Thursday, October 31, 2013

New Research Identifies Competitive Advantages for London and Other European Cities

The Global Cities Initiative and Centre for London bring Europe's leaders together to discuss growth strategies for the region's cities LONDON - Tuesday, October 29th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- New research published today by the Global Cities Initiative and Centre for London to underscore a landmark Conference, finds that despite the impact of recent economic crises, European cities maintain competitive advantages over new megacities in other parts of the world. However, as the world economy continues to evolve, Europe’s cities – those that are already established 'global cities' as well as those that seek to become more global – must come up with new ways to be more globally competitive.

The research in the paper, 'Europe’s Cities in a Global Economy', assesses recent trends in city-related performance, as measured in over 100 quantitative and perception-led studies. It identifies where the continent’s cities remain strong, which cities appear to be adapting to new global business demand and which factors are critical to the revitalization of Europe’s cities in the next phase of globalization.

The Global Cities Initiative and the Centre for London commissioned this research, which will be discussed with European city leaders at the London Conference 2013 today. City leaders from Moscow, Oslo, Poznan and Amsterdam, amongst others, will meet to discuss ways to increase the region’s global competitiveness at the third annual London Conference, which will open with an address by Lord Sebastian Coe.

“Cities have long been vital to trade, innovation, and the economic health of a given region. In today’s global economy, competition is fierce and the ability for metropolitan regions to be globally competitive is critical to their success,” said Emilio Saracho, J.P. Morgan's Deputy CEO of EMEA. “Europe’s cities must continue to re-orient, innovate and find ways to build global fluency. Today’s discussions will help us do just that.”

The majority of European cities have maintained important infrastructure, human capital and sustainability advantages over other global regions. Many of Europe’s mid-sized cities record healthy scores for entrepreneurship, multi-lingual talent, quality of life and regional connectivity that are not easily replicable elsewhere. European cities are also very well placed to serve new economic centers and emerging market firms as they increasingly make investments and expand into developed countries.

European cities can increase these advantages by deepening relationships with emerging economies. Opportunities include lucrative new visitor and student markets, co-operation in health and environment sectors and design, engineering and consultancy solutions for infrastructure projects.

"For centuries Europe's cities led the world. But with the Asia, Africa and South America urbanising fast, urban momentum is moving South. If London and the major European cities are to retain their competitive edge, and provide for their citizens, they will need to reform their economies, while continuing to invest in infrastructure and quality of life. We are thrilled to be working with the Global Cities Initiative on this year's London Conference. It provides an important chance for London and other European cities to take stock, and learn from other cities, and engage with city leaders and experts from around the world."

Also published for the Conference is the international version of 'Ten Traits of Globally Fluent Metropolitan Areas', which provides an important framework for city leaders to review their growth strategies. Successful traits include adaptability to global dynamics, international connectivity and the ability to secure investment for strategic priorities.

To read the full reports or learn more about the conversations, visit londonconference2013.com.

ABOUT CENTRE FOR LONDON

Centre for London is a new think tank focused on helping London, one of the oldest and most important world cities, meet its challenges and build on its great strengths. Launched two years ago, the Centre is quickly developing relations with sister organisations across Europe. Centre for London has held two previous London Conferences in 2011 and 2012. The London Conference 2013 will be the third in the series. The Centre publishes research and thinking on the city’s issues and holds numerous events throughout the year. See the full programme of work here.

ABOUT THE GLOBAL CITIES INITIATIVE

Launched in 2012, the Global Cities Initiative (GCI) is a five-year effort aimed at helping city and metropolitan leaders become more globally fluent by providing an in-depth and data-driven look at their regional standing on crucial global economic measures, highlighting best policy and practice innovations from around the world, and creating an international network of leaders who ultimately trade and grow together. GCI combines the Brookings Institution’s deep expertise in fact-based, metropolitan-focused research and J.P. Morgan’s longstanding commitment to investing in cities, helping to equip leaders by unveiling economic starting points on such key indicators as advanced manufacturing, exports, foreign direct investment, freight flow and immigration. For more information please visit www.jpmorganchase.com/globalcities.

Contacts

J.P. Morgan

Jennifer Zuccarelli

jennifer.r.zuccarelli@jpmorgan.com

020-7134-8504



Centre for London

Jess Tyrrell

jess.tyrrell@centreforlondon.co.uk

020-3102-3767







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/9011/en

Thuraya SatSleeve Wins Lloyd's List Innovation Award

Unique device that converts an iPhone to a satellite smartphone honored at prestigious maritime awards ceremony

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Wednesday, October 30th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a leading Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) operator, has been named winner of the Innovation Award at the Lloyd’s List Middle East and Indian Subcontinent 2013 Awards.

Thuraya won the award for the Thuraya SatSleeve, its unique satellite adaptor for the iPhone that enables maritime and offshore users to stay connected from remote locations outside of terrestrial networks with their iPhone. The award judges recognized the SatSleeve’s ability to keep seafarers in touch with their loved ones as well as facilitating vital business communications for officers and crew when operating outside coverage of terrestrial networks.

In selecting Thuraya for the award, the judging panel noted: “The winner of this highly competitive award has created what has been described as the missing link in crew and business communications at sea. As such, this company has improved the quality of life for seafarers immeasurably, helping them keep in contact with their families, friends and colleagues from anywhere on the globe”.

Samer Halawi, Chief Executive Officer of Thuraya said, “We are delighted to have won this award, which recognizes Thuraya’s commitment to developing products and services that truly meet the needs of mobile users. Combining the innovation of Thuraya’s mobile satellite products with the intuitive interface of the iPhone, the SatSleeve provides an elegant and cost effective way to keep in touch while at sea.”

Compatible with iPhone 4/4S and 5/5S, the Thuraya SatSleeve supports voice calls, SMS and basic data connectivity in satellite mode. Users can pre-program an SOS number into the Thuraya SatSleeve to contact a nominated first responder – a feature that works even without the iPhone connected.

The SatSleeve can be used across the Thuraya network either with a Thuraya SIM card in 140 countries or with a standard GSM SIM card available from 356 worldwide GSM operators across more than 160 countries.

About Thuraya Telecommunications Company

Thuraya Telecommunications Company is an industry leading MSS operator and a global telecommunication provider offering innovative communications solutions to a variety of sectors including energy, broadcast media, maritime, military and humanitarian NGO. Visit www.thuraya.com

Contacts

Thuraya

Shereen Hanafi, Director of Communications

+971-4-4488-888

corporatecomms@thuraya.com

Follow Thuraya on: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube

Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/9014/en

Rockwell Automation to Acquire vMonitor, a Global Technology Leader for Wireless Solutions Connecting the Digital Oilfield

ME Newswire / Business Wire

MILWAUKEE - Tuesday, October 29th 2013

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK) today announced that it has agreed to purchase vMonitor, a global technology leader for wireless solutions in the oil and gas industry.

vMonitor is a pioneer in Digital Oilfield implementation and remote operations worldwide. It delivers innovative monitoring and control solutions for wellhead and upstream applications that combine cutting-edge wireless instrumentation and communication with visualization software to help customers make more informed decisions and improve production.

vMonitor has the world’s largest installed base of wireless wellhead monitoring systems for natural and artificially lifted wells with more than 6,000 well sites for major oil and gas companies around the world.

“Strategically, vMonitor’s world class digital oilfield technology and services, combined with our comprehensive portfolio of solutions, strengthen our ability to deliver end-to-end projects for the oil and gas sector,” said Terry Gebert, vice president and general manager, Rockwell Automation Global Solutions.

“Equally important, vMonitor’s capabilities will accelerate our development of similar process solutions and remote monitoring services for water / wastewater, mining and other industries globally,” said Gebert.

“Our customers will benefit from Rockwell Automation’s global solutions capabilities and complementary product lines to ensure we can collectively provide a seamless integrated solution,” said Rashed Saif Al Suwaidi, chairman of vMonitor. “Our employees will also join an innovative, fast-growing technology leader serving the worldwide oil and gas industry.” vMonitor has about 120 employees at offices located in Houston, Mumbai, Abu Dhabi, and other Middle East locations.

The company’s technologies include an all-wireless portfolio of wellhead sensors and transmitters, remote terminal units, gateways and modems, as well as turn-key monitoring and control systems and services. These offerings cover a broad range of applications from oil and gas wells, pipelines, pumping and lift stations, to refineries and tank farms.

The acquisition is expected to close within two months. vMonitor will then become part of Rockwell Automation’s Control Products & Solutions operating segment.

Rockwell Automation will showcase vMonitor at its 2013 Automation Fair event to be held Nov. 13-14 in Houston, Texas, USA. Attendees will have the opportunity to view a control room simulation, a remote terminal unit, and packaged solutions.

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information, makes its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Rockwell Automation employs about 22,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.

Contacts

Rockwell Automation

Media Relations

John A. Bernaden, 414-382-2555



Rockwell Automation

Investor Relations

Rondi Rohr-Dralle, 414-382-8510







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/8999/en

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Oral Apremilast Monotherapy Demonstrated Long-Term Clinical Benefits in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Naïve to Previous DMARD Therapy

BOUDRY, Switzerland - Tuesday, October 29th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

PALACE 4 achieves primary endpoint of ACR 20 at week 16 with nearly 60 percent of patients who completed 52 weeks on apremilast achieving an ACR 20 response

PALACE 4 is the first large randomized controlled study to examine the efficacy and safety of a novel agent in patients naïve to previous DMARD therapy

Long-term, clinically meaningful improvements seen in manifestations of psoriatic arthritis such as physical function (HAQ-DI), skin (PASI-75/50), swollen and tender joints, enthesitis and dactylitis

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Celgene International Sàrl, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ:CELG), today announced results of its long-term phase III study on apremilast, the Company’s first-in-class oral, targeted inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), in systemic or biologic DMARD-naïve psoriatic arthritis patients at the 2013 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP) annual meeting in San Diego.

PALACE 4 is the first large, randomized, controlled study to examine the efficacy and safety of a novel agent exclusively in systemic or biologic DMARD-naïve psoriatic arthritis patients. Apremilast monotherapy demonstrated clinical benefits over 52 weeks in this treatment-naïve patient population, including clinically meaningful improvements in signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, as well as manifestations of psoriatic arthritis such as physical function (HAQ-DI), skin (PASI-75/50), swollen and tender joints, enthesitis and dactylitis.

At week 16, a statistically significantly greater proportion of patients treated with apremilast monotherapy achieved a modified ACR20 (the study’s primary endpoint) versus placebo: 29.2% (apremilast 20 mg; P=0.0076) and 32.3% (apremilast 30 mg; P=0.0011) versus 16.9% (placebo). For those patients randomized to apremilast and completing 52 weeks of the study, an ACR20 response of 53.4% (apremilast 20 mg) and 58.7% (apremilast 30 mg) at week 52 was observed. ACR 50 and 70 was reached by 31.9% and 18.1% of patients, respectively, for apremilast 30 mg.

“In addition to maintaining its long-term safety and tolerability profile consistent with the previously reported data, apremilast monotherapy showed significant clinical benefit in systemic or biologic DMARD-naïve psoriatic arthritis patients,” said Alvin Wells, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Rheumatology and Immunotherapy Center, Franklin, WI, US. “These encouraging results suggest that apremilast may have the potential to be used alone and as a first-line therapy.”

Durable improvements in multiple endpoints—including enthesitis (inflammation at sites where tendons, ligaments or joint capsule fibers insert into bone), dactylitis (swelling of a finger or toe), impaired physical function as assessed by HAQ-DI, swollen and tender joint counts and associated skin psoriasis—were maintained or increased in patients completing 52 weeks of treatment.

Apremilast monotherapy demonstrated an acceptable safety profile and was generally well-tolerated up to 52 weeks. No new safety concerns were identified with longer treatment duration, and the profile was consistent with previously reported safety data on apremilast. The most common adverse events (AEs) reported through 52 weeks were nausea, diarrhea and headache. Discontinuation rates for diarrhea and nausea in the combined apremilast treatment groups were less than 2% over 52 weeks. No serious AEs of diarrhea or nausea were reported in any treatment group up to 52 weeks. No systemic opportunistic infections, including no cases of tuberculosis (new or reactivations), were reported.

These results are from investigational studies. Apremilast is not an approved product for any indication.

The New Drug Application (NDA) and the New Drug Submission (NDS), based on the combined data from PALACE 1, 2 and 3 for psoriatic arthritis, were submitted to health authorities in the U.S. and Canada in Q1 2013 and Q2 2013, respectively. An NDA to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for psoriasis, in addition to a combined psoriatic arthritis/psoriasis Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) in Europe, are on-track for the fourth quarter of 2013.

About PALACE Program

PALACE 1, 2, 3 and 4 are the pivotal phase III multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group studies with two active-treatment groups. In PALACE 1, 2 and 3, approximately 1,500 subjects were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either apremilast 20 mg BID, 30 mg BID or identically appearing placebo for 24 weeks, with a subsequent active treatment phase up to 52 weeks followed by a long-term safety phase in which all patients are treated with apremilast. The PALACE 1, 2 and 3 studies included a wide spectrum of patients with active psoriatic arthritis, including those who had been previously treated with oral DMARDs, and/or biologic DMARDs, including patients who had previously failed a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. PALACE 3 includes a large subset of patients with significant skin involvement with psoriasis.

In PALACE 4, more than 500 DMARD-naïve patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either apremilast 20 mg BID, 30 mg BID, or identically appearing placebo, for 24 weeks, with a subsequent active treatment phase up to 52 weeks, followed by a long-term safety phase in which all patients are treated with apremilast.

The primary endpoint of the PALACE 1, 2, 3 and 4 studies is the modified American College of Rheumatology criteria for 20 percent improvement (ACR20) at week 16. Secondary endpoints include other measures of signs and symptoms, physical function and patient-reported outcomes at weeks 16 and 24.

Taken together, the PALACE program includes the most comprehensive psoriatic arthritis program to date intended for regulatory submission.

About Apremilast

Apremilast, an oral, targeted inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), intracellularly modulates the expression of a network of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. PDE4 is a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-specific PDE and the dominant PDE in inflammatory cells. PDE4 inhibition elevates intracellular cAMP levels, which in turn down-regulates the inflammatory response by modulating the expression of TNF-α, IL-23, and other inflammatory cytokines. Elevation of cAMP also increases anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10.

About Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a painful, chronic inflammatory disease associated with the skin condition psoriasis. An estimated 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis, approximately 30 percent of whom may also develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disorder with progressive and additive joint inflammation that can lead to deleterious effects on quality of life and increases work disability. In addition to psoriatic skin lesions, common signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include pain, stiffness and swelling in several to many joints, as well as inflammation of the spine. Patients often experience psoriasis on average for 10 years before the onset of joint symptoms, and many psoriatic arthritis patients go undiagnosed. To learn more about psoriatic arthritis, go to www.discoverpsa.com. To learn more about the role of PDE4 in inflammatory diseases, go to www.discoverpde4.com.

About Celgene

Celgene International Sàrl, located in Boudry, Switzerland, is a wholly-owned subsidiary and international headquarters of Celgene Corporation. Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, is an integrated global pharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through gene and protein regulation. For more information, please visit www.celgene.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are generally statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans," "will," “outlook” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current plans, estimates, assumptions and projections, and speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in light of new information or future events, except as otherwise required by law. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of the impact of a number of factors, many of which are discussed in more detail in Celgene Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contacts

Celgene International Sàrl

Investors:

+41 32 729 8303 ir@celgene.com



Media:

+41 32 729 8304 media@celgene.com







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8979/en

New data show Striverdi® (olodaterol)* Respimat® improves exercise tolerance in patients with moderate to very severe COPD1

• Data add to evidence from on-going Phase III clinical trial programme showing that once-daily olodaterol Respimat® provided fast, remarkable and sustained improvements in lung function in patients with moderate to very severe COPD2,3,4,5

ME NewsWire/ Business Wire

CHICAGO - Tuesday, October 29th 2013

For media outside the UK, U.S. and Canada

The latest data from Phase III studies show that treatment with once-daily olodaterol Respimat® resulted in statistically significant improvements in the amount of time that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could exercise before breathlessness forced them to stop.

All patients involved in the studies had COPD with moderate to very severe lung function impairment, as defined by the GOLD guidelines.

What does this mean for the patient?

Reduced exercise tolerance is a common symptom of COPD and often worsens over time, limiting patients’ ability to do routine activities.6,7

“Exercise is an essential component of COPD management – people living with COPD who exercise regularly have improved breathing, less severe symptoms and a better quality of life,” said Dr François Maltais, MD, of the Research Center, Québec University Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology, Laval University, Québec, Canada.

“These study findings are important because we see that the bronchodilator effect of olodaterol can also lead to meaningful improvements in the level of exercise that patients with COPD can undertake – a very important consideration in their holistic care,” Dr Maltais added.

Data from the two replicate 6-week studies showed that, compared to usual care, treatment with olodaterol Respimat® improved airflow limitation which translated into reduced lung hyperinflation during exercise producing improvements in symptom-limited exercise tolerance.1 At Week 6, the exercise endurance time for patients receiving olodaterol Respimat® in Study 1222.37 was 14 percent greater than in the group of patients receiving usual care, and 12 percent greater than usual care in Study 1222.38.1

Usual care included short-acting anticholinergics (SAMAs), inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and xanthines. Long-acting anticholinergics (LAMAs) were not permitted.

These data are presented for the first time at the 2013 American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) annual meeting (CHEST 2013) in Chicago.

“These studies serve as another example of Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to advancing the treatment of COPD to address the unmet needs of millions of patients living with this devastating disease. We also look forward to results from our Phase III ANHELTO® studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of a free combination of tiotropium and olodaterol which are due to be reported in early 2014,” said Professor Klaus Dugi, Corporate Senior Vice President Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim.

Olodaterol Respimat® is both a fast-acting and long-lasting bronchodilator for the maintenance treatment of patients with COPD.

It has been shown in Phase III studies to deliver significant bronchodilator effects within 5 minutes after the first dose3 and provides sustained improvement in lung function over 24 hours that results in clinically meaningful improvements in patients’ quality of life.8

Please click on the link for ‘Notes to Editors’ and ‘References’: http://bit.ly/17pNWPQ

* Striverdi® (olodaterol) Respimat® is approved for use in COPD in the UK, Canada, Denmark, Iceland and Russia. Approval and regulatory reviews by health authorities in the US and other countries worldwide are pending.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20131029006025/en/

Contacts

Boehringer Ingelheim

Corporate Communications

Media + PR

Linda Calandra, + 49 151 15 02 11 48

Fax: +49 6132 – 77 6601

press@boehringer-ingelheim.com

www.boehringer-ingelheim.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/9012/en

World's Smallest NIBP Modules for EMS Transport Monitors from SunTech Medical

U.S. Military approved Advantage™ modules capable of remote ischemic conditioning

MORRISVILLE, N.C. - Tuesday, October 29th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SunTech Medical Advantage™ OEM non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) modules provide reliable blood pressure measurement for adverse conditions during emergency medical service (EMS) transport. The product line includes the world’s smallest NIBP module, allowing medical device manufacturers to reduce the size and weight of transport monitors and defibrillators to enhance portability.

SunTech Medical Advantage OEM NIBP technologies were developed exclusively for the emergency transport market. The modules offer specific features such as ECG-gating to obtain reliable BP measurements during intense motion in ambulances, medevac helicopters and other EMS and military vehicles. Advantage modules can also support remote ischemic conditioning (RIC), which has been shown to reduce cardiac tissue damage by as much as 30 percent during a cardiac event. SunTech has further developed an innovative deflation technology that shortens measurement time and allows the monitor to meet more stringent water ingress regulations, as well as minimize product size to levels not possible with competing technologies.

Several military transport monitors using SunTech’s proprietary Transport Motion Technology have been approved by the U.S. Army Airworthiness and U.S. Air Force stringent Safe-to-Fly certification programs for reliable performance and durability in fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Advantage OEM modules are also in monitors that have undergone the RTCA DO-160 environmental conditions and test procedures for ruggedness in airborne equipment.

SunTech Medical has been a supplier of non-invasive blood pressure monitoring technology to the EMS transport industry for over 13 years. By developing blood pressure measurement technologies that focus specifically on handling transport motion and critical patients, the company’s blood pressure technology has been designed into more transport monitors than any other manufacturer.

For more information on SunTech Medical’s full line of clinical-grade non-invasive blood pressure products and technologies, call 1.800.421.8626 or visit www.suntechmed.com.

SunTech Medical, a Halma company, has been the preeminent supplier of clinical grade blood pressure monitoring products and technologies for more than 25 years. Over 75 companies trust SunTech Medical's OEM non-invasive blood pressure solutions for their patient monitoring needs.

Contacts

Halma Holdings Inc.

Rob Dietrich, +1 513-898-8007

Senior PR Specialist

Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/8925/en

Osaka Gas Chemicals Agrees to Acquire Jacobi Carbons

ME Newswire / Businesswire

Accretive transaction to accelerate growth, expand geographical

reach and enhance R&D capabilities in fast growing activated carbon

segment

OSAKA, Japan - Tuesday, October 29th 2013

Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd. (“Osaka Gas Chemicals”), a wholly

owned subsidiary of Osaka Gas Co., Ltd (TOKYO:9532)(“Osaka Gas”),

today announced it has entered into an agreement with AddSorb

Holding AB to acquire all the shares of Jacobi Carbons AB

(“Jacobi”), the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of

coconut shell activated carbon headquartered in Kalmar, Sweden, for

an enterprise value of US$ 400 million. The transaction is expected

to close in January 2014.

Osaka Gas Chemicals has a leading position in the activated carbon

market in Japan through its subsidiary Japan EnviroChemicals, Ltd

(“JEC”), who manufactures and distributes high-value-added

activated carbons made from coconut shells and wood sawdust. Jacobi

is the largest leading global coconut shell activated carbon

manufacturer with a comprehensive and diverse product portfolio

catering to a global blue-chip customer base across an array of

end-market applications. The acquisition will reinforce both

companies’ existing strengths in the activated carbon industry and

create a global leader across key end-market applications,

delivering significant additional value for customers.

Activated carbons are used in an increasing number of purification

processes including, among others, drinking and process water

filtration, air and gas purification, recovery of precious metals

and purification of a wide range of food products. The market for

activated carbons is expected to grow significantly due to more

stringent global regulations of water and air pollution in

developed countries and the improvement of living standards in

emerging countries. In line with Osaka Gas’ growth ambitions

outlined in ‘Field of Dreams 2020’, the development of environment

and non-energy related businesses, including the expansion of the

materials solutions business, are key areas of focus. As a result

of the acquisition, Osaka Gas Chemicals will become the third

largest manufacturer of activated carbons globally and the largest

manufacturer of high value-added activated carbon made from coconut

shells.

“Jacobi’s strong management team, led by CEO Anders Skeini, and

high level of responsiveness to customer demands have been

instrumental in transforming the business into a leading global

player that consistently outpaces activated carbon market growth”,

said Masataka Fujiwara, President of Osaka Gas Chemicals, “the

acquisition of Jacobi is directly aligned with our strategic

ambitions and enhances our existing capabilities in the attractive

activated carbon market segment”.

“The combination of Jacobi and Osaka Gas Chemicals will greatly

benefit our global customer base through an expanded product

offering, enhanced R&D capabilities and additional end-market

applications”, said Anders Skeini, CEO of Jacobi, “I look forward

to Jacobi’s next chapter of development in cooperation with Osaka

Gas Chemicals”.

Nomura International Plc acted as financial advisor to AddSorb

Holding AB and SMBC Nikko Securities, Inc. acted as financial

advisor to Osaka Gas Chemicals.

About Osaka Gas Chemicals

Incorporated in Japan in 1949, Osaka Gas Chemicals is engaged in

the manufacturing and distribution of fine materials, carbon fiber,

activated carbon fiber and adsorbents. It has made progress in

technical developments for the intensive use of coal tar developed

as a by-product of the utility gas production process by Osaka Gas.

The company employs approximately 250 people, and together with JEC

and the other 9 subsidiaries, comprises Osaka Gas Chemicals Group.

About Japan EnviroChemicals Ltd.

Incorporated in Japan in 2003, JEC is engaged in the manufacturing

and distribution of activated carbon, wood and industrial

preservatives. The company has a leading market position in

activated carbons in Japan, with its array of coconut shell and

wood sawdust activated carbon products. JEC employs approximately

110 people and has manufacturing operations in Japan, Philippines

and Malaysia.

About Osaka Gas

Incorporated in Japan in 1897, Osaka Gas (TOKYO:9532) is a leading

energy supplier with its core natural gas supply business serving 7

million customers in Japan’s Kansai region. With its portfolio of

diversified energy businesses, Osaka Gas is developing into a

multi-energy services provider of natural gas, electricity, LPG,

district heating/cooling, and other services. Through its affiliate

enterprises, the Osaka Gas Group is also active in various non-

energy business fields.

About AddSorb Holding AB

Incorporated in Sweden, AddSorb Holding AB is the holding company

of Jacobi.

About Jacobi

Incorporated in Sweden in 1916, Jacobi is the largest global

coconut shell activated carbon manufacturer with a comprehensive

and diverse product portfolio. The company, which employs

approximately 1,200 people globally, together with its

subsidiaries, has manufacturing operations in China, France,

Germany, India, Italy, Philippines, Sri Lanka, UK, US and Vietnam

and reactivation plants in France and Germany. Jacobi’s activated

carbon products are sold to its blue-chip customer base in over 100

countries through wholly owned subsidiaries in 19 countries across

the globe.

Contacts

Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd.

Shinji Sannoe, +81 (0)6-4393-0195

Team Manager

Management Planning Team, Planning Department

s-sannoe@ogc.co.jp









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/9002/en