La soluzione XpressLink di Inmarsat è una combinazione pienamente integrata e gestita di VSAT e FleetBroadband™ all'avanguardia sul mercato nell'implementazione della disponibilità illimitata di dati sugli oceani del mondo.

Il testo originale del presente annuncio, redatto nella lingua di partenza, è la versione ufficiale che fa fede. Le traduzioni sono offerte unicamente per comodità del lettore e devono rinviare al testo in lingua originale, che è l'unico giuridicamente valido.

«Inmarsat entretient déjà une relation solide avec MISC Berhad et cette ratification récente sous forme de nouvel engagement pour XpressLink est très gratifiante.»

La solution XpressLink d'Inmarsat est une combinaison pleinement intégrée et gérée de VSAT et du service leader sur le marché FleetBroadband™ offrant une disponibilité illimitée de données à travers les océans du monde. Elle inclut une option par laquelle MISC Berhad double sa largeur de bande disponible à un taux mensuel prédéterminé lorsque la constellation Global Xpress^® d'Inmarsat sera disponible dans le commerce à partir de 2014.

Le capitaine S Rajalingam, Vice-président du système de gestion de flotte chez MISC Berhad, a déclaré : « Pour nous, il est important de pouvoir disposer d'une largeur de bande étendue afin de gérer les systèmes opérationnels sur nos navires et à terre et de répondre aux besoins en communications de nos marins en mer. Au cours de nos essais en mer, nous avons comparé XpressLink à un certain nombre d'offres concurrentielles et XpressLink nous a impressionné par ses performances. Inmarsat XpressLink constitue la meilleure offre de valeur, avec une utilisation de données fiable et illimitée à la fois sur les services VSAT et FleetBroadband. »

Inmarsat XpressLink est une solution de communications conçue pour propulser les clients marins dans l'avenir. Elle allie le système Ku-band VSAT haut volume d'Inmarsat à la versatilité de FleetBroadband. L'intégration des deux services d'Inmarsat signifie qu'il est possible de gérer et de prendre en charge les communications en mer et à terre de façon parfaitement intégrée et professionnelle de bout en bout, grâce à l'infrastructure internationale de pointe d'Inmarsat. La conception double du système permet également une redondance inégalée offrant un temps disponible de près de 99,9 %.

Frank Coles, Président d'Inmarsat Maritime, a indiqué : « Nous avons lancé Inmarsat XpressLink en réponse au besoin croissant de communications haute vitesse illimitées sur le marché maritime international. Le bien-être de l'équipage et la nécessité d'une efficacité opérationnelle accrue sont des éléments majeurs sur le marché et, avec XpressLink, nous pouvons offrir une plate-forme de communications parée pour l'avenir. »

Coles a poursuivi : « Inmarsat entretient déjà une relation solide avec MISC Berhad et cette ratification récente sous forme de nouvel engagement pour XpressLink est très gratifiante. »

À propos de MISC Berhad

MISC Berhad (MISC) est l'un des plus grands conglomérats de transport maritime international au monde. Les principales activités de MISC incluent la possession de navires, l'exploitation de navires, d'autres activités liées au transport maritime, la possession et l'exploitation de parcs de réservoirs et d'installations flottantes en mer ainsi que des travaux de réparation en mer, de conversion et d'ingénierie marine et de construction. La flotte de MISC compte plus de 100 navires et il s'agit de l'un des principaux propriétaires exploitants de navires-citernes de GLN et d'Aframax au monde. Pour des informations complémentaires, veuillez visiter www.misc.com.my

À propos d’Inmarsat

Inmarsat plc est un leader dans la fourniture de services internationaux de communications mobiles. Depuis 1979, Inmarsat offre des services fiables de communications vocales et de données haute vitesse aux gouvernements, entreprises et autres organisations avec un vaste éventail de services qu'il est possible d'utiliser à terre, en mer ou dans l'air. Inmarsat emploie environ 1 500 personnes dans plus de 40 sites à travers le monde, avec une présence dans les principaux ports et centres commerciaux sur chaque continent. Pour l'année qui s'est terminée au 21 décembre 2011, Inmarsat plc a enregistré un chiffre d'affaires total de 1 409 millions de $ US et EBITDA, de 854 millions de $ US. Pour les six mois qui se sont terminés au 30 juin 2012, Inmarsat plc a enregistré un chiffre d'affaires total de 684 millions de $ US et EBITDA, de 381 millions de $ US. Inmarsat est cotée à la bourse de Londres (LSE : ISAT.L). Pour des informations complémentaires, veuillez visiter www.inmarsat.com.

Le fil d'actualité des communiqués de presse sur Inmarsat se trouve sur Twitter @Inmarsatnews et les mises à jour de la société figurent sur @Inmarsatplc

Le texte du communiqué issu d’une traduction ne doit d’aucune manière être considéré comme officiel. La seule version du communiqué qui fasse foi est celle du communiqué dans sa langue d’origine. La traduction devra toujours être confrontée au texte source, qui fera jurisprudence.

“Inmarsat already has a strong relationship with MISC Berhad, and this latest endorsement in the form of a new commitment for XpressLink is very gratifying.”

The XpressLink solution from Inmarsat is a fully integrated and managed combination of VSAT and market-leading FleetBroadband™ delivering unlimited data availability across the world’s oceans. It includes an option for MISC Berhad to double its available bandwidth at a pre-determined monthly rate when Inmarsat’s Global Xpress^® constellation becomes commercially available from 2014.

Captain S Rajalingam, Vice President Fleet Management System at MISC Berhad commented: “It is important for us to have ample bandwidth to manage our ship and shore operational systems and meet the communication needs of our seafarers at sea. During our sea trials, we compared XpressLink with a number of competitive offerings and XpressLink impressed us with its performance. Inmarsat XpressLink offered the best value proposition delivering reliable, unlimited data usage on both the VSAT and FleetBroadband services.”

Inmarsat XpressLink is a communications solution designed to take the maritime customer into the future. It combines Inmarsat’s high volume Ku-band VSAT system with the versatility of FleetBroadband in a single package. The integration of both Inmarsat services means that ship and shore communications can be seamlessly and professionally managed and supported end-to-end thanks to Inmarsat’s state-of-the-art global infrastructure. The dual system design also results in unmatched redundancy delivering near 99.9% uptime.

Frank Coles, President of Inmarsat Maritime, said: “We launched Inmarsat XpressLink in response to the growing need for unlimited high speed communications in the worldwide shipping market. Crew welfare and the need for increased operational efficiency are key drivers in the market, and with XpressLink, we can provide a future-proof communications platform.”

Coles continued: “Inmarsat already has a strong relationship with MISC Berhad, and this latest endorsement in the form of a new commitment for XpressLink is very gratifying.”

About MISC Berhad

MISC Berhad (MISC) is one of the world’s leading international shipping and maritime conglomerates. The principal businesses of MISC comprise ship owning, ship operating, other shipping related activities, owning and operating of tank terminals and offshore floating facilities as well as marine repair, marine conversion and engineering and construction works. The MISC fleet has more than 100 vessels and is one of the leading owner-operators of LNG and Aframax tankers in the world. For more information, please visit www.misc.com.my

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,500 staff in more than 40 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. For the year ended 31st December 2011, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$1,409m and EBITDA of US$854m. For the six months ended 30 June 2012 Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$684m and EBITDA of US$381m. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: ISAT.L). For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com.

The Inmarsat press release newsfeed is on Twitter @Inmarsatnews and corporate updates are on @Inmarsatplc

TransAtlantic (STO:RABTB):

In connection with the distribution of the TransAtlantic interim report January-June 2012, a separate financial report is published on Viking Supply Ships, one of TransAtlantic’s business areas and also a fully owned daughter company.

TransAtlantic is organized in two business areas; Industrial Shipping with main operations in Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea through bulk-, container- and RoRo vessels, and Viking Supply Ships operating within ice breaking and offshore mostly in Arctic and subarctic areas. Industrial Shipping has its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden and Viking Supply Ships has its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. The split of TransAtlantic into two separate companies, Industrial Shipping and Viking Supply Ships, has started and anticipates to be finalized in 2013, at the earliest.

Major events within Viking Supply Ships during January-June 2012

• Total revenue for Q2 2012 amounted to 253 MNOK, with an EBITDA of 43 MNOK. Total revenue for H1 2012 amounted to 411 MNOK, with an EBITDA of 53 MNOK.
• As expected the Q2 results were disappointing, reflecting a soft spot market for the AHTS fleet and a lack of fresh term activity, however Q2 results have substantially improved compared with Q1 2012 due to seasonal and improved operations effects.
• Viking Supply Ships has a clear focus on increasing the number of vessels on term contracts and for most of H2 4 AHTS vessels will be on term contracts compared to 1 AHTS vessel at the beginning of 2012. This will improve the earnings stability.
• The average utilization for the AHTS fleet in Q2 was 72 % and 70 % for the PSV fleet.
• During March Viking Supply Ships issued a 5 year senior unsecured bond loan in the Norwegian capital market totalling 300 MNOK. The bond was listed on Oslo ABM on June 28th.

In conjunction with the publication of the TransAtlantic interim report, a teleconference will be held on Wednesday Aug 8, 2012 at 10 am (GMT + 1) with TransAtlantic’s President and CEO, Henning E. Jensen, CFO Heléne Mellquist and CEO Viking Supply Ships Christian W. Berg.

The phone conference will be held in English and as a support, there be a downloadable presentation on the company’s website: www.rabt.se/Investor Relations/Interim Report 2 (http://www.rabt.se/Investor%20Relations/Interim%20Report%202).

Please dial in 5-10 minutes prior to start using the number and confirmation code below:

Phone number: +47 2350 0486

Confirmation code: 647 6866

The TransAtlantic interim report and the VSS Financial report are both available in their entirety on TransAtlantic’s website www.rabt.se

Rederi AB TransAtlantic is a leading Swedish shipping company with headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden and additional offices in Europe. The company is organized into two business areas: Industrial Shipping and Viking Supply Ships. The company has about 900 employees and the turnover in 2011 was MSEK 2,989. The Industrial Shipping business area consists of four divisions: Bulk, Container, RoRo Baltic and Short Sea Bulk. The company’s B-shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm, Small Cap segment. www.rabt.se

TransAtlantic is obliged to make this information public according to the Financial Markets Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act (Sw: lagen om värdepappersmarknaden and lagen om handel med finansiella instrument). The information was submitted for publication on August 8, 2012 at 08.31 am.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com

PA Resources: (STO:PAR) (OSE:PAR):

* Production based on Working Interest, which is PA Resources’ share of the total gross production of the oil fields before deduction of royalty and taxes etc. Production figures are preliminary.

• Following a full evaluation of remedial options to replace or reinstate the earlier communicated failed production well at the Azurite Field in the Republic of Congo the joint venture has agreed to drill a sidetrack. Preparatory activities have commenced and drilling operations are expected to start in early Q4 and take several months.
• In Tunisia production on the Tamesmida field was re-started in early July.

Stockholm, 8 August 2012

PA Resources AB (publ)

PA Resources AB (publ) is an international oil and gas group which conducts exploration, development and production of oil and gas assets. The Group operates in Tunisia, Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Equatorial Guinea, United Kingdom, Denmark, Greenland, Netherlands and Germany. PA Resources is producing oil in West Africa and North Africa. The parent company is located in Stockholm, Sweden. PA Resources’ net sales amounted to SEK 2,154 million during 2011. The company is listed on the NASDAQ OMX in Stockholm, Sweden (segment Mid Cap). For additional information, please visit www.paresources.se.

The above information has been made public in accordance with the Securities Market Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was published at 08.30 CET on 8 August 2012.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com

「天然物は、過去50年間にわたり医薬品として導入された新規低分子化合物の75パーセント以上において、その原料ないし発想の源となってきただけではありません。それらは依然として、新しい化学的多様性の基本的な源であり、現代科学が製薬という分野で力を発揮する上での不可欠な要素です。」

アクアファームは、多剤耐性黄色ブドウ球菌（MDRSA）や多剤耐性肺炎球菌（MDRSP）を含む広範囲の多剤耐性菌、クロストリジウム・ディフィシルおよび大便連鎖球菌に対して有効であると考えられる新しい抗生物質を発見しました。これらの細菌は病院治療室における患者の一般的な死因となっています。

アクアファームは、1万種類以上の海洋微生物を含むコレクションの中から創薬標的となり得る多くの新分子を同定しており、新化合物「AQP-182」はその1つとなります。

アクアファームの研究者らはコレクションの一部を最近スクリーニングし、抗感染および抗炎症の特性を備えている可能性のある微生物を探したところ、強力な潜在的薬理作用を持つ16種類の化合物を発見しました。

アクアファームは現在、AQP-182を含む新し化学成分5種につき、既存の治療薬に耐性を持つ細菌による感染症の治療に向け、前臨床開発を実施中です。

アクアファーム最高科学責任者（CSO）のティム・モーリー博士は、次のように述べています。「海洋微生物を基盤とする当社の創薬プラットフォームから得た成果に大変満足しています。当社の天然物ライブラリーのごく一部を初期スクリーニングにかけた結果、16種類の新規化合物を発見しましたが、それらの化学分類はまったく新しく多様なものです。その中でもAQP-182は最高度の先進性を持つ化合物で、治療困難な耐性菌感染の治療に関連の深い有望な薬理・薬物動態プロファイルを備えています。」

AQP-182の初期インビボ試験では、MDRSAに対して現在使用されている「ベスト・イン・クラス」の治療薬に勝る効果が示唆されており、アクアファームの専門家らは同化合物が1日1回投与の治療薬になり得ると考えています。

第1相臨床試験は2013年後半に予定されています。

アクアファームの最高経営責任者（CEO）であるサイモン・ベスト教授は、これらのデータが製薬化学に豊かな原料を提供する海洋天然物の可能性を証明したと述べています。

教授は次のように述べています。「天然物は、過去50年間にわたり医薬品として導入された新規低分子化合物の75パーセント以上において、その原料ないし発想の源となってきただけではありません。それらは依然として、新しい化学的多様性の基本的な源であり、現代科学が製薬という分野で力を発揮する上での不可欠な要素です。」

以上

薬剤耐性グラム陽性菌による感染： 範囲と影響

抗生物質耐性は英国保健省にとって大きな問題で、欧州における患者の安全に対する最も重大な脅威の1つであると同省は表現しています。開発パイプラインにある抗生物質は少なく、細菌の耐性は増加しているため、対応はますます困難となっています。英国は世界保健機関の「抗生物質耐性に関する欧州戦略アクションプラン」に署名しています。アクションプランは情報共有と、多剤耐性菌の発生を防ぎ、それを遅らせるための有効な介入法の開発を促進するものです。詳細についてはこちらをご覧ください： http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/antibiotic-resistance-key-facts

欧州疾病予防管理センターと欧州医薬品庁の共同作業班が2008年に設立されましたが、同作業班は欧州で多剤耐性菌が原因となっている感染症と、それらの治療を目的とした新しい抗生物質の開発におけるギャップを明らかにすることを目的にしています。その報告書と調査結果に関する詳細については、こちらをご覧ください： http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_130267

アクアファーム・バイオディスカバリーについて

アクアファームは一流海洋バイオテクノロジー企業として、製薬・機能性成分・工業バイオテクノロジーを含め、さまざまな商業分野に応用される新規海洋由来生物活性物質の発見・単離・開発に先駆的に取り組んでいます。アクアファームはオバンの欧州海洋バイオテクノロジー・センターと、エディンバラのヘリオット・ワット大学リサーチパークに拠点を置いています。

アクアファームは多様な生息環境から集めた海洋細菌・真菌の充実した専門的コレクションを構築しています。アクアファームは専有技術をこのコレクションに適用することで、化学的に多様な新規生物活性物質の生産を促進してきました。アクアファームは発見活動を加速するため、世界最大レべルの海洋由来成分ライブラリーを準備中です。

アクアファームの技術と知的財産は、ヒト腸内に生息する微生物など他の微生物種にも応用できます。

詳細についてはwww.aquapharm.co.ukをご覧ください。

本記者発表文の公式バージョンはオリジナル言語版です。翻訳言語版は、読者の便宜を図る目的で提供されたものであり、法的効力を持ちません。翻訳言語版を資料としてご利用になる際には、法的効力を有する唯一のバージョンであるオリジナル言語版と照らし合わせて頂くようお願い致します。

TransAtlantic: (STO:RABTB)

Second quarter 2012

· Net revenues amounted to SEK 864 M (661)

· Result before capital costs, EBITDA, amounted to SEK 35 M (31)

· Result before tax amounted to SEK -124 M (-73)

· Result after tax amounted to SEK -124 M (-52)

· Earnings per share after tax amounted to SEK -1.1 (-0.8)

January-June 2012

· Net revenues amounted to SEK 1 725 M (1 239)

· Result before capital costs, EBITDA, amounted to SEK 20 M (54)

· Result before tax amounted to SEK -256 M (-138)

· Result after tax amounted to SEK -256 M (-105)

· Earnings per share after tax amounted to SEK -2.3 (-1.6)

As anticipated, earnings for the second quarter were weak for both Viking Supply Ships (VSS) and Industrial Shipping (IS), but due to seasonal effects and cost savings, the underlying operating results were better in Q2 than in Q1. However, the quarter was charged with a number of nonrecurring provisions (SEK -28 M) primarily attributable to restructuring costs and a customer bankruptcy.

The charter agreement between Viking Supply Ships and Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd. (SEIC) is now in full operation following approval by the parties.

During the first six months of the year, VSS focused on increasing the number of vessels on fixed long-term contracts which was successful and is expected give positive effects during forthcoming quarters.

Work in Industrial Shipping with the cost reduction program presented earlier this year, is progressing as planned.

During the quarter, the IS vessel fleet was adapted to now include 35 vessels compared with 48 (31 Dec 2011). Several charter agreements were also renegotiated, which began to generate total positive effects and will generate additional positive effects in future quarters.

In conjunction with the publication of the interim report, a teleconference will be held on Wednesday Aug 8, 2012 at 10 am (GMT + 1) with TransAtlantic’s President and CEO, Henning E. Jensen, CFO Heléne Mellquist and CEO Viking Supply Ships Christian W. Berg.

The phone conference will be held in English and as a support, there will be a downloadable presentation on the company’s website: www.rabt.se/Investor Relations/Interim Report 2.

Please dial in 5-10 minutes prior to start using the number and confirmation code below:

Phone number: +47 2350 0486

Confirmation code: 6476866

The interim report is available in its entirety on the company’s website.

Rederi AB TransAtlantic is a leading Swedish shipping company with headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden and additional offices in Europe. The company is organized into two business areas: Industrial Shipping and Viking Supply Ships. The company has about 900 employees and the turnover in 2011 was MSEK 2,989. The Industrial Shipping business area consists of four divisions: Bulk, Container, RoRo Baltic and Short Sea Bulk. The company’s B-shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm, Small Cap segment. www.rabt.se

TransAtlantic is obliged to make this information public according to the Financial Markets Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act (Sw: lagen om värdepappersmarknaden and lagen om handel med finansiella instrument). The information was submitted for publication on August 8, 2012 at 08.30 am.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com

「我々は、松井証券の証券業界に影響を及ぼした革新性や専門分野に特化した経営戦略を非常に高く評価しています。松井証券は株式売買委託手数料の自由化を機に従来型の証券仲介業務から効率性の高いオンライン取引へ転じたオンライン証券のリーダーです。また、優れた性能のトレーディング・システムを開発し続け、リーズナブルな価格でリテール顧客に提供しています。競争の激化するオンライン証券業界において、松井社長が今後も革新を継続し日本の個人投資家や松井証券の株主に恩恵をもたらしていくものと、我々は確信しています。」

タイヨウ・パシフィック・パートナーズの最高経営責任者（CEO）兼マネージング・パートナーであるブライアン・K・ヘイウッドは、「我々は、松井証券の証券業界に影響を及ぼした革新性や専門分野に特化した経営戦略を非常に高く評価しています。松井証券は株式売買委託手数料の自由化を機に従来型の証券仲介業務から効率性の高いオンライン取引へ転じたオンライン証券のリーダーです。また、優れた性能のトレーディング・システムを開発し続け、リーズナブルな価格でリテール顧客に提供しています。競争の激化するオンライン証券業界において、松井社長が今後も革新を継続し日本の個人投資家や松井証券の株主に恩恵をもたらしていくものと、我々は確信しています。」と述べた。

タイヨウ・パシフィック・パートナーズの最高投資責任者（CIO）兼マネージング・パートナーであるマイケル・A・キングは、「松井社長は、お客様に新しいオンライン・トレーディング機能を提供し続けながらも筋肉質の経営に徹底的に拘り続け、松井証券を日本の証券業界トップの利益率を誇る会社に築き上げてきました。リーマン・ショック後も経常利益率４０％以上を常に維持し、安定したキャッシュフローを生み出す力をもっており、松井証券への投資はタイヨウのポートフォリオを更に強化するものとなる。」と述べた。

松井証券の松井道夫社長は、「タイヨウ・ファンドは、長期的な視点で投資先企業を選別し、友好的な関係を築くことで企業価値の向上に貢献する投資家であることが知られています。この度の株式取得につきましては、当社の経営方針を非常に良く理解され、当社の高いキャッシュフロー創出能力、事業の将来性を高くご評価頂いた結果であると認識しており、歓迎すべきことと考えています。」とコメントした。

タイヨウ・パシフィック・パートナーズは、国際的な視野を持ち、且つ日米双方の言語に通じたプロフェッショナルにより設立された日本における友好的アクティビスト投資のパイオニア。ワシントン州カークランド市に 拠点を置く。タイヨウ・パシフィック・パートナーズの現在の運用資産残高は17億ドル超。第一号ファンドであるタイヨウ・ファンドは2003年7月に設立され、投資委員会はタイヨウ・パシフィック・パートナーズの3名のマネージング・パートナーと委員長であるウィルバー・L・ロス,JRで構成されている。

SAS Group: (OSE:SASNOK)

The SAS Group plans to release interim- and annual reports in 2013 as follows:

Annual General Meeting

SAS AB's AGM is planned to take place on 20 March, 2013. Please note that this date has been changed. Monthly Traffic Data The SAS Group Monthly Traffic Data will during 2013 normally be published on the fifth working day of each month at 11 am (CET). (December 2013 traffic data will, however, be released on 11 January 2013).

The dates of the publications can be changed. For precise dates, please see www.sasgroup.net under Investor Relations/Financial calendar.

SAS Group Investor Relations

SAS discloses this information pursuant to the Swedish Securities Market Act and/or the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was provided for publication on 8 August 2012 at 08.02 a.m. CET.

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Brian K. Heywood, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Taiyo Pacific Partners, said, “We have tremendous respect for the innovation and focused strategy Matsui Securities has brought to the brokerage industry. They were the leader in shifting from a traditional brokerage business to an efficient online model in response to deregulation. They have continued to develop trading platforms which provide retail investors with competitive tools at a reasonable price. In this very competitive brokerage business, we believe that President Matsui will continue to drive further innovations which benefit both Japanese retail investors and Matsui shareholders.”

Michael A. King, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner of Taiyo Pacific Partners, said, “President Matsui’s relentless focus on running a lean operating structure while providing new trading features for its online customers has made Matsui Securities a profit leader amongst Japanese brokerages. Matsui Securities’ ability to consistently deliver pre-tax profit margins above 40%, even in the post-Lehman markets, generates consistent cash flow and makes them a strong addition to Taiyo’s portfolio.”

President Michio Matsui commented, “Taiyo is well known as an investor with a long-term perspective who has demonstrated the ability to increase corporate value by building a mutually beneficial relationship with portfolio companies. We welcome Taiyo as a long-standing large shareholder who well understands Matsui’s management philosophy and who appreciates both our ability to generate high stable cash flows and the future prospects of our company.”

Taiyo Pacific Partners, located in Kirkland, Washington, was founded by bilingual professionals dedicated to friendly shareholder activism in Japan. Taiyo currently manages over $1.7 billion in assets for institutional investors. The Taiyo Fund was launched in July 2003. The investment committee consists of Taiyo’s three managing partners and Chairman Wilbur L. Ross, Jr.

SAS Group: (OSE:SASNOK)

• The SAS Group’s load factor improved by 0.5 p.u. in July and reached a record 86.1%

• SAS Group carried 2.3 million passengers in July, up 5.6%.

• SAS Group’s capacity (ASK) increased by 7.0% and the Group’s traffic (RPK) increased by 7.7%.

Group market trends, RASK and yield development

Traffic growth was good on most routes during July and especially on European routes as the Group increased its seasonal capacity to leisure destinations during the summer.

Currency adjusted yield (SAS) in June was down by 2.1% versus previous year and RASK was down 1.3% in line with earlier guidance. For July 2012 both yield and RASK (change vs last year) are expected to be slightly positive.

The response to market campaigns is still good and forward booking levels are well above last year’s level. Overall, the market growth continues to be good, but remains unpredictable due to added capacity in certain markets, risk in the global economy and high jet fuel prices. This adds uncertainty to the yield and RASK outlook going forward. The SAS Group plans to increase the capacity by approximately 4-5% in 2012 vs 2011 as 38 new routes will be launched throughout the year.

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Securitas AB: (STO:SECUB)

April–June 2012

· Total sales MSEK 16 969 (15 628)

· Organic sales growth 0 percent (3)

· Operating margin 4.3 percent (4.8)

· Earnings per share SEK 0.92 (1.01)

January–June 2012

· Total sales MSEK 33 234 (30 403)

· Organic sales growth 1 percent (3)

· Operating margin 4.4 percent (4.8)

· Earnings per share SEK 1.90 (2.02)

· Free cash flow/net debt 0.15 (0.08)

COMMENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

The organic sales growth was weak at 0 percent in the second quarter. Slow organic sales growth in North America, severe market conditions in Spain and Portugal and our determination to manage the price and wage balance in France are the main reasons.

For the first half year, we have achieved price increases on par with wage cost increases, and I remain confident that this will be the case also for the full year of 2012. The operating margin in the second quarter was 0.5 percent behind previous year. The two main reasons were difficult market conditions in Spain and the margin decline in the US operations. In the federal government business in North America lower extra sales has, in combination with an integration process more difficult than planned, resulted in a decline of the operating margin.

The free cash flow improved significantly compared to the first six months last year, but we will continue to be restrictive on acquisitions until we have restored the financial target of free cash flow to net debt of 0.20.

Market conditions in primarily Spain are deteriorating more rapidly than expected and we leave contracts due to uncertainty of customers’ ability to pay for the security services. In addition, the Spanish government has decided, as of August 1, 2012, to withdraw important subsidies on payroll taxes for certain categories of employees which will further increase our labor costs, and we are investigating what actions could be taken to mitigate the imposed cost increases. Thanks to the strengthened position in technology security solutions we are well equipped to face the harsh market environment in Spain and Portugal.

Alf Göransson

President and Chief Executive Officer

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Presentation of the interim report

Analysts and media are invited to participate in a telephone conference on August 8, 2012 at 09:30 a.m. (CET) where Securitas CEO Alf Göransson will present the report and answer questions. The telephone conference will also be webcasted live via Securitas web. No information meeting will take place at Securitas headquarters at Lindhagensplan in Stockholm.

To participate in the telephone conference, please dial in five minutes prior to the start of the conference call:

The United States: + 1 866 458 4087

Sweden: + 46 (0) 8 505 598 53

United Kingdom: + 44 (0) 203 043 2436

To follow the audio cast of the telephone conference via the web, please follow the link www.securitas.com/webcasts.

A recorded version of the audio cast will be available at www.securitas.com/webcasts after the telephone conference.

Securitas is a global knowledge leader in security. From a broad range of services of specialized guarding, technology solutions and consulting and investigations, we customize offerings that are suited to the individual customer’s needs, in order to deliver the most effective security solutions. Everywhere from small stores to airports, our 300 000 employees are making a difference.

Securitas AB discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication at 08.00 a.m. (CET) on Wednesday, August 8, 2012.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com

SAS Group: (OSE:SASNOK)

4Excellence generates results

- Revenue measures lead to more passengers and increased revenue

- The unit cost was reduced by 4%

April-June 2012

· Revenue: MSEK 11,392 (11,319)

· Number of passengers: increased by 228,000 (3.1%)

· Passenger revenue adjusted for currency and nonrecurring items: increased by 2.8%

· Income before tax and nonrecurring items: MSEK 137 (366)

· EBT margin before nonrecurring items: 1.2% (3.2%)

· Income before tax: MSEK 371 (730)

· Net income for the period: MSEK 320 (551)

· The cost for jet fuel increased MSEK 784 (compared with 2011)

· Earnings per share: SEK 0.97 (1.67)

· Cash flow from operating activities: MSEK 676 (731)

January-June 2012

· Revenue: MSEK 20,983 (20,632)

· Number of passengers: increased by 551,000 (4.1%)

· Passenger revenue adjusted for currency and nonrecurring items: increased by 3.0%

· Income before tax and nonrecurring items: MSEK -912 (-143)

· EBT margin before nonrecurring items: -4.3% (-0.7%)

· Income before tax: MSEK -761 (172)

· Net income for the period: MSEK -409 (178)

· The cost for jet fuel increased MSEK 1,116 (compared with 2011)

· Earnings per share: SEK -1.24 (0.54)

· Cash flow from operating activities: MSEK 1,891 (164)

· SAS’s financial preparedness on June 30 amounted to SEK 8.2 billion

Important events during the quarter

· The SAS Annual General Meeting was held on April 19,

- SAS resolved that the fiscal year would be changed to the period November 1 – October 31, instead of the calendar year

- All of the Board members were reelected and the Meeting also voted in accordance with the proposals contained in the notification of the Meeting

- The Meeting resolved that no dividend would be paid to shareholders for the 2011 fiscal year.

· SAS sold six properties to Swedavia totaling SEK 1.8 billion, with a cash-flow effect of more than MSEK 440 and a capital gain of almost MSEK 340, which were recognized in the second quarter of 2012

· SAS and Apollo signed a historic partnership agreement valued at MSEK 920

· The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) in Brussels announced its view that the current ban on earning EuroBonus points on Norwegian domestic flights is in breach of EEA legislation.

Continued challenges in 2012 – measures totaling SEK 5 billion generate results

Due to the weaker economic trend, cost-saving measures in 4Excellence were accelerated at the beginning of the year. These measures have now generated results that will increase during the second half of 2012. In total, measures corresponding to SEK 5 billion will be implemented during 2012-2013. In combination, the uncertain economic trend, jet-fuel prices, exchange rates and intense competitive pressure entail that SAS is not presenting a profitability forecast for the full-year 2012.

Comments by the CEO

“4Excellence generates effects – the unit cost declined 4% during the quarter”

For the second quarter of 2012, SAS delivered positive income before tax and nonrecurring items of MSEK 137. Due to a nonrecurring effect from a completed property transaction, EBT amounted to MSEK 371. Despite an unsatisfactory earnings level, we now see that our 4Excellence strategy is beginning to generate results. Unit revenue (RASK) rose 0.3% during the quarter, driven by a positive load factor. Our unit cost, excluding jet fuel, declined 4% during the quarter. Also worth noting is that the underlying currency-adjusted earnings for several key destinations demonstrated a positive trend compared with the year-earlier period.

The relatively high jet-fuel price fell slightly during the second quarter only to increase again during July, constituting a major challenge for the entire aviation industry. During the second quarter, SAS’s fuel cost increased approximately MSEK 800 compared with the corresponding period in the preceding year, primarily due to the lower effect of fuel hedging this year and a weaker SEK/USD exchange rate. As previously, SAS is dealing with fluctuations in jet-fuel prices by hedging jet fuel, introducing jet-fuel surcharges and proactive yield management. The yield declined 2.7% during the quarter, but adjusted for the opening of a new intercontinental route to Shanghai and additional routes for leisure travelers, the underlying yield was slightly positive.

Stable liquidity

Cash flow from operating activities was positive during the quarter, amounting to MSEK 676. Working capital also improved, primarily driven by a positive trend in the number of bookings. We also see improvements in working capital in general, a direct result of our focused efforts to reduce tied-up capital. SAS’s financial preparedness amounted to SEK 8.2 billion on June 30, corresponding to 20% of revenue. Of this amount, SEK 3.2 billion comprised cash and cash equivalents. During the second quarter, we also completed the sale of six properties to Swedavia, corresponding to SEK 1.8 billion. This sale is part of our strategy to reduce tied-up capital and the transaction released liquidity corresponding to MSEK 440.

Accelerated 4Excellence measures beginning to generate results

The 4Excellence strategy aims to achieve Excellence in four core areas by 2015 – Commercial Excellence, Sales Excellence, Operational Excellence and People Excellence.

4Excellence generates revenue effects We have observed the clear effect of 4Excellence on revenue. This is gratifying since continuously increased capacity and intense competition was noted during the entire second quarter. Efforts to improve our offering – aimed at delivering value for time and money to our customers – will continue. We will open 38 new routes in 2012 and in preparation for 2013, we announced an improved offering on our USA routes with San Francisco as a new destination.

Other traffic revenue increased as a result of, for example, activities implemented in ancillary revenues. During the first half of 2012, free tea and coffee was reintroduced for all service classes, in-flight WiFi was introduced, and such time-saving solutions as SMART PASS and Fast Track are available for our travelers. The results of these features led to further improvements in our customer satisfaction, passenger growth of 551,000 during the first half-year and a 3% increase in currency-adjusted passenger revenue. In July, we noted continued growth and further improvement in the load factor

Phasing in new aircraft

We recently signed an agreement to lease three A320s and a total of 60 new aircraft will be joining our fleet over the next few years. Within two years, all MD80 and B737 Classic aircraft will be phased out and replaced with modern A320/B737NG aircraft. We also look forward to introducing the most efficient aircraft in the market, Airbus A320neo, into our fleet. As the fleet is rejuvenated, we can expect lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance costs and lower CO2 emissions.

4Excellence generates cost effects

One of our strategic goals is a 3-5% reduction of the unit cost per year. Many initiatives are now well underway to cut the unit cost, increase productivity and reduce complexity. We can already see the effects, and the unit cost fell 4% during the quarter. Collective agreements are in place with all unions, which guarantees delivery of the announced cost-savings corresponding to SEK 1 billion for the period 2012-2013. The effect of these savings was already noticeable during the second quarter – payroll expenses per unit produced (ASK) decreased 6.3%. Lean activities also contribute to productivity improvements since we now handle almost twice as many passengers per employee today compared with 2008. Efforts to reduce administration progress according to plan and the 300 announced full-time positions have been, or are in the process of being, phased out from the operations. Our new modern IT platform has been deployed, entailing that most older systems can now be turned off, resulting in substantially reduced complexity.

Future outlook

We anticipate passenger growth of 5-7% in the market in 2012. The SAS Group’s available capacity (ASK) is expected to grow in pace with the market, namely about 4-5%. The objective for 2012 is also to maintain a top position in terms of punctuality in Europe, while continuing to improve the customer satisfaction rate. We forecast and are planning for continuous pressure on yield and RASK throughout the entire year. Due to the weaker economic trend, measures in 4Excellence were accelerated at the beginning of the year. Improvements corresponding to SEK 5 billion will be implemented during 2012-2013. During the second quarter, approximately one third of the program was implemented. The measures in 4Excellence are now generating results and the effects are expected to increase from the second half of 2012. In combination, the uncertain economic trend, jet-fuel prices, exchange rates and intense competitive pressure entail that SAS is not presenting a profitability forecast for the full-year 2012.

Rickard Gustafson President and CEO

SAS discloses this information pursuant to the Swedish Securities Market Act and/or the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was provided for publication on August 8, 2012 at 8:00 a.m.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1. KEY INFORMATION

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other executive options)

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

(a) Purchases and sales

(b) Derivatives transactions (other than options)

(c) Options transactions in respect of existing securities

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

(ii) Exercising

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

(c) Attachments

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at monitoring@disclosure.org.uk. The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s dealing disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

The labelling, packaging, and distribution of cold chain materials can often prove complicated given the temperature sensitive nature of the products. In most cases, the product has a limited amount of time that it can be out of the specified temperature, whether it be 2-8°C or colder. With the introduction of the refrigerated labelling facility and expansion of refrigerated storage, Almac is able to offer a more streamlined cold chain service by ensuring the material flow is consistently monitored at every stage in the clinical supply chain. The offering, mirrored at the company’s US headquarters in Souderton, PA, is a substantial benefit to existing and potential clients where maintaining temperature control is critical to the shelf life and stability of their compound or the chosen comparator.

Almac has already taken great strides in enhancing the distribution portion of cold chain management by introducing an enhanced cold chain shipper solution. The containers are smaller, lighter and more robust than existing shipper solutions on the market, retaining maximised product space, thus making them a very cost-effective shipping option for Almac’s customers. Sharon Courtney, Head of Distribution, commented ‘In the first 6 months since their implementation, the shippers achieved an impressive >0.33% excursion rate across the board, making this one of the most effective shipping solutions in the industry.‘ Coupled with Almac’s Shipping Temperature Electronic Monitoring System (STEMS), which allows for same day temperature data, Almac delivers a comprehensive and reliable solution for cold chain distribution.

Further assistance in managing the supply chain for cold materials can be achieved through the utilisation of Almac’s in-house Supply Chain Management (SCM) team. The SCM team will have visibility of and be responsible for managing the entire supply chain and will optimise the size and frequency of shipments of cold material, working with clients to develop transit routes that mitigate the risk of temperature excursion during shipment. Ultimately this allows Almac to create and deliver a more efficient process for temperature sensitive materials.

Commenting on these recent developments, Martin Lamb, Vice President of Business Development, said “Our suite of leading cold chain solutions is a response to the growing customer demand for clinical services for temperature sensitive materials. Our goal is to provide closed loop cold-chain solutions tailored towards our customer’s individual needs, remaining mindful that we are servicing an industry wherein effectiveness and efficiency are increasingly sought after attributes.”

Contact a member of our Cold Chain Team today or visit our website for an overview on Almac’s cold chain services.

Notes to Editors

About Almac Group

The Almac Group provides a broad range of services from R&D, biomarker discovery and development, API manufacture, formulation development, clinical trial supply, and IXRS® technology (IVRS/IWRS), to commercial-scale manufacture. Almac provides services to more than 600 companies, including all the world leaders in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.

The company employs over 3,300 and is headquartered in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. US operations are based in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and California

« L'expérience nationale significative de KBR dans le secteur de la justice a contribué au succès de sa soumission qui représente une optimisation des ressources pour le Gouvernement d'état »

En tant qu'ingénieurs-conseil pour l'expansion globale de 90 millions USD, KBR entreprendra des services civils, structuraux, mécaniques, hydrauliques, électriques et de protection contre l'incendie. En outre, KBR fournira des services de surveillance du site et de compte-rendu continus pendant la phase de construction. L'infrastructure étendue, qui comprend des améliorations du site et des aménagements existants, fait partie du programme d'infrastructure pénitentiaire du Gouvernement d'Australie occidentale qui porte sur la fourniture de 1650 nouveaux lits à travers le système pénitentiaire.

La société KBR a été engagée par DORIC Contractors en vertu d'un contrat de conception. La mission du projet est de réaliser une expansion sûre, sécurisée et contemporaine de la prison d'Acacia d'ici la fin de 2014 – et cela avec un budget et des délais serrés et en perturbant le moins possible le fonctionnement de la prison. KBR était consultant en génie des structures et civil pour la prison d'Acacia actuelle, qui a été construite en 2001.

« L'expérience nationale significative de KBR dans le secteur de la justice a contribué au succès de sa soumission qui représente une optimisation des ressources pour le Gouvernement d'état », a déclaré Colin Elliott, président de l'infrastructure de KBR. « Ce contrat place KBR en position favorable pour continuer à obtenir une part importante des services de consultation du marché correctionnel ».

KBR est une société internationale d’ingénierie, de construction et de services au service des secteurs de l’énergie, des hydrocarbures, des services gouvernementaux, des minéraux, de l’infrastructure civile, de l’électricité, et des marchés industriels et commerciaux. Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez consulter le site www.kbr.com.

Remarques à l'attention des rédacteurs :

• KBR est un leader mondial en matière de réalisation de projet d'infrastructure majeurs qui fournit des solutions de gestion de projet et techniques innovantes à une gamme diverse de secteurs, dont les établissements correctionnels.

• Ce contrat vient s'ajouter à d'autres contrats remportés par KBR en Australie dans le secteur correctionnel et renforce sa position en tant que leader du secteur.
• L'expérience récente de KBR en matière de réalisation d'établissements correctionnels inclut le projet d'expansion du Dame Phyllis Frost Centre dans le Victoria et le projet d'amélioration des prisons de Northfields en Australie du Sud.
• KBR a pour principal objectif de fournir des services d'ingénierie et de gestion de projet de qualité et innovants à ses clients, dans les délais prévus et sans dépassement de budget.

Le texte du communiqué issu d’une traduction ne doit d’aucune manière être considéré comme officiel. La seule version du communiqué qui fasse foi est celle du communiqué dans sa langue d’origine. La traduction devra toujours être confrontée au texte source, qui fera jurisprudence.

“Routes flown by Aer Lingus Cargo are important to our customers and we are excited to extend the tracking device network to include new flight services.”

“GPS tracking and data gathering of consignments in transit is increasing in importance for many of Aer Lingus Cargo’s Customers, particularly pharmaceutical manufacturers. We are very pleased to have worked with OnAsset to gain the approval for the SENTRY device as a very effective solution,” says Peter O’Neill, Director of Cargo. “The device has gone through extensive tests prior to acceptance by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) which has given Aer Lingus approval for the SENTRY device under rules for Carriage of Approved Tracking Devices on its Airbus A330 and A320 aircraft. We see this technology as an ideal solution to provide important information about cargo as quickly as possible whilst complying with the strict legislation covering the use of electronic devices on board aircraft.”

“Approval for carriage of the device from Aer Lingus is great news for OnAsset,” says Adam Crossno, President and CEO of OnAsset Intelligence. “Routes flown by Aer Lingus Cargo are important to our customers and we are excited to extend the tracking device network to include new flight services.”

The SENTRY 400 FlightSafe is a tracking device that provides GPS location, light, temperature, humidity, and vibration data transmitted on the ground using the worldwide GSM / GPRS wireless network. The device is small in size and can be easily placed with handheld packages, palletized or containerized freight. SENTRY FlightSafe is manufactured by Irving, TX, firm, OnAsset Intelligence. The company holds a patent for automatic radio off mode during flight.

For more information on booking procedures and operational use of the SENTRY device, contact Aer Lingus Cargo, Paul Rodwell, Business Development Manager at Paul.Rodwell@AerLingus.com.

About Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus’ strategy is to carry cargo on both long haul and short haul routes using the available hold capacity of the passenger aircraft fleet. Our A330 aircraft operate to Boston, Chicago, New York and Orlando airports, carrying up to 20 tonnes of freight. Working with our air and land partners Aer Lingus Cargo provides links to over 50 onwards destinations in the USA and Canada.

Our fully containerized A320 aircraft serving the European network carry up to 4 tonnes of freight.

Aer Lingus Cargo generated revenues of €43.0m in 2011.

About OnAsset

OnAsset Intelligence Inc. is the global leader in airborne asset tracking services. The company manufactures wireless devices that monitor all modes of transit including land, sea, and air. Products and services include SENTRY™ wireless hardware and the Vision™ Monitoring Platform. Its flagship product SENTRY FlightSafe™ is approved by commercial and cargo operators across the globe. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas. For additional information, please visit http://www.onasset.com/.

Uit het onderzoek van SiSense blijkt dat de salarissen voor de data professionals op alle continenten hoger worden. De jaarlijkse inkomsten van een data-expert lopen van gemiddeld $55,000 USD voor een gegevensanalist tot gemiddeld $132,000 USD voor de functie van vicepresident Analytics. Van de ondervraagden rapporteerde 61% hogere salarissen in 2012 in vergelijking tot 2011, terwijl slechts 12% lagere inkomsten signaleerde. Hoewel de grote meerderheid van de ondervraagden (78%) in 2013 nog hogere inkomsten verwachtten, toonde bijna de helft van de respondenten(47%) bezorgdheid over de werkzekerheid.

Het onderzoek geeft aan dat het beroep van gegevensexpert een mannelijk beroep is: 85% van de ondervraagden zijn mannen. Ook bleek uit de resultaten dat gendergelijkheid meer voorkomt in het beroep van gegevensexpert dan bij andere ambachten. Hoewel OECD-gegevens aantonen dat in alle beroepen de man over het gemiddelde 15% meer dan de vrouw verdient, laat het SiSense-onderzoek zien dat vrouwelijke data-experts ongeveer dezelfde of hogere inkomsten genieten dan hun mannelijke collega's.

Andere belangrijke punten die uit het onderzoek naar voren kwamen:

• Dataspecialisten zijn hoog opgeleid. 85% van de ondervraagden zijn afgestudeerd aan de universiteit, 39% hebben een Masterdiploma en 5% zijn gepromoveerd. De experts met doctorsgraad verdienen gemiddeld 65% meer dan zij die een Master hebben behaald, en deze hebben weer 16% hogere salarissen dan de professionals met een Bachelorgraad.
• Werkervaring is belangrijker dan opleiding bij het bepalen van het salarisniveau. Gemiddeld verdienen vakmannen met een ervaring van tien jaar of langer 80% meer dan zij die 3 jaar of minder hebben gewerkt.
• Tegelijkertijd blijkt uit het onderzoek dat 59% van de data-experts, 6 jaar of minder in dit beroep werkzaam is. Bruno Aziza, VP Marketing bij SiSense, gaf het volgende commentaar op deze resultaten, “Het databeroep heeft een meer officiële loopbaan nodig. Schijnbaar stoppen veel beroepsmensen na 6 jaar met hun baan, waarbij naar nieuwe horizonten wordt gezocht. Als wij niet hard de datavakopleidingen officieel maken, zullen er nog steeds weinig successen worden geboekt bij het inzetten van personeel en ontwikkelt de datasector zich misschien langzamer dan andere bedrijfsgebieden.”
• De meeste gegevensspecialisten werken in teams van maximaal vijf mensen. “De bedrijven beginnen zich bewust te worden van het feit dat Data de sleutel tot hun succes vormt. Toch breiden de meeste bedrijven hun teams van gegevenswetenschappers niet snel genoeg uit om een voorsprong te behalen. Dit is misschien omdat zij dit niet willen, of omdat zij het niet kunnen. Toch is deze tendens alarmerend en zal alleen software dit probleem kunnen oplossen,” aldus Aziza.

De resultaten van het onderzoek kunnen worden gedownload op http://bit.ly/datahero

Over SiSense

SiSense is de snelste manier om via gegevens inzicht te krijgen. SiSense levert een end-to-end Business Intelligence (BI)-oplossing waarmee niet-technische gebruikers in een kwestie van een paar uur enorme hoeveelheden gegevens in bruikbare intelligentie kunnen omzetten. Vergaar kennis zonder dat er ingewikkelde gegevensopslagsystemen, OLAP-kubussen of programma's moeten worden opgezet. SiSense stelt kleine en grote ondernemingen in staat gegevens intelligent te analyseren. Van multinationale bedrijven, zoals Target en Merck, tot beginners en kleine en middelgrote bedrijven zoals WeFi. Download gratis een proefversie van de software op http://www.sisense.com/live-demo.aspx

Deze bekendmaking is officieel geldend in de originele brontaal. Vertalingen zijn slechts als leeshulp bedoeld en moeten worden vergeleken met de tekst in de brontaal welke als enige juridische geldigheid beoogt.

DKSH (SIX:DKSH), der führende Dienstleister für Marktexpansion mit Schwerpunkt Asien, entwickelt sich weiter entlang seines erfolgreichen Wachstumspfades und meldet für die ersten sechs Monate 2012 sehr gute Geschäftszahlen. Gegenüber dem ersten Halbjahr 2011 verzeichnete die seit März 2012 an der SIX Swiss Exchange kotierte DKSH einen signifikanten Anstieg des EBIT um 23.0% auf CHF 127 Millionen; der Gewinn nach Steuern nahm um 23.6% auf CHF 81 Millionen zu. Mit einem um 16.0% höheren Nettoumsatz von CHF 4.2 Milliarden erzielte die Gruppe das beste Halbjahresresultat in ihrer Geschichte. Der Gewinn pro Aktie belief sich auf CHF 1.24, und die Eigenkapitalrendite (ROE) erreichte 15.0%. Alle vier Geschäftseinheiten haben sich in den ersten sechs Monaten positiv entwickelt und ihren Anteil am guten Geschäftsergebnis beigetragen.

Dr. Jörg Wolle, CEO und Delegierter des Verwaltungsrats von DKSH: „Zum ersten Mal als börsennotiertes Unternehmen berichten wir über Halbjahresresultate. Mit den Zahlen für die ersten sechs Monate untermauern wir unsere Erfolgsgeschichte des vergangenen Jahrzehnts. Wir sind stolz darauf, dass wir unsere Versprechen erneut eingelöst haben. Die konsequente Umsetzung unserer Strategie für nachhaltig profitables Wachstum ermöglichte es uns, wiederum das Marktwachstum zu übertreffen.“

Die Strategie von DKSH basiert vor allem auf organischem Wachstum durch den Ausbau des Geschäfts mit bestehenden Kunden, die Multiplikation von Erfolgsgeschichten über Länder hinweg und die Entwicklung von Neugeschäft. Ergänzend tätigt DKSH gezielte Arrondierungsakquisitionen, um ihre Stellung in strategischen Wachstumsbereichen weiter auszubauen. Im Juni 2012 kommunizierte DKSH die Übernahme des australischen Spezialkabel-Distributors ElectCables. Mit dieser Akquisition werden die Präsenz der Geschäftseinheit Technologie in Australien und die Position als führender Anbieter von Marktexpansionsdienstleistungen in den Bereichen Investitionsgüter und analytische Instrumente gestärkt. Kurz danach erwarb DKSH im Juli das traditionsreiche deutsch-japanische Handelshaus Clay and Company Limited und baute damit die bestehenden Geschäftsbereiche Technologie und Lifestyle in Japan aus.

Diese Neuerwerbungen reihen sich nahtlos in die Akquisitionspolitik von DKSH ein, welche sich konzentriert auf die wertschöpfende Integration von kleineren, traditionsreichen, auf Asien fokussierten Handelshäusern europäischer Herkunft, wie etwa Desco von Schulthess, Hagemeyer Cosa Liebermann oder East Asiatic Company (Malaysia). Damit treibt DKSH die kontinuierliche Konsolidierung der schnell wachsenden, jedoch stark fragmentierten Branche der Marktexpansionsdienstleister weiter voran.

Der im März 2012 erfolgte Börsengang (IPO) war für DKSH ein bedeutender Meilenstein in der fast 150-jährigen Geschichte. Dieser bildete den Höhepunkt eines Transformationsprozesses, der mit dem Zusammenschluss der alteingesessenen Handelshäuser Diethelm Keller Services Asia und SiberHegner im Jahr 2002 begonnen hatte. Seither hat sich DKSH erfolgreich vom Handelshaus zu einem spezialisierten Dienstleister mit einer starken globalen Marke und ausgeprägtem Gewinn- und Umsatzwachstum entwickelt. Heute ist DKSH Marktführer in der neuen Branche "Market Expansion Services", mit Schwerpunkt Asien.

Mit einer Bilanzsumme von CHF 3.2 Milliarden, einem Eigenkapital von CHF 1.1 Milliarden und geringer Nettoverschuldung ist die Bilanz von DKSH weiterhin äusserst solide und das Unternehmen sehr konservativ finanziert. Die Rendite auf das operative Nettovermögen (RONOC) belief sich auf 22.1%, dies als Folge einer effizienten Bewirtschaftung des operativen Nettovermögens (NOC).

Positiver Ausblick bestätigt

Zum Ausblick auf den Rest des Jahres 2012 sagt Jörg Wolle: „Angesichts der anhaltenden Probleme der europäischen und US Volkswirtschaften suchen westliche Unternehmen nach Expansionsmöglichkeiten in neuen Märkten. Die nachhaltig hohen Wachstumsraten in Asien führen zu einer wachsenden Nachfrage nach Markteintritt in diesen Märkten. Die positive Entwicklung der asiatischen Volkswirtschaften wird durch die wachsende Mittelschicht Asiens getrieben, die mehr und hochwertigere Konsumgüter, Pharmaprodukte wie auch „Luxus und Lifestyle“-Produkte nachfragt. Asien ist nicht mehr nur die verlängerte „Werkbank“ des Westens – es entwickelt sich zunehmend zu einem Kontinent mit starken Binnenmärkten. Dies wiederum bedarf der Verbesserung der lokalen Infrastruktur und Entwicklung lokaler Industrien, welche die Nachfrage nach Industrieprodukten wie Maschinen, Halbfabrikaten und Rohmaterialien fördern.

„Die Pläne zur wirtschaftlichen Integration wie die AEC (ASEAN Economic Community), welche Kooperation und Handel unter den ASEAN-Mitgliedern bezwecken, und die Lockerung der Sanktionen gegen Myanmar sind weitere Wachstumstreiber. Daraus ergeben sich in den Schwellenmärkten Südostasiens ausgezeichnete Voraussetzungen für eine weitere Wachstumsdynamisierung des innerasiatischen Geschäfts. DKSH vertreibt mehrheitlich Produkte von Herstellern ausEuropa und Amerika, aber ein wachsender Anteil der Partnerschaften stammt bereits heute aus Asien“, kommentiert Jörg Wolle.

Ein weiterer Wachstumstreiber für Marktexpansionsdienstleistungen ist die zunehmende Fokussierung grosser wie kleiner Unternehmen auf ihre Kernkompetenzen. Viele Unternehmen konzentrieren sich auf Ihre Kernaktivitäten wie Forschung & Entwicklung sowie globales Marketing und Produktion und lagern die übrigen Bestandteile der Wertschöpfungskette an spezialisierte und verlässliche externe Partner wie DKSH aus.

Dazu Jörg Wolle: „Mit Asien im Zentrum der weltweiten Handelsströme und dem starken Wachstum des innerasiatischen Geschäfts ist DKSH als führende Gruppe für Marktexpansionsdienstleistungen mit Schwerpunkt Asien optimal positioniert, um von diesen vielfältigen Wachstumstreibern zu profitieren. Aufgrund unserer derzeitigen Markteinschätzung sind wir zuversichtlich, dass wir auch 2012 ein weiteres Rekordjahr mit zweistelligem Gewinnwachstum erzielen werden.“

Kennzahlen DKSH (in CHF Millionen)

⁽¹⁾ Per Ende 2011

Der Halbjahresbericht 2012 steht zum Download auf: www.dksh.com/htm/1450/en/Reports-and-presentations.htm

Profil DKSH Gruppe

DKSH ist das führende Unternehmen im Bereich Market Expansion Services mit Schwerpunkt Asien. Wie der Begriff "Market Expansion Services" bereits sagt, ist DKSH ein Dienstleister, der anderen Unternehmen und Marken dabei hilft, in neuen oder bereits existierenden Märkten zu expandieren.

DKSH, seit März 2012 an der SIX Swiss Exchange kotiert, ist weltweit tätig und hat den Hauptsitz in Zürich. Mit 650 Niederlassungen in 35 Ländern – 630 davon in Asien – und 26,000 Mitarbeitern hat DKSH im Geschäftsjahr 2011 einen Nettoumsatz von CHF 7.3 Milliarden erwirtschaftet.

Das Unternehmen offeriert massgeschneiderte, integrierte Lösungen im Bereich Sourcing, Marketing, Vertrieb, Distribution und Kunden- und Reparaturdienst. DKSH bietet seinen Geschäftspartnern fachliche Expertise und eine gut eingespielte Infrastruktur vor Ort, die auf ein umfassendes Distributionsnetzwerk in der Region zurückgreifen kann. Die Geschäftsaktivitäten sind in vier spezialisierte Geschäftseinheiten gegliedert, die die industriespezifischen Kompetenzfelder von DKSH widerspiegeln: Konsumgüter, Pharma, Spezialrohstoffe und Technologie.

DKSH ist ein Schweizer Unternehmen und aufgrund einer fast 150-jährigen Firmentradition tief im asiatischen Raum verwurzelt.

DKSH (SIX:DKSH), the leading Market Expansion Services provider with a focus on Asia, remains on its successful growth path, reporting excellent results for the first six months of 2012. Compared to the first half 2011, DKSH, since March 2012 publicly listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, recorded an impressive increase of 23.0% in EBIT to CHF 127 million; which lifted its profit after tax by 23.6% to CHF 81 million. Net sales increased by 16.0%, reaching CHF 4.2 billion to mark the best half-year in the Group’s history. Earnings per share amounted to CHF 1.24 and the return on equity (ROE) reached 15.0%. All four Business Units developed positively in the first six months and contributed to the strong financial performance.

Dr. Joerg Wolle, President & CEO of DKSH Group, comments: “This is the first time we are reporting our half-year results as a public company, and the figures of the first six months confirm the very positive track record of DKSH over the past decade. We are proud of the fact that we were able to deliver on our promises. The clear implementation of our strategy for sustainable profitable growth allowed us once again to outperform the market.”

DKSH’s strategy is centered on growing organically, through expanding business with existing clients, multiplying success stories from country to country, and new business development. Complementing its organic growth, DKSH has made strategic bolt-on acquisitions that allow the Group to expand its position in strategic growth areas. In June 2012, DKSH announced its acquisition of the Australian specialty cables distributor, ElectCables, expanding Business Unit Technology’s footprint in Australia and strengthening its position as the leading provider of Market Expansion Services for capital investment goods and analytical instruments. Shortly after, in July, DKSH took over the long-established German-Japanese trading firm of Clay and Company Limited to reinforce its technology and lifestyle business in Japan. These moves follow on successful and value-adding acquisitions and integrations in previous years of smaller, traditional trading houses of European origin focused on Asia such as Desco von Schulthess, Hagemeyer Cosa Liebermann, or East Asiatic Company (Malaysia), and confirm DKSH’s position as the industry consolidator in the fast growing but very fragmented Market Expansion Services industry.

A major milestone in DKSH’s nearly 150 years of history was its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in March 2012. The IPO was the culmination of its transformation process, which started following the merger of the long-established Swiss trading houses Diethelm Keller Services Asia and SiberHegner in 2002. Since then, DKSH has successfully transformed from a trading business into a highly specialized service provider with a strong global brand and impressive record growth levels in profits and sales. Today, DKSH is the leader in the newly-defined industry of Market Expansion Services with a focus on Asia.

With total assets of CHF 3.2 billion, total equity of CHF 1.1 billion, and low net debt, DKSH’s balance sheet remains extremely solid and very conservatively financed. Return on net operating capital (RONOC) is 22.1% and is a consequence of the Group’s efficient net operating capital (NOC) management.

Positive outlook confirmed

Commenting on the outlook for the remainder of 2012, Joerg Wolle says: “As European and US markets continue facing challenges, western companies are seeking opportunities to expand into new markets and there is growing demand for market entries into Asia, given the sustainably high growth rates in this region. The rapid growth of the Asian economies is driven by their emerging middle classes with increased purchasing power and a healthy and growing appetite for quality consumer, healthcare, as well as luxury and lifestyle products. Asia is no longer simply the extended “workbench” of the West – it is developing into a continent with strong domestic markets. This in turn also creates the need to improve local infrastructure and develop local industries, driving the demand for industrial products such as machinery, semi-finished products, and raw materials.”

“Further supporting Asian growth are economic integration plans such as the AEC (ASEAN Economic Community), aiming to improve cooperation and trade among ASEAN members, and the easing of sanctions on Myanmar. Such developments are expected to accelerate the growth of the emerging South East Asian markets and create more opportunities in the region, leading to increased inner-Asian trade. Today, the majority of manufacturers of the products DKSH distributes are still from Europe and the Americas. But a growing number are now also coming from Asia,” comments Joerg Wolle.

Another growth driver for Market Expansion Services is the increasing shift in focus of companies, large and small, on their core competencies. To optimize resources, many companies are focusing on core capabilities such as R&D, global marketing, and manufacturing, while outsourcing other elements of the value chain to specialized and trusted partners like DKSH.

“With Asia at the center of global trade flows and strong inner-Asian business growth, DKSH is optimally positioned to benefit from these multiple growth drivers as the leading Market Expansion Services provider with a focus on Asia,” adds Joerg Wolle. “Based on our current market assumptions, we are very confident that we will be able to achieve another record year in 2012 with double-digit profit growth.”

Key figures of DKSH (in CHF millions)

⁽¹⁾ As of year-end 2011

The half-year 2012 report is available for download at http://www.dksh.com/htm/1450/en/Reports-and-presentations.htm

About DKSH Group

DKSH is the leading Market Expansion Services provider with a focus on Asia. As the term "Market Expansion Services" suggests, DKSH helps other companies and brands to grow their business in new or existing markets.

Publicly listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange since March 2012, DKSH is a global company headquartered in Zurich. With 650 business locations in 35 countries – 630 of them in Asia – and 26,000 specialized staff, DKSH generated net sales of CHF 7.3 billion in 2011.

The company offers a tailor-made, integrated portfolio of sourcing, marketing, sales, distribution, and after-sales services. It provides business partners with expertise as well as on-the-ground logistics based on a comprehensive network of unique size and depth. Business activities are organized into four specialized Business Units that mirror DKSH fields of expertise: Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Performance Materials, and Technology.

With strong Swiss heritage, the company has an almost 150-year-long tradition of doing business in and with Asia, and is deeply rooted in communities and businesses across Asia Pacific.

Laut der Umfrage von SiSense steigen die Gehälter von Datenfachleuten in allen geografischen Regionen. Der Jahresverdienst von Datenfachleuten kann von durchschnittlich 55.000 US-Dollar für einen Datenanalysten bis hin zu durchschnittlich 132.000 US-Dollar für den Vice President des Geschäftsbereichs Analysen reichen. Während 61% der Befragten berichteten, 2012 im Vergleich zu 2011 mehr verdient zu haben, gaben nur 12% einen Verdienstrückgang an. Zwar erwartete die große Mehrheit der Befragten (78%) einen Verdienstanstieg für das Jahr 2013, doch brachte fast die Hälfte der Teilnehmer (47%) ihre Bedenken hinsichtlich der Sicherheit ihres Arbeitsplatzes zum Ausdruck.

Die Umfrage weist darauf hin, dass mehr Männer im Datenbereich arbeiten als Frauen: 85% der Umfrageteilnehmer waren Männer. Gleichzeitig zeigen die Umfrageergebnisse, dass im Datenbereich die Gleichstellung der Geschlechter häufiger gegeben ist als bei anderen Berufsgruppen. Während die OECD-Daten bei Berücksichtigung aller Berufsgruppen erkennen lassen, dass Männer 15% mehr als Frauen verdienen, zeigte die Umfrage von SiSense, dass in der Berufsgruppe der Datenfachleute Frauen genauso viel oder sogar noch mehr verdienen als ihre männlichen Arbeitskollegen in gleicher Stellung.

Zu den weiteren Highlights der Umfrage gehören:

• Datenfachleute weisen ein hohes Bildungsniveau auf. 85% der Befragten hatten einen Hochschulabschluss in der ein oder anderen Form, 39% einen Master-Abschluss und 5% einen PhD. Datenfachleute mit einem PhD-Abschluss verdienten durchschnittlich 65% mehr als ihre Kollegen mit Master-Abschluss, die wiederum 16% mehr verdienten als ihre Kollegen mit einem Bachelor-Abschluss.
• Praktische Erfahrungen wirken sich sogar noch stärker auf die Gehaltshöhe aus als die Ausbildung. Durchschnittlich verdienen Fachkräfte mit zehn oder mehr Jahren Erfahrung 80% mehr als ihre Kollegen mit 3 oder weniger Jahren Erfahrung.
• Gleichzeitig zeigte sich bei der Umfrage, dass Datenfachleute mit höchstens sechsjähriger Erfahrung, 59% der Mitglieder der Berufsgruppe ausmachen. Bruno Aziza, VP Marketing bei SiSense, kommentierte die Ergebnisse so: „Bei den Datenfachleuten ist ein stärker formell geregelter Karrierepfad erforderlich. Man hat den Eindruck, dass viele Fachkräfte das Berufsfeld nach etwa sechs Jahren verlassen und sich anderweitig orientieren. Wenn wir uns nicht aktiver für eine formellere Regelung der Karriereoptionen im Datenbereich einsetzen, könnte die Rate des erfolgreichen Einsatzes weiterhin niedrig ausfallen und die Entwicklung der Datenbranche könnte langsamer vonstattengehen als in anderen Bereichen.“
• Die meisten Datenfachleute arbeiten in Teams von bis zu fünf Mitarbeitern. „Die Einsicht, dass der Datenbereich der Schlüssel zum Erfolg ist, beginnt sich bei Unternehmen durchzusetzen. Allerdings erweitern die Mehrzahl dieser Unternehmen ihre datenwissenschaftlichen Teams nicht schnell genug, um siegreich dabei hervorzugehen. Möglicherweise liegt dies daran, dass sie nicht wollen oder nicht können. Es handelt sich hierbei um einen alarmierenden Trend und als einzige Rettung kommt nur Software infrage“, so Aziza.

Die Ergebnisse der Umfrage können heruntergeladen werden unter http://bit.ly/datahero

Über SiSense

SiSense steht für den schnellsten Weg von den Daten zur Erkenntnis. SiSense bietet eine umfassende Business Intelligence (BI)-Lösung, mit der fachlich nicht versierte Benutzer innerhalb von Stunden, nicht Tagen, Berge von Daten in umsetzbare Einsichten verwandeln können. Einsicht gewinnen, ohne komplexe Data-Warehouse-Systeme, OLAP-Würfel oder Programmierungen einrichten bzw. vornehmen zu müssen. SiSense versetzt Organisationen jeglicher Größe in die Lage, ihre Daten zu verstehen. Von multinationalen Konzernen wie Target und Merck bis hin zu Start-ups und KMUs wie WeFi. Laden Sie eine kostenlose Test-Version der Software herunter unter http://www.sisense.com/live-demo.aspx

Die Ausgangssprache, in der der Originaltext veröffentlicht wird, ist die offizielle und autorisierte Version. Übersetzungen werden zur besseren Verständigung mitgeliefert. Nur die Sprachversion, die im Original veröffentlicht wurde, ist rechtsgültig. Gleichen Sie deshalb Übersetzungen mit der originalen Sprachversion der Veröffentlichung ab.

L'indagine di SiSense ha rilevato che i salari per i professionisti dell'informazione sono in aumento in tutte le geografie. Gli stipendi annuali dei professionisti dell'informazione possono variare da una media di 55.000 dollari per gli Analisti programmatori, a una media di 132.000 dollari per i Vicepresidenti dei Dipartimenti informatici. Il 61% delle persone che hanno risposto all'indagine hanno riportato stipendi maggiori nel 2012 rispetto al 2011, e solo il 12% ha riportato stipendi minori. Mentre la gran parte dei partecipanti (78%) prevede stipendi ancora più elevati nel 2013, quasi la metà (47%) ha espresso preoccupazioni sulla stabilità del lavoro.

L'indagine indica che i professionisti dell'informazione sono soprattutto uomini: 85%. Allo stesso tempo i risultati mostrano una maggiore uguaglianza fra i generi in questa professione rispetto alle altre. Mentre i dati OCSE mostrano che in media in tutte le professioni gli uomini guadagnano il 15% in più rispetto alle donne, l'indagine SiSense mostra che le donne in questo settore guadagnano praticamente lo stesso stipendio o uno stipendio maggiore rispetto a quello degli uomini.

Tra gli altri punti salienti evidenziati dall'indagine:

• I professionisti dell'informazione hanno un elevato livello di studi in ambito universitario: l'85% dei partecipanti ha almeno un titolo universitario, il 39% una laurea e il 5% un dottorato. Chi detiene un dottorato guadagna in media il 65% in più rispetto a chi ha solo una laurea, e questi ultimi, a loro volta, guadagnano il 16% in più rispetto a chi ha solo una laurea breve.
• L'esperienza lavorativa è ancora più importante del livello educativo per quanto riguarda i livelli salariali. In media, i professionisti con almeno 10 anni di esperienza guadagnano l'80% rispetto a quelli con un massimo di 3 anni di esperienza.
• L'indagine mostra in contemporanea che il 59% della forza lavoro in questo settore ha un massimo di 6 anni di esperienza. Bruno Aziza, Vicepresidente di SiSense per il Marketing, ha commentato questo risultato affermando: "il settore dei professionisti dell'informazione necessita di un profilo di carriera più formale. Sembra che molti professionisti escano dal settore dopo circa 6 anni, avanzando verso nuove opportunità. Se non formalizziamo le carriere di questo settore in modo più attivo, il successo di queste professioni continuerà a rimanere basso e le statistiche potrebbero evolversi più lentamente rispetto a quelle di altri settori".
• La gran parte dei professionisti dell'informazione lavora in team fino a un massimo di 5 persone. "Le aziende stanno iniziando a capire che i dati informatici sono fondamentali per il successo. Eppure la gran parte delle aziende non sta facendo crescere i propri team informatici in modo sufficientemente veloce da avere successo. Forse ciò è dovuto alla mancanza di volontà o alla impossibilità. Si tratta di una tendenza allarmante e solo il software potrà riuscire a salvarci", ha fatto notare Aziza.

I risultati dell'indagine sono disponibili per il download all'indirizzo http://bit.ly/datahero

Informazioni su SiSense

SiSense costituisce il modo più veloce per passare dai dati alla comprensione degli stessi. SiSense offre soluzioni end-to-end di Intelligenza aziendale che permettono agli utenti senza esperienza tecnica di trasformare valanghe di dati in informazioni processabili nel giro di ore, invece che di di giorni. Si possono ottenere analisi specifiche senza dover preparare complessi sistemi di data warehouse, cubi OLAP o programmazioni. SiSense permette alle organizzazioni di tutte le dimensioni di comprendere i dati: dalle multinazionali, come Target e Merck, fino alle aziende in fase di avvio e alle piccole e medie imprese come WeFi. La versione trial gratuita del software è disponibile per il download all'indirizzo http://www.sisense.com/live-demo.aspx

Il testo originale del presente annuncio, redatto nella lingua di partenza, è la versione ufficiale che fa fede. Le traduzioni sono offerte unicamente per comodità del lettore e devono rinviare al testo in lingua originale, che è l'unico giuridicamente valido.

“We’re proud that Starbucks chose Square, as we share the value of always putting customers first”

The partnership terms include:

• Customers will be able to use Pay with Square, Square’s payer application, from participating company operated U.S. Starbucks stores later this fall, and find nearby Starbucks locations within Square Directory;
• Square will process Starbucks U.S. credit and debit card transactions, which will significantly expand Square’s scale and accelerate the benefits to businesses on the Square platform, especially small businesses, while reducing Starbucks payment processing costs;
• Using Square Directory, Starbucks customers will be able to discover local Square businesses -- from specialty retailers to crafts businesses -- from within a variety of Starbucks digital platforms, including the Starbucks Digital Network and eventually the Starbucks mobile payment application;
• Starbucks will invest $25 million in Square as part of the company’s Series D financing round;
• Starbucks chairman, president and ceo Howard Schultz will join Square’s Board of Directors.

By accepting Pay with Square, Starbucks is giving millions of customers another way to enjoy a quick and seamless payment experience at approximately 7,000 Starbucks stores. The partnership will also accelerate the ability of small businesses to grow with Square’s innovative technology and a stronger and more widely available Square network.

“As the largest retail mobile payment platform in the U.S., we’re excited and proud to accept payments with Square,” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, president and ceo. “The evolving social and digital media platforms and highly innovative and relevant payment capabilities are causing seismic changes in consumer behavior and creating equally disruptive opportunities for business. Both Starbucks and Square take a similar approach when building products and running our businesses, and together we can bring the best possible payment experience to Starbucks customers.”

“We’re proud that Starbucks chose Square, as we share the value of always putting customers first,” said Jack Dorsey, co-founder and CEO of Square. “More than 2 million individuals and businesses can already use Square. This partnership will accelerate our ability to provide them with the tools they need to grow their business and thrive in today’s economy.”

Beginning this fall, in addition to the existing iPhone® and Android™ Starbucks mobile payment applications, Starbucks customers will be able to use Pay with Square to pay for their purchases at participating company operated Starbucks locations in the U.S. Customers simply need to download the Pay with Square application and set up an account on their iPhone® or Android™ device.

More than two-thirds of the 27 million small businesses in the U.S. currently do not accept credit or debit cards, in large part because of the expensive interchange fees associated with payment processing, cumbersome application process and required credit checks. Square enables merchants of any size – from sole proprietors to national retailers – to accept credit and debit cards.

“As an entrepreneur, I understand how critical it is for new businesses to have easy and affordable access to card processing while also giving customers a choice in how they pay,” Schultz continued. “Because Square's revolutionary technology allows anyone to accept credit and debit cards, it gives entrepreneurs an essential tool to jump-start their business while providing existing small companies access to new customers. This development can play a vital role in spurring small business growth and hiring, which remains one of our country’s most important issues.”

About Starbucks Corporation

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.

About Square, Inc.

Square is revolutionizing millions of everyday transactions between buyers and sellers with its free credit card reader for the iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, allowing anyone to accept credit cards anywhere, anytime. Square Register serves as a full point-of-sale system for businesses to accept payments, track inventory, and share menu and location information. Pay with Square is the most seamless way to pay, enabling individuals to pay with their names at their favorite local merchants, discover nearby businesses, explore menu listings, and store receipts. Founded in 2009, and headquartered in San Francisco, Square is currently available only in the U.S. More information is available at squareup.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50369734&lang=en