XPeng Inc. Announces Pricing of Global Offering

 GUANGZHOU, China -Wednesday 30 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- XPeng Inc. (“XPeng” or the “Company”) (NYSE: XPEV, HKEX:9868.HK), a leading Chinese smart electric vehicle (“Smart EV”) company, today announced the pricing of the global offering (the “Global Offering”) of 85,000,000 shares (the “Offer Shares”) which comprises an international offering (the “International Offering”) and a Hong Kong public offering (the “Hong Kong Public Offering”).

The final offer price for both the International Offering and the Hong Kong Public Offering (the "Offer Price") has been set at HK$165.00 per Class A ordinary share. Based on the ratio of two Class A ordinary shares per NYSE-listed American depositary share (the "ADS"), the Offer Price translates to approximately US$42.52 per ADS based on an exchange rate of HK$7.7604 to US$1.00. Subject to approval from The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), the Class A ordinary shares are expected to begin trading on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, under the stock code "9868".

The gross proceeds to the Company from the Global Offering, before deducting underwriting fees and the offering expenses, are expected to be approximately HK$14,025.0 million (assuming the Over-allotment Option is not exercised). In addition, the Company has granted the Over-allotment Option to the International Underwriters, exercisable by the Joint Representatives (and on behalf of the International Underwriters), at any time on or before Friday, July 30, 2021, being the 30th day after the last day for lodging applications under the Hong Kong Public Offering, pursuant to which the Company may be required to issue up to an aggregate of 12,750,000 Class A ordinary shares at the Offer Price.

The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Global Offering for expansion of its product portfolio and development of more advanced technology; acceleration of its business expansion, by enhancing brand recognition, acquiring customers through omni-channel marketing strategies and expanding its sales and service touch points both domestically and internationally; enhancement of production capability, including expansion of capacity, upgrade of manufacturing facilities and development of manufacturing technologies; and general corporate purposes, including working capital needs.

J.P. Morgan Securities (Far East) Limited and Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited are the Joint Sponsors of the listing of the Offer Shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. J.P. Morgan Securities (Asia Pacific) Limited, Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited and Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited are the Joint Representatives. J.P. Morgan Securities (Asia Pacific) Limited, Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited, Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited and CLSA Limited are the Joint Global Coordinators of the Global Offering.

The Company’s registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the International Offering has been filed with, and declared effective by, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The International Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement. The registration statement on Form F-1, which contains a preliminary prospectus dated June 24, 2021, is available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The final prospectus will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at: http://www.sec.gov. When available, copies of the final prospectus relating to the offering may also be obtained from J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, by telephone at +1 (866) 803-9204 or by email at prospectus-eq_fi@jpmchase.com; and BofA Securities, Inc., by telephone at +1 (800) 294-1322, or by email at dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com.

The price of the Offer Shares of the Company may be stabilized in accordance with the Securities and Futures (Price Stabilizing) Rules (Chapter 571W of the Laws of Hong Kong). The details of the intended stabilization and how it will be regulated under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) have been contained in the prospectus of the Company dated June 25, 2021.

The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this press release is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

About XPeng Inc.

XPeng is a leading Chinese smart electric vehicle company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets Smart EVs that appeal to the large and growing base of technology-savvy middle-class consumers in China. Its mission is to drive Smart EV transformation with technology and data, shaping the mobility experience of the future. In order to optimize its customers’ mobility experience, XPeng develops in-house its full-stack autonomous driving technology and in-car intelligent operating system, as well as core vehicle systems including powertrain and the electrification/electronic architecture. XPeng is headquartered in Guangzhou, China, with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Silicon Valley and San Diego. The Company’s Smart EVs are manufactured at plants in Zhaoqing and Zhengzhou, located in Guangdong and Henan provinces, respectively. For more information, please visit https://en.xiaopeng.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about XPeng’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: XPeng’s goals and strategies; XPeng’s expansion plans; XPeng’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the trends in, and size of, China’s EV market; XPeng’s expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products and services; XPeng’s expectations regarding its relationships with customers, contract manufacturers, suppliers, third-party service providers, strategic partners and other stakeholders; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in XPeng’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and XPeng does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Important Disclaimers

1. The proposed Global Offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the Global Offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the Global Offering.

2. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute or include any recommendation or invitation or offer (nor is calculated to invite such a recommendation, offer or invitation) by any person for acquisition, purchase or subscription of the securities of the Company nor does it intend to act as a recommendation of the sale of securities or any invitation, solicitation or offer for acquisition, purchase or subscription of securities in any jurisdiction. This press release should accordingly not amount to an advertisement or invitation within the meaning of section 103(1) of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the laws of Hong Kong) or a prospectus or an extract from or abridged version of a prospectus (including within the meaning of sections 2 and 38B, respectively of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance). Investors should read the prospectus of the Company for detailed information about the Company and the proposed offering before deciding whether or not to purchase any securities of the Company. This press release has not been reviewed or approved by The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited or the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. An application to subscribe for the shares for the Hong Kong Public Offering referred to in this press release by any persons shall be made solely based on the prospectus and the application forms issued by the Company on June 25, 2021.

3. No application for the shares of the Company should be made by any person nor would such application be accepted without the completion of a formal application form or other application procedure that is issued with or in respect of the prospectus.

4. The directors of the Company collectively and individually accept full responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained in this press release and confirm, having made all reasonable enquiries, that to the best of their knowledge and belief, there are no other facts the omission of which would make any statement herein misleading.

This press release is issued by Wonderful Sky Financial Group Ltd. on behalf of XPeng Inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210630005570/en/

Contacts

For Investor Enquiries:

IR Department

XPeng Inc.

Email: ir@xiaopeng.com

Jenny Cai

The Piacente Group

Tel: +1 212 481 2050 / +86 10 6508 0677

Email: xpeng@tpg-ir.com

For Media Enquiries:

Marie Cheung

XPeng Inc.

Tel: +852 9750 5170 / +86 1550 7577 546

Email: mariecheung@xiaopeng.com

Media Relations

For further information, please contact:

Wonderful Sky Financial Group Ltd.

Angie Li / Jerry Lou / Cici Zhu

Tel: +852 3970 2273 / +852 3970 2157 / +852 3977 1854

Email: angieliy@wsfg.hk / jerrylouzh@wsfg.hk / CiciZhuX@wsfg.hk

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/xpeng-inc-announces-pricing-of-global-offering/en

UPDATE: Timber Exchange urges exporters to Egypt to prepare for the October transition to the new customs platform

 NEWS RELEASE BY CENTERSOURCE

With only three months to go before mandatory processing through Egypt's new advanced cargo information (ACI) system goes into effect, Centersource is urging timber exporters to get up to speed.

Stockholm, Sweden | June 24, 2021 07:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

(Update: The Ministry of Finance announced an effective date change to October 1) While Egypt’s new advanced cargo information (ACI) system is expected to streamline regulatory requirements for importers, the new system represents a significant departure from the current customs system. B2B supply chain platform with marketplace and market data Timber Exchange by Centersource is reminding timber exporters and other companies shipping to Egypt to prepare for the transition.

Effective October 1st, Egypt’s unified registration system, called NAFEZA, will become the only means of processing maritime imports into the country. The new regulation will require exporters to submit all cargo data and documents (commercial invoices, packing lists, and final or initial bills of lading) with 3 additional unique elements: ACID number representing the shipment, Importer taxation ID, Exporter registration number upon vessel’s sailing from Port of Loading. If documents indicate wrong or mismatched numbers, cargo will be banned from being loaded on board. Furthermore, all exporters must be registered on CargoX’s blockchain-document-submission platform.

Other processes that exporters should be aware of include:

1. Exporters are responsible for providing importers with accurate information:

• Exporter’s company cargo ID.

• Exporter’s type (whether it is a factory, branch, etc.)

• Correct details of the contact person.

• Clear details of Proforma Invoice including GS1 code or part/item number & HS code.

2. Create and verify a CargoX account.

3. Ensure that verified ACID 3 elements are added on required documents.

4. Create an ACI filing envelope & submit it to Customs authorities in Egypt through CargoX or through one of its integrated partners such as Timber Exchange by Centersource Technologies.

In addition, exporters should be aware of the Importer's responsibilities, which include:

1. Importers will have to register an account on the electronic portal, NAFEZA.

2. Importers must register primary and detailed information about the shipment in order to apply for the issuance of ACID number.

Failure to meet ACI requirements could cost exporters. In a scenario where the cargo is loaded onto the ship, but the documents were not submitted in time or one or more of the three elements are missing or miss-matched, the cargo will not be discharged in Egypt, and all re-export costs will be borne by the carrier.

In the final months before the mandatory operation phase of NAFEZA, Centersource is working to bring the timber industry up to speed to avoid any disruption. Centersource’s founder and CEO Amir Rashad is available to talk about what exporters to Egypt can do to prepare for the next phase of NAFEZA. Amir and his team of 30 logistics professionals are also available to discuss the ways in which Timber Exchange is creating trading opportunities across challenging markets, and helping exporters overcome language and regulatory barriers. To speak with the Timber Exchange team, contact Mai Taha at mai@centersource.io or Jéssica Sanduta at jessica@centersource.io.

About Timber Exchange

Timber Exchange is a supply chain and risk management cloud-based system by Centersource Technologies offering supply chain tools, market data and marketplace. The platform is built specifically for the unique needs of the forestry industry to drastically improve overall performance and coordination.

80 smart tools in 5 languages cover all steps from inquiry of cargo until it arrives at destination. This allows stakeholders to manage sales, logistics and legal obligations from a central workspace that automatically creates tasks and warnings. 40% of the work can be automated, which reduces delays and helps avoid deviations in responsibilities.

 

Contact Details

 

Charlie Pesti

 

+1 267-439-4355

 

charlie@pesti.io

 

Company Website

 

https://www.centersource.io/

KORE Power Announces Strategic Partnership with Cleanhill Partners

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho & NEW YORK-Wednesday 30 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KORE Power, Inc., (“KORE Power” or “KORE”) the leading U.S.-based developer of battery cell technology for the energy storage and electric transportation industries, announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with Cleanhill Partners (“Cleanhill”), a private equity firm pursuing investments in the energy transition sector that contribute to decarbonization. Cleanhill has invested in KORE Power as part of the strategic partnership.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210629005233/en/

Rakesh Wilson and Ash Upadhyaya, founders of Cleanhill, have joined KORE Power as special advisors to Founder and CEO Lindsay Gorrill. As veterans of the energy finance and investment sector, Rakesh and Ash will guide KORE’s strategy on growth and investment opportunities.

“Rakesh and Ash bring over 40 years of combined experience in ESG, power, energy and infrastructure,” said CEO Lindsay Gorrill. “We are excited to partner with them to tap into their rich experience to position KORE as the leader in the energy transition sector.”

Ash Upadhyaya is a founder and Managing Partner at Cleanhill Partners. He has over 20 years of experience in private equity and engineering, focusing on the energy value chain. Ash was a Managing Director at Centerbridge Partners and a Director at KKR. He has engineering degrees from Stanford University and the University of Mumbai and an MBA from Stanford University.

“I’m thrilled to work with KORE Power to expand the design and manufacturing of lithium-ion battery cells in the U.S.,” said Ash. “Through my experience with energy storage, I see the critical role that batteries will play in the clean energy transition. I look forward to adding value to KORE’s expert team.”

Rakesh Wilson has over 20 years of energy finance and private equity experience and is a founder and Managing Partner at Cleanhill Partners. He previously served as a Senior Partner at Apollo Global Management and led private equity investments across the energy value chain. Rakesh was also with Morgan Stanley’s Commodities Division and Goldman Sachs’ investment banking and equity research divisions. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and received his MBA from INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France.

“Working with KORE Power is a natural extension of my work on battery storage projects, renewable infrastructure, distributed generation, energy trading funds and carbon offsets,” said Rakesh. “The lithium-ion cell is at the center of the clean energy future, and I look forward to accelerating the clean energy transition by working with KORE.”

Evercore served as financial advisor to KORE Power and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Cleanhill Partners.

ABOUT KORE Power

KORE Power, Inc., is a leading US-based developer of battery cell technology for the clean energy industry, serving energy storage, e-mobility, utility, industrial and mission-critical markets across the globe. KORE Power designs and manufactures its proprietary NMC and LFP cells, VDA modules and packs, optimized by the battery management system. Through its global partnerships, KORE designs and manufactures top-tier energy storage systems (ESS).

KORE Power’s differentiated approach provides customers with direct access, unparalleled service, superior technology, and Tier 1 product availability. We care about building sustainable communities, clean energy jobs and green economic expansion. KORE Power is proud to offer a functional solution to real-world problems that fulfill growing market demand and contribute to a zero-carbon future. For more information, visit www.korepower.com.

ABOUT Cleanhill Partners

Cleanhill Partners is a private equity firm pursuing investments in the energy transition sector that contribute to decarbonization. We invest in scalable businesses with visibility into revenues, earnings and cash flow growth. We leverage our thesis-driven approach and our operational expertise to enhance value in each of our investments. Our long-term investment philosophy to decarbonize and create value aligns our stakeholders, our communities and the businesses we invest in. The firm has offices in New York and Houston. To learn more, please visit www.cleanhillpartners.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210629005233/en/

Contacts

Peter Gray

pgray@aileroninc.com

(312) 883-5044

Aleysha Newton

anewton@korepower.com

(208) 758-9392

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/kore-power-announces-strategic-partnership-with-cleanhill-partners/en 

Quanergy Announces New Strategic Collaboration with Sensata Technologies

 SUNNYVALE, Calif. -Wednesday 30 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

New collaboration focused on a broad range of areas such as manufacturability, cost reduction, sourcing, and go-to-market strategies.
Strategic collaboration agreement to support accelerated time to market of Quanergy LiDAR products
Sensata has committed to invest in a private placement of shares (the “PIPE”) as part of Quanergy’s business combination with CITIC Capital Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: CCAC)
(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Quanergy, a leading provider of next-generation OPA-based solid state LiDAR sensors, and Sensata Technologies (NYSE: ST), a leading industrial technology company and provider of sensor-rich solutions that create insight for customers, announced today a new strategic collaboration to focus on helping Quanergy bring affordable, smart LiDAR and 3D perception technologies to market. The collaboration will include Sensata providing insights to Quanergy on manufacturability, cost reduction, sourcing and go-to-market strategies.

“Sensata Technologies is an undisputed global sensing technology leader with a rich and long standing history of innovation,“ said Dr. Kevin J. Kennedy, Quanergy Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. “Automating processes in transportation and other industry verticals poses complex engineering and manufacturing challenges requiring smart sensor-rich solutions. Quanergy is excited to collaborate with Sensata to capitalize on its unique engineering and manufacturing expertise.”

In connection with the new collaboration, Sensata has also committed to invest in a private placement of shares (the “PIPE”) as part of Quanergy’s proposed business combination, announced on June 22, 2021, with CITIC Capital Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: CCAC), a special purpose acquisition company.

About Quanergy

Quanergy Systems’ mission is to create powerful, affordable smart LiDAR solutions for automotive and IoT applications to enhance people’s experiences and safety. Quanergy has developed the only true 100% solid state CMOS LiDAR sensor built on optical phased array (OPA) technology to enable the mass production of low-cost, highly reliable 3D LiDAR solutions. Through Quanergy’s smart LiDAR solutions, businesses can now leverage real-time, advanced 3D insights to transform their operations in a variety of industries including industrial automation, physical security, smart cities, smart spaces, and much more. Quanergy solutions are deployed by over 350 customers across the globe. For more information, please visit us at www.quanergy.com.

Important Information about the Business Combination and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed business combination, CCAC intends to file relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including a registration statement on Form S-4, which will include a proxy statement/prospectus. CCAC urges its investors, shareholders and other interested persons to read, when available, the proxy statement/prospectus filed with the SEC and documents incorporated by reference therein because these documents will contain important information about CCAC, Quanergy and the proposed business combination. After the registration statement is declared effective by the SEC, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents will be mailed to the shareholders of CCAC as of the record date established for voting on the proposed business combination and will contain important information about the proposed business combination and related matters. Shareholders of CCAC and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, these materials (including any amendments or supplements thereto) and any other relevant documents in connection with CCAC’s solicitation of proxies for the meeting of shareholders to be held to approve, among other things, the proposed business combination because they will contain important information about CCAC, Quanergy and the proposed business combination. Shareholders will also be able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials in connection with the transaction without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: CITIC Capital Acquisition Corp., 28/F CITIC Tower, 1 Tim Mei Avenue, Central, Hong Kong, Attention: Fanglu Wang, telephone: +852 3710 6888. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this press release is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

Participants in the Solicitation

CCAC, Quanergy and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from CCAC’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination. CCAC’s shareholders and other interested persons may obtain, without charge, more detailed information regarding the directors and officers of CCAC in CCAC’s final prospectus filed with the SEC on February 12, 2020 in connection with CCAC’s initial public offering. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies to CCAC’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus for the proposed business combination when available. Additional information regarding the interests of participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed business combination will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus that CCAC intends to file with the SEC. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transaction and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of CCAC or Quanergy, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210629005222/en/

Contacts
Neal Stein
Red Javelin Communications
321.473.7407
media@quanergy.com

        



Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/quanergy-announces-new-strategic-collaboration-with-sensata-technologies/en

Microsoft, SES and GRC Showcase Azure Cloud for Remote Missions via Secure GovSat Connectivity Service

 • Microsoft Azure at the Edge: Microsoft, SES and GRC demonstrate the power of combining Microsoft’s Azure and secure MilSatCom to bring Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to in-theatre operations

• Operating in both connected and disconnected modes, this demonstration showcased the Cloud capability available to the most remote missions

LUXEMBOURG-Wednesday 30 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Microsoft and SES, in partnership with GovSat and UK-based solutions provider GRC, came together to demonstrate how Microsoft Azure Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities can be brought directly to end-users deployed globally in a highly secure, reliable way while maintaining network sovereignty - allowing users to exploit key Azure workloads regardless of location and drastically boosting the efficiency of critical missions.

In these demonstrations the Azure Stack Mini R device was connected to a quick deployable tactical satcom terminal from GRC through the secure SATCOM connection on GovSat-1 satellite, and sent directly to Azure UK via the SES Cloud Direct service, giving connected and disconnected access to Azure services.

The first demonstrations of its kind highlighted how this technology could be used in a number of scenarios such as a remote disaster relief operation, collecting information for analysis, at any given classification, allowing AI and ML models to be used to categorise and assess the information locally before using the available SATCOM to update the overall situational awareness picture and, if required, updating the AI and ML models via hyperscale Azure DevOps processes.

“SES’s high-performance satellite network enables an important demonstration of secure cloud computing at the edge,” said Tom Keane, Corporate Vice President, Azure Global, Microsoft. “Together with our technology partners, Microsoft is bringing mission-driven customers the latest services they require in a secure and reliable way, regardless of the infrastructure available. This approach empowers mission owners and operators in both connected and disconnected environments, while giving governments total flexibility and control over their data.”

“Governments are looking to accelerate cloud adoption and extend it to the edge bringing its advantages to the end-users anywhere. We are proud that through our partnerships with Microsoft and GovSat, we have managed to demonstrate the security and performance of the network, alongside the required high degree of flexibility for the government customers,” said JP Hemingway, CEO of SES Networks. “Similarly, the same secure high-performance cloud communications services can be achieved on our MEO satellites, independent of the internet and other publicly accessible networks.”

“Utilising single-hop secure cloud communication between the headquarters and deployed teams, which is closed to publicly accessible ground stations and internet touchpoints, opens multiple opportunities for governments. The GRC’s solution together with the Microsoft Azure cloud service and SES’s secure resilient satellite networked connectivity makes the future of cloud-enabled government communications a reality already today,” said Steve Slater, Managing Director at GRC.

The demo is highly scalable thanks to the Azure Edge capability, as well as the wide array of SES’s satellite communications capabilities, including next-generation O3b mPOWER system that is capable of providing from Mbps to multiple Gbps connectivity for land, air and maritime government missions.

Further Information

The first demonstration showcased one-hop connectivity that enables cloud workloads to run at the edge and seamlessly connect back to hyperscale Azure in both connected and disconnected modes via the Azure Stack Edge Mini R.

For this demonstration, the companies leveraged multiple satellite terminals from GRC’s 6-SAT solution, GovSat’s dedicated Military Ka-band beam onboard its satellite and GovSat’s secure Mission Operations Centre in Luxembourg.

The second demonstration was performed with GRC’s deployable Satellite Ground Station (SGS), showcasing in-theatre connectivity as well as backhaul of data from in-theatre headquarters to the home country with no public internet touchpoints. The first satellite link was securely connecting a deployed terminal with the in-theatre headquarters terminal, and anchored directly to the deployable, private SGS hub. The second satellite link connecting the deployable SGS hub was anchored in the GovSat Mission Operations Centre, demonstrating backhauling to a home country.

The SES Cloud Direct service was delivered via a dedicated Microsoft ExpressRoute connection directly from the end-users to Azure data centres, enabling the cloud agility and performance via a dedicated MilSatCom GEO capability. For low-latency applications, SES can also bring the data from the edge to the cloud in a safe, secure and efficient way through its high-throughput low-latency O3b satellite network and its upcoming next-generation cloud-scale O3b mPOWER system, both operating in medium earth orbit (MEO).

Follow us on:

Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram

Read our Blogs >

Visit the Media Gallery >

About SES

SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless connectivity around the world. As the leader in global content connectivity solutions, SES operates the world’s only multi-orbit constellation of satellites with the unique combination of global coverage and high performance, including the commercially-proven, low-latency Medium Earth Orbit O3b system. By leveraging a vast and intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES is able to deliver high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to the world’s leading telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners. SES’s video network carries over 8,200 channels and has an unparalleled reach of 361 million households, delivering managed media services for both linear and non-linear content. The company is listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com.

About GRC

GRC is a Hereford (UK) based company delivering fully managed, Satcom as a Service (6-SAT), RF, cloud and IP connectivity solutions to Defence, Government, Emergency Response and Commercial sectors. Its partnerships and Tier-1 VAR (Value-Added Reseller) status with leading hardware and airtime providers ensure cost-effective, intelligently integrated solutions, backed up by through life support and training.

About GovSat

GovSat is a public private partnership between the Government of Luxembourg and the world-leading satellite operator SES. GovSat’s mission is to provide secure, reliable and accessible governmental satellite communication services to address the demand resulting from defence and institutional security applications. The company’s first satellite GovSat-1 is a multi-mission satellite that will use X-band and Military Ka-band frequencies on high-power and fully steerable mission beams to support multiple operations. For more information visit: www.govsat.lu

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210629006127/en/

Contacts

Suzanne Ong

External Communications, SES

Tel. +352 710 725 500

suzanne.ong@ses.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/microsoft-ses-and-grc-showcase-azure-cloud-for-remote-missions-via-secure-govsat-connectivity-service/en

Litera Firm Intelligence Business Unit Cements Strategic Partnership with Wilson Allen

Wilson Allen to leverage client lifecycle management expertise to help firms implement the Foundation Firm Intelligence platform to manage client relationships 

CHICAGO & NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa.-Tuesday 29 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Litera Firm Intelligence business unit, developer of the Foundation data platform, and Wilson Allen, a leading provider of software, services, and consulting expertise to help law firms manage the entire client engagement lifecycle, today announced a strategic partnership. The partnership formalizes Wilson Allen as a technical implementation partner for the Foundation Firm Intelligence platform.

The Foundation Firm Intelligence platform breaks down data silos, combining information from disparate systems like CRM, Time and Billing, HR, conflicts, and external sources to provide a strategic view of law firm clients, including what work a firm has done for a client, who did the work, and all the third parties involved.

As a Foundation services partner, Wilson Allen will assist firms with implementing the Firm Intelligence platform and with associated strategic consulting, integration services, and data management services as needed.

“We’ve talked to several firms who are moving beyond the acronym of CRM when implementing solutions to better understand their client relationships across the client and matter lifecycle. Firm intelligence fits into a larger definition of business development strategy,” explained Michael Warren, Vice President and head of Wilson Allen’s Client Development and Intake practice. “Helping these firms implement Foundation is a natural fit for Wilson Allen, given our deep experience advising law firms on how to leverage their systems and data for competitive advantage. The company’s client development practice assists firms with software selection, data strategy and data migration, software implementation, technology training and change management.

“We’re seeing a growing need for business development and CRM expertise as firms move to leverage their Firm Intelligence platform for strategic relationship management,” said Barry Solomon, Litera Vice President for the Firm Intelligence business unit. “We are thrilled to partner with Wilson Allen to lead these Foundation projects. Michael Warren and his team bring tremendous depth and breadth across the business development domain and other system data and processes required to accelerate the business of law.”

About Litera Firm Intelligence Business Unit

Litera is the leading provider of software for law firms and document-intensive organizations across the globe, helping them satisfy the demands of clients. Part of the Firm Intelligence business unit, Foundation enables large law firms to transform their disparate data about clients, matters, people, and parties into usable and actionable information. The Foundation data platform includes integrated applications for Experience Management, Expertise Location, and Strategic Relationship Management – leveraging firm knowledge to win new business, improve client service, and gain insight into both the business and practice of law.

https://www.litera.com/

About Wilson Allen

Wilson Allen offers software, consulting, and technical services that enable law firms and professional services organizations to achieve better business performance. The company partners with leading industry solution providers to help firms identify and win more business, manage risk, deliver profitable engagements, and develop and implement performance analytics to enable more strategic and profitable operations.

https://wilsonallen.com/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210629005602/en/

Contacts

Media

Litera, Firm Intelligence Business Unit

Nancy Baron

E: Nancy.Baron@FoundationSG.com

Wilson Allen

Matthew DeVoll

E: Matthew.Devoll@WilsonAllen.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/litera-firm-intelligence-business-unit-cements-strategic-partnership-with-wilson-allen/en 

IATA Strengthens Operational Scalability By Switching to Rimini Street for Integrated Support and Application Management Services for its SAP Applications

 Commercial airline trade association heavily affected by the pandemic’s economic impact realizes improved productivity from unified support solution; frees up IT resources to focus on recovery and expansion


LAS VEGAS-Saturday 26 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), 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, today announced that International Air Transport Association (IATA), the leading commercial aviation trade association headquartered in Montreal, Canada, has switched to Rimini Street Support and Application Management Services (AMS) for its SAP ECC 6.0 and Business Objects applications. With the commercial aviation sector heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, IATA made strategic business decisions to navigate the crisis, including outsourcing key elements of its IT service delivery to reduce operating costs. As a result of switching to Rimini Street, the organization now benefits from a unified support solution that integrates application support and managed services, enabling IATA to meet business demand in a post-pandemic recovery.

Meeting IATA’s Unique SAP Application Support Demands to Scale Quickly

Headquartered in Montreal, with its executive offices based in Geneva, Switzerland, IATA is a trade association of commercial airlines representing 82% of worldwide air traffic and manages financial and support systems for the commercial aviation industry through its IT department. Due to the economic crisis in the air transport industry, IATA’s SAP support department was heavily impacted. The association was well aware of the changing economic environment as the industry began to emerge from the pandemic and knew that air transport could resume at any time, requiring significant IT agility and scalability. IATA began researching third-party support options after learning about the market’s growth in a recent Gartner report.1 They chose to strengthen the support and management of their SAP system with Rimini Street’s unified support solution to benefit from continuous improvements and reduce potential risks while the business continued to accelerate as the commercial aviation market resumed. Rimini Street was also able to capture and meet IATA’s business requirements through a unique service catalog that improves IT service delivery. IATA also benefits from services designed for preventative maintenance and proactive problem-solving to improve system performance.

“From the beginning, we were certain we could only work with a trusted support provider to limit risks and Gartner’s report was clear: Rimini Street is the market leader in third-party support,” said Pascal Buchner, IT director and chief information officer, IATA. “Rimini Street distinguished itself from the competition by its reputation and offered both SAP software support and application management services, which we wanted to consolidate.”

A Simplified Operating Model Turning Uncertainty into Predictability

Rimini Street offers a unified support solution, delivering a unique combination of SAP support and application management services. Since switching to Rimini Street, IATA has already reduced its IT backlogs and benefits from more transparency in its operations and an agile delivery model for system enhancements.

“From the start of working with Rimini Street, we saw immediate improvements in our SAP application support and management. The onboarding process was quick and seamless, and we now have a much better view of our tickets and dashboards,” continued Buchner. “Our in-house SAP team is constantly providing positive feedback on the quality of the support from Rimini Street. We do not regret our outsourcing choice, quite the contrary, and feel we can deliver even more value to internal stakeholders than before.”

“Rimini Street is pleased to help IATA maximize the value of its SAP applications with unified support that improves operational productivity. IATA can now find more working capital and focus their budget and IT resources on strategic initiatives that can help its members navigate the current economic crisis,” said Emmanuelle Hose, group vice president and theater general manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Rimini Street. “To better prepare their organization for future expansion, IATA joins more than 4,000 organizations worldwide that have switched to Rimini Street to address near-term budget challenges, while enjoying greater agility and lower risk in service delivery.”

Register to join IATA and Rimini Street for a Customer Fireside Chat on the Top Three Ways to Improve SAP Service Support through AMS on Tuesday, June 29 at 11 a.m. British Summer Time.

About Rimini Street, Inc.

Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), a Russell 2000® Company, 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 4,000 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. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our expectations of future events, future opportunities, global expansion and other growth initiatives and our investments in such initiatives. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of management and are not predictions of actual performance, nor are these statements of historical facts. 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 operational and financial impacts on our business of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic impact, as well as the actions taken by governmental authorities, clients or others in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; catastrophic events that disrupt our business or that of our 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; our need and ability to raise additional equity or debt financing on favorable terms and our ability to generate cash flows from operations to help fund increased investment in our growth initiatives; the sufficiency of our cash and cash equivalents to meet our liquidity requirements; the terms and impact of our outstanding 13.00% Series A Preferred Stock; our ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, and our ability to remediate identified material weaknesses in our internal controls, including in relation to the accounting treatment of our warrants; changes in taxes, laws and regulations; competitive product and pricing activity; difficulties of managing growth profitably; the customer adoption of our recently introduced products and services, including our 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 we expect 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 discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Rimini Street’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2021, and as updated from time to time by Rimini Street’s future Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and 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.

© 2021 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.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210624005278/en/

Contacts

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

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/iata-strengthens-operational-scalability-by-switching-to-rimini-street-for-integrated-support-and-application-management-services-for-its-sap-applications/en

Esri Enters Memorandum of Understanding with Ibn Zohr University

 Strategic Collaboration Will Further Training and Use of GIS among Students, Professors, Researchers

REDLANDS, Calif.-Tuesday 29 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Esri, the global leader in location intelligence, today announced it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ibn Zohr University in Agadir, Morocco. The agreement enables the university to use Esri solutions in the development of new technologies for monitoring desertification, climate change, sustainable development goal progress, oceanography, mining, architecture, and urbanization.

"The goal of this new collaboration is to foster a good quality of education, research, and development in GIS and remote sensing through the integration of the most recent innovations in the field, in order to train highly qualified executives at the university," said Abdelaziz Bendou, president of Ibn Zohr University (IZU). "Students, researchers, and professors will all have access to training in the most advanced location intelligence technology, with applications in drones, AI , IoT, big data, and cloud computing."

With 36 years of experience, Ibn Zohr University is now a national leader in training, research, and scientific innovation. Since opening, the university has been intended as a space for the expression of dialogue and open-mindedness with a framework of training and personal development. This agreement will bring IZU new GIS technologies, providing it with earth observation and spatial data to better fulfill its educational and training goals.

"We are excited about this new collaboration with Ibn Zohr University, which fosters an environment for deeper understanding of geospatial science and technology," said Sohail Elabd, general manager of Esri Middle East and Africa. "It continues to be Esri's mission to help education institutions secure academic licenses for using GIS."

The MOU was announced on April 21, 2021, by Bendou, along with Hassan Moussaria, CEO of Geomatic Group, the Moroccan distributor that represented Esri in the agreement.

To learn more about how Esri is working with universities around the world to expand GIS training, research, and development opportunities, visit esri.com/en-us/industries/education/overview.

About Esri

Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in more than 350,000 organizations globally and in over 200,000 institutions in the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofits, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial information technology, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions for digital transformation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics. Visit us at esri.com.

Copyright © 2021 Esri. All rights reserved. Esri, the Esri globe logo, The Science of Where, esri.com, and @esri.com are trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of Esri in the United States, the European Community, or certain other jurisdictions. Other companies and products or services mentioned herein may be trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of their respective mark owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210628005664/en/

Contacts

Jo Ann Pruchniewski

Public Relations, Esri

Mobile: 301-693-2643

Email: jpruchniewski@esri.com

 

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/esri-enters-memorandum-of-understanding-with-ibn-zohr-university/en

Covetrus Introduces New Roles and Leadership Within Its North America & Global Businesses

New appointments bring expertise to further advance the Company’s strategic plan, synchronize the Company’s global capabilities and drive operational excellence 

PORTLAND, Maine-Tuesday 29 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Covetrus® (NASDAQ: CVET), a global leader in animal-health technology and services, announced the appointments of Bekki Kidd and András Bolcskei to the roles of head of North America Operations & Global Operational Excellence and president of International, respectively. Both roles are new for the Company and in alignment with Covetrus’ strategic plan to drive synchronization and optimization of the business.

As head of North America Operations & Global Operational Excellence, Bekki Kidd’s leadership will extend across the Company’s domestic operations including distribution centers; commercial and compounding pharmacies; regulatory; continuous improvement; and company-wide, global operational excellence. Bekki joins Covetrus from Cardinal Health, where she held leadership roles in global planning, manufacturing, supply chain and operational excellence over the last ten years. Bekki has also worked for Abbott Nutrition, the Coca Cola Company, GE Superabrasives and PPG Industries.

András Bolcskei, Covetrus’ first president of International, is charged with bringing all commercial teams outside of North America together and is responsible for business within Europe, Asia-Pacific and Emerging Markets. András arrives at Covetrus with more than 25 years of experience and a deep background in animal health pharmaceuticals, including at both Merck and Pfizer, where he held leadership roles across Europe and Africa. András is also a veterinarian, who shares Covetrus’ commitment to and advocacy on behalf of the veterinarian.

Covetrus senior executives Mike Ellis and David Hinton will be retiring. This paved the way for combining all commercial responsibilities for Europe, Asia-Pacific and Emerging Markets under Bolcskei.

“Both András and Bekki bring a wealth of experience to their roles. Their appointments will further our progress driving better health and business outcomes for our customers,” said Ben Wolin, president and CEO of Covetrus. “We are grateful for the leadership provided by Mike Ellis and David Hinton, which helped Covetrus get to this stage. Both have been instrumental in our success over the years, and their legacies will carry forward with us.”

About Covetrus

Covetrus is a global animal-health technology and services company dedicated to empowering veterinary practice partners to drive improved health and financial outcomes. We are bringing together products, services, and technology into a single platform that connects our customers to the solutions and insights they need to work best. Our passion for the well-being of animals and those who care for them drives us to advance the world of veterinary medicine. Covetrus is headquartered in Portland, Maine with more than 5,500 employees serving over 100,000 customers around the globe. For more information about Covetrus visit https://covetrus.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, and intentions. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Factors that could adversely affect our business and prospects are set forth in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our management team and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligations to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this release or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210628005245/en/

---

Contacts

Nicholas Jansen | Strategy and Corporate Development
207-550-8106 | nicholas.jansen@covetrus.com

Kiní Schoop | Public Relations
207-550-8018 | kini.schoop@covetrus.com 

 

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/covetrus-introduces-new-roles-and-leadership-within-its-north-america-amp-global-businesses/en

Axiata and Mavenir Achieve First Live Commercial Open vRAN Deployment With TIP Evenstar 4G Radio

 The deployment in some of Axiata properties showed the seamless integration of Open vRAN in real live environment and the beginning of the transformation journey with next generation virtualized data networks of the Future

BARCELONA, Spain-Tuesday 29 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Mavenir, the Network Software Provider building the future of networks with cloud-native software that runs on any cloud and transforms the way the world connects, and Axiata Group Berhad, a leading communication Service Provider in Asia, announced today that they have achieved full integration in live environment, using the MAVair O-RAN based solution for Open RAN: the uniqueness of the solution is the use for the first time in commercial service of the Evenstar 4G RRU, produced by the Telecom Infra Project, with 7.2 O-RAN interface and Open RAN fully virtualized.

The deployment has happened in three properties (Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia), where Axiata has selected in various scenarios, some sites from the legacy incumbent vendors and replaced them with the MAVair Open vRAN solution from Mavenir. Sites are connected with non-ideal backhaul (microwave links), and specifically in some cases with Satellite connectivity, being the first ever in Open vRAN solutions in the world.

The MAVair family includes the flexible Open RAN approach where the evolved RAN architecture, designed with cloud-native virtualization techniques, enables the RAN to flex and adapt based on usage and coverage - using virtualized disaggregated network components, with open standard interfaces, offering all the latest network features - while allowing specific customization and innovation where appropriate.

The integration with the existing coverage and the performances achieved in terms of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are such that the end users perceive seamless service continuity and, in some cases, enhanced throughout for a great mobile broadband experience, including next generation voice services. The MAVair Open vRAN is capable of performing in any type of environment, from rural and urban, with a very flexible architecture and also adapt to the existing environment providing an ideal solution for new applications like Radio Intelligent Controller to increase capacity and optimize the radio and software resources.

Axiata and Mavenir are deploying cloud native solution to build together the Network of the Future and providing fully automated infrastructure, which is software driven and fully cloudified, boosting the ecosystem for Open RAN in Asia. Mavenir’s virtualized RAN (vRAN) platform will enable the utilization of Open Virtualised RAN technology and its target objective of moving towards a fully automated network architecture of the future. Axiata intends to deploy commercial Open RAN network by end of 2021.

“Mavenir is delighted to work with Axiata on their radio network transformation initiative. Together, we have achieved excellent results in Axiata’s commercial network and sites deployed in rural, suburban and urban locations, proving the extreme flexibility of Open vRAN,” said Pardeep Kohli, Mavenir president and CEO. “The collaboration will transform existing networks into a dynamic, agile and cloud-native based platform where Mavenir and Axiata will build the Networks of the Future.”

“We are proud to be among the first to deploy TIP’s Evenstar 4G radios in live commercial Open RAN environments,” said Thomas Hundt, Executive Vice President – Technology at Axiata Group Berhad. “We’re encouraged by how Mavenir’s cloud native Open virtualized RAN has integrated so seamlessly into our legacy networks.”

About Mavenir:

Mavenir is building the future of networks and pioneering advanced technology, focusing on the vision of a single, software-based automated network that runs on any cloud. As the industry's only end-to-end, cloud-native network software provider, Mavenir is focused on transforming the way the world connects, accelerating software network transformation for 250+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers.

www.mavenir.com

About Axiata

As one of the leading telecommunications groups in Asia in pursuit of its vision to be The Next Generation Digital Champion by 2024, Axiata has transformed itself from a holding entity with a portfolio of pure-play mobile assets into a Triple Core Strategy driven business focusing on Digital Telco, Digital Businesses and Infrastructure.

Within ASEAN and South Asia, the Group has controlling stakes in market-leading mobile and fixed operators in the region including 'Celcom' in Malaysia, 'XL' in Indonesia, 'Dialog' in Sri Lanka, 'Robi' in Bangladesh, 'Smart' in Cambodia and 'Ncell' in Nepal. Axiata is actively spearheading efforts to transform its mobile-centric operations into digital converged companies.

Axiata Digital, the digital services arm of Axiata is focused on two digital business verticals namely Digital Financial Services ('Boost', ‘Aspirasi’) and Digital Analytics & AI ('ADA').

'edotco', the Group's infrastructure company, operates in eight countries to deliver telecommunications infrastructure services, amassing approximately 32,800 towers. Presently the 16th largest independent tower companies globally, it aims to be one of the top regional telecommunications tower companies and is committed to responsible and sustainable business operations.

As a committed and long-term investor, and in line with its sustainability goals, the Group actively supports and drives young talent development; disaster response and recovery; as well as green initiatives. Axiata's broader goal of Advancing Asia aims to piece together the best in the region in terms of innovation, connectivity and talent.

https://www.axiata.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210627005040/en/

Contacts

Mavenir PR Contact:

Maryvonne Tubb

Mavenir

PR@mavenir.com

Kevin Taylor

GlobalResultsPR

mavenir@globalresultspr.com

Loren Guertin

MatterNow

mavenir@matternow.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/axiata-and-mavenir-achieve-first-live-commercial-open-vran-deployment-with-tip-evenstar-4g-radio/en

Sordin and Cardo Crew Join Forces To Create New Generation Of Smart Hearing Protectors For Professional Teams On The Move

Leading PPE manufacturer partners with global player in critical communication technology to revolutionise the way professional mobilised teams on the ground communicate and protect their hearing in noisy conditions 

TEL AVIV, Israel-Tuesday 29 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Swedish-based hearing protection pioneers, Sordin, today announced a new partnership with global player in critical communications technology, Cardo Crew, in a move that will combine high-end hearing protectors with cutting edge communications.

The partnership, which will lead to countless game-changing benefits for mission-critical teams on the ground, was announced ahead of the launch of SHARE, Sordin’s groundbreaking new electronic hearing protector. The SHARE device will launch in August 2021 and will combine Cardo Crew’s state-of-the-art dynamic mesh communications technology with features such as ambient sound filtering, voice activation and a dedicated mobile app.

The device will allow teams on the ground to clearly pick up important sounds such as instructions from colleagues or warning signals, whilst also protecting them from potentially damaging noise from machinery and other sound. Thanks to Cardo Crew’s dynamic mesh technology, two-way, hands-free communication for groups of two to 15 workers will also be possible via a fully autonomous network, without the need for a traditional base station, making SHARE the perfect communication tool for busy teams on the move in noisy environments.

Peter Ovrin, Global Product Manager at Sordin, commented on the partnership: “In addition to the primary function to protect against harmful noise, many users of Sordin hearing protectors need easy and robust communication with team members. To meet this user requirement, Sordin is launching the SHARE hearing protector. With Cardo’s state-of-the-art Dynamic Mesh Technology, and other supporting features such as a mobile app, voice control and Bluetooth, SHARE is a groundbreaking product that will revolutionise hearing protection and communication in the field.”

The move also creates a valuable opportunity for Cardo Crew to further extend its award-winning technology to relevant industry verticals, with a primary focus on the European PPE market where Sordin’s product will initially be launched.

Shachar Harari, Chief Business Officer & Head of Cardo Crew commented: “Sordin’s strong brand and 30-year experience in the field will prove invaluable to Cardo’s efforts to make our technology available across verticals where team communications are critical. There are countless applications and use cases, including industrial and construction environments, where the combination of Cardo Crew’s state of the art intercom system and Sordin’s expertise in designing best-in-class hearing protection devices would be an excellent fit.”

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210628005303/en/

Contacts

Eleanor Smith

eleanor.smith@contextpr.co.uk

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/sordin-and-cardo-crew-join-forces-to-create-new-generation-of-smart-hearing-protectors-for-professional-teams-on-the-move/en 

Shanghai Disney Resort and DEI Announce Multi-Year Resort Alliance

DEI (Digiphoto Entertainment Imaging) named the official imaging service sponsor of the resort, capturing magical moments with each guest’s visit. 

Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES-Tuesday 29 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

Shanghai Disney Resort and DEI, one of the leading imaging services and solutions providers, today announced that the two parties had entered into a multi-year resort alliance, establishing DEI as the official imaging service sponsor of Shanghai Disney Resort. Under this new alliance, DEI will become the exclusive service provider of Shanghai Disney Resort’s iconic Disney PhotoPass experience, capturing guests’ magical moments with their families and friends for a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

A brand-new Disney PhotoPass App supported by DEI services has been launched, offering a seamless way for guests to view, select and download the photos taken by official PhotoPass photographers or captured at some of the most popular attractions at Shanghai Disneyland. Adding a touch of Disney magic to the photos, a variety of digital Disney-themed photo frames will be available on the app, including Shanghai Disney Resort’s 5th Birthday Celebration frames and frames featuring beloved Disney Characters.

Spread across 16 countries, DEI is headquartered in Dubai. It is the official imaging partner of marquee attractions across the world including At the Top - Burj Khalifa, Atlantis Dubai, Ski Dubai, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. in the UAE; Marina Bay Sands, Universal Studios, Petronas, Menara KL Tower, and many more in the far east; and Anakeesta, Florida Gulfarium, Hard Rock and Hancock Tower Chicago in the USA.

“Tens of millions of guests have created countless magical memories during their visits to Shanghai Disney Resort,” said Joe Schott, President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort. “Together with DEI, we look forward to providing our guests with an elevated photo experience that will allow guests to take home tangible memories captured by our official photographers across the resort.”

“We will ink this alliance with our commitment to the high-quality imaging services and solutions,” said K.S. Ramakrishnan, President and CEO of DEI. “Technology will continue to remain at the core of everything we do and we are confident of providing guests at Shanghai Disney Resort with memories they will cherish forever.”

With this new alliance, more PhotoPass capture locations will be set up at Shanghai Disneyland, and more photographers will be deployed across the park by DEI, providing a seamless experience for guests using the Disney PhotoPass service. Starting this September, new imaging cart locations will join the pre-existing carts, enabling guests to purchase and print photos in Fantasyland, Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land, Tomorrowland and Gardens of Imagination.

 

About Shanghai Disney Resort

Shanghai Disney Resort, comprised of two owner companies and a management company, is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group. Shanghai Shendi Group owns a 57% interest in the two owner companies, and The Walt Disney Company owns the remaining 43% interest. The management company, in which The Walt Disney Company has a 70% interest and Shanghai Shendi Group has the remaining 30% interest, is responsible for operating the resort.

About DEI

DEI is the global leader in capturing guests’ memorable experiences by providing high quality imaging services and solutions. In the past 17 years, DEI has expanded to over 250 venues across 16 countries. DEI’s solution is built on ‘enterprise-wide’ technology, focused on aggregating photos and videos across attractions, and for every individual guest. This allows for efficient archiving and swift retrieval of images on demand. Continuous innovation has allowed DEI to deliver guest images from multiple retail points as well as personal consumer devices through online and mobile app solutions. DEI’s end-to-end approach allows it to target guests even before they visit an attraction and continues beyond the exit gates. Its vision is to encompass every single imaging opportunity across the lifecycle of every individual.

DEI, a subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Limited, is part of the Fairfax Group and is headquartered in Dubai.

 

For information about Shanghai Disney Resort:

Please visit the official website (http://www.shanghaidisneyresort.com/)

Follow updates on Weibo (http://weibo.com/u/5200478600)

Follow updates on Shanghai Disney Resort Official WeChat (Search WeChat ID: ShanghaiDisneyResort)

Contacts

Krishika Mahesh

Krishika@matrixdubai.com

 

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/shanghai-disney-resort-and-dei-announce-multi-year-resort-alliance/en 

BAI Seeks Top Financial Services Innovators for 2021

 2021 BAI Global Innovation Awards Now Open for Submissions

CHICAGO-Tuesday 29 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Recognizing the importance of innovation and transformation in banking, BAI, a nonprofit independent organization that delivers the financial services industry’s most actionable insights, opened submissions for the BAI Global Innovation Awards today. The awards celebrate financial services innovators with pioneering products and services, operations and business processes that drive customer experiences, efficiency and enterprise profitability. Past awards winners have included Citi, Citizens Bank, Emirates NBD Bank, Fifth Third Bank, FNB, USAA and more.

The BAI Global Innovation Awards is open to financial services organizations across the globe, including banks, neobanks, credit unions, and insurance companies, as well as solutions providers and FinTechs who provide financial services offerings directly to consumers. The program, now in its 10th year, provides an excellent platform for organizations to showcase their culture of innovation and to be recognized as a leader in the industry. The awards will be adjudicated by an international panel of industry innovators and influencers.

This year, there are seven awards’ categories that reflect critical areas in the industry, including three new categories focused on compliance and risk, digital transformation and ESG.

The 2021 awards’ categories are:

Compliance & Risk Management

Consumer Products & Services

Digital Transformation

Environmental, Societal & Governance (ESG)

Human Capital

Internal Process Improvements

Small Business Products & Services

Organizations can submit up to three nominations per category. Nominations will be accepted through August 23, 2021. Finalists will be announced in November 2021 and the winners will be recognized in December 2021. The nomination form is available at www.bai.org/globalinnovations.

About BAI

As a nonprofit, independent organization, BAI has delivered the financial services industry’s most actionable insights for more than 95 years, helping leaders make smart business decisions every day. We provide in-depth, proprietary research to more than 40 of the top US banks, support more than 2,100 financial services organizations with compliance and professional development training, provide trusted, relevant thought leadership through BAI Banking Strategies reports, podcasts and webinars, and offer specialized events and programs. For more information, visit www.bai.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210628005471/en/

Contacts

Angelo D. Jones II

William Mills Agency

678-781-3074

angelo@williammills.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/bai-seeks-top-financial-services-innovators-for-2021/en

DataSpark Signs Landmark Deal With Global Communications Leader Ooredoo for Advanced Data-Driven Smart Network Planning (SNP) Solution

 DataSpark’s telco network planning product set to transform business and network efficiencies with next-generation analytics and cutting-edge data science methodologies



SINGAPORE-Tuesday 29 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- DataSpark has signed a multi-year strategic deal with communications giant, Ooredoo Group, to automate and standardise their group-wide network planning processes, optimise capital expenditure spending and deliver superior customer experience.

The agreement will see DataSpark introduce its state-of-the-art Smart Network Planning (SNP) product to help establish an advanced analytics platform and capability in network planning across all 10 Ooredoo Group operating companies around the world.

The SNP solution (also referred to as CAPEX Optimizer in some regions) will deliver cost and operational efficiencies for Ooredoo Group’s network expansion investments while ensuring that fast-evolving customer needs are always kept at the centre of decision making.

The product utilises advanced machine learning methodologies to forecast and anticipate network capacity and throughput ahead of time, enabling Ooredoo to direct its capital expenditure in a way that creates the most value for the end customer.

DataSpark Chief Operating Officer, Shaowei Ying, said the partnership is a testament to DataSpark’s ability to provide performance-driven analytics solutions for global telco providers.

“The SNP solution empowers Ooredoo’s operating companies to have an automated, data-driven and customer-centric approach to their radio network capacity planning. It leverages best-in-class technologies that DataSpark developed over the last decade to process data at scale and extract granular insights for decision optimisation,” said Mr Ying. “We welcome this landmark partnership with Ooredoo Group which represents a significant milestone. DataSpark, as part of NCS NEXT, will continue expanding telco-centric analytic solutions and collaborate with telecommunication clients globally.”

The SNP’s application for telcos is founded on several key factors including automated and cost-efficient network planning through customer experience, services and network metrics, and layered analytics to inform accurate network investment decisions.

Ooredoo Group Chief Technology and Information Officer, Nigel Thomas Byrne, said the company’s venture with DataSpark would help ensure visibility and standardisation into network planning activities across the Ooredoo Group. This will also help in sharing network planning best practices across the group and further strengthen the culture of data-driven decision making.

“The insights and recommendations delivered through DataSpark’s SNP solution will provide cost-optimisation and allow us to innovate with our networks, ultimately enhancing the customer experience,” said Mr Byrne. “Our mission to deliver superior service is predicated on high-performance network planning and capacity management, and SNP’s advanced analytics will help us make informed decisions to deliver on this goal.”

DataSpark’s mobility data products are designed to optimise telco network solutions for revenue growth and improve customer satisfaction. DataSpark empowers organisations with mobility intelligence to help maximise the value of their networks and save on capital investment spending. Existing telecommunication clients include Singtel, Optus, Advanced Info Service and Globe Telecom.

About DataSpark: DataSpark are leaders in processing large geospatial temporal mobility data to deliver intelligence on people and places using the highest data privacy standards. Understanding how people move, where they go and what they do enables organisations to make more informed decisions from planning capital expenditure to creating better customer experiences. DataSpark (known as DSpark in Australia) is part of the NCS Group with offices across Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. For more information, visit dsanalytics.com.

About NCS: NCS is a member of the Singtel Group and the leading information, communications and technology (ICT) service provider with presence in the Asia Pacific region. NCS delivers end-to-end ICT and digital solutions to help governments and enterprises realise business value through digital transformation and the innovative use of technology. NCS invests in NEXT capabilities of digital, cloud, platform and cyber while continuously strengthening its core offerings of applications, infrastructure and engineering. For more information, visit ncs.com.sg.

About Ooredoo: Ooredoo is a leading international communications company delivering mobile, fixed, broadband internet and corporate managed services tailored to the needs of consumers and businesses across markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. For more information, visit ooredoo.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210628005022/en/

Contacts
Media: Ram Bhat | +61 472705327 | ram.bhat@dsanalytics.com




Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/dataspark-signs-landmark-deal-with-global-communications-leader-ooredoo-for-advanced-data-driven-smart-network-planning-snp-solution/en

Al Zorah - Ground levelling Works start in District 9

 Ajman, United Arab Emirates-Tuesday 29 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

Al Zorah Development Company has begun land levelling works in District 9, in which 70% of the residential plots and 10% of the commercial plots were sold within several weeks, where District 9 comprise a total of 583 plots. AIMS contractor is executing levelling works within the district to enable investors to move forward with their plots construction works.

Imad Al-Dana, CEO of Al Zorah Development Company, says: “District 9 project is located at the main entrance of Al Zorah, extending over ​​a land area of 345,000 square meters, out of the total 5.4 square kilometers land area of Al Zorah. The project includes five-star hotels, beach resorts, marinas, restaurants and cafes, mangrove reserve and a golf course, in addition to the many activities and events specific to the Al Zorah area.”

Al-Dana adds: “We directly supervise all works to ensure adherence to environmental and sustainability standards, in order to enhance our vision of achieving sustainable development with high quality standards. We accomplished this all within the highest level of security, health and safety requirements. We maintained public appearance, environmental standards, and focused on meeting the needs of the communities living in Al Zorah.”

Al Zorah is considered to be one of the most important tourist destinations in the Emirate of Ajman in particular, due to development projects that witness the construction of luxury resorts on the seashore. Projects also cover a golf club, golf course, walkway, shopping sites, luxury restaurants, 4 marinas, and apartments on the banks of the creek. The locality includes the Al Zorah Natural mangrove reserve, regarded to be of the most beautiful natural features in the Emirate of Ajman, and is an ideal destination for lovers of ecological and natural tourism. The many mangroves provide a suitable environment for resident and migratory birds, in addition to the presence of plants and weeds. The Reserve is diverse as a result of the abundance of water, with coasts containing huge groups of fish and coral reefs.

Contacts

Wafa Ahmad

00971569474164

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/al-zorah-ground-levelling-works-start-in-district-9/en 

Grand Prize Winner Announced in $5M IBM Watson AI XPRIZE Competition

 Winning technology from Zzapp Malaria will demonstrate how humans can work with AI to tackle global challenges


LOS ANGELES-Friday 25 June 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- XPRIZE, the world’s leader in designing and operating incentive competitions to solve humanity’s grand challenges, and IBM Watson, IBM’s AI technology for business, today announced the Grand Prize Winner in the $5M IBM Watson AI XPRIZE Challenge. First launched in 2016, the five-year global competition looked to accelerate adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and spark creative, innovative and audacious demonstrations of the technology that are truly scalable to solve societal grand challenges.

Winning first place honors is Zzapp Malaria, in second place is Aifred Health, followed by Marinus Analytics. These finalists were selected out of a pool of 10 semifinalists following presentations of their solutions to a panel of judges during an event held at TED headquarters in New York City last year. A $3 million grand prize, $1 million second place prize, and $500k third place prize will be awarded to the teams. In total, over 150 teams throughout the world joined the competition.

"After five years of hard work and dedication, XPRIZE is thrilled to announce Zzapp Malaria as the grand prize winner of IBM Watson AI XPRIZE,” said Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPRIZE. “Zzapp Malaria, Aifred Health and Marinus Analytics are on the forefront of AI advancement, and we are looking forward to seeing firsthand the positive impact they will have on our future.”

"Each of the three finalists of the IBM Watson AI XPRIZE showcase what's possible when the power of AI is used to address some of the world’s toughest challenges,” said Daniel Hernandez, General Manager, IBM Data and AI. “It’s inspiring to witness how the AI technologies we developed at IBM help these organizations realize and scale their good tech solutions to drive positive societal change.”

Based out of Tel Aviv, Israel, Zzapp Malaria is committed to malaria elimination. The team’s AI technology is geared towards tackling the main challenges faced by malaria elimination campaigns by creating custom models, built with tools like IBM Watson Studio for Cloud Pak for Data, to predict the number of small water bodies caused by weather, enabling it to optimize the timing for launching larviciding operations.

    Marinus Analytics (based out of Pittsburgh, PA): A woman-owned company founded in 2014 out of Carnegie Mellon Robotics that is driven by a single social mission: To fight human trafficking. Their solution, Traffic Jam, is a suite of analytics tools that saves hours and sometimes days of investigative time to find traffickers and recover victims by quickly turning big data into actionable intelligence. Marinus Analytics has used IBM Watson Discovery and IBM Watson Assistant to extend their Traffic Jam application, aiding investigation into financial fraud and the illicit flow of proceeds to international crime groups.

    Aifred Health (based out of Montreal, Canada): A digital health company focused on clinical decision support in mental health, starting with depression. The team’s solution uses AI to learn from thousands of patients to help tailor treatment, reducing the time it takes for a patient to reach remission. IBM Watson Health is providing Aifred Health with millions of records of observational depression data to improve their ML models.

To determine the winner, XPRIZE AI convened a global jury of representatives from around the world. The jury evaluated each team based on their performance in the following four dimensions: achieved technical impact, evidenced real-world impact, scalability of real-world impact, and ethics and safety.

The winning teams were announced today in partnership with WIRED during the IBM Watson AI XPRIZE’s AI For Good fireside chat featuring Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPRIZE, and Seth Dobrin, IBM’s Chief AI Officer. The two discussed the challenge and the importance of AI for the future of humanity. As part of their partnership with WIRED, XPRIZE opened up a public vote for the Most Inspiring Team, and Zzapp Malaria was selected as the winner. You can watch the full fireside chat and view additional content via WIRED’s content hub linked here.

About XPRIZE

XPRIZE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the global leader in designing and implementing innovative competition models to solve the world’s grandest challenges. Active competitions include the $100M XPRIZE Carbon Removal, $15M XPRIZE Feed the Next Billion, $10 Million XPRIZE Rainforest, $10 Million ANA Avatar XPRIZE and $5 Million XPRIZE Rapid Reskilling. For more information, visit xprize.org.

About IBM Watson

Watson is IBM’s AI technology for business, helping organizations to better predict and shape future outcomes, automate complex processes, and optimize employees’ time. Watson has evolved from an IBM Research project, to experimentation, to a scaled, open set of products that run anywhere. With more than 40,000 client engagements, Watson is being applied by leading global brands across a variety of industries to transform how people work. To learn more, visit: https://www.ibm.com/watson.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210623005848/en/

Contacts

Media Contacts:
Sunshine Sachs
xprize@sunshinesachs.com

Katerina Stamatiou, XPRIZE
prcontact@xprize.org

IBM Watson
Zachery Bishop
zachery.bishop@ibm.com


Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/grand-prize-winner-announced-in-5m-ibm-watson-ai-xprize-competition/en