LUXEMBOURG & CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Thursday, February 25th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SES S.A. (NYSE Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) announced today that its SES-9 satellite is ready to be launched tonight on a Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The launch window opens today at 6:46:14 pm East Coast time (0:46:14 am on 25 February Central European Time). The spacecraft will be deployed approximately 31 minutes after lift-off. SES-9 will use a chemical bi-propellant thruster to complete major post- launch maneuvers. An electric propulsion system will complete the journey to its orbit at 36,000 kilometers above the Equator. The on-orbit maneuvering throughout the 15 year nominal lifetime of the satellite will be done by electric propulsion.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160224006141/en/

SES-9 is SES’s largest satellite to serve the As ... Read more »

Mobile Money Industry Continues to Grow With More Than One Billion Transactions Processed In December 2015

BARCELONA, Spain - Wednesday, February 24th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The GSMA today released its fifth annual ‘State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money’. The report provides a quantitative assessment of the industry, drawing on the results of the annual GSMA Global Adoption Survey of Mobile Financial Services, data from the GSMA Mobile Money Deployment Tracker and insights on mobile money performance from the GSMA’s engagement with the industry over the last year.

“Mobile money is driving social and economic impact for millions of people in emerging markets,” said John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA. “Over the last decade, mobile money has done more to extend the reach of financial services than traditional bricks and mortar banking were able to do over the last century. With 411 million mobile ... Read more »

BARCELONA - Friday, February 26th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The GSMA today congratulates all winners of the 2016 Glomo Awards, which were announced during a series of ceremonies and live TV presentations throughout the week at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Awards hosts TV presenters Suzi Perry and Ortis Deley revealed the winners on Mobile World Live TV and at the official awards ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, 23 February.

“Our congratulations to all of the winners and nominees of the GSMA’s Glomo Awards this week of Mobile World Congress," said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA. "In what was a remarkably wide field of more than 930 entrants, narrowed to 170 nominees, it is truly an outstanding achievement to have been selected by our esteemed judging panels. We thank all of our entrants, judges, sponsors and partners for supporting the 21st Glomo Awards.”

Also announced in separa ... Read more »

AMSTERDAM - Thursday, February 25th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- VimpelCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: VIP), the international communications and technology company that is committed to bringing the digital world to each and every customer, today announces plans to build a complete virtual network infrastructure providing 4G, 3G and 2G mobile data services to customers across five markets in 2016. VimpelCom has engaged ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), an international provider of telecommunications technology solutions, to build the new network environment.

ZTE’s virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) network will be introduced in Kyrgyzstan and Laos in February 2016. Following these two markets, VimpelCom plans to introduce the fully virtualized network in Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Tajikistan during the course of 2016. With virtualization, the networks in the five VimpelCom markets will move from a legacy-heavy network made up of separate network elements to a comm ... Read more »

GOLD COAST, Australia - Thursday, February 25th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Strong organic growth, acquisition synergies and revenue driving initiatives have delivered Retail Food Group Limited (RFG, the Company or Group)(ASX:RFG) record 1H16 underlying Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) of $32.1m, an increase of 27.1% over the previous corresponding period (PCP), as reported in the Company’s recently released half-year accounts.

The Company’s strong profit result was a product of record 1H16 EBITDA of $53.5m, representing a 36.4% increase on PCP, and demonstrating the robust potential inherent in the Group’s unique business model.

RFG Managing Director Tony Alford said the Company’s impressive track record of performance, investment in growth and strong shareholder rewards since Listing in 2006 had it well-positioned to capitalise on further global expansion.

“In terms of network scale and penetration, RFG has now surp ... Read more »

Locally Relevant Content and Digital Literacy Skills Key to Digital Inclusion in the Region

BARCELONA, Spain - Wednesday, February 24th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Tackling digital literacy and ensuring that locally relevant content and services are available will be key to connecting the estimated 363 million citizens in Latin America and the Caribbean that are covered by mobile broadband networks but not yet connected. According to a series of new reports commissioned by GSMA’s Connected Society and produced by GSMA Intelligence, further collaboration between mobile operators and governments will be key to extending mobile connectivity and internet services to millions of citizens across the region. Affordability and network coverage are identified as the other main barriers to digital inclusion in the region.

“Mobile broadband is the primary method of delivering affordable internet access across the Latin America and Caribbean region, ... Read more »

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Monday, February 22nd 2016 [ME NewsWire]

The UAE National Team won the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon Championship for teams, achieving the first position out of 177 international participating teams.

The UAE national athletics team is formed of elite runners from the Ministry of Interior’s national teams, and these runners constitute the backbone of the teams running in marathons.

The team included Rashed Butti Al Qubaisi, Mubarak Al Marashda, Osama Saeed Al Kathiri, Saud Al Zaa’bi, Nasser Al Bastaki, Saif Al Rashidi, Abdullah Al Saadi, and the two brothers Khalifa Al Nuaimi and Obeid Al Nuaimi.

The international Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is an internationally renowned and specialized race, and is considered the fastest half marathon racing track in the world. 3600 male and female runners from 94 countries all over the world participated in this marathon, including the world champions of such races.

SHENZHEN, China - Friday, February 26th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a major international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet, today announced that it is proud to be named as one of the first eleven partners in the China Mobile 5G Joint Innovation Lab (5G JIL for short), which officially launched at the Global TD-LTE Initiative (GTI) Summit held during Mobile World Congress 2016 in Barcelona on 23 February.

The 5G JIL aims to draw on multiple resources from across the industry in order to facilitate 4G-to-5G evolution and create a virtuous circle for innovation. China Mobile has plans to create more opportunities for cooperation across different industries in areas rich in potential such as basic communications, Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Vehicles (IoV), Industrial Internet, Cloud Robotics, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR).

SHENZHEN, China - Saturday, February 27th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a major international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet, today announced that it officially joined the GSMA NB-IoT (Narrow Band-IoT) Forum as a major member, at the Mobile World Congress 2016 in Barcelona. The NB-IoT forum mainly comprises mainstream operators, major equipment manufacturers, chip providers and terminal module manufacturers around the world. As a major equipment manufacturer, ZTE will accelerate the development of the Cellular Network-based NB-IoT industry, help the forum promote and verify the NB-IoT technology, take part in and accelerate the development of innovative NB-IoT-related services and applications, and facilitate commercialization of NB-IoT, together with other members of the forum.

ZTE has been a major promoter of NB-IoT, the Low Power Wide Area Technology ... Read more »

ISTANBUL - Thursday, February 25th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The 23rd World Energy Congress, which is taking place in Istanbul, between 9 and 13 October has announced Strive Masiyiwa, Group Executive Chairman and Founder, Econet, South Africa as the 150th speaker. Confirmed speakers also include Wang Binghua, Chairman, State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC), China and Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Government of Malaysia, Malaysia.

The World Energy Congress is regarded as the most influential and inclusive gathering of senior leaders from all segments of the energy community and is attracting speakers with global reputations from senior figures in politics, business and academia.

The Congress will dedicate its fourth day to a focus on Africa and its role in securing a stable energy future, recognising the potential and growth opportunities the continent will unlock in the future.

Strive Masiyiwa, ... Read more »

INGELHEIM, Germany - Thursday, February 25th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

    Pooled data from three key studies confirms that OFEV® slows disease progression by approximately 50% as measured by decline in forced vital capacity (FVC)*1-8
    The pooled analysis also demonstrated that OFEV® significantly reduced the risk of acute exacerbations by 47%1
    OFEV® reduced the risk of all-cause mortality by 30% and significantly reduced on-treatment mortality by 43%**1,9,10

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pooled analysis from the TOMORROW and INPULSIS® trials, recently published in Respiratory Medicine, provides further evidence that OFEV® (nintedanib) significantly reduces the risk of acute exacerbations by 47% in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a debilitating and life-threatening lung disease.1 An acute exacerbation, a sudden worsening in respiratory function without warning or known cause, is a leadi ... Read more »

COLOMBES, France - Wednesday, February 24th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Oberthur Technologies (OT), a leading global provider of embedded security software products, services and solutions, today announces its collaboration with Etisalat Misr, a leading Telecommunications service provider, to launch M2M and IoT services. Relying on OT’s M-Sense solution, a cutting edge software platform enabling fast service deployment, Etisalat Misr will enable its Enterprise customers to quickly launch new M2M and IoT services.

This partnership is a concrete outcome of the Frame Agreement signed between OT and Etisalat Group (Abu Dhabi) in July 2015. The project aims to deliver a tailored and modular solution enabling selected local ecosystem partners to leverage the platform’s ready-made components and use existing application frameworks. These components include sensor data visualization, reporting, business rules and off-the-shelf applications in order to fu ... Read more »

 New Study Sees 4G Market Double in 2015; Industry Accounts For 4.2% of Global GDP

BARCELONA - Thursday, February 25th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The number of 4G mobile connections worldwide has surpassed the one billion mark and is on track to account for a third of all mobile connections by 2020, according to a new study by the GSMA. The 2016 global edition of the GSMA’s ‘Mobile Economy’ series of reports points to an accelerating technology shift to 3G/4G mobile broadband networks across both developed and developing markets, which is fuelling digital innovation, smartphone adoption and mobile data growth. The study calculates that the mobile industry made a $3.1 trillion contribution to the world economy last year, equivalent to 4.2 per cent of global GDP.

“Our new report reveals that mobile broadband is now a truly global phenomenon, extending high-speed connectivity and services to citizens in all corners of the w ... Read more »

 Strong, growing demand for Rimini Street support in Japan; 55 clients already supported

LAS VEGAS - Wednesday, February 24th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rimini Street, Inc., the leading independent provider of enterprise software support services for SAP SE’s (NYSE:SAP) Business Suite and BusinessObjects software and Oracle Corporation’s (NYSE:ORCL) Siebel, PeopleSoft, JD Edwards, E-Business Suite, Oracle Database, Oracle Middleware, Hyperion, Oracle Retail and Oracle Agile PLM software, today announced the opening of its new office in Osaka, representing a significant milestone in Nihon Rimini Street’s planned next phase (Phase III) of growth which includes an expanded presence and capability in Western Japan. Nihon Rimini Street already has a strong and growing presence in the Tokyo area, where the Company’s Japan headquarters are based. With the addition of its new office located in Osaka, the Company will bring sales and sup ... Read more »

NEW YORK - Thursday, February 25th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) announced today that it has acquired By Kilian, the Paris-based prestige fragrance brand that embodies timeless sophistication and modern luxury. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 2007 by Kilian Hennessy, By Kilian has built a passionate global following with its distinctive emphasis on sensuous olfactive storytelling. Sold in more than 40 countries worldwide – primarily in North America, Europe and the Middle East – through immersive freestanding stores, select prestige department stores and perfumeries, By Kilian offers an exclusive “wardrobe” of scents that reflect Mr. Hennessy’s deep-rooted legacy of luxury and creativity. By Kilian’s current product offerings include fragrances, candles and other accessories, as well as exclusive collections available in certain regions. Elements of the brand’s ... Read more »

 ZTE CIO Jane Chen’s Speech on “Smart City” at MWC

SHENZHEN, China - Thursday, February 25th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ZTE CIO Jane Chen delivered a speech on “Smarter City, Better Life” at MWC (Mobile World Congress) in Barcelona on Feb. 22nd. She introduces three innovations made by ZTE in the field of “Smart City”: the Cloud-Network-Map top-level architecture; the shared city big data cloud platform; as well as the innovative business model and city cooperation in a new PPP mode. On that day, the session of “Smart Cities Sustainability” attracted over 200 people.

With the development of the new-generation information technologies such as Internet of Things, Cloud computing, and mobile internet, the concept of “Smart City” is increasingly being addressed, the research and business applications of which in intelligent healthcare, electronic government, and intelligent transport ... Read more »

OJAI, Calif - Wednesday, February 24th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Elixir Technologies announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Armor (www.armor.com), an industry leader in active cyber defense, offering a highly secure, compliant and scalable cloud infrastructure. Armor will provide the cloud infrastructure for Tango+, Elixir’s groundbreaking SaaS-delivered customer communications management (CCM) solution for organizations of all sizes. Tango+ is a complete, SaaS-delivered, browser-based CCM platform designed to effectively handle the strict content requirements of highly regulated industries, while delivering world-class tools for every role involved in the customer communications process. Delivered via Armor’s highly secure cloud infrastructure, Tango+ enables organizations to build complete, secure CCM applications, all in the cloud.

“At Elixir, security is always a proactive quest and a top priority,” said Waqa ... Read more »

LONDON - Wednesday, February 24th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best has removed from under review with negative implications and affirmed the financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and the issuer credit rating of “bbb-” of Continental Reinsurance Plc (Continental Re) (Nigeria). The outlook assigned to both ratings is stable. Continental Re is 56.6% owned by C-Re Holding Limited (C-Re), a Mauritius-based investment vehicle, with the remainder being free float.

The rating action follows the announcement on 15 February 2016, that Saham Finances S.A. (Saham Finances), the majority-owned subsidiary of the Moroccan-domiciled financial services group, Saham Group, has reduced its shareholding in C-Re to 51% from 100%. Saham Finances had originally purchased a 100% stake in C-Re in September 2015 to become the majority shareholder of Continental Re. At that time, the ratings of Continental Re were placed under review with negative implications owing ... Read more »