Memphis Depay insists Holland have to keep the faith despite a turbulent week finishing with a 2-1 friendly defeat against Italy..
Reported by Sport.co.uk 1 hour ago.
Memphis Depay urges managerless Holland to stay positive despite Italy defeat
↧
↧
Leicester Tigers front-rower Michele Rizzo agrees new contract at...
Prop forward Michele Rizzo has agreed a new contract with Leicester Tigers.The Italy front row forward struggled with injury at the start of the season but has put in some solid shows in the second half of the season.He was part of the Anglo-Welsh Cup final squad which pipped Exeter Chiefs to land the club's first trophy since 2013 and was recalled to the Italian Six Nations squad recently.The 34-year-old said: "It is great to stay with the club. It is a privilege for me to play for the...
Reported by Leicester Mercury 22 minutes ago.
↧
European Commission blocks London Stock Exchange-Deutsche Boerse merger
The European Commission has blocked the London Stock Exchange-Deutsche Boerse deal, saying it would have created a “de facto monopoly”.The veto has been expected since the London Stock Exchange indicated it was not willing to divest its Italian trading business MTS at the end of last month.
The commission noted that the merged company would have owned stock exchanges in the UK, Germany, Italy, as well as several of Europe’s largest clearing houses.
*Read more*: MTS and the London Stock Exchange deal: How a straw broke the camel's back
Competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager said today:
The commission cannot allow the creation of monopolies, and this is what would have happened in this case. And this is why we have prohibited this merger.
She added:
The European economy depends on well-functioning financial markets. That is not just important for banks and other financial institutions. The whole economy benefits when businesses can raise money on competitive financial markets.
The merger between Deutsche Börse and the London Stock Exchange would have significantly reduced competition by creating a de facto monopoly in the crucial area of clearing of fixed income instruments.
As the parties failed to offer the remedies required to address our competition concerns, the commission has decided to prohibit the merger.
It emerged that the London Stock Exchange and Deutsche Boerse were in talks to merge in February last year. It marked the third occasion they had publicly attempted to do so. They agreed a deal in mid-March 2016.
Vestager confirmed that it was the commission’s view that the London Stock Exchange selling its French clearing business, LCH SA, to Euronext was not a sufficient remedy.
*Read more*: Stock exchanges on stand-by as they await merger news from Brussels
The commission felt that it was not enough because the London Stock Exchange could subsequently divert MTS trading away from LCH SA.
The London Stock Exchange was not prepared to sell MTS but, as City A.M. revealed earlier this month, did offer a commitment under which MTS trading would continue to flow through LCH SA. Reported by City A.M. 14 minutes ago.
↧
Michele Rizzo: Leicester Tigers prop signs new contract with Premiership club
Italy international prop Michele Rizzo agrees a new contract with Leicester Tigers.
Reported by BBC Sport 1 minute ago.
↧
Paolo Maldini sees Buffon-like talent in AC Milan, Italy goalkeeper Donnarumma
Paolo Maldini knows good Italian goalkeeping when he sees it, and he sees a lot of Gianluigi Buffon when he looks at Italy's No. 1 in the wings, Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Reported by SI.com 17 hours ago.
↧
↧
UN committe prods Italy to ensure doctors will perform abortions
The UN’s human-rights committee is pressing Italy to take steps to ensure that women have ready access to abortion.
Reported by Catholic Culture 13 hours ago.
↧
Paolo Maldini sees Buffon-like talent in AC Milan's Donnarumma
Paolo Maldini knows good Italian goalkeeping when he sees it, and he sees a lot of Gianluigi Buffon when he looks at Italy's No. 1 in the wings, Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Reported by FOX Sports 17 hours ago.
↧
Roma's De Rossi a doubt for Coppa semi-final after injury with Italy
Having been substituted against Netherlands with a back injury, the midfielder is now a doubt for Roma's upcoming fixtures
Reported by Goal.com 16 hours ago.
↧
After Brexit, 9 Reasons To Be Bullish On Great Britain
Authored by Daniel Stelter via Think-BeyondTheObvious.com,Today Mrs. May finally officially announced Brexit and kicked-off the process of divorce from the EU. A *disaster *for Britain, according to officials in Brussels, Berlin and Paris. *Really?*
*Rarely there is such broad consensus*: The British voters made a huge mistake in voting for Brexit. The country will suffer for decades to come and deeply regret the decision while the EU and the Eurozone will continue to generate prosperity and peace for the continent. This view is predominant in the media of continental Europe and it is the key massage of its politicians, who fear nothing more than that other countries might follow the British example. Therefore the costs for Brexit have to be high and punishing.
*Whenever there is broad consensus it is worthwhile to challenge it.* Could it be, that the British end up much better off, than we think? Here are ten reasons why:
*1. No recession*: According to experts from IMF to Bank of England Great Britain should already be in a deep recession. In case of a Brexit vote they projected a crash in the real estate market, a drop in consumer spending and a collaps of economic activity. In reality the economy grew faster then before. If the experts cannot predict the short term consequences correctly, how should they be right in the medium- to long-term?
*2. Good shock: *The steep fall in the pound contributed to this positive outcome. This has the welcome effect of supporting exports and hindering imports, therefore kicking-off a rebalancing of the British economy, which ran a trade deficit of five percent of GDP before. Such deficits are not sustainable as we can see in the crisis countries of the Eurozone. Moreover the Brexit vote has initiated a process of modernization of the British economy just at the right moment. Lower taxes, more investments and a re-industrialization of the country can lay the basis for more growth in the future.
*3. Positive demographics: *Latest by 2050 Great Britain will have the biggest population in Europe. Meanwhile the population and especially the workforce in most European countries will shrink at an accelerating speed. As economic growth depends mainly on the growth rate of the workforce and its productivity this is good news for Britain.
*4. Attractive for qualified migrants: *The population growth is linked to immigration and the Brexiteers campaigned mainly on the issue of immigration. But contrary to the popular belief there are not necessarily anti-immigration, rather they want to introduce a systems similar to Canada to attract qualified migrants. This will become a major competitive factor when compared with the EU which has no such system and encourages immigration into social welfare. Not only will Britain have less issues with integration but also be more attractive as it will have a lower level of taxation.
*5. Leading Universities:* Besides the world famous private schools Britain commands eight of the 100 best universities in the world. The EU (without GB) has 17 universities on this list, four of which based in Germany. World class universities will continue to attract the most qualified students from all over the world and Britain could like the USA leverage this talent to foster economic growth.
*6. Free Market tradition:* A study by JP Morgan already showed before the vote, that the British economy has not so much in common with those of France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. It is more in line with Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Ireland. Consequently the authors concluded, that Britain would be better off outside of the EU as it would not anymore need to subsidize weaker economy. In addition the British have a tradition of a pro-free-market attitude which will make Britain ever more attractive compared to a EU dominated by socialist, redistributive and anti-market forces.
*7. Leading financial center:* Whatever the hopes in Frankfurt and Paris, London will remain the global financial center. The competence will not move away and besides a few representative offices to fulfill EU-regulation not much more should be expected. On the contrary, a financial center with long traditions, its own currency and freed from EU bureaucracy might evolve into the new Switzerland of the 21. Century. A flood of money fleeing from the Eurozone in the coming years cannot be ruled out.
*8. Renaissance of the Common Wealth: *Critics of Brexit ridicule supporters who dream of a return to the order of the Common Wealth, and rightly so. On the other hand, also given the changed stance of US politics it is not out of this world to imagine an Anglo-Saxon trading area including besides the US and the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Even the Scandinavian countries might be tempted to join such a club, especially if the EU and Eurozone continue on the current trajectory.
*9. Continued downturn in the Eurozone:* Europe seems to head for a solid 2017. Nevertheless the fundamental flaws of the Eurozone, notably unsustainable debt levels, a bankrupt banking system and diverging competitiveness remain unsolved – after eight years into the crisis! Add to this the complete failure of the EU to address the migration issue it is easy to conceive a continental Europe on path to another lost decade with significant political pressure building up. This will make Britain all so more attractive for those with talent and entrepreneurial spirit.
*Of course the British economy has issues,* notably the huge trade deficit, its dependency on the financial sector and its poor performance in educating broad sets of its population. On the wall of the Brexit war room of the European Council hangs a cartoon based on the Belgian cartoon character Tintin. It shows a small boat in rough water on which the captain is firing up the flames. Title: Tintin an the Brexit Plan. The message is clear: the British have just sunk their own boat.
Another cartoon might be a better fit: the big European cruise ship has a broken rudder and a crew fighting each other. A small boat with good sailors is escaping the scene while the Germans look after it from the engine room with sad eyes.
When, after all, have the British really made strategic mistakes in the past decades?
*Given the choice of putting my money on the ability to solve the challenges by the European union or the British, I would rather go with the Brits.* Reported by Zero Hedge 15 hours ago.
↧
↧
Urban Vision launches "breathing" billboards across London, Italy
Italian company Urban Vision plans to install billboards in Italy and the UK that use nanomolecules to purge particulates, ni -More-
Reported by SmartBrief 13 hours ago.
↧
Teen Boy Is Only Survivor Of Shipwreck That Killed 146 Migrants
A 16-year-old boy from Gambia was sitting in the back of a rubber dinghy on Monday, inching across the Mediterranean Sea. After spending six months in Libya waiting for a way across, he was finally on his way to Europe.
But after a few hours, the boat’s wooden floor gave in, succumbing to the weight of more than 140 passengers. Water began to rush in, and people tumbled into the water. The boy spotted the boat’s fuel tank and clutched onto it, eventually falling unconscious. Next thing he knew, he woke up aboard a European Union rescue ship.
Of the 147 migrants and refugees aboard the raft ― including several children and pregnant women ― the boy was the only one to survive the wreck, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported on Wednesday. Once rescued, he was taken to the emergency room and then to a migrant reception center on the Italian island of Lampedusa.
“He is dehydrated, but he’s recovering,” Federico Fossi, UNHCR senior public information associate, told The Huffington Post. “He said he traveled alone – no relatives, just friends and country nationals ― and remained [six] months in Libya before trying to cross the Mediterranean.”
The boy’s ordeal serves as a reminder that the migrant and refugee crisis is still in full force ― about 23,000 people have already crossed the central Mediterranean so far this year, and almost 1,000 have so far died trying, according to UNHCR statistics.
Last year was the deadliest year for migrants on record, even though the total number of people who attempted to cross into Europe by sea actually went down compared to 2015. It also highlights how insufficient search and rescue missions are in the area, even though a panoply of European Union and NGO operations patrol the waters day in and day out.
Shipwrecks of this sort have become tragically commonplace in the stretch of sea separating Libya from Italy, known as the central Mediterranean.
“It’s quite a miracle that there’s even one survivor,” Fossi said. “Just last week, two empty, almost submerged rubber dinghies were found, and only five dead bodies [were recovered] in the sea.”
“It’s a continuous arrival and requires the continuous rescue of people,” Fossi said. “It’s a mass concentration of people crossing all together ― like thousands ― and this of course poses some challenges to the rescuers, because they cannot be everywhere, there are so many boats at the same time at sea.”
And with warmer weather just around the corner, the number of people attempting the journey will likely only go up.
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 14 hours ago.
But after a few hours, the boat’s wooden floor gave in, succumbing to the weight of more than 140 passengers. Water began to rush in, and people tumbled into the water. The boy spotted the boat’s fuel tank and clutched onto it, eventually falling unconscious. Next thing he knew, he woke up aboard a European Union rescue ship.
Of the 147 migrants and refugees aboard the raft ― including several children and pregnant women ― the boy was the only one to survive the wreck, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported on Wednesday. Once rescued, he was taken to the emergency room and then to a migrant reception center on the Italian island of Lampedusa.
“He is dehydrated, but he’s recovering,” Federico Fossi, UNHCR senior public information associate, told The Huffington Post. “He said he traveled alone – no relatives, just friends and country nationals ― and remained [six] months in Libya before trying to cross the Mediterranean.”
The boy’s ordeal serves as a reminder that the migrant and refugee crisis is still in full force ― about 23,000 people have already crossed the central Mediterranean so far this year, and almost 1,000 have so far died trying, according to UNHCR statistics.
Last year was the deadliest year for migrants on record, even though the total number of people who attempted to cross into Europe by sea actually went down compared to 2015. It also highlights how insufficient search and rescue missions are in the area, even though a panoply of European Union and NGO operations patrol the waters day in and day out.
Shipwrecks of this sort have become tragically commonplace in the stretch of sea separating Libya from Italy, known as the central Mediterranean.
“It’s quite a miracle that there’s even one survivor,” Fossi said. “Just last week, two empty, almost submerged rubber dinghies were found, and only five dead bodies [were recovered] in the sea.”
“It’s a continuous arrival and requires the continuous rescue of people,” Fossi said. “It’s a mass concentration of people crossing all together ― like thousands ― and this of course poses some challenges to the rescuers, because they cannot be everywhere, there are so many boats at the same time at sea.”
And with warmer weather just around the corner, the number of people attempting the journey will likely only go up.
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 14 hours ago.
↧
Moving forward amid crisis: A talk with the Order of Malta's chancellor
Rome, Italy, Mar 29, 2017 / 04:10 pm (CNA).- After what has been a tumultuous few months for the Order of Malta, Grand Chancellor Albrecht von Boeselager has opened up about the process of reform and the work they are currently doing to help migrants, refugees and those displaced by war and poverty.
“This crisis has been a bit challenging for me personally,” Boeselager told CNA March 29. While the order itself undergoes an intense spiritual reform after a recent crisis involving the Vatican shook up their leadership, Boeselager said, “I hope spiritual renewal will come out of it for me too.”
However, despite the difficulties the reformation of the order currently presents, the Grand Chancellor stressed the importance of staying on task, and not letting their humanitarian work, specifically with migrants and refugees, be set aside.
Boeselager spoke to CNA during a sit-down interview just over a month after outlining the order’s priorities following his reinstatement as Grand Chancellor and the resignation of their former Grand Master, Matthew Festing, at the request of Pope Francis.
Tensions in the order initially spiked after Boeselager, whose brother Georg von Boeselager was appointed a member of the Board of Superintendents of the IOR Dec. 15, was ousted from his position as Grand Chancellor in December. That prompted the Holy See to establish an investigative group to look into the circumstances surrounding his dismissal.
A public row between the order and the Holy See ensued, eventually resulting in Festing’s resignation upon the Pope’s request, the reinstatement of Boeselager as Grand Chancellor, and the appointment of a papal delegate to oversee the “spiritual reform” of the order until a new Grand Master is elected during an April 29 convocation.
In his interview with CNA, Boeselager speaks not only of the current state of the reform, but also provides some background on his own history with the order and highlights the important humanitarian work they are doing with migrants and refugees, which forms the backbone of the order’s activities.
Please read below CNA's full interview with the Grand Chancellor:
*One of the main priorities of the order that you outlined in your press conference in January was humanitarian work with migrants and refugees. Can you explain some of the initiatives the order is currently doing with migrants and refugees specifically?*
The order is very much involved in the care of migrants and refugees in different parts of the world, in countries from where they come, on their way and in countries where they wish to go to. So we are active in the countries surrounding Syria: Turkey, Iraq and Lebanon, to help refugees from Syria and also, if security allows, displaced people within Syria. We are active in South Sudan, which is in a big crisis at the moment, and in other countries where there are migrants and refugees or problems of displacement of people. Often it’s internally displaced people. In Asia, in Thailand, we care for Rohingya refugees. In almost all the hotspots for migrants and refugees we are active. Here in Italy, our medical personnel serves on the Italian board to provide medical care to those saved in the Mediterranean, and in Austria, Germany, Hungry, France, we care for refugees that arrive in these countries.
*Do you see any specific challenge that might arise with the increased migrant flow into Europe?*
In fact at the moment, since about 12 months, the flow has reduced very much, so I don’t see at the moment a crisis of numbers in general. In the mid '90s 0.5 percent of the population in Europe were refugees or asylum seekers and at the moment it’s 0.4 percent, so it’s less than before. I think in Europe it’s more of a crisis of leadership and communication than a crisis of receiving refugees or migrants at the moment. But that does not mean that we are not faced with a great challenge, because Africa is on the move, one can say, and we certainly need a more long-term policy to deal with the challenges which will certainly be coming.
*On this point, I wanted to ask about a meeting you had last week on the situation in Libya. What were some of the major points brought up in that discussion?*
The political situation in Libya is at the moment again deteriorating, and human trafficking as become a big business in Libya, and all of the parties in Libya, I think, are aware that this is an additional threat to the stability of the country. So on this issue they agree, but they are helpless to deal with it. Many migrants are held in detention centers, which recently someone compared to concentration camps. I’ve never been to one of those camps so I cannot judge by myself, but what we hear from the migrants we serve coming from Libya are terrible stories, so everything that can be done to mitigate the situation should be done. Even if the steps forward are very small, we should not give up and that’s why we try now for the third time to convene a meeting with representatives from Libya and from other international organizations to start discussing what can be done to help. We are at the moment also giving training to the Libyan coast guard. That has been discussed in our ranks for long, because normally we are very hesitant to get directly involved in military or police actions, but giving training to these people who in the future will rescue people from the Mediterranean I think is necessary, and we hope that we can build trust toward the institution in Libya so in the future we may be able to help.
*In the communique you guys sent out about the meeting it said some new collaborations were discussed. What would some of these collaborations look like?*
We hope that in the not-too-far future security would allow us to go into Libya and to start medical care for migrants in Libya.
*Moving to the topic of the spiritual reform the Order is currently undergoing, what would you say is the ultimate goal of this reform in light of everything that has happened?*
I think starting with the term ecclesia semper reformanda, we need to start with the person, personal reform and reflection on our way all the time. I think in a bigger time, steps, also institutional reforms, have to be considered. So it’s in this frame of permanent reflection; I think in Lent it’s a good time to reflect on these things. We have to look at the recent crisis, try to access where institutional weaknesses were at the base of the crisis, so it was more personal controversies which caused the crisis, and to see where we can reform the order so that we can go forward with more strength to fulfill our mission. The Holy Father has put a special focus in his letter on the First Class of the order, so those are the members of the order who have professed the three vows. Unfortunately there are only a few in the order – this is a situation we are living with for more than 200 years, so that’s not new for the order. And to see mainly what could be done or what’s necessary to allow more vocations to the First Class.
*So would you say this idea of ecclesia semper reformanda was perhaps what Pope Francis had in mind when he spoke of a specifically “spiritual” reform?*
Yes, yes.
*What are some of the current steps being taken as this reform takes place?*
The next immediate step is to elect a new successor of Fra Matthew in just four weeks, so in a month. So that’s where we concentrate on at the moment, to prepare this election. But we have already started to collect, just to collect from the order, from the membership, where they see a need for reform. We are not yet evaluating them, we are just assembling them and sorting them, and after the election we will first decide how to structure the process, which steps we take to organize the process and then start discussing issues of reform. This will take some time because we have to do it in great transparency, and transparency means communication and time so that nobody can have the impression that something is cooked in a secret kitchen.
*Part of what was also mentioned in the Pope’s letter was the need to re-visit specific parts of the order’s constitution. What are the parts that might need to be changed or revised in some way?*
It’s a bit early to say exactly what will come out. As the Pope mentioned, specifically the First Class, maybe something needs to be changed there, but that’s something especially the First Class members have to reflect on themselves, that’s not our matter. The recent crisis has shown some weaknesses in the check and balances and the governance, so we have to look at governance issues and I’m pretty sure that we will have to do some reforms in this regard. And maybe we have also to look at issues of training and preparation of members in the different classes, to strengthen their background.
*Is there a specific outcome that you in your role as Grand Chancellor are hoping to achieve?*
In my role as Grand Chancellor I see my duty to help moderate this process and trying to help to bring peace and unity in the order. So I will at the moment will help so that all these suggestions will be fairly considered and brought together, but not take a special direction, because I think that’s not my role at the moment
*Moving forward, what do you see your role as? Could you possibly be elected Grand Master at the Council Complete of State April 29?*
That’s fortunately impossible, because I am not a member of the First Class. The Grand Master has to be a member of the professed with solemn vows and the professed members of the order are the members who constitute the order as a religious order, and the head of the order has to be chosen from among them.
*So you’ll continue as you are then?*
I think this special feature will not change.
*I also wanted to ask you some personal questions about your own background. Can you explain a bit of your own story and how you came into contact with the order?*
My father and my mother were members of the order. My father in fact started the initiative to bring sick and handicapped to Lourdes after the Second World War. So these annual pilgrimages of my parents were part of our normal family life because it always took some preparation. With four children it took also a special moment we didn’t like so much when our parents went away for 10 days or so. Then I remember the first, most spectacular operation of the order in 1956 during the Hungarian crisis, when the order started to rescue refugees coming from Hungry and the Hungarian-Austrian border. Our dining room and the office of my father were the same room, and my father coordinated the interventions from Germany. So I still remember this as a very specific time in my youth, so the order was part of my youth. After my military service I went for the first time to Lourdes a bit sceptical, like sometimes children are when they are doing something their parents have done all the time. So I was observing a bit, and then (as I was) serving in front of the bath in Lourdes, one of the helpers in the bath came out and said ‘I need help inside’ and just dragged me in without asking. So I came into a cabin where the really severely (sick people) were taken into the bath and there were two Dominican fathers who literally kissed the sore bones of the sick and that really took me. Since then I have gone every year perhaps with one exception.
*So you would say this was really the moment that inspired you to make a greater commitment with the Order of Malta?*
Yes, absolutely. Lourdes is, I would say, the spiritual heart of the order. If you talk of reform, I think the experience of Lourdes for many members is a real source of renewal. Reform is not a theoretical process. Reform has as a condition personal renewal and reform, and I think Lourdes is the deepest source for us and for me too.
*Is there a sense of personal renewal that you are hoping for moving forward?*
I think this crisis has been a bit challenging for me personally, and I hope spiritual renewal will come out of it for me, too.Anian Christoph Wimmer contributed to this report. Reported by CNA 12 hours ago.
“This crisis has been a bit challenging for me personally,” Boeselager told CNA March 29. While the order itself undergoes an intense spiritual reform after a recent crisis involving the Vatican shook up their leadership, Boeselager said, “I hope spiritual renewal will come out of it for me too.”
However, despite the difficulties the reformation of the order currently presents, the Grand Chancellor stressed the importance of staying on task, and not letting their humanitarian work, specifically with migrants and refugees, be set aside.
Boeselager spoke to CNA during a sit-down interview just over a month after outlining the order’s priorities following his reinstatement as Grand Chancellor and the resignation of their former Grand Master, Matthew Festing, at the request of Pope Francis.
Tensions in the order initially spiked after Boeselager, whose brother Georg von Boeselager was appointed a member of the Board of Superintendents of the IOR Dec. 15, was ousted from his position as Grand Chancellor in December. That prompted the Holy See to establish an investigative group to look into the circumstances surrounding his dismissal.
A public row between the order and the Holy See ensued, eventually resulting in Festing’s resignation upon the Pope’s request, the reinstatement of Boeselager as Grand Chancellor, and the appointment of a papal delegate to oversee the “spiritual reform” of the order until a new Grand Master is elected during an April 29 convocation.
In his interview with CNA, Boeselager speaks not only of the current state of the reform, but also provides some background on his own history with the order and highlights the important humanitarian work they are doing with migrants and refugees, which forms the backbone of the order’s activities.
Please read below CNA's full interview with the Grand Chancellor:
*One of the main priorities of the order that you outlined in your press conference in January was humanitarian work with migrants and refugees. Can you explain some of the initiatives the order is currently doing with migrants and refugees specifically?*
The order is very much involved in the care of migrants and refugees in different parts of the world, in countries from where they come, on their way and in countries where they wish to go to. So we are active in the countries surrounding Syria: Turkey, Iraq and Lebanon, to help refugees from Syria and also, if security allows, displaced people within Syria. We are active in South Sudan, which is in a big crisis at the moment, and in other countries where there are migrants and refugees or problems of displacement of people. Often it’s internally displaced people. In Asia, in Thailand, we care for Rohingya refugees. In almost all the hotspots for migrants and refugees we are active. Here in Italy, our medical personnel serves on the Italian board to provide medical care to those saved in the Mediterranean, and in Austria, Germany, Hungry, France, we care for refugees that arrive in these countries.
*Do you see any specific challenge that might arise with the increased migrant flow into Europe?*
In fact at the moment, since about 12 months, the flow has reduced very much, so I don’t see at the moment a crisis of numbers in general. In the mid '90s 0.5 percent of the population in Europe were refugees or asylum seekers and at the moment it’s 0.4 percent, so it’s less than before. I think in Europe it’s more of a crisis of leadership and communication than a crisis of receiving refugees or migrants at the moment. But that does not mean that we are not faced with a great challenge, because Africa is on the move, one can say, and we certainly need a more long-term policy to deal with the challenges which will certainly be coming.
*On this point, I wanted to ask about a meeting you had last week on the situation in Libya. What were some of the major points brought up in that discussion?*
The political situation in Libya is at the moment again deteriorating, and human trafficking as become a big business in Libya, and all of the parties in Libya, I think, are aware that this is an additional threat to the stability of the country. So on this issue they agree, but they are helpless to deal with it. Many migrants are held in detention centers, which recently someone compared to concentration camps. I’ve never been to one of those camps so I cannot judge by myself, but what we hear from the migrants we serve coming from Libya are terrible stories, so everything that can be done to mitigate the situation should be done. Even if the steps forward are very small, we should not give up and that’s why we try now for the third time to convene a meeting with representatives from Libya and from other international organizations to start discussing what can be done to help. We are at the moment also giving training to the Libyan coast guard. That has been discussed in our ranks for long, because normally we are very hesitant to get directly involved in military or police actions, but giving training to these people who in the future will rescue people from the Mediterranean I think is necessary, and we hope that we can build trust toward the institution in Libya so in the future we may be able to help.
*In the communique you guys sent out about the meeting it said some new collaborations were discussed. What would some of these collaborations look like?*
We hope that in the not-too-far future security would allow us to go into Libya and to start medical care for migrants in Libya.
*Moving to the topic of the spiritual reform the Order is currently undergoing, what would you say is the ultimate goal of this reform in light of everything that has happened?*
I think starting with the term ecclesia semper reformanda, we need to start with the person, personal reform and reflection on our way all the time. I think in a bigger time, steps, also institutional reforms, have to be considered. So it’s in this frame of permanent reflection; I think in Lent it’s a good time to reflect on these things. We have to look at the recent crisis, try to access where institutional weaknesses were at the base of the crisis, so it was more personal controversies which caused the crisis, and to see where we can reform the order so that we can go forward with more strength to fulfill our mission. The Holy Father has put a special focus in his letter on the First Class of the order, so those are the members of the order who have professed the three vows. Unfortunately there are only a few in the order – this is a situation we are living with for more than 200 years, so that’s not new for the order. And to see mainly what could be done or what’s necessary to allow more vocations to the First Class.
*So would you say this idea of ecclesia semper reformanda was perhaps what Pope Francis had in mind when he spoke of a specifically “spiritual” reform?*
Yes, yes.
*What are some of the current steps being taken as this reform takes place?*
The next immediate step is to elect a new successor of Fra Matthew in just four weeks, so in a month. So that’s where we concentrate on at the moment, to prepare this election. But we have already started to collect, just to collect from the order, from the membership, where they see a need for reform. We are not yet evaluating them, we are just assembling them and sorting them, and after the election we will first decide how to structure the process, which steps we take to organize the process and then start discussing issues of reform. This will take some time because we have to do it in great transparency, and transparency means communication and time so that nobody can have the impression that something is cooked in a secret kitchen.
*Part of what was also mentioned in the Pope’s letter was the need to re-visit specific parts of the order’s constitution. What are the parts that might need to be changed or revised in some way?*
It’s a bit early to say exactly what will come out. As the Pope mentioned, specifically the First Class, maybe something needs to be changed there, but that’s something especially the First Class members have to reflect on themselves, that’s not our matter. The recent crisis has shown some weaknesses in the check and balances and the governance, so we have to look at governance issues and I’m pretty sure that we will have to do some reforms in this regard. And maybe we have also to look at issues of training and preparation of members in the different classes, to strengthen their background.
*Is there a specific outcome that you in your role as Grand Chancellor are hoping to achieve?*
In my role as Grand Chancellor I see my duty to help moderate this process and trying to help to bring peace and unity in the order. So I will at the moment will help so that all these suggestions will be fairly considered and brought together, but not take a special direction, because I think that’s not my role at the moment
*Moving forward, what do you see your role as? Could you possibly be elected Grand Master at the Council Complete of State April 29?*
That’s fortunately impossible, because I am not a member of the First Class. The Grand Master has to be a member of the professed with solemn vows and the professed members of the order are the members who constitute the order as a religious order, and the head of the order has to be chosen from among them.
*So you’ll continue as you are then?*
I think this special feature will not change.
*I also wanted to ask you some personal questions about your own background. Can you explain a bit of your own story and how you came into contact with the order?*
My father and my mother were members of the order. My father in fact started the initiative to bring sick and handicapped to Lourdes after the Second World War. So these annual pilgrimages of my parents were part of our normal family life because it always took some preparation. With four children it took also a special moment we didn’t like so much when our parents went away for 10 days or so. Then I remember the first, most spectacular operation of the order in 1956 during the Hungarian crisis, when the order started to rescue refugees coming from Hungry and the Hungarian-Austrian border. Our dining room and the office of my father were the same room, and my father coordinated the interventions from Germany. So I still remember this as a very specific time in my youth, so the order was part of my youth. After my military service I went for the first time to Lourdes a bit sceptical, like sometimes children are when they are doing something their parents have done all the time. So I was observing a bit, and then (as I was) serving in front of the bath in Lourdes, one of the helpers in the bath came out and said ‘I need help inside’ and just dragged me in without asking. So I came into a cabin where the really severely (sick people) were taken into the bath and there were two Dominican fathers who literally kissed the sore bones of the sick and that really took me. Since then I have gone every year perhaps with one exception.
*So you would say this was really the moment that inspired you to make a greater commitment with the Order of Malta?*
Yes, absolutely. Lourdes is, I would say, the spiritual heart of the order. If you talk of reform, I think the experience of Lourdes for many members is a real source of renewal. Reform is not a theoretical process. Reform has as a condition personal renewal and reform, and I think Lourdes is the deepest source for us and for me too.
*Is there a sense of personal renewal that you are hoping for moving forward?*
I think this crisis has been a bit challenging for me personally, and I hope spiritual renewal will come out of it for me, too.Anian Christoph Wimmer contributed to this report. Reported by CNA 12 hours ago.
↧
Miami Open Results
Fabio Fognini, Italy, def. Kei Nishikori (2), Japan, 6-4, 6-2.Rafael Nadal (5), Spain, def. Jack Sock (13), United States, 6-2, 6-3.Johanna Konta (10), Britain, def. Simona Halep (3), Romania, 3-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2.Venus Williams...
Reported by New Zealand Herald 7 hours ago.
↧
↧
Cattelan Italia brings family furniture-making heritage and stylish innovations to Hong Kong’s Home Square
The Cattelan story began in Italy, in 1979, when Giorgio and Silvia Cattelan started their marble-based furniture company, making products such as dining and coffee tables for export. The furniture trade is part of the Cattelan family’s heritage. Giorgio was the youngest of seven brothers, five of whom went into the furniture business. In 1995, his sons Lorenzo and Paolo also joined the company, which now designs products in wood, glass, leather and metal that have also been exported to...
Reported by S.China Morning Post 6 hours ago.
↧
Scientists recreate space particle collisions inside Large Hadron Collider
Washington (UPI) Mar 28, 2017Experiments at the Large Hadron Collider in Italy are aiding the study of dark matter. Last week, researchers smashed protons against helium nuclei inside LHC's chamber. Typically, LHC hosts proton-on-proton collisions. The latest collisions are meant to replicate the interactions between cosmic-ray particles and interstellar 'dust' particles. Cosmic-ray particles are high-energy Reported by Space Daily 6 hours ago.
↧
Wheels24.co.za | Italy police foil plot to steal Enzo Ferrari's body for ransom
Italian police said they caught a criminal gang that had been plotting to steal the body of Formula 1 racing pioneer Enzo Ferrari for ransom.
Reported by News24 3 hours ago.
↧
HalioDx performed development work for ipsogen® JAK2 510(k) clearance by QIAGEN
* *HalioDx performed development work for* * ipsogen® * *JAK2* *510(k) clearance by QIAGEN* *
· HalioDx has successfully performed critical development phases for Ipsogen® JAK2 510(k) in close collaboration with QIAGEN and a panel of international clinical centers
· QIAGEN has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market ipsogen ® JAK2 RGQ PCR kit
· HalioDx intend to further apply its development expertise in immuno-oncology projects
Marseille, France, March 30, 2017 - HalioDx SAS, an immuno-oncology diagnostic company, today announced that its R&D collaboration with QIAGEN N.V., a leading global provider of Sample to Insight solutions, has resulted in a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for QIAGEN's ipsogen ® JAK2 RGQ PCR test.
The ipsogen ® JAK2 RGQ PCR test is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test for the detection of the JAK2 V617F/G1849T allele in genomic DNA extracted from EDTA whole blood. It is a real time PCR test performed on the QIAGEN Rotor-Gene Q MDx instrument. The test is intended for use as an adjunct to evaluation of suspected Polycythemia Vera, in conjunction with other clinicopathological factors and will be marketed by QIAGEN as part of their Personalized Healthcare assays portfolio.
HalioDx performed feasibility & development phases including clinical validation on behalf of QIAGEN. Design, verification & validation phases were led by HalioDx on the basis of IDE & pre-IDE approvals. The clinical performance of the ipsogen JAK2 RGQ PCR Kit was evaluated during a multicenter, international, prospective, interventional study conducted by HalioDx. The study had successful patient enrollment at 7 sites in the United States, 12 sites in France, and 5 sites in Italy.
*Vincent FERT, CEO of HalioDx* *comments:* " By successfully achieving this project on behalf of QIAGEN we have demonstrated our expertise and capabilities to drive IVD projects through complex US IVD regulatory path. The commitment of our team and the excellent collaboration framework with our partner QIAGEN and international clinical centres exemplify how we want to drive HalioDx company value in the near future. We intend to leverage this expertise with QIAGEN but also with our growing biopharma partners in immuno-oncology".
About HalioDx
*The Immune Response to Cancer Diagnostics*
HalioDx is an immuno-oncology diagnostic company providing oncologists with first in- class Immune-based diagnostic products and services to guide cancer care and contribute to precision medicine in the era of immuno-oncology and combination therapies.
HalioDx Immunoscore® technology integrates immunohistochemistry combined with advanced imaging analysis enabling extraction of spatially-organized tissue molecular information. Immunoscore® is a platform for many cancers, as immune response to tumor is a key hallmark of disease progression.
Pioneered by Jérôme Galon at the Cordeliers Research Center, Paris, France, Immunoscore® Colon is the flagship assay of HalioDx, positioned to be a future diagnostic standard for delivering prognostic and predictive information. HalioDx develops also assays such as Halioseek(TM) and Immunosign® to help stratifying patients for immunotherapies.
HalioDx collaborates with an increasing number of renowned international clinical groups and biopharmaceutical companies to support clinical utility and ensure rigorous performance validation of its assays in a large number of cancer indications.
HalioDx has an experienced team of more than 100 employees, a CLIA-certified laboratory (H1 2017) and compliant facilities to develop, manufacture, register and market in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products. HalioDx executes biomarker studies and companion diagnostic assay development in conformity with regulations and in partnership with biopharmaceutical companies. The company co-founded the European immunology cluster Marseille Immunopole (MI).
For more information, please visit our website www.haliodx.com and follow the company on Twitter @HalioDx .
-Contacts-
*HalioDx SAS*
*Vincent Fert*
President and CEO
+ 33 (0)4 91 29 30 90
vincent.fert@haliodx.com
*ATCG Press*
Marie Puvieux (France)
Mob: +33 (0)6 10 54 36 72
Jean-Mehdi Grangeon (ROW)
Mob: +33 (0)6 62 22 00 24
haliodx@atcg-partners.com
PR in English
--------------------This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on behalf of NASDAQ OMX 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: HalioDx via GlobeNewswire
HUG#2091949 Reported by GlobeNewswire 5 hours ago.
· HalioDx has successfully performed critical development phases for Ipsogen® JAK2 510(k) in close collaboration with QIAGEN and a panel of international clinical centers
· QIAGEN has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market ipsogen ® JAK2 RGQ PCR kit
· HalioDx intend to further apply its development expertise in immuno-oncology projects
Marseille, France, March 30, 2017 - HalioDx SAS, an immuno-oncology diagnostic company, today announced that its R&D collaboration with QIAGEN N.V., a leading global provider of Sample to Insight solutions, has resulted in a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for QIAGEN's ipsogen ® JAK2 RGQ PCR test.
The ipsogen ® JAK2 RGQ PCR test is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test for the detection of the JAK2 V617F/G1849T allele in genomic DNA extracted from EDTA whole blood. It is a real time PCR test performed on the QIAGEN Rotor-Gene Q MDx instrument. The test is intended for use as an adjunct to evaluation of suspected Polycythemia Vera, in conjunction with other clinicopathological factors and will be marketed by QIAGEN as part of their Personalized Healthcare assays portfolio.
HalioDx performed feasibility & development phases including clinical validation on behalf of QIAGEN. Design, verification & validation phases were led by HalioDx on the basis of IDE & pre-IDE approvals. The clinical performance of the ipsogen JAK2 RGQ PCR Kit was evaluated during a multicenter, international, prospective, interventional study conducted by HalioDx. The study had successful patient enrollment at 7 sites in the United States, 12 sites in France, and 5 sites in Italy.
*Vincent FERT, CEO of HalioDx* *comments:* " By successfully achieving this project on behalf of QIAGEN we have demonstrated our expertise and capabilities to drive IVD projects through complex US IVD regulatory path. The commitment of our team and the excellent collaboration framework with our partner QIAGEN and international clinical centres exemplify how we want to drive HalioDx company value in the near future. We intend to leverage this expertise with QIAGEN but also with our growing biopharma partners in immuno-oncology".
About HalioDx
*The Immune Response to Cancer Diagnostics*
HalioDx is an immuno-oncology diagnostic company providing oncologists with first in- class Immune-based diagnostic products and services to guide cancer care and contribute to precision medicine in the era of immuno-oncology and combination therapies.
HalioDx Immunoscore® technology integrates immunohistochemistry combined with advanced imaging analysis enabling extraction of spatially-organized tissue molecular information. Immunoscore® is a platform for many cancers, as immune response to tumor is a key hallmark of disease progression.
Pioneered by Jérôme Galon at the Cordeliers Research Center, Paris, France, Immunoscore® Colon is the flagship assay of HalioDx, positioned to be a future diagnostic standard for delivering prognostic and predictive information. HalioDx develops also assays such as Halioseek(TM) and Immunosign® to help stratifying patients for immunotherapies.
HalioDx collaborates with an increasing number of renowned international clinical groups and biopharmaceutical companies to support clinical utility and ensure rigorous performance validation of its assays in a large number of cancer indications.
HalioDx has an experienced team of more than 100 employees, a CLIA-certified laboratory (H1 2017) and compliant facilities to develop, manufacture, register and market in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products. HalioDx executes biomarker studies and companion diagnostic assay development in conformity with regulations and in partnership with biopharmaceutical companies. The company co-founded the European immunology cluster Marseille Immunopole (MI).
For more information, please visit our website www.haliodx.com and follow the company on Twitter @HalioDx .
-Contacts-
*HalioDx SAS*
*Vincent Fert*
President and CEO
+ 33 (0)4 91 29 30 90
vincent.fert@haliodx.com
*ATCG Press*
Marie Puvieux (France)
Mob: +33 (0)6 10 54 36 72
Jean-Mehdi Grangeon (ROW)
Mob: +33 (0)6 62 22 00 24
haliodx@atcg-partners.com
PR in English
--------------------This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on behalf of NASDAQ OMX 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: HalioDx via GlobeNewswire
HUG#2091949 Reported by GlobeNewswire 5 hours ago.
↧
↧
Solvay to sell its polyolefin cross-linkable compounds business
Brussels, March 30, 2017 --- Solvay has signed a definitive agreement to sell its polyolefin cross-linkable compounds business in Italy to family-owned group Finproject SpA.
"Following Solvay's transformation, polyolefin cross-linkable compounds no longer fit within the portfolio of high-performance specialty polymers. Solvay has consistently grown the value of this business and its divestment contributes to the upgrade of Solvay's specialties portfolio," said Augusto Di Donfrancesco, President of Solvay's Specialty Polymers Global Business Unit.
Based in Roccabianca, Parma, the business' compounds are used in applications in the wire and cable, as well as pipe industries, generating sales of € 82 million in 2016.
Finproject is a leading manufacturer of injection molded foam, polyolefin-based compounds and PVC compounds.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017 and is subject to customary closing conditions.
Follow us on twitter @SolvayGroup
Solvay is a multi-specialty chemical company, committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. Solvay innovates and partners with customers in diverse global end markets. Its products and solutions are used in planes, cars, smart and medical devices, batteries, in mineral and oil extraction, among many other applications promoting sustainability. Its lightweighting materials enhance cleaner mobility, its formulations optimize the use of resources and its performance chemicals improve air and water quality. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with around 27,000 employees in 58 countries. Net sales were € 10.9 billion in 2016, with 90% from activities where Solvay ranks among the world's top 3 leaders. Solvay SA ( SOLB.BE ) is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLB.BR ) and in the United States its shares (SOLVY) are traded through a level-1 ADR program.
Caroline Jacobs Kimberly Stewart Jodi Allen Geoffroy Raskin Bisser Alexandrov
Media Relations Investor Relations Investor Relations Investor Relations Investor Relations
+32 2 264 1530 +32 2 264 3694 +1 9733573283 +32 2 264 1540 +32 2 264 3687
To read this release in PDF
--------------------This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on behalf of NASDAQ OMX 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: Solvay S.A. via GlobeNewswire
HUG#2090376 Reported by GlobeNewswire 5 hours ago.
"Following Solvay's transformation, polyolefin cross-linkable compounds no longer fit within the portfolio of high-performance specialty polymers. Solvay has consistently grown the value of this business and its divestment contributes to the upgrade of Solvay's specialties portfolio," said Augusto Di Donfrancesco, President of Solvay's Specialty Polymers Global Business Unit.
Based in Roccabianca, Parma, the business' compounds are used in applications in the wire and cable, as well as pipe industries, generating sales of € 82 million in 2016.
Finproject is a leading manufacturer of injection molded foam, polyolefin-based compounds and PVC compounds.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017 and is subject to customary closing conditions.
Follow us on twitter @SolvayGroup
Solvay is a multi-specialty chemical company, committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. Solvay innovates and partners with customers in diverse global end markets. Its products and solutions are used in planes, cars, smart and medical devices, batteries, in mineral and oil extraction, among many other applications promoting sustainability. Its lightweighting materials enhance cleaner mobility, its formulations optimize the use of resources and its performance chemicals improve air and water quality. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with around 27,000 employees in 58 countries. Net sales were € 10.9 billion in 2016, with 90% from activities where Solvay ranks among the world's top 3 leaders. Solvay SA ( SOLB.BE ) is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLB.BR ) and in the United States its shares (SOLVY) are traded through a level-1 ADR program.
Caroline Jacobs Kimberly Stewart Jodi Allen Geoffroy Raskin Bisser Alexandrov
Media Relations Investor Relations Investor Relations Investor Relations Investor Relations
+32 2 264 1530 +32 2 264 3694 +1 9733573283 +32 2 264 1540 +32 2 264 3687
To read this release in PDF
--------------------This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on behalf of NASDAQ OMX 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: Solvay S.A. via GlobeNewswire
HUG#2090376 Reported by GlobeNewswire 5 hours ago.
↧
Manz AG publishes 2016 Annual Report and 2017 forecast
DGAP-News: Manz AG / Key word(s): Final Results
30.03.2017 / 07:35
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
--------------------
*Manz AG publishes 2016 Annual Report and 2017 forecast*
- Revenue of EUR 231 million slightly above previous year's level
- Significantly improved cost basis reflects extensive optimization measures
- EBIT significantly improved compared to previous year
- Significant increase in revenues to at least EUR 350 million with positive EBIT anticipated for 2017Reutlingen, March 30, 2017 - Manz AG, a globally active high-tech equipment manufacturer with an extensive technology portfolio covering the three strategic business units of "Solar,""Electronics" and "Energy Storage," is publishing its 2016 Annual Report today. Manz AG achieved significant milestones in its strategic development over the past year, allowing it to grow profitably again. Material and personnel expenses were reduced through the optimization of processes and structures and the overall cost basis was significantly improved. In addition, the strategic cooperation with the anchor shareholder Shanghai Electric that has started in 2016 was solidified in the Solar business unit in early 2017 with the largest order in company history, with a total volume of EUR 263 million.
Overall revenues for the 2016 reporting period, at EUR 231.0 million, was slightly above the previous year (EUR 222.0 million). The revenue trend thus proved to be resilient against setbacks, in consideration of the short-notice cancellation of a major order in June 2016 and the lost follow-up orders. This is also particularly the case because the major order in the Solar business unit was not placed until January 2017, significantly later than initially planned. As a result of implemented optimization measures, the material cost ratio improved to 58.0 % (previous year: 64.3 %), and the 2016 personnel expenses ratio, at 33.1 % was also significantly below the previous year's level of 36.6 %. In operating business, Manz AG thus achieved significantly improved earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) compared to the preceding year, of EUR -21.8 million (previous year: EUR -41.9 million); earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) also significantly improved to EUR -35.9 million (previous year: EUR -58.2 million). Revenues and profit for 2016 are thus within the last forecasted predictions, with revenue at the level of the previous year and a significantly improved EBIT. With the net proceeds achieved as a result of the capital increase last year, Manz AG's equity captial ratio increased significantly by 10.1 percentage points to 52.9% (previous year: 42.8%). At the same time, liquid assets at the 2016 reporting date rose by 62.1 %, from EUR 34.4 million to EUR 55.7 million. This resulted in a positive net liquidity of EUR 1.3 million.
In dependence on the project start of the CIGS order, which will be determined at the time of fulfillment of all closing conditions, the Managing Board of Manz AG anticipates for the fiscal year 2017 a significant increase in revenue to at least EUR 350 million with a significantly improved, positive EBIT.
Dieter Manz, Chairman and founder of Manz AG: "We have made the turnaround in 2016 and laid the foundation for profitable business performance. Our optimization program is bearing its initial fruit, the diversification strategy has proven itself correct and our broadly diversified business model has repeatedly proven itself to be robust. With the largest order in company history, we have begun the new fiscal year with the wind at our back. As a result, we have every reason to look forward with optimism."
It's not only the agreed cooperation and the major order in the Solar business unit that the Managing Board find to be optimistic. The outlook for the Electronics and Energy Storage business units is also positive. Based on continued high demand for consumer electronics and an upturn in the classic display and printed circuit board business, Manz expects stable business developments in the Electronics business unit. In addition, the global mega trends e-mobility, autonomous driving and stationary energy storage will also provide considerable growth impulses for the Energy Storage segment in the medium and long term. Particularly in the e-mobility field, increased business activities have been noted worldwide in recent months - along with a correspondingly rising interest on the part of potential customers in solutions from Manz AG, both in the area of standard machines and also with regard to complete, customized system solutions.
In order to protect its exceptional market position over the long term in the three strategic business units, Manz AG is pursuing the strategy of expanding its customer base with standard products and system solutions from intelligent product modules, and thereby strengthening its business. In addition, an expansion of the product portfolio with innovative and higher-margin high-end products for strategic target industries should contribute to the optimization of Manz AG's profitability. The steady expansion of its technology and product portfolio, with more than 500 qualified engineers, technicians and scientists, as well as having a strong local presence in the main sales region of Asia, both remain central components of the company's strategic positioning.
*2016 revenue and EBIT by business segment*
*in EUR million * Electronics Solar Energy Storage Contract Manufacturing Others
Revenues 106.6 24.7 46.4 42.2 11.1
EBIT -9.9 -12.3 -16.0 2.1 0.2
*Company Profile: *
*Manz AG - passion for efficiency*
As a globally active high-tech equipment manufacturer, Manz AG, based in Reutlingen, Germany, is a pioneer for innovative products in fast-growing markets. Founded in 1987, the company has expertise in six technology sectors: automation, laser processing, screen printing, metrology, wet chemical and roll-to-roll processing. Manz deploys and continuously develops these technologies in three strategic business segments: Electronics, Solar and Energy Storage.
The company is led by founder Dieter Manz and has been listed on the stock exchange in Germany since 2006. It currently develops and produces in Germany, China, Taiwan, Slovakia, Hungary and Italy. It also has sales and service branches in the United States and India. With its claim "passion for efficiency," Manz makes the promise to its customers in dynamic, future-oriented industries to offer production systems with the highest level of efficiency and innovation. With its comprehensive expertise in developing new production technologies and related machines, the company contributes substantially to reducing production costs for end products, making them accessible to large groups of buyers the world over.*Investor Relations Contact*
cometis AG
Claudius Krause
Tel.: +49 (0)611 - 205855-28
Fax: +49 (0)611 - 205855-66
E-mail: krause@cometis.deManz AG
Axel Bartmann
Tel.: +49 (0)7121 - 9000-395
Fax: +49 (0)7121 - 9000-99
E-mail: abartmann@manz.com
--------------------
30.03.2017 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.
Archive at www.dgap.de --------------------
Language: English
Company: Manz AG
Steigäckerstr. 5
72768 Reutlingen
Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 7121 9000-0
Fax: +49 (0) 7121 9000-99
E-mail: info@manz.com
Internet: http://www.manz.com
ISIN: DE000A0JQ5U3
WKN: A0JQ5U
Listed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange
End of News DGAP News Service Reported by EQS Group 5 hours ago.
30.03.2017 / 07:35
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
--------------------
*Manz AG publishes 2016 Annual Report and 2017 forecast*
- Revenue of EUR 231 million slightly above previous year's level
- Significantly improved cost basis reflects extensive optimization measures
- EBIT significantly improved compared to previous year
- Significant increase in revenues to at least EUR 350 million with positive EBIT anticipated for 2017Reutlingen, March 30, 2017 - Manz AG, a globally active high-tech equipment manufacturer with an extensive technology portfolio covering the three strategic business units of "Solar,""Electronics" and "Energy Storage," is publishing its 2016 Annual Report today. Manz AG achieved significant milestones in its strategic development over the past year, allowing it to grow profitably again. Material and personnel expenses were reduced through the optimization of processes and structures and the overall cost basis was significantly improved. In addition, the strategic cooperation with the anchor shareholder Shanghai Electric that has started in 2016 was solidified in the Solar business unit in early 2017 with the largest order in company history, with a total volume of EUR 263 million.
Overall revenues for the 2016 reporting period, at EUR 231.0 million, was slightly above the previous year (EUR 222.0 million). The revenue trend thus proved to be resilient against setbacks, in consideration of the short-notice cancellation of a major order in June 2016 and the lost follow-up orders. This is also particularly the case because the major order in the Solar business unit was not placed until January 2017, significantly later than initially planned. As a result of implemented optimization measures, the material cost ratio improved to 58.0 % (previous year: 64.3 %), and the 2016 personnel expenses ratio, at 33.1 % was also significantly below the previous year's level of 36.6 %. In operating business, Manz AG thus achieved significantly improved earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) compared to the preceding year, of EUR -21.8 million (previous year: EUR -41.9 million); earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) also significantly improved to EUR -35.9 million (previous year: EUR -58.2 million). Revenues and profit for 2016 are thus within the last forecasted predictions, with revenue at the level of the previous year and a significantly improved EBIT. With the net proceeds achieved as a result of the capital increase last year, Manz AG's equity captial ratio increased significantly by 10.1 percentage points to 52.9% (previous year: 42.8%). At the same time, liquid assets at the 2016 reporting date rose by 62.1 %, from EUR 34.4 million to EUR 55.7 million. This resulted in a positive net liquidity of EUR 1.3 million.
In dependence on the project start of the CIGS order, which will be determined at the time of fulfillment of all closing conditions, the Managing Board of Manz AG anticipates for the fiscal year 2017 a significant increase in revenue to at least EUR 350 million with a significantly improved, positive EBIT.
Dieter Manz, Chairman and founder of Manz AG: "We have made the turnaround in 2016 and laid the foundation for profitable business performance. Our optimization program is bearing its initial fruit, the diversification strategy has proven itself correct and our broadly diversified business model has repeatedly proven itself to be robust. With the largest order in company history, we have begun the new fiscal year with the wind at our back. As a result, we have every reason to look forward with optimism."
It's not only the agreed cooperation and the major order in the Solar business unit that the Managing Board find to be optimistic. The outlook for the Electronics and Energy Storage business units is also positive. Based on continued high demand for consumer electronics and an upturn in the classic display and printed circuit board business, Manz expects stable business developments in the Electronics business unit. In addition, the global mega trends e-mobility, autonomous driving and stationary energy storage will also provide considerable growth impulses for the Energy Storage segment in the medium and long term. Particularly in the e-mobility field, increased business activities have been noted worldwide in recent months - along with a correspondingly rising interest on the part of potential customers in solutions from Manz AG, both in the area of standard machines and also with regard to complete, customized system solutions.
In order to protect its exceptional market position over the long term in the three strategic business units, Manz AG is pursuing the strategy of expanding its customer base with standard products and system solutions from intelligent product modules, and thereby strengthening its business. In addition, an expansion of the product portfolio with innovative and higher-margin high-end products for strategic target industries should contribute to the optimization of Manz AG's profitability. The steady expansion of its technology and product portfolio, with more than 500 qualified engineers, technicians and scientists, as well as having a strong local presence in the main sales region of Asia, both remain central components of the company's strategic positioning.
*2016 revenue and EBIT by business segment*
*in EUR million * Electronics Solar Energy Storage Contract Manufacturing Others
Revenues 106.6 24.7 46.4 42.2 11.1
EBIT -9.9 -12.3 -16.0 2.1 0.2
*Company Profile: *
*Manz AG - passion for efficiency*
As a globally active high-tech equipment manufacturer, Manz AG, based in Reutlingen, Germany, is a pioneer for innovative products in fast-growing markets. Founded in 1987, the company has expertise in six technology sectors: automation, laser processing, screen printing, metrology, wet chemical and roll-to-roll processing. Manz deploys and continuously develops these technologies in three strategic business segments: Electronics, Solar and Energy Storage.
The company is led by founder Dieter Manz and has been listed on the stock exchange in Germany since 2006. It currently develops and produces in Germany, China, Taiwan, Slovakia, Hungary and Italy. It also has sales and service branches in the United States and India. With its claim "passion for efficiency," Manz makes the promise to its customers in dynamic, future-oriented industries to offer production systems with the highest level of efficiency and innovation. With its comprehensive expertise in developing new production technologies and related machines, the company contributes substantially to reducing production costs for end products, making them accessible to large groups of buyers the world over.*Investor Relations Contact*
cometis AG
Claudius Krause
Tel.: +49 (0)611 - 205855-28
Fax: +49 (0)611 - 205855-66
E-mail: krause@cometis.deManz AG
Axel Bartmann
Tel.: +49 (0)7121 - 9000-395
Fax: +49 (0)7121 - 9000-99
E-mail: abartmann@manz.com
--------------------
30.03.2017 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.
Archive at www.dgap.de --------------------
Language: English
Company: Manz AG
Steigäckerstr. 5
72768 Reutlingen
Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 7121 9000-0
Fax: +49 (0) 7121 9000-99
E-mail: info@manz.com
Internet: http://www.manz.com
ISIN: DE000A0JQ5U3
WKN: A0JQ5U
Listed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange
End of News DGAP News Service Reported by EQS Group 5 hours ago.
↧
Solvay S.A.: Solvay to sell its polyolefin cross-linkable compounds business
Brussels, March 30, 2017 --- Solvay has signed a definitive agreement to sell its polyolefin cross-linkable compounds business in Italy to family-owned group Finproject SpA. "Following Solvay's tr...
Reported by FinanzNachrichten.de 5 hours ago.
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
