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Here's a super-quick guide to what traders are talking about right now

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Here's a super-quick guide to what traders are talking about right now Dave Lutz, head of ETFs at JonesTrading, has an overview of today's markets.

· Global markets are mixed.
· Analysts are predicting a 60% chance the Fed raises rates in December.
· Oil is at a 7-month high.

*Here's Lutz:*



Morning!  US futures are basically unch as Russell hangs near Friday’s all-time highs.   It’s a mixed bag in Europe, but most markets rallying from lows – DAX is up 30bp - Banks the biggest downside weight, while healthcare, energy and industrials help mitigate losses.  Eyes on the IBEX getting hit thru 200d for almost 1% as Catalan angst ramps.   FTSE trading unchanged, with weakness in Banks and Miners being offset by a rally in Consumer.   London is trading 30% light to trend, while DAX is a touch heavier.  Tech and Smallcaps smoked in Asia - TOPIX added 50bp, but Hang Seng smoked for 1.4% as Chinese Property stocks get slammed while Shanghai down 30bp.  KOSPI lost 30bp, but KOSDAQ lost 1% - Nifty hit for 50bp, while smallcaps smoked for 3.5% before a small rebound, while Aussie gained small as Banks retreated 

With 13 Fed Speakers this week, including Yellen and Fischer – Fed Funds are resting at a 60% chance of a December Hike.   The Dollar is rising on heavy Political uncertainty abroad - Snap elections in Japan have the Yen down - Merkel’s weaker showing weighs on Euro, as well as PIIGS debt - Political angst weighs on Kiwi$, while Sterling weaker as Moody’s downgrades UK.  Europe angst has Bunds seeing a bid, weighing on US Treasury Yields as the 10YY rests on the 100d.   Ore saw small bounce after last week’s 8% hit, while Nickel, Platinum and Gold all see a slight pop.   Oil making fresh 7month highs early, as WTI nears a $51 test.   Softs are seeing weakness across the board.



*SEE ALSO: 10 things you need to know about the markets today*

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NOW WATCH: Traders are gearing up for Trump's tax cut plan Reported by Business Insider 2 hours ago.

Mobile Marketing Association Launches New Think Tank to Redefine the Modern Marketing Organization Structure

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First phase focuses on analysis and deep dives, with over 100 brand interviews conducted by prominent academics; MOSTT Steering Committee includes marketers from the MMA global and NA boards; Salesforce joins as strategic partner

New York (PRWEB) September 25, 2017

Committed to helping brands capitalize on the dramatic changes in consumer behavior, technology innovations and marketplace disruptions, today at the SM2 Innovation Summit, the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) announced the creation of the Marketing Organization Structure Think Tank, or MOSTT.

By defining and developing the organizational marketing capabilities and best practices (e.g., structures, processes, market intelligence, etc.) MOSTT intends to lead CMOs in accelerating marketing performance and business growth through best in class organizational design transformation. MOSTT is the second Think Tank developed by the MMA and follows the successful creation of the Marketing Attribution Think Tank (MATT), launched at the same time last year.

The first phase of the MOSTT initiative is being led by a group of prominent academic researchers and industry consultants from The Scheller College of Business (Georgia Tech), The Terry College of Business (University of Georgia) and The Kelley School of Business (Indiana University). This phase includes interviews conducted with upwards of 100 CMOs and other marketing professionals and focuses on the organizations' changes induced by analytics, real-time programming and growth in social networks as well as mobile adoption and technology.

“There have not been any major studies on marketing organizational design since mobile penetration has transformed the way brands engage with their consumers," said Greg Stuart, CEO, MMA. “The global marketers on the MMA Board unequivocally believe that the way organizations are currently structured is one the greatest impediments to nimbly adopting emerging and transformational technologies, which create competitive advantage. Other than with our attribution initiative, I have not seen a project with such universal interest from the marketplace.”

The Research Team includes:

LEAD RESEARCHER:
Dr. Omar Rodriguez Vila, PhD
Assistant Professor of Marketing and Strategy
Georgia Tech, Scheller College of Business

ACADEMIC TEAM:
Dr. Sundar Bharadwaj
The Coca Cola Company Chair
Professor of Marketing
The University of Georgia, The Terry College of Business

Dr. Neil Morgan
Professor of Marketing
Indiana University, Kelley School of Business

INDUSTRY CONSULTANTS
Shubu Mitra
Founder & CEO Agile Measurement
Former Coca-Cola Director of Marketing, Communication Effectiveness & Productivity

Peter Schellstraete
Founder & CEO, IDACITY
Former Coca-Cola Global VP Digital Assets, Licensing & Retail

In preparation for the next phase of MOSTT, the MMA conducted a marketer usage and attitudinal survey to determine how marketers respond to the dramatic changes in technology and highlight immediate challenges and opportunities. Here are some highlights:

1.    The pace of organizational change is accelerating. But marketers are not convinced that´s fast enough: 50 percent of marketers had reorgs in last 6 months and 99 percent in last two years. And although two thirds feel that´s faster than the past, half of them still don’t think it’s enough to put them ahead of the competition.

2.    Technology is at the heart of most reorgs. But cost cutting and other realities stand in the way: 61 percent of reorgs aim to improve use of technology. Yet, cost cutting is also a key goal for almost 50 percent of reorgs, as well as M&A and business model changes (42 percent respectively), so conflicting agendas may compromise execution.

3.    Marketers attempt to move many capabilities in house. But skills shortages emerge in key areas: Marketers claim to have already brought in house many key capabilities, or that they intend to do that in the near future, including data analytics (66 percent), product innovation (64 percent), mobile marketing (63 percent), content and creative production (63 percent), all digital media buying (59 percent) and measurement and attribution (51 percent). Yet, about half the marketers say they have skill shortages in most of these areas, again compromising execution.

4.    Mobile is eating the world. But it´s not (yet) changing the org: Mobile is one of the top two technologies that marketers say it will impact organizations in the next 12 months (social is the other one). Yet marketers say that internal team structures and their relationship with agencies are the two things that have changed the least because of it.

“It is critical for Coca-Cola’s success, and that of every other marketer, to re-engineer marketing organizations for the digital age," said David Godsman, Chief Digital Officer, The Coca-Cola Company. “As a market leader, we need to be able to quickly take advantage of insights, measurement, data and more, all the way from product development to consumer engagement through CRM.”

MMA’s MOSTT team will be led by a Steering Committee comprised of nine of the top global brand marketers including:·     Kristi Argyilan, SVP, Marketing, Target
·     John Costello, President, Global Mktg & Innovation, Dunkin¹ Brands (former)
·     Jon Suarez-Davis, Chief Marketing Officer, Salesforce Marketing Cloud
·     Norman DeGreve, CMO, CVS
·     Brad Feinberg, Sr. Director Media & Digital, MillerCoors
·     David Godsman, Chief Digital Officer, The Coca-Cola Company
·     Sanjay Gupta, EVP-Marketing Innov. & Corp. Relations, Allstate Insurance Co.
·     Kellyn Kenny, VP, Marketing, Uber
·     Rebecca Messina, CMO, Beam Suntory - NEW Global Board member
·     Louis Paskalis, SVP, Enterprise Media Executive, Bank of America

“The marketing function is going through an incredible period of disruption and transformation driven by consumers increased expectations for brand engagement in a connected, mobile world," said Jon Suarez-Davis, Chief Strategy Officer, Salesforce Marketing Cloud. "The Salesforce Marketing Cloud is excited to partner with the MMA MOSTT initiative to help to define the structure, capabilities and technology platforms of the modern marketing organization.”

Marketers interested in learning more about MOSTT and participate in the Task Force can contact the MMA for membership information. For more information email MOSTT(at)mmaglobal.com.

About the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA)

The MMA is the world’s leading global non-profit trade mobile marketing association comprised of more than 800 member companies, from nearly fifty countries around the world. Our members hail from every faction of the mobile marketing ecosystem, including brand marketers, agencies, mobile technology platforms, media companies, operators and others. The MMA’s mission is to accelerate the transformation and innovation of marketing through mobile, driving business growth with closer and stronger consumer engagement. Anchoring the MMA’s mission are four core pillars; to cultivate inspiration by driving innovation for the Chief Marketing Officer; to build the mobile marketing capabilities for marketing organizations through fostering know-how and confidence; to champion the effectiveness and impact of mobile through research providing tangible ROI measurement; and to advocate for mobile marketers. Additionally, MMA industry-wide committees work collaboratively to develop and advocate global best practices and lead standards development.

Members include: 1-800-Flowers.com, AdColony, Allstate, American Express, AT&T, Bank Of America, Campbell’s, JPMorgan Chase, Chobani, Choice Hotels, Citi, Clear Channel Outdoor, Colgate-Palmolive, Dunkin’ Brands, eBay, E*TRADE, Electronic Arts, ESPN, Expedia, Facebook, Ford, Foursquare, Google, GroundTruth, Heineken, Hershey’s, Hilton Worldwide, iHeartMedia, Hulu, InMobi, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg, Marriott, MasterCard, McDonald’s, Microsoft, MillerCoors, OpenMarket, Pandora, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Pinterest, PlaceIQ, Procter & Gamble, R/GA, RadiumOne, Razorfish, RetailMeNot, Salesforce, Samsung, SAP, Simulmedia, Snap Inc., Spotify, SUBWAY, Tapjoy, Target Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, The Rubicon Project, The Weather Company, Time Inc, T-Mobile, TUNE, Turner Broadcasting, Twitter, Uber, Ubimo, Unilever, USPS, Verve, VEVO, Vibes, Walmart, Wendy’s, Zurich and many more. The MMA’s global headquarters are located in New York with regional operations Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Latin America (LATAM). For more information about the MMA please visit http://www.mmaglobal.com. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.

Golf-Presidents Cup format and rosters

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Sept 25 (Reuters - The Presidents Cup is a biennial team competition between the United States and an International side consisting of players from outside the United States and Europe. Each team has 12 players and a total of 30 matches will be contested. Reported by SBS 2 hours ago.

USA Experts to Hold October US Immigration by Investment Events

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SINGAPORE, Sept. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The USA Experts announces its latest series of US Immigration by Investment seminars for October. The events will be held on October 3rd, 17th, and 24th and are free to attend. These two-hour seminars provide a detailed basis for anyone considering an EB-5 or other investment-based move to the United States. Eligibility for an EB-5 investor-based visa can be as low as $500,000 USD, and can provide permanent residency (a green card) for the applicant's entire family.

Anyone interested in an investment based move or obtaining permanent residency in the United States is welcome to attend, however, seating is limited so attendees are suggested to register early.

Click: www.theusaexperts.com to register or learn more.

"We are excited to announce our October line-up of events in Singapore, which include several preeminent EB-5 sponsors and valuable content for those interested in immigration by investment to the United States. We have been conducting events in Singapore for several years now and very pleased to see not only our attendance growing, but also the caliber of our speakers and sponsors," says Michael B. Dye, attorney and founding sponsor of the USA experts.

Registration is available on the USA Experts website and is first come, first served.

*About the October USA Experts Events*

*Event Outline*

Seminar participants will receive a comprehensive overview of US immigration by investment (EB-5) which will include presentations by our internationally renowned experts on:

*EB-5 and Immigration *

*EB-5 Due Diligence*

Immigrant Visa Categories

Regional Center Selection

EB-5 Comprehensive Overview

EB-5 Program Due Diligence

Lawful Source of Funds



Other Investment Based Visas



*Sponsor Presentations*



Each seminar will include a presentation by a prominent EB-5 regional center sponsor* including:

 

CMB Regional Centers



EB-5 United, LLC



Texas Regional Investment Center



* please note that each event will only have one regional center sponsor

*USA Experts Presenters*

*Michael B. Dye, Esq.
*Founder, Managing Attorney
Law Office of Michael B. Dye

Michael B. Dye, Esq. a frequent international lecturer and expert in immigration law is the founder and managing attorney for the Law Office of Michael B. Dye. Mr. Dye has worked in various positions for the United States Government for more than 15 years, living and working overseas in myriad locations. Mr. Dye is a former U.S. diplomat, with extensive experience working in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America. Mr. Dye's office provides immigration assistance to potential investors seeking permanent residency in the United States, entrepreneurs seeking to establish business operations in the United States, and companies looking to expand their presence by establishing new offices in the United States.

Mr. Dye is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and is admitted to practice law in various jurisdictions, including California and the District of Columbia. Mr. Dye is an active member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ), the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmCham Singapore), and the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (AmCham Indonesia). Mr. Dye is a past member of AILA's Bangkok District Chapter (BDC) Government Liaison Committee.

In addition to serving individuals and entities with global business interests in the immigration context, the Law Office of Michael B. Dye provides a range of international trade law and compliance services. The Firm's global presence includes affiliate offices in Singapore and Jakarta.  Mr. Dye is Of Counsel to various law firms, and works in alliance with partners in Canada, Latin America, Europe and throughout the Asia Pacific region.

*Jeremy Stobie, CPA
*Managing Director
CPS Family Office

Jeremy Stobie, CPA a US certified public accountant and the managing director of CPS Family Office, which is based in Singapore. Mr. Stobie has extensive experience in investment banking, private equity, due diligence, forensic accounting tax and finance in the international marketplace. He is a US certified public accountant, a certified fraud examiner, certified in financial forensics by the AICPA and is a chartered global management accountant.

Mr. Stobie holds the position of founder and managing director of CPS Family Office, a multi-family office based in Singapore, which offers a broad range of services to family offices and international families, including due diligence, cross-border tax and structuring, citizenship and immigration by investment, family governance and US tax compliance and planning.

In his EB-5 practice, he has conducted extensive due diligence on regional centers and NCEs, assisted clients with project selection, and represented investors (as forensic accountant) in securities litigations. He has served as a consulting and testifying expert witness in the fraud and valuation field in the United States.

Mr. Stobie has served as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner and an investor in a myriad of domestic and international businesses over the last decade. Mr. Stobie has extensive experience in EB-5, Real Estate Private Equity, Due Diligence, Cross-Border Capital Raises, Venture Capital, Mezzanine Financing, Forensic Accounting and US Tax. 

Mr. Dye and Mr. Stobie are the co-authors of Immigrating and Moving to the USA and are recognized subject matter experts in immigration, tax, and due diligence.

*About the USA Experts: *

*The USA Experts** *is an international event management company which was formed by a group of world recognized experts in US law, tax, and finance.

Their goal is to bring these experts and their extensive expertise to you via relevant and focused seminars and workshops worldwide. We are currently holding seminars and workshops in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. These events are designed to bring you timely, expert, and comprehensive information related to the US.

The founding sponsors of the USA Experts are the Law Office of Michael B. Dye a full-service immigration law office located in Southern California with affiliate offices in Singapore and Jakarta, and CPS Family Office with its primary office in Singapore.

*Media Contact: Amalina Samin, +65 *9782 6285, *client relations (registration@theusaexperts.com)*

  Reported by PR Newswire Asia 2 hours ago.

ProMach Introduces ProMach Performance Services at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2017

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ProMach Performance Services is a single source of technical experts working together to deliver integrated solutions, engineering, design/build, and productivity software – anywhere in the world.

Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) September 25, 2017

ProMach, a global provider of complete packaging machinery solutions, announced today the debut of their ProMach Performance Services offering. ProMach Performance Services is a network of technical experts working together to deliver the most efficient and economical solutions across four service platforms: integrated solutions, engineering, design/build, and productivity software. The new ProMach Performance Services offering will be showcased at Pack Expo in Las Vegas, September 25 to 27, 2017 (ProMach Performance Services Booth # C-3225).

The packaging industry has changed dramatically over the past two decades, and ProMach has continued to adapt to evolving customer needs. A little over a year ago, ProMach acquired Zarpac, an Ontario-based global engineering services provider focused on solutions for the packaging industry. Since that time ProMach has developed numerous successful turnkey packaging lines for customers worldwide and expanded manufacturing operations to include new facilities in Wuhu, China and Atlanta, Georgia – offering a combined almost 200,000 SF of additional space to support integration projects and increased customer demand.

“Our customers are continually challenged to do more with less in their organizations, and they are looking for a true partner to help them navigate the complicated waters of engineering, productivity, integration, and turnkey systems,” says Mark Anderson, ProMach President and CEO. “Zarpac is an outstanding organization with strong leadership, tremendous people, and unique capabilities, but we wanted customers to better understand what to expect when they work with us. The rebranding of these capabilities into ProMach Performance Services sets the bar for what customers can expect – a single source provider of complete turnkey integrated lines, productivity software, and more with a focus on one thing: performance. At the end of the day it’s about getting customers up and running quickly, efficiently, and with the best ROI, and we’re proud to put the ProMach brand on this offering.”

ProMach features 26 best-in-class product brands across six business lines: filling and capping, flexibles, pharma, product handling, end of line, and labeling and coding. The addition of this service line – ProMach Performance Services – creates another layer of customer services and transforms ProMach into a strong global partner that can inject measurable performance into any system, line, or process, regardless of which manufacturer’s machines are in the build—overcoming engineering challenges and unforeseen obstacles without walls and without limits.

“As consumer packaged goods engineering teams are getting smaller, companies are increasingly looking to partner with original equipment manufacturers, like ProMach, to provide engineering and integration services and become an extension of their business,” says Frank Volpe, ProMach Performance Services Vice President and General Manager. “We partner with customers from concept to completion with project management support and we take the time to know and understand their business, providing a full range of services from mechanical and electrical engineering, PLC programing, full plant layouts, OEE improvements, installation, startup, commissioning, and much more.”

“ProMach is in a unique position with industry-leading OEM solutions across the entire packaging line,” adds Volpe, “and while ProMach Performance Services can leverage any of ProMach’s strong product brands, we can also integrate any manufacturer’s machines into our lines, taking full responsibility and backing it with performance guarantees. Whether upgrading an existing line or putting in a brand new greenfield line, we will be there every step of the way with a single point of contact to ensure success and deliver innovation, creating the most efficient and economical solutions, anywhere in the world.”

ProMach Performance Service features four strong service platforms, each offering customers unique capabilities and expertise:

Integrated Solutions: From concept to final validation, ProMach Performance Services provides pre-integration of parts or entire systems, built and tested in their own facilities to minimize risk, resolve integration issues, reduce downtime and startup curves, and ensure immediate success on the plant floor at installation.

Engineering: ProMach Performance Services is an Engineering Service Provider (ESP), offering complete project management as well as mechanical and electrical engineering, including retrofits, upgrades, on-site services, installations, and startups. They are an approved integrator for a wide variety of robotics and automation systems as well. With a focus on cost savings, optimization, and speed to market, ProMach Performance Services can apply efficiencies from part standardization to reapplication of design.

Design Build: With custom design and build of complex packaging machines, ProMach Performance Services has developed and produced more than 300 unique, one-of-a-kind packaging machines for new and development products. Using robust 3D modeling, prototyping, and testing resources, ProMach Performance Services can design and build a proprietary system that rapidly gets any product to market, delivering a competitive advantage along the way.

Productivity Software: ProMach Performance Services offers industry-leading enterprise-wide data collection and analysis tools for monitoring, controlling, and improving floor operations from every single machine and across the entire process. Improve uptime, quality, and speed with ProMach Performance Services’ proprietary ZPI tools, which exchange information flawlessly across every system in the plant and opens the door to constant improvement, optimization, and granular metrics that unleash real efficiencies.

To learn more about ProMach Performance Services visit Booth # C-3225 at Pack Expo Las Vegas, call 905-338-8800, or visit http://www.ProMachPerformance.com.

About ProMach Performance Services
A single source of integrated solutions with global reach and a world of experience, ProMach Performance Services is a network of technical experts working together to deliver the most efficient and economical solutions, anywhere in the world. Integration, engineering, design/build, data collection, advanced analytics, machine forensics, track and trace, and more: ProMach Performance Services delivers innovation from every corner, creating complete solutions from our family of best-in-class packaging partners. For more information about ProMach Performance Services, visit http://www.ProMachPerformance.com.

About ProMach
ProMach is a family of best-in-class packaging solution brands serving manufacturers of all sizes and geographies in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and household and industrial goods industries. ProMach brands operate across the entire packaging spectrum: filling and capping, flexibles, pharma, product handling, labeling and coding, and end of line. ProMach also provides Performance Services including integrated solutions, design/build, engineering services, and productivity software to optimize packaging line design and deliver maximum uptime.

ProMach designs, manufactures, integrates, and supports the most sophisticated and advanced packaging solutions in the global marketplace. Its diverse customer base, from Fortune 500 companies to smaller, privately-held businesses worldwide, depends on reliable, flexible, technologically advanced equipment and integrated solutions. ProMach is headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, with manufacturing facilities and offices throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, United Arab Emirates and China. For more information about ProMach, visit http://www.ProMachBuilt.com. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.

STMicroelectronics Selected Technical Partner of E-Distribuzione for Its New Smart-Meter Platform

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· Several ST leading-edge components power "Open Meter," the second-generation smart-meter platform designed and developed by E-Distribuzione, an Enel group company
· New agreement continues 15-year collaboration with Enel in Europe with about 40 million meters already deployed

 

*Geneva, September 25, 2017 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM),* a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, is supporting E-Distribuzione, the Enel Group company holding the concession for electricity-distribution services, in the deployment of "Open Meter," the second-generation smart-meter platform designed and developed by E-Distribuzione.

The Open Meter extends the benefits of traditional advanced metering infrastructures (AMI) by introducing a communication link inside the home leveraging on open standard Meters and More protocol, enabling enhanced services such as smart-home energy management, dynamic tariff optimization, and better, more complete usage information for customers.

ST is supporting E-Distribuzione's Open Meter program with the latest evolution of its PLC ^[1] System-on-Chip (SoC) programmable platforms, as well as energy-conscious 32-bit application microcontrollers, high-efficiency power-supply ICs, and discrete semiconductors for power control and switching. The high feature integration and performance of these devices simplify connecting smart objects in the home with the Smart Grid and the Cloud, helping to improve management of precious resources and ensure secure and robust infrastructures as consumer needs and environmental concerns continue to intensify.

" ST has been supporting Enel's pioneering deployment of smart meters since 2001 with successful programs in Italy, Spain, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, " said Domenico Arrigo, General Manager, Industrial and Power Conversion Division, STMicroelectronics. " ST is now supplying the latest and most advanced PLC and smart-meter technologies to Enel for this new step forward."

 

*About STMicroelectronics*

ST is a global semiconductor leader delivering intelligent and energy-efficient products and solutions that power the electronics at the heart of everyday life. ST's products are found everywhere today, and together with our customers, we are enabling smarter driving and smarter factories, cities and homes, along with the next generation of mobile and Internet of Things devices.

By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.

In 2016, the Company's net revenues were $6.97 billion, serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide. Further information can be found at www.st.com .

 

* For Press Information Contact: *

STMicroelectronics
Michael Markowitz
Director of Technical Media Relations
+1 781 591 0354
michael.markowitz@st.com
--------------------

^[1] PowerLine Communication

ST Supports Enel Open Meter
--------------------This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: STMicroelectronics via GlobeNewswire

HUG#2136491 Reported by GlobeNewswire 2 hours ago.

SAP is buying customer identity software company Gigya

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SAP is buying customer identity software company Gigya (Reuters) - SAP, Europe's biggest technology company, has agreed to buy U.S.-Israeli customer identity software company Gigya to strengthen its position in the booming market for online customer relationship marketing, the company said on Sunday.

The deal, terms of which were not disclosed, will tie together Gigya’s user identity access and management platform with SAP's Hybris customer profile data-matching software so businesses can market services to online customers.

Several Israeli media put a purchase price on the deal of $350 million for Gigya, which was founded in Israel in 2006 before relocating its headquarters to Silicon Valley. Both companies declined to comment on price of the deal.

Gigya software enables companies to manage customer marketing profiles and preferences, while giving consumers themselves the power to opt-in and give their consent, helping users to keep control of their data at all times, SAP said.

The acquisition beefs up SAP's ability to help companies doing business in Europe to comply with privacy regulations such as the EU's upcoming General Data Protection Regulation. Gigya currently manages 1.3 billion customer identity profiles.

"Major independent analyst firms, most recently Forrester Research, have positioned Gigya as a top vendor in this field," SAP said in a statement announcing the deal.

Forrester ranks Gigya as leader in the niche field of user identity management against rivals such as Salesforce, Ping Identity, Auth0 and Microsoft, singling Gigya out for its more intuitive user interface and security.

It counts 700 big businesses as users, including half of the top 100 U.S. web properties, and European brands such as retailer ASOS, pharmaceutical maker Bayer, cosmetics firm L'Oreal and airline KLM, according to Gigya.

Gigya will be incorporated into SAP's Hybris marketing business, which offers so-called "ommichannel" integration that allows businesses to keep tabs on customers whether they shop in stores, online or on their phones, SAP said.

Since 2013, Gigya has been a partner of Hybris, which SAP acquired the same year.

The transaction is expected to close in the final quarter of 2017, subject to regulatory approval,SAP said.

(Reporting by Eric Auchard, Vera Eckert and Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Tova Cohen and Jane Merriman)

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NOW WATCH: An exercise physiologist reveals why she never uses the elliptical — and what she prefers instead Reported by Business Insider 1 hour ago.

Genuine Parts gains access to Europe with acquisition of Alliance Automotive Group

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Genuine Parts said Monday that it had reached a deal to acquire London-based AAG from private equity funds managed by Blackstone and the co-founders.

 
 
 
 
 
 
  Reported by USATODAY.com 1 hour ago.

The Week's Key Events: European Inflation, US CapEx And Non-Stop Fed Speakers

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The Week's Key Events: European Inflation, US CapEx And Non-Stop Fed Speakers Beyond the plethora of central bank speakers, market focus will concentrate on Eurozone inflation and US data releases, including durable goods, home sales, and the personal income and spending report on Friday. We also get China PMIs, Japanese CPI and industrial production, the RBNZ meeting and Brexit negotiations (4th). Additionally, there will be monetary policy meetings in Mexico, Colombia, Czech Republic, Thailand and Egypt.

*Watch for Eurozone inflation and US data: I*n the Eurozone, Thursday's Spanish and German inflation releases are followed by Eurozone CPI the next day. BofA economists expect the latter to come in at 1.6% y/y in September up from 1.5% in August, as strength in oil is balanced by weaker food prices. They maintain a bearish view on core CPI, with expectations unchanged at 1.2% y/y, and do not see a sustained wages upswing, instead special factors explaining recent data.

In the US the main data releases include PCE, home sales, durable goods, personal income and the final print for 2Q GDP. Core PCE is expected to increase 0.2% m/m in August while consensus expects new home sales at 588k. The impact of Hurricane Harvey and Irma prevented a recovery from July's decrease. Durable goods orders are expected at 1.0% m/m in August, supported by aircraft and motor vehicles. Expected a final 2Q GDP print of 3.1% q/q saar. Finally, August personal income is expected to come in at 0.2%. Additionally, we get the latest Chicago PMI and U.Mich. sentiment prints.

*Central bank speakers in the spotlight*

Two to look out for are Draghi on Monday, presenting the ECB perspective on economic and monetary developments, *and Yellen on Tuesday, speaking about inflation, uncertainty and monetary policy*. There is no change expected during the RBNZ meeting.

A full summary of the key events in the coming week is shown in the following BofA chart below.

*DB's Jim Reid breaks down the week's key event on a daily basis*:

· Today starts with Germany’s IFO indicators on business climate, expectations and current assessment. Over in the US, there is the Chicago Fed National and Dallas Fed manufacturing activity index.
· Onto Tuesday, Japan’s services producer price index will be out early in the morning. Then in France, there is manufacturing and business confidence indicators. In the UK, finance loans for housing are due. Over in the US, there is the CB consumer confidence index, Richmond Fed manufacturing index, CoreLogic house price data for key cities as well as new home sales data.
· Turning to Wednesday, Italy’s July industrial orders along with confidence indicators on manufacturing, consumer and economic sentiment will be due. France’s consumer confidence and the Eurozone’s M3 money supply data are also due. Over in the US, there is durable and capital goods orders for August, pending home sales and MBA mortgage applications.
· For Thursday, Germany’s September CPI (with state based CPI data) and GfK consumer confidence readings will be due. For the Eurozone, there is a range of confidence indicators including: consumers, business climate, economy and industrial. Over in the US, there is the third reading of 2Q GDP, Core PCE and personal consumption. Elsewhere, the Kansas City Fed manufacturing activity index, August wholesale inventories and stats on continuing claims and initial jobless claims are also due.
· Finally on Friday, there will be numerous data out of Japan early in the morning, including: August national CPI, IP, jobless rate, retail sales and vehicle production. Further, China’s Caixin China PMI manufacturing index and UK’s GfK consumer confidence will also be out early. Then we have CPI for the Eurozone along with CPI & PPI for France and Italy. In Germany, there is unemployment change for  September. In the UK, there is the final reading of 2Q GDP along with mortgage approvals and money supply M4 stats. Over in the US, there is PCE core for August, personal income and spending, the Chicago PMI along with the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index.

*Onto other events, this week we have quite a few central bank speakers. *

· Today, on the political front, Germany’s Merkel will comment on the election results, while Japan’s Abe is expected to announce a snap general election. Elsewhere, the UK Labour party conference will begin, while the next round of Brexit talks between EU and the UK will also begin. Moving onto central bankers. In the US, there are three Fed speakers, including Dudley, Evans and Kashkari. In Europe, ECB’s Draghi, Mersch and VP Constancio will also speak, while the ECB’s Coeure will chair a panel in Frankfurt.
· On Tuesday, there is the BOJ Minutes for its July meeting. In the US, the Fed’s Mester and Bostic will speak. Further, Mrs Yellen will speak on inflation, uncertainty and monetary policy. Back in the Europe, UK’s PM May and EU president Tusk will meet to discuss Brexit, while France’s Macron will outline his plans to reform the EU.
· Turning to Wednesday, we have three more Fed speakers, including: Bullard, Brainard and Rosengren.
· Then onto Thursday, we have two more Fed speakers, including George and Fischer. In the UK, the BOE will hosts the “20 years on” independence conference from the government, with BOE’s Carney, Praet and Lautenschlaeger due to speak.
· Finally, on Friday, there is BOJ’s summary of opinions for its September meeting. In the UK, IMF’s Lagarde, BOE’s Broadbent and Draghi will speak at the BOE conference. Over in the US, the Fed’s Harker will speak and round out the Fed speakers for the week.

*Finally, here is Goldman's focus only on the US, *in which it notes that the key economic releases this week are the durable goods report on Wednesday and the personal income and spending report on Friday. There are several speaking engagements by Fed officials this week, including a speech by Chair Yellen on Tuesday.

*Monday, September 25 *

· *08:30 AM New York Fed President Dudley (FOMC voter) speaks:* New York Federal Reserve President William Dudley will give a speech on workforce development at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, NY. Audience Q&A is expected.
· *10:30 AM Dallas Fed manufacturing survey, September (GS, consensus 11.5, last 17.0) *
· *12:40 PM Chicago Fed President Evans (FOMC voter) speaks: *Chicago Federal Reserve President Charles Evans will deliver a speech on the US economy and monetary policy at the Economic Club of Grand Rapids Luncheon Meeting in Michigan. Audience and media Q&A is expected.
· *06:30 PM Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari (FOMC voter) speaks: *Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari will participate in a town hall event in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Audience Q&A is expected.

*Tuesday, September 26 *

· *09:00 AM S&P/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index, July (GS +0.4%, consensus +0.2%, last +0.1%); *We expect the S&P/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index to increase 0.4% in July, following a 0.1% increase in the prior month. The measure still appears to be influenced by seasonal adjustment challenges, and we place more weight on the year-over-year increase, which was 5.7% in June.
· *09:30 AM Cleveland Fed President Mester (FOMC non-voter) speaks:* Cleveland Federal Reserve President Loretta will moderate a panel discussion on the global outlook at the NABE’s Conference on “Prospects for Growth: Reassessing the Fundamentals” in Cleveland, Ohio.
· *09:30 AM Chicago Fed President Evans (FOMC voter) speaks:* Chicago Federal Reserve President Charles Evans will give opening remarks at the 17th Annual Chicago Payments Symposium.
· *10:00 AM New home sales, August (GS +2.0%, consensus +3.3%, last -9.4%):* We estimate new home sales rebounded just 2.0% in August, following a 9.4% drop in the prior month. While the level of new home sales looks depressed relative to single-family building permits, we note that Hurricane Harvey may have disrupted sales activity in the South region.
· *10:00 AM Conference Board consumer confidence, September (GS 119.5, consensus 120.0, last 122.9): *We estimate that the Conference Board consumer confidence index pulled back 3.4pt in September following a 5.6pt increase over the previous two months. Our forecast reflects sequential deterioration in higher frequency consumer surveys as well as scope for hurricane related weakness.
· *10:00 AM Richmond Fed manufacturing survey, September (consensus 13, last 14)*
· *10:30 AM Fed Governor Brainard (FOMC voter) speaks*: Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard will give a speech on labor market disparities at a conference hosted by the Board of Governors, which will feature research on labor market outcomes in Washington D.C. No Q&A is expected.
· *12:45 PM Fed Chair Yellen (FOMC voter) speaks: *Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen will be giving a speech titled “Inflation, Uncertainty, and Monetary Policy” at the National Association for Business Economics’ annual meeting. Audience Q&A is expected. At the press conference following the FOMC meeting last week, Yellen downplayed the significance of the weak core inflation data.
· *12:30 PM Atlanta Fed President Bostic (FOMC voter) speaks: *Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic will give a speech on the economic outlook and monetary policy to the Atlanta Press Club. Audience Q&A is expected.

 
*Wednesday, September 27*

· *08:30 AM Durable goods orders, August preliminary (GS +0.7%, consensus +1.0%, last -6.8%); Durable goods orders ex-transportation, August preliminary (GS +0.5%, consensus +0.2%, last +0.6%); Core capital goods orders, August preliminary (GS +0.4%, consensus +0.2%, last +1.0%); Core capital goods shipments, August preliminary (GS +0.1%, consensus +0.5%, last +1.2%):* We expect durable goods orders to rise 0.7% in the August report, reflecting a modest increase in commercial aircraft orders and continued firming in core measures. Orders commentary from industrial companies remains encouraging, and we estimate durable goods orders ex-transportation increased 0.5%. We also estimate firmer core capital goods orders (+0.4%). However, manufacturing production growth disappointed in August, suggesting scope for hurricane-related disruption to shipments.
· *09:15 AM Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari (FOMC voter) speaks:* Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari will give welcoming remarks at the “Tribal Community Perspectives on Higher Education” event in Minneapolis.
· *10:00 AM Pending home sales, August (GS flat, consensus -0.5%, last -0.8%):* Regional data we collect on contract signings were mixed in August, and we estimate pending home sales were unchanged in August, following a 0.7% decline in July. We have found pending home sales to be a useful leading indicator of existing home sales with a one- to two-month lag.
· *02:00 PM Fed Governor Brainard (FOMC voter) speaks:* Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard will give a speech on labor market disparities, similar to her earlier remarks on Tuesday, at an event hosted by the Kansas City Fed on “Banking and the Economy: A Forum for Minority Bankers”.
· *07:00 PM Boston Fed President Rosengren (FOMC non-voter) speaks: *Boston Federal Reserve President Eric Rosengren will give a speech at the Money Marketeers event in New York City.

*Thursday, September 28*

· *08:30 AM GDP (third), Q2 (GS +3.0%, consensus +3.1%, last +3.0%); Personal consumption, Q2 (GS +3.3%, consensus +3.2%, last +3.3%):* We do not expect a revision in the second vintage of Q2 GDP report (previously reported at +3.0% qoq saar). While we also forecast an unchanged reading for personal consumption (+3.3% qoq ar), we view the risks as skewed to the downside on account of the negative revisions to June retail sales.
· *08:30 AM U.S. Census Bureau Advance Economic Indicators Report; Advance goods trade balance, August preliminary (GS -$65.5bn, consensus -$65.1bn, last -$63.9bn):* We estimate the goods trade deficit widened $1.6bn to $65.5bn in August. Regional port statistics suggest a slowdown in container volumes, and we expect the hurricane to weigh more heavily on export activity.
· *08:30 AM Initial jobless claims, week ended September 23 (GS 255k, consensus 265k, last 259k); Continuing jobless claims, week ended September 16 (consensus 1,995k, last 1,980k)*: We estimate initial jobless claims fell 4k to 255k in the week ended September 23, reflecting a further rise in Florida filings related to Hurricane Irma that is more than offset by a further decline in Texas. Continuing claims – the number of persons receiving benefits through standard programs – rose sharply in the previous week, and could edge higher again reflecting storm effects.
· *09:45 AM Kansas City Fed President George (FOMC non-voter) speaks:* Kansas City Federal Reserve President Esther George will give a speech on the US economy and monetary policy at a forum titled “Banking and the Economy: A Forum for Minority Bankers”.
· *10:00 AM Fed Vice Chair Fischer (FOMC voter) speaks: *Federal Reserve Vice Chair Stanley Fischer will give a speech on “Developments in Central Banking” at a conference hosted by the Bank of England in London. Audience Q&A is expected.
· *11:00 AM Kansas City Fed manufacturing survey, September (last 16)*

*Friday, September 29*

· *06:00 AM Philadelphia Fed President Harker (FOMC voter) speaks: *Philadelphia Federal Reserve will give a speech at a conference jointly hosted by Philly Fed and the Journal of Economics and Business on “Fintech: The Impact on Consumers, Banking, and Regulatory Policy”. Audience and media Q&A is expected.
· *8:30 AM Personal income, August (GS +0.3%, consensus +0.2%, last +0.4%); Personal spending, August (GS +0.2%, consensus +0.1%, last +0.3%); PCE price index, August (GS +0.26%, consensus +0.3%, last +0.1%); Core PCE price index, August (GS +0.16%, consensus +0.2%, last +0.1%); PCE price index (yoy), August (GS +1.47%, consensus +1.5%, last +1.4%); Core PCE price index (yoy), August (GS +1.34%, consensus +1.4%, last +1.4%):* We estimate a 0.3% increase in August personal spending (nominal, mom sa), reflecting weakness in retail spending and utilities consumption likely related to Hurricane Harvey, partially offset by higher gas prices. Based on details in the PPI and CPI reports, we estimate that the core PCE price index increased 0.16% month-over-month in August, or +1.34% from a year earlier. Additionally, we expect that the headline PCE price index gained 0.26% in August, or +1.47% from a year earlier. We estimate a 0.3% increase in personal income.
· *09:45 AM Chicago PMI, September (GS 59.5, consensus 58.7, last 58.9):* Incoming regional manufacturing surveys have been better than expected in September, and we expect the Chicago PMI to rebound 0.6pt to 59.5 in the September report after a flat reading in July.
· *10:00 AM University of Michigan consumer sentiment, September final (GS 95.1, consensus 95.3, last 95.3):* We expect the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index to edge down 0.2pt to 95.1 in the final September estimate, reflecting sequential softness in higher frequency consumer surveys. The preliminary report’s measure of 5- to 10-year ahead inflation expectations rose one-tenth to 2.6% in the preliminary reading, the top of its 12-month range.

Source: BofA, DB, Goldman Reported by Zero Hedge 1 hour ago.

What does the German vote mean for Europe?

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German voters chose to hand Angela Merkel a fourth term in the parliamentary elections held on Sunday (24 September). What consequences will this vote have for Europe? EURACTIV’s partner Ouest-France interviews Charles de Marcilly. Reported by EurActiv 1 hour ago.

New Atellica™ Solution, Advanced Diagnostics Analyzers from Siemens Healthineers, Now Available for Sale

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New Atellica™ Solution, Advanced Diagnostics Analyzers from Siemens Healthineers, Now Available for Sale TARRYTOWN, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Siemens Healthineers announced today the CE Mark and global commercial availability of its Atellica™ Solution—flexible, scalable, automation-ready immunoassay and chemistry analyzers. The solution is now available across the globe in Europe, the United States, South America and Asia3. The Atellica Solution provides laboratory diagnostics professionals control and simplicity so they can spend more time driving outcomes and less time on operations. “The launch of Reported by Business Wire 1 hour ago.

ProMach is PACKAGED TO PERFORM Announcement at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2017

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ProMach is providing more value for its customers and setting the vision for the future

CINCINNATI, OHIO (PRWEB) September 25, 2017

Nearly 20 years ago, a handful of packaging companies came together to offer the world something new. Today, after growing into 26 best-in-class product brands, http://www.ProMachBuilt.com. [ProMach __title__ ] brings the entire organization together to offer even more value for its customers.

“The world has changed so much in the last two decades, and so have we. With new brands and capabilities being added to the ProMach family, a transformation has taken place. We’ve become something new, something remarkable,” says Mark Anderson, ProMach President and CEO. “The solutions we bring to the table today make us a premier player in the marketplace and we’ve set the bar very high in breadth of offering, in design innovation, in service, and in performance. It’s time to showcase our collective innovation and strength as a united organization. It’s time to show the world ProMach has become something greater: a comprehensive provider of complete packaging solutions, from line design to the end of the line, and beyond. It’s time to let the world know that ProMach is Performance, Packaged.”

ProMach recognized the need for a new, evolved message — one that could bring the entire global organization together and represent its evolution to customers and the entire industry in the best, and most easily understandable way. “That’s not just a product going down the packaging line, it’s our customer’s reputation,” says John Eklund, ProMach Vice President of Marketing. “We needed a new way for all of us to commit to the same level of performance, to see it, and own it. We’re not just selling machines, we’re delivering performance — so our customers don’t need WHYs and HOWs; they need their products packaged, carefully handled, and ready to ship. Without delays. Without defects. Without disappointing a consumer. The only thing that matters to our packaging customers is results, so by focusing on performance we can better help them protect the reputation they’ve worked so hard to earn with their consumers.”

ProMach is delivering on its promise of performance by adapting a true, no-walls approach to teambuilding. By letting innovation flow across every business line, across every experience, to every customer everywhere, ProMach is leveraging the knowledge of all its best-in-class product brands – letting them grow and interact without walls.

“When the walls come down, our people can simply focus on performance. And, when our people are focused on performance, our promises are kept and our customers’ expectations are exceeded,” says Anderson. “At ProMach, performance is what happens when all of our people and processes work as one.”

To symbolize where ProMach is today, the company created a new brand identity that complements its new chapter. While each of its 26 best-in-class product brands will retain its individual identity, the new corporate brand identity reflects how ProMach has consolidated its culture, and brought its talent and capabilities together into one powerful, world-spanning team.

“By aligning our brands and services into our new framework, we make it possible for ProMach to better serve our entire customer base and take on any challenger, anywhere. However, this process wasn’t simply a re-alignment or rebranding,” says Eklund. “This brand evolution enables us to now more clearly articulate and actively share our narrative with customers. We have a very compelling story, and we want customers to understand that ProMach is a truly integrated company that can deliver any kind of packaging solution – from a single machine to a turnkey line. No matter the customer need, we will be there every step of the way, proving time and time again that ProMach is Performance, Packaged.”

To see firsthand how ProMach is stronger together, visit booth C-3218 during PACK EXPO LAS VEGAS, from September 25 to 27, 2017, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information on ProMach, visit http://www.ProMachBuilt.com.

ABOUT PROMACH
ProMach is a family of best-in-class packaging solution brands serving manufacturers of all sizes and geographies in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and household and industrial goods industries. ProMach brands operate across the entire packaging spectrum: filling and capping, flexibles, pharma, product handling, labeling and coding, and end of line. ProMach also provides Performance Services including integrated solutions, design/build, engineering services, and productivity software to optimize packaging line design and deliver maximum uptime.

ProMach designs, manufactures, integrates, and supports the most sophisticated and advanced packaging solutions in the global marketplace. Its diverse customer base, from Fortune 500 companies to smaller, privately-held businesses worldwide, depends on reliable, flexible, technologically advanced equipment and integrated solutions. ProMach is headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, with manufacturing facilities and offices throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, United Arab Emirates and China. For more information about ProMach, visit http://www.ProMachBuilt.com. Reported by PRWeb 1 hour ago.

TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS BRIEFING: Uber banned from London — Logistics startup Flexport scores $110 million in funding — Walmart partners with Deliv, August

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TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS BRIEFING: Uber banned from London — Logistics startup Flexport scores $110 million in funding — Walmart partners with Deliv, August Welcome to Transportation & Logistics Briefing, a new M-W-F  morning email providing the latest news, data, and insight on how digital technology is disrupting transportation and delivery, produced by BI Intelligence.

Get the free Top 5 Disruptive Trends Shaping Transportation & Logistics report and start receiving our brand new Transportation & Logistics newsletter.

Have feedback? We'd like to hear from you. Write me at: jcamhi@businessinsider.com .

--------------------

*UBER STRIPPED OF OPERATING LICENSE IN LONDON:* Uber has lost its license to operate its ride-hailing services in the city of London, Business Insider reports. Transport for London, the city’s transportation regulator, announced that it will not renew Uber’s license, which expires at the end of the month. However, Uber can continue to operate past that date as it appeals the decision, which Uber has already signaled it intends to do.

*The regulator said Uber’s approach to vetting its drivers and reporting criminal offenses by its drivers was inadequate.* It also cited Uber’s use of Greyball, a software program that Uber used to disrupt regulatory and law enforcement investigations into its business practices, as another reason for not renewing its license. Uber had been granted a four-month temporary license in May while Transport for London conducted a review to determine whether it would grant Uber a five-year license to operate in the city.

* London is one of Uber’s most important markets — the company has 3.5 million users and 40,000 drivers there,* according to Reuters. It is by far Uber’s most important market in the UK, where the company operates in 40 cities. Uber countered the regulators’ statements, saying that it has never used Greyball in the UK to disrupt an investigation, and that it follows the same background checks and criminal-reporting procedures as regular taxi companies. Uber has come under attack from a range of groups in the UK, which criticize the company for its much-maligned corporate culture, its pricing practices that undercut traditional London cabs, and the amount of taxes it pays in the UK.

*The loss of its license in London is just one of many regulatory and legal challenges Uber faces in Europe.* Next week, Uber will appeal a tribunal ruling that designated its drivers in the UK as employees, entitling them to minimum wage and holiday pay. Additionally, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) is also considering a case over whether Uber should be subject to the same regulations as other transportation companies. The court’s advocate general issued an advisory opinion earlier this year that Uber should be considered a transportation company, which would likely prohibit Uber from using unlicensed non-professional drivers. It would also mean Uber must comply local regulations throughout the EU regarding certifying, insuring, and paying its drivers like regular taxi companies. These various legal and regulatory challenges, the growth of competing ride-hailing services like Taxify, which launched in London earlier this month, and its ongoing leadership transition mean Uber faces a formidable task in defending its European market share in the near-term.

*LOGISTICS STARTUP FLEXPORT RAISES $110 MILLION IN FUNDING:* Freight forwarding startup Flexport has closed $110 million in Series C funding, mostly from previous investors, at an $800 million valuation, sources familiar with the deal told Tech Crunch. That is nearly double the $365 million valuation it received in its last funding round, which closed in late 2016.

*Flexport is one of a slew of startups looking to disrupt the freight forwarding industry through software and analytics.* Freight forwarders act as middle men, booking transportation for goods across land, sea, and air through their networks of trucking, shipping, and air freight partners. Traditional forwarders have long relied on paperwork, spreadsheets, and manual processes to accomplish this. Flexport and other startups are starting to digitize all of the information — including shipping rates, routes, and customs information — involved in those shipping transactions and analyze it to find ways to ship goods faster and cheaper. Flexport’s platform indexes all available carriers into a database that companies can search for free to see current shipments and rates around the world, but only allows companies to book shipments with those carriers through its own forwarding service.

*Flexport will likely use the new funding to continue its rapid expansion, as it faces competition from both other startups — like Freightos and Haven — and traditional forwarders that are digitizing their own operations.* The company has significantly ramped up hiring as it seeks to expand its footprint and offer shipping anywhere in the world. It has also started building its own warehouse network, allowing companies to store goods with Flexport until they can be batched together with other shipments going to the same destination. This helps Flexport lower rates and maximize efficiency by ensuring it is only shipping full containers. Flexport has two warehouses up and running in Hong Kong and Los Angeles, but reportedly plans to build out a global warehouse network. That will require major capital investments to build and operate such a network, and shift the company’s business model away from a pure software play like the other startups trying to disrupt this space.

*Enjoy reading this briefing?*   Sign up and receive Transportation & Logistics Briefing to your inbox.

*WALMART TESTS IN-HOME, CROWDSOURCED DELIVERIES: *Walmart is working with smart lock manufacturer August and crowdsourced delivery startup Deliv to test a service in the Silicon Valley area that delivers groceries straight into the homes of consumers that own an August smart lock. Deliv’s couriers will be given a one-time code they can type into August’s smart locks to access consumers’ homes while they are away. Customers will receive a notification on their smartphone when the delivery person enters and exits their home, and, if they have an August security camera, can stream the delivery taking place on their phones.

*This is one of a handful of crowdsourced delivery methods Walmart is exploring to meet the rapidly rising demand for its online grocery delivery service. *Booming demand for Walmart’s online grocery delivery service has fueled much of the company’s overall e-commerce growth in the past few quarters. To meet this rapidly expanding order volume, the retailer has explored a handful of crowdsourced delivery methods, including experimenting with in-store employees delivering e-commerce purchases on their way home from work. These tests are just the latest in this ongoing effort.

*The partnership with Deliv and August highlights the challenge of consumer trust inherent in crowd-sourcing deliveries. *Crowdsourced delivery companies use non-professional couriers hired as part-time contractors, similar to how Uber uses non-professional drivers. Many consumers would likely feel uncomfortable with a delivery person entering their homes and going through their fridges and pantries. Deliv carefully vets its couriers and removes anyone who averages a rating below a 4.7 on a five-point scale. The tests will be an interesting experiment in terms of consumers’ comfort with using non-professional couriers. 

*In other news…*

· *The US Department of Transportation (DoT) **conducted** a test of three semi-trucks platooning on a Virginia highway**. *Platooning is when a convoy of trucks uses semi-autonomous software to closely follow a manually-driven truck on a highway. The method creates a slipstream that lessens the trucks' wind resistance and improves their fuel efficiency. Numerous companies, including Tesla, Waymo, Daimler, have conducted platooning tests. This move by the DOT indicates that it is considering crafting regulations for semi-autonomous trucks that use the technique.
· *Daimler will invest $1 billion in its Alabama plant to start building fully electric sport utility vehicles in the facility, *according to The Wall Street Journal. The company plans to offer fully or partially electric versions of all of its vehicles by 2022, and this investment should help it reach that goal. Daimler is one of a handful of foreign automakers that have recently invested in production facilities in the Southeastern United States, including Volvo and BMW.
· *Uber is reportedly conducting a wide-ranging review of its Asian business amid a US government probe examining whether the ride-hailing giant broke laws against overseas bribery, *according to Bloomberg. The company notified the US government about payments made by its staff in Indonesia, and is reviewing its business units in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, as well as its China business, which was sold off to Didi Chuxing. Uber already faces stiff competition in the region from Grab, and an ongoing federal bribery probe could be problematic to the company’s efforts there.

Join the conversation about this story » Reported by Business Insider 56 minutes ago.

Hellman & Friedman executive criticises prices after Nets deal

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Patrick Healy struck Europe’s largest buyout deal in nearly five years Reported by FT.com 55 minutes ago.

M&C Saatchi shares rise as Arnie helps defy ad spending slowdown

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M&C Saatchi shares rise as Arnie helps defy ad spending slowdown Shares in advertising agency M&C Saatchi rose 3.3 per cent today as the advertising and PR agency beat the gloom hovering over the industry in its first half.

One of the firm's most recent campaigns, ads involving a robot Arnold Schwarznegger for the FCA, is said to be going well as it charges towards growth for the full year.

*The figures*

Revenue grew 21 per cent to *£121m*, while profit before tax was up 17 per cent to* £13.3m*.

Billings climbed to *£261m*, up from £217m this time last year.

In the UK, like-for-like revenues grew five per cent, while in Europe they were up 15 per cent.

An interim dividend of *2.13p* was announced, an increase of 15 per cent on last year.

Shares were up 3.3 per cent today.

*Why it's interesting*

The results come in a dark period for the advertising sector after industry giant WPP's shares suffered the biggest drop in 17 years as revenue and billings dropped.

But M&C Saatchi has been boosted by a raft of new account wins, with Dreams, Visit Britain, The Body Shop, Costa Coffee and Clinique, all signing up in the UK.

It has also focused several small in-house businesses and new offices, which management says will generate growth.

*What M&C Saatchi said*

Chief executive David Kershaw said: "Growth across the Group remains strong with excellent revenue and earnings increases over the first half of 2017.

"In line with our long-term strategy, we have been busy starting new businesses and opening new offices. This is the fuel for growth in years to come.

"The second half has started well with trading in line with expectations."

*Read more*: The UK's financial watchdog just spent £70,000 on a new logo Reported by City A.M. 45 minutes ago.

The Brief: German vote takes wind out of Europe’s sails

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Almost two weeks ago, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker delivered his annual State of the Union speech on the most positive note since the start of the euro debt crisis, saying "The wind is back in Europe's sails”. And indeed, so it looked, until the German elections on Sunday. Reported by EurActiv 44 minutes ago.

Travelers Experience Both Jungle & Beach with New Experience At Grand Velas Riviera Maya

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Native spa treatments, indigenous foodie experiences, snorkeling, scuba, eco-tours & more complement accommodations with both ocean and jungle views.

Riviera Maya, Mexico (PRWEB) September 25, 2017

Guests visiting Mexico no longer need to choose between a breathing taking beach front view or serene jungle suite thanks to Grand Velas Riviera Maya’s new Zen & Grand Class Experience. The “Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” resort includes both water and land activities to complement nightly accommodations in both the Mayan jungle and oceanfront with views of the Caribbean Sea.

Set in the natural landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula, the AAA Five Diamond resort’s Zen suites offer a private terrace overlooking the native flora and fauna of the jungle. These elegantly exotic suites with over 1,100 square feet of living space are surrounded by lush trees, koi ponds and landscapes. After taking in nature, guests will be packed up by their concierge and moved to the adults-only Grand Class ambiance. These ocean-front suites, all over 1,300 square feet, feature a private plunge pool on its terrace overlooking the turquoise Caribbean. 

Also included in the experience are activities that highlight the best of both the land and sea. For the ocean lover, Waverunners take guests adventuring out to an underwater reef off Maroma Beach to observe its natural diversity. Certified divers will also enjoy a diving tour in Cozumel which regularly ranks among the top scuba diving destinations in the world. Additionally, kayaking off the resort’s pristine beach provides day-long fun. Back in the jungle, the resort’s ecological tour gives guests the chance to experience the unique environment, learn about the native flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula and understand the resort's conservation efforts. During the activity, Grand Velas Riviera Maya invites participants to plant a tree in their name and watch it grow from home on Google Earth.

Gourmet palates and spa aficionados are also cared for in the Zen & Grand Class Experience with a special tasting dinner for two at the resort’s Yucatecan restaurant, Chaká, nestled amid the tropical jungle foliage of mangroves, Salam, Chechen and Chaká trees of the Zen section. Helmed by Mayan Chef Humberto May Tamay, guests can expect to enjoy a superb meal the region’s traditional cuisine paired with a selection of fine wines. If oceanfront dining is on the menu, a luxurious seaside picnic awaits filled with wine, four varieties of salads with house-made dressings, smoked salmon, French cheeses and charcuterie, fresh baked artisanal baguettes, and a selection of fresh roasted turkey breast, roast beef and duck terrine made from a special recipe of Michel Mustiere, MaÎtre Cuisinier de France and Culinary Director of Mexico’s Velas Resorts. Inspired by the jungle and natural water pools of the Yucatan Peninsula, the award-winning SE Spa will relax guests with a Coffee & Cocoa Treatment. The 50-min. treatment includes a coffee exfoliation followed with a body massage with cocoa oil intended to activate blood circulation.

Rates for the Jungle & Beach package start at $2,144 USD per person per night based on double occupancy. All-inclusive rates at Grand Velas Riviera Maya always include luxury suite accommodations, à la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, taxes, gratuity and more. Roundtrip transportation and all necessary diving equipment for Cozumel scuba trip included. A three night minimum applies. For more reservations or more information on Grand Velas Riviera Maya, please email reservations(at)velasresorts(dot)com, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit http://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:
Set on 206 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and with the finest white sand beach in the Riviera Maya, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort. Guests can choose among three separate ambiances in this Leading Hotel of the World, including adults-only oceanfront, family-friendly ocean view and a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle. All 539 designer-like suites are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,100 square feet each, all with balconies, and some with private plunge pools. All feature fully stocked mini bars, plasma TVs, Wi-Fi, L’Occitane amenities, artisanal tequila, and Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms deserve special mention with walk in glass shower, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs and marble interior. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of world renowned celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza, Mikel Alonso and Xavier Pérez Stone, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Se Spa, a Leading Spa of the World, is the region's largest spa sanctuary at more than 90,000 square feet, known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step water journey. Other features include 24-hour Personal Concierge; 24/7 in-suite service; three swimming pools; two fitness centers; water sports; innovative Kids Clubs and Teen’s Club; Karaoke Bar; Koi Bar; Piano Bar, and business center. The resort offers more than 91,000 square feet of meeting space and outdoor areas for events inclusive of a 31,000-square-foot Convention Center, able to accommodate up to 2,700 guests. The resort has won numerous awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today and several other magazines and major companies worldwide, including World Luxury Spa Awards and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame. Grand Velas Riviera Maya was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and President of Velas Resorts, with his brother Juan Vela, Vice President of Velas Resorts. Reported by PRWeb 41 minutes ago.

Europe's Largest Port Launches Blockchain Research Lab

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The Dutch port of Rotterdam, the biggest shipping hub in Europe, is opening a research lab devoted to blockchain technology. Reported by Coindesk 21 minutes ago.

How to finally leave a job you hate, according to a man who left corporate America to travel the world looking for happiness

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How to finally leave a job you hate, according to a man who left corporate America to travel the world looking for happiness• *Leon Logothetis quit two jobs and traveled around the world seeking kindness for his Netflix series "The Kindness Diaries."*

*• He said he's met numerous people who claim to hate their jobs in his capacity as a speaker.*

*• Logothetis said breaking the cycle of job-related misery relies on "small steps."*

Leon Logothetis seemed to have it all, working at a family brokerage in London and leading an ostensibly happy life.

But he was miserable.

"I was wearing a mask and everything seemed to be okay," he told Business Insider. "But it was not."

Eventually, he said the depression became too much. After watching "The Motorcycle Diaries"— the romanticized and fictionalized retelling of Che Guevara's early travels — he decided to make a big move.

"I quit. I said, 'That's it. It's over,'" he said. "They looked at me like I was insane, which maybe I was at that moment." Logothetis then headed off in search of adventure, for a time. He traveled in England, Europe, and the US, then headed to Los Angeles to work as a television producer for about seven years.

But things still weren't right.

"I want people to know that because I don't want people to think, 'Oh, he watched a movie, he quit his job, and everything became happy,'" the television producer and author said. "That's not what happened. That's the short version of the story. The longer version is that it wasn't all hunky dory. There were moments where things were really bad."

Eventually, he got fed up. Logothetis embarked on a journey around the world on a vintage motorbike. During his trip, he relied on the generosity of strangers, who provided him with lodgings, meals, and gas. Logothetis would respond by completing an act of kindness for the Good Samaritans, in turn. He documented his experience for the Netflix series "The Kindness Diaries."

Today, Logothetis said he meets countless individuals looking to quit their jobs and pursue more meaningful work in his capacity as a speaker. He added he also receives tons of messages from people thanking him for inspiring them to pursue their dreams.

"Maybe it's family pressures, maybe it's societal pressures, maybe it's financial pressures, maybe it's pressures that we put on ourselves, whereby we feel like we need to live up to this standard that society set for us," he said. "We hold on so tightly and we forget that there's a whole world out there that isn't necessarily in that little box that we created or that someone else created for us."

According to Logothetis, the first step in breaking free of the cycle of work-related misery is listening to yourself. "Pain was the greatest motivator," he said. "There comes a tipping point, when the pain pushes you to act."

You can respond by deciding to "jump off a cliff" and quit on the spot, he said. But that's not possible for everyone.

Logothetis gave the example of someone who wants to become a baker, but is hindered from leaving their job by financial concerns and family responsibilities.

"What you do is you commit to taking little, small baby steps," he said. "The first thing you do is you go to the library and you take out 'Baking for Dummies.' And you commit to reading that book. You have to commit. If you don't commit then it's not going to work."

Then, the second step is committing to attending a one-week baking course in the evening. Afterwards, perhaps you could host a dessert party for friends and family, to show off your skills. Sharing your "big dream" with your support circle can also help establish accountability and foster encouragement.

"What happens is many of us, we don't have the commitment," Logothetis said. "For many years I would sit behind that desk and I would be like, 'I want to leave, I want to leave.' But I couldn't commit to leaving. I wasn't doing anything. I was just complaining."

*SEE ALSO: The star of a Netflix show on kindness shares his foolproof way to become a better person*

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 7 apps to make summer travel easier Reported by Business Insider 15 minutes ago.

Edison issues outlook on Mologen (MGN)

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Edison Investment Research Limited

25-Sep-2017 / 15:20 GMT/BST --------------------

London, UK, 25 September 2017

*Edison issues outlook on Mologen (MGN)*

In the last six months, mixed readouts in the Phase II SCLC trial (IMPULSE) and the Phase Ib/IIa HIV trial (TEACH) weighed on the stock. Full data packages presented in the next 12 months may yet highlight potential in these indications. Our valuation is adjusted to take into account both the current trial data and visibility of the long-term strategy in certain geographical regions. While long-term potential lies in the lefitolimod Phase III mCRC trial (IMPALA, readout expected in 2019), Mologen has additionally signed a binding term sheet with Chinese iPharma, which could provide EUR100m+ in revenues over several years and boost the cash position. We value Mologen at EUR253m.

We now value Mologen at EUR253m (EUR7.36/share) vs EUR252m (EUR7.33/share) previously. Alterations to our model and valuation predominately relate to the development strategy in certain geographical regions, the removal of MG1601 from our valuation and the addition of the iPharma deal. We note that an improved liquidity situation and better visibility on future developments would have a positive effect on our valuation.

Click here to view the full report.

All reports published by Edison are available to download free of charge from its website
www.edisoninvestmentresearch.com

*About Edison:* Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting.

Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Edison is not an adviser or broker-dealer and does not provide investment advice. Edison's reports are not solicitations to buy or sell any securities.

*For more information please contact Edison:*

Daniel Wilkinson, +44 (0)20 3077 5734
Susie Jana, +44 (0)20 3077 5700
Healthcare@edisongroup.com

Learn more at www.edisongroup.com and connect with Edison on:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/edison-investment-research* *

Twitter www.twitter.com/Edison_Inv_Res

YouTube www.youtube.com/edisonitv* *
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Dissemination of a FINANCIAL NEWS, transmitted by EQS Group.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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End of Announcement - EQS News Service Reported by EQS Group 2 minutes ago.
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