieve better business outcomes. To date, more than 3,500 Fortune 500, Fortune Global 100, midmarket, public sector and other organizations from a broad range of industries have relied on Rimini Street as their trusted application enterprise software products and services provider. To learn more, please visit http://www.riministreet.com, follow @riministreet on Twitter and find Rimini Street on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this communication are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “may,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “continue,” “future,” “will,” “expect,” “outlook” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. All statements pertaining to Rimini Street’s expectations regarding the expected use of proceeds from the offering described in this press release constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding Rimini Street’s business, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the duration of and economic, operational and financial impacts on Rimini Street’s business of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the actions taken by governmental authorities, clients or others in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; catastrophic events that disrupt Rimini Street’s business or that of its current and prospective clients, changes in the business environment in which Rimini Street operates, including inflation and interest rates, and general financial, economic, regulatory and political conditions affecting the industry in which Rimini Street operates; adverse developments in pending litigation or in the government inquiry or any new litigation; Rimini Street’s need and ability to raise additional equity or debt financing on favorable terms and Rimini Street’s ability to generate cash flows from operations to help fund increased investment in Rimini Street’s growth initiatives; the sufficiency of Rimini Street’s cash and cash equivalents to meet its liquidity requirements; the terms and impact of Rimini Street’s outstanding 13.00% Series A Preferred Stock; changes in taxes, laws and regulations; competitive product and pricing activity; difficulties of managing growth profitably; the customer adoption of Rimini Street’s recently introduced products and services, including its Application Management Services (AMS), Rimini Street Advanced Database Security, and services for Salesforce Sales Cloud and Service Cloud products, in addition to other products and services Rimini Street expects to introduce in the near future; the loss of one or more members of Rimini Street’s management team; uncertainty as to the long-term value of Rimini Street’s equity securities; and those risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Rimini Street’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 5, 2020 and in the prospectus supplement dated August 14, 2020 relating to the underwritten public offering of Rimini Street’s common stock that closed on August 18, 2020 and as updated from time to time by other filings by Rimini Street with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, forward-looking statements provide Rimini Street’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Rimini Street anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Rimini Street’s assessments to change. However, while Rimini Street may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Rimini Street specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Rimini Street’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication.

© 2020 Rimini Street, Inc. All rights reserved. “Rimini Street” is a registered trademark of Rimini Street, Inc. in the United States and other countries, and Rimini Street, the Rimini Street logo, and combinations thereof, and other marks marked by TM are trademarks of Rimini Street, Inc. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners, and unless otherwise specified, Rimini Street claims no affiliation, endorsement, or association with any such trademark holder or other companies referenced herein.

 

1 Gartner, “Predicts 2020: Negotiate Software and Cloud Contracts to Manage Marketplace Growth and Reduce Legacy Costs,” Jo Liversidge, Frances Karamouzis, et al., December 18, 2019.

2 “Third-Party Support Goes Mainstream,” a Valoir Report, May 2020.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200928005241/en/

Contacts

Michelle McGlocklin
Rimini Street, Inc.
+1 925 523-8414
mmcglocklin@riministreet.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/rimini-street-celebrates-15-years-of-delivering-client-success/en

Savonix and Fujitsu Connected Technologies Limited Partner to Introduce Savonix Mobile App on Raku-Raku Smartphone F-42A

  Digital Cognitive Testing App Allows Users to Take Charge of Their Brain Health

SAN FRANCISCO-Tuesday 29 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Savonix, a global leader in digital cognitive health testing, and Fujitsu Connected Technologies Limited (FCNT), one of the major smartphone manufacturers in Japan, unveiled Savonix Mobile–a digital cognitive testing app–on the Raku-Raku Smartphone F-42A.

More than 4.6 million people in Japan are suffering from some form of dementia, with the total expected to soar to about 7.3 million people – or one in five Japanese aged 65 or over – by 2025. Japan’s government last year announced aims to reduce dementia cases by 6 percent in those aged 70 and older over the next six years.

Savonix Mobile, pre-installed on the Raku-Raku Smartphone F-42A, will allow users to test their cognition across eight brain functions such as executive function, working memory, and impulse control. Users will immediately receive test results within the app and will be able to take action to manage their cognitive health. Savonix Mobile detects mild cognitive impairment 93 percent of the time. For this reason, testing cognition is a good way to monitor your brain health over time. Recent studies presented at this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in July showed that up to 40 percent of dementias may be prevented by changing health habits such as diet, smoking, alcohol use, and sleep. Understanding your lifestyle risks can help you make smarter choices about brain health.

The Raku-Raku Smartphone will also house a pedometer and other important healthcare pre-installed applications to support and manage the user’s health.

“We’re excited about our partnership with FCNT as it will put easy and accurate cognitive testing into the hands of people who need it. This is impactful and aligns with how Japan and Japanese companies like FCNT are leading globally on the prevention of dementia,” said Savonix Founder and CEO Dr. Mylea Charvat. “Our digital cognitive assessment platform enables people to assess and monitor their brain health regularly and to incorporate lifestyle advice to improve brain wellness.”

“It is our great pleasure to have our Raku-Raku Smartphone F-42A equipped with the Savonix Mobile App,” said Katsumi Takada, President & Representative Director at FCNT. “This adoption enables services that support maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of dementia for users. We expect that this will make people more conscious about their health and help them lead a healthier life.”

About Savonix

A global leader in cognitive health, Savonix delivers the only neuropsychology platform in the market. Savonix provides digital cognitive health solutions and empowers healthcare providers, payers, and researchers to evaluate and leverage results to improve health and treatment outcomes. Developed by clinical neuropsychologists and digital health technology experts, the Savonix Cognitive Assessment is an accurate, accessible, and affordable tool available for download on all mobile devices. To learn more about Savonix, visit Savonix.com.

About Fujitsu Connected Technologies

Fujitsu Connected Technologies Limited was established in February 2016 through the spinoff of Fujitsu Limited’s mobile phone business. To create a future where people live their lives fully with peace of mind, FCNT connects people, things, and services in a more comfortable way with transcendental ideas and advanced technologies. FCNT has led the way in its integration of healthcare technologies into mobile phones since they introduced the world's first mobile phone with a pedometer in 2003. For more details, please visit https://www.fujitsu.com/jp/group/fcnt/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200929005016/en/

Contacts

Savonix
Reynald Hiole
+1 415.919.7421
rhiole@savonix.com

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Boehringer Ingelheim invests to further develop the pet care market in China

 • Boehringer Ingelheim has acquired an equity stake in New Ruipeng Group (NRP Group) which operates digital and clinical pet services across China

• The partnership with NRP Group aims to expand health solutions, quality advice and professional care to the growing number of pets and pet owners in China

INGELHEIM, Germany-Tuesday 29 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Boehringer Ingelheim has acquired an equity stake in China-based New Ruipeng Group (NRP Group). NRP Group is a fast-growing business that offers veterinary care, e-commerce and many other services to pet owners and the broader animal health market across China.

“Improving the health of animals and humans is what drives us in Boehringer Ingelheim. Strong collaborations and partnerships have always been key to achieving this goal,” commented Jean Scheftsik de Szolnok, Member of the Board of Managing Directors with responsibility for Animal Health. “Together with NRP Group and other partners we are looking forward to serving pet owners in China and contributing with our knowledge in areas such as disease understanding or training and education.”

China’s pet market is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. The number of pets is continuously rising as they play an increasingly significant role in people’s lives, and pet owners are looking for integrated online and offline products, services and information.

“We are committed to expanding our active role in this dynamic and fast-paced market. Along with NRP Group and our other partners, we believe we can advance animal health care in China to the benefit of our customers, our employees, our businesses, and most importantly, the pets,” shared David Gocken, Head of Animal Health for The Chinese Markets, Boehringer Ingelheim.

Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, the aim of the partnership with NRP Group is to offer better solutions, quality advice and professional care to the growing number of pets and pet owners across China.

This is an exciting milestone for the company’s business development in China. Boehringer Ingelheim will continue to invest in China and make its contributions to people’s aspirations for integrated and innovative solutions for their pets.

Boehringer Ingelheim remains fully committed to its current and future business partners, such as other clinics, veterinarians, distributors and animal health companies, and to expanding business opportunities with them. Both companies will continue to work independently according to their respective business models.

Through this investment, Boehringer Ingelheim joins a group of Chinese and overseas investors in NRP Group, including Tencent Holdings Ltd., a Chinese multinational technology company.

Please click on the link for ‘Notes to Editors’ and ‘References’: 

https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/press-release/partnership-further-develop-pet-market-china

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200929005482/en/

Contacts

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Communication

Tereza Urbankova

552 16 Ingelheim, Germany

Phone: +49 6132 77 184817

Email: press@boehringer-ingelheim.com

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PDI Releases International Cloud-Based Logistics Solution for the Fuel Supply Chain

 

Global software company’s next-generation solution reduces complexity and increases visibility for haulers

ATLANTA-Tuesday 29 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PDI (www.pdisoftware.com), a global provider of enterprise software solutions to the convenience retail, wholesale petroleum and logistics industries, announced the release of PDI Logistics Cloud international. The company’s holistic logistics software was specifically designed for the fuel supply chain and helps fuel retail, mineral oil, wholesale and hauler companies gain the end-to-end visibility they need to optimize their operations.

Logistics Cloud builds on PDI’s heritage of bringing innovative products to the market and enables digital transformation by leveraging the latest technology. Its use of Big Data, IoT, and sophisticated algorithms enable better compartment allocation, automation and forecasting. The software’s robust capabilities—including advanced planning and dispatching, mobile tools, forecasting, telematics, compliance, and analytics—allows businesses to scale, future-proof their operations, and quickly adapt to dynamic market conditions.

The solution will allow customers to do the following:

Reduce stockouts and returns

Decrease on-site stock levels

Optimize delivery routes to make fewer trips

Increase payload usage

Manage more sites per dispatcher

“Customers in this industry have faced complexity and lacked advanced technology for far too long,” said Sid Gaitonde, senior vice president and general manager, Logistics Solutions, PDI. “We leveraged over three decades of industry experience and collaborated with leading oil companies and haulers around the world to develop PDI Logistics Cloud. We’re pleased to be the partner they can count on, no matter where they are in the world.”

More than 9,000 trucks use PDI’s logistics solutions to deliver over 367 billion liters of fuel to their destinations every year. PDI plans to introduce its latest logistics offering to fuel supply chain companies outside of the EMEA region early next year.

For more information about PDI Logistics Cloud, visit www.pdisoftware.com/pdi-logistics-cloud/.

About PDI

Professional Datasolutions, Inc. (PDI) helps convenience retailers and petroleum wholesalers thrive through digital transformation and enterprise software that enables them to grow topline revenue, optimize operations and unify their business across the entire value chain. Over 1,500 customers in more than 200,000 locations worldwide count on our leading ERP, logistics, fuel pricing and marketing cloud solutions to provide insights that increase volume, margin and customer loyalty. PDI owns and operates the Fuel Rewards® loyalty program that is consistently ranked as a top-performing fuel savings program year after year. For more than 35 years, our comprehensive suite of solutions and unmatched expertise have helped customers of any size reimagine their enterprise and deliver exceptional customer experiences. For more information about PDI, visit www.pdisoftware.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200928005042/en/

Contacts

Cederick Johnson, PDI

+1 254.410.7600 I cjohnson@pdisoftware.com

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Taulia’s Darcy Douglas Named One of the Top Women in Supply Chain

  Featured in Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s annual list of the top female leaders in the industry



SAN FRANCISCO-Thursday 24 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Taulia, the leader in working capital technology solutions, has today announced Darcy Douglas, VP of Professional Services, has been listed as a recipient of Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s first Women in Supply Chain award. The award recognizes female leaders in the supply chain industry who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their respective roles and also supporting other women to develop their careers and skills.

Darcy has been at Taulia for ten years and her leadership has helped the company grow from a small start-up to an established market leader in the supply chain finance industry. During her time at Taulia, Darcy has spearheaded the creation of three leadership and professional development programs that help Taulians boost their skills and enhance their careers. Specifically, Darcy created the Leadership Initiative for Taulia (LIFT) program for women, which includes a mentoring program, education classes, and other activities, to inspire development and leadership.

“Darcy’s leadership has significantly contributed to the success and growth of Taulia. During her time at Taulia, she has placed an emphasis on empowering women, helping them to get the most out of their careers. The LIFT program was so successful in developing female leadership that it has now been extended across the company to everyone, we look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next,” states Cedric Bru, CEO, Taulia.

“Helping to build a culture that supports women’s success in their professional careers is super important to me. As we continue to grow globally, I want to continue helping women gain leadership skills and professional skills that will enable them to do whatever they set out to do,” states Darcy Douglas, VP of Professional Services, Taulia.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive received over 200 entries for the Women in Supply Chain award and the full list of winners can be found on their website.

About Taulia

Taulia is a leading provider of working capital technology solutions headquartered in San Francisco, California. Through a unique combination of its technology platform, people and process, Taulia helps companies access the value tied up in their supply chain by transitioning from inefficient and often manual working capital management practices into technology-led, working capital optimization strategies. Taulia’s vision is to create a world where every business thrives by enabling buyers and suppliers to choose when to pay and get paid. A network of 2 million businesses use Taulia’s technology and the company processes over $510 billion every year. Taulia is trusted by the world’s largest companies including Airbus, AstraZeneca, Nissan, and Vodafone. For more information, please visit www.taulia.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200923005796/en/

Contacts

Mary Arrizza
Marketing Communications Associate
mary.arrizza@taulia.com

 


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U.S. MRTP Authorization Pathway Explored in PMI’s Latest Scientific Update

 LAUSANNE, Switzerland-Monday 28 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Philip Morris International (PMI) (NYSE: PM) has released the 11th edition of its Scientific Update, a regularly issued publication on its research efforts to develop and scientifically assess a range of smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes.

The latest edition features an overview of the historic decision made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize the marketing of the IQOS Tobacco Heating System with reduced exposure information. The Scientific Update explains the various MRTP decisions under U.S. law; the steps, processes, and timeline PMI undertook; and the ongoing post-market surveillance and studies that will monitor the impact of the orders on consumer perceptions, behavior, and health.

“The FDA undertook a scientific and regulatory evaluation of IQOS and determined that it is ‘appropriate for the promotion of public health’” said Dr. Gizelle Baker, director of Global Scientific Engagement at PMI. “In this edition of our Scientific Update, we describe how the regulatory process worked for PMI, what scientific evidence the FDA considered, and the decisions the FDA made.”

After more than three years of scientific and regulatory review of the application, the FDA concluded: “Scientific studies have shown that switching completely from conventional cigarettes to the IQOS system significantly reduces your body's exposure to harmful or potentially harmful chemicals.”

This issue of the Scientific Update also examines the ABOUT Toolbox—a robust portfolio of self-report instruments—created by PMI to evaluate and assess the public health impact of tobacco harm reduction strategies on consumer perceptions and behavior. The ABOUT Toolbox team describes the new Health and Functioning instrument, which measures the perceived health status of adult smokers who switch to smoke-free products. They explain how the framework was prepared, developed, and validated, and detail the information it can provide to public health and regulatory communities.

The update also includes information on scientific events at which PMI has presented, as well as a compendium of PMI’s peer-reviewed publications and independent research into smoke-free products.

The Scientific Update can be found at https://www.pmiscience.com/whats-new/scientific-update-11.

Philip Morris International: Delivering a Smoke-Free Future

Philip Morris International (PMI) is leading a transformation in the tobacco industry to create a smoke-free future and ultimately replace cigarettes with smoke-free products to the benefit of adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, society, the company, and its shareholders. PMI is a leading international tobacco company engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, as well as smoke-free products and associated electronic devices and accessories, and other nicotine-containing products in markets outside the United States. PMI ships a version of its smoke-free devices and consumables authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to Altria Group, Inc. for sale in the United States under license. PMI is building a future on a new category of smoke-free products that, while not risk-free, are a much better choice than continuing to smoke. Through multidisciplinary capabilities in product development, state-of-the-art facilities, and scientific substantiation, PMI aims to ensure that its smoke-free products meet adult consumer preferences and rigorous regulatory requirements. For more information, please visit www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com.

Contacts

David Fraser

Philip Morris International

T. +41 (0)79 843 8603

E. david.fraser@pmi.com

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Zynga Launches Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells Worldwide

  The only Match-3 puzzle game set within the original Harry Potter books and films brings magical puzzle gameplay to mobile devices



SAN FRANCISCO-Wednesday 23 September 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Zynga Inc. (Nasdaq: ZNGA), a global leader in interactive entertainment, announced that its magical Match-3 mobile game Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells has officially launched and begun rolling out to territories worldwide. Officially licensed from Warner Bros. Games and published under the Portkey Games label, the game is available for free download on Android and iOS devices, as well as on Amazon Kindle and Facebook.

“When the Harry Potter series first came to theatres, it was one of those rare moments when everyone was reading the same book, talking about the same film and coming together around a shared experience,” said Yaron Leyvand, Senior Vice President of Games at Zynga. “Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells honours fans' connection to the series with a mobile game infused with the standout moments and delightful Wizarding World flourishes that have captivated a global following. The feedback from soft-launch has been outstanding, and we can’t wait for fans around the world to play.”

“Mobile games have never been more popular or more important to people than they are right now. People are playing games for entertainment, relaxation, and as an accessible source of comfort and connection,” said Bernard Kim, President of Publishing at Zynga. “With Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells, fans will immerse themselves in the magic, puzzles, and wonder of the series and create Clubs to collaborate and connect with others fans of Wizarding World.”

In Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells, players enter a Match-3 adventure brimming with the spells, humour, colour and characters of the Harry Potter series. Featuring the soundtrack and voiceover recordings from the original Harry Potter films, fans follow an authentic, mobile retelling of Harry’s journey through the Wizarding World. Earning spells and special boosts as they advance, players solve Match-3 puzzles populated with hopping Chocolate Frogs, fluttering Winged Keys, battling wizard chess pieces, and other unexpected obstacles and objects. Between colourful puzzles, players will be treated to iconic moments from the narrative, such as Harry’s journey on the Hogwarts Express, Hagrid’s magical creatures and Hermione casting the Wingardium Leviosa spell.

Building their magical aptitude, players earn spells, powerups, and experience points as they progress through the game to level up their skills and in-game personas. Players can also earn powerful rewards by completing Daily Events that reference a multitude of moments from the Harry Potter series. In the spirit of the camaraderie and friendly competition of Hogwarts, players can join or form clubs with other fans to socialise, collaborate on puzzle strategies, share lives and vie for prizes in exclusive Club Events.

For the next seven days, players who download the game for their Android or iOS device will instantly receive the Welcome Bundle, containing in-game gold, extra lives and special Quidditch Goggles to customize their avatars.

Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells is playable for iOS and Android devices worldwide, as well as on Amazon Kindle and Facebook. For more details, visit the game’s website at www.harrypotterpuzzlesandspells.com. For more information and to connect with other fans, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For supporting still and video assets, visit: http://bit.ly/HPPuzzlesSpells_WWL

About Zynga

Zynga is a global leader in interactive entertainment with a mission to connect the world through games. To date, more than one billion people have played Zynga’s franchises including CSR RacingTM, Empires & PuzzlesTM, Merge Dragons!TM, Merge Magic!TM, Toon Blast™, Toy Blast™, Words With FriendsTM and Zynga PokerTM. Zynga’s games are available in more than 150 countries and are playable across social platforms and mobile devices worldwide. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in San Francisco with locations in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, India, Turkey and Finland. For more information, visit www.zynga.com or follow Zynga on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or the Zynga blog.

About Warner Bros. Games

Warner Bros. Games, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc., is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all platforms, including console, handheld, mobile and PC-based gaming for both internal and third-party game titles. Additional information about Warner Bros. Games can be found at https://www.wbgames.com/.

About Portkey Games

Portkey Games, from Warner Bros. Games, is the games label dedicated to creating new Wizarding World mobile and videogame experiences that place the player at the center of their own adventure, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s original stories. Portkey Games offers players the opportunity to make their own narrative choices and engage with the Wizarding World setting to create new and unique experiences. The label was created to bring gamers and fans new gaming experiences that allow them to delve into the magic of the Wizarding World in immersive ways where they can define their own Wizarding World story.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the name, gameplay details, game features, and a limited-time promotion in Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells. Forward-looking statements often include words such as “outlook,” “projected,” “planned,” “intends,” “will,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “target,” “expect,” and statements in the future tense are generally forward-looking. The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements involves significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We assume no obligation to update such statements. More information about these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions is or will be described in greater detail in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), copies of which may be obtained by visiting our Investor Relations website at http://investor.zynga.com or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

WIZARDING WORLD, HARRY POTTER Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling. HARRY POTTER: PUZZLES & SPELLS, PORTKEY GAMES, WIZARDING WORLD and HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia © and ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. ™ Zynga Inc. All Rights Reserved.

WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s20)

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200923005144/en/

Contacts

Dana Whitney
dwhitney@zynga.com



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