ABN Newswire

Asian Activities Report for January 13, 2012: TOTO (TYO:5332) to Build its Manufacturing Base in India

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:00:18 GMT

TOTO (TYO:5332), Japan's leading manufacturer of sanitary ware and bath fittings, says that construction of its Indian factory in Gujarat will commence in March 2012, with production expected to commence in July 2014. By setting up a new manufacturing base in India, TOTO expects to bring down prices and serve some of the markets in the region. The Indian factory is part of TOTO's global business expansion plan, covering important markets such as Americas and China.

Chinese theme parks developer and operator Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town Holding (SHE:000069) has extended the expiration date of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2011 with Universal Studios Japan, the operator of the Universal Studios theme park in Japan. The two companies are in talks to set up a joint venture in Shanghai to improve the operating performance of Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town's theme park in Huaqiaocheng, Shanghai.

Guangdong Orient Zirconic (SHE:002167) says that the Company achieved significant revenue growth in the first three quarters of 2011, due to rising Zircon prices worldwide. The Company is anticipating another year of success in 2012, with zircon prices expected to continue to grow, and its joint venture project in Australia with Australian Zircon (ASX:AZC) ready to enter into the mining stage. The project has an annual production capacity of 35,000 tonnes of zircon concentrate.

Ube Industries, Ltd. (TYO:4208) has established a subsidiary in Taiwan in December 2011 to engage in the marketing and sales development in the Taiwanese market. The new subsidiary will commence operation in February 2012. Ube is endeavoring to strengthen its global business development by targeting growing markets. As part of this effort, the Group established local sales subsidiaries in Brazil and South Korea in July 2010 and March 2011 respectively, and established a subsidiary in India for the machinery business in December 2011.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News Asia Bureau
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Treasury Wine Estates Limited (ASX:TWE) Announces Senior Leadership Appointments

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:25:59 GMT

Further to the announcement of a new global organisational structure, Treasury Wine Estates Limited (ASX:TWE) is pleased to announce two key appointments to the Executive Leadership Team. These roles will report directly to Treasury Wine Estates CEO, David Dearie.

Effective immediately, Chris Flaherty has been promoted to Managing Director of the Australia / New Zealand (ANZ) Regional Business Unit (RBU).

Chris has more than 20 years experience in the liquor industry, working in sales, strategy and business development roles across Australia and internationally. Chris built much of his career at Diageo (LON:DGE) (NYSE:DEO) undertaking a range of leadership positions across the globe. Chris joined Treasury Wine Estates in November 2010.

In his most recent role as Sales Director Australia & New Zealand for Treasury Wine Estates, Chris has focused on accelerating strategic account management principles and driving strong partnerships via longer term solutions for Treasury Wine Estates and its customers.

Sandra LeDrew has been appointed to the role of Managing Director of the Americas RBU. Sandra brings more than 20 years of experience in senior leadership and sales roles in the wine and spirits industry. Her most recent position was President of Diageo's Catalyst Business Unit and immediately prior served as Diageo Chateau & Estates' President of Wine Sales for the United States market.

Sandra will commence in her new role in March 2012.

Treasury Wine Estates CEO, David Dearie said:

"In these critical roles leading our two largest regions, Chris and Sandra will ultimately be responsible for delivering profitable growth in these markets and leading their teams to deliver flawless execution of our plans. Their appointments further round out our executive team and bring a terrific combination of leadership, experience, and commitment to driving results. I look forward to working with them in our pursuit to be recognised as the world's most successful and celebrated wine company."

"Our new global structure places equal emphasis on our brands, supply and the regions in which we operate and it will allow us to pursue growth opportunities that optimise the returns for our business as a whole."

Media 
Sue Rana 
Corporate Communications Manager 
Tel: +61-8-8301-5880 
Mob: +61-427-849-933 

Investors
Ian Betts
Investor Relations Manager
Tel: +61-3-8626-2273
Mob: +61-400-532-466

Asian Activities Report for January 11, 2012: Weichai Power (HKG:2338) Acquires 75% Controlling Interest in Italian Luxury Yacht Maker Ferretti Group

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:45 GMT

Weichai Power (HKG:2338) (SHE:000338) has agreed to invest 374 million euros to acquire a controlling 75% interest in the world's largest luxury yacht manufacturer, Ferretti Group of Italy. Through the acquisition, synergies between Weichai Power and Ferretti will be unleashed through the sharing of resources and industrial integration. Weichai will be better positioned to develop its yacht business for the next five years, whilst Ferretti will enjoy a strong capital base to expand its business in emerging markets such as China. After the acquisition, Ferretti's key management team, headquarters and production bases in Italy will be retained.

Prada S.p.A. (HKG:1913) says that it will invest 40 million euros to sponsor the Luna Rossa yacht to participate in the XXXIV edition of the America's Cup sailing competition. Prada's logo will be displayed on the hull and other eye-catching part of the yacht during the competition, and Prada will have the right to use images of the Luna Rossa yacht and its crew for advertising purposes. The Company's sponsorship of the Luna Rossa yacht in previous editions of the America's Cup has proven that it has been a successful strategy to promote Prada's brand.

Japan-based oil and gas company Inpex Corporation (TYO:1605) has signed agreements to sell liquefied natural gas ("LNG") from its Ichthys LNG joint venture project. Under the agreements, 2.52 million tonnes per annum of LNG will be sold to CPC Corporation of Taiwan, Chubu Electric Power (TYO:9502), and Toho Gas (TYO:9533), for 15 years commencing in 2017.

Panasonic Corporation (TYO:6752) (NYSE:PC) has successfully developed a 20-inch 4K2K (3,840 x 2,160 resolution, approximately 8.29 million pixels) IPS Alpha LCD panel. The new panel has the world's highest pixel density of 216 pixels per inch, with thickness of only 3.5 mm, the thinnest in the world, opening up new possibility of flat-panel displays.

Nidec Corporation (TYO:6594) (NYSE:NJ) has established a new subsidiary named Nidec Management Shanghai Corporation in Shanghai, China. The new subsidiary will supervise, control and coordinate the financial activities of the Nidec Group companies in China. The total investment in the new subsidiary is US$2 million.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for January 9, 2012: Little Sheep Group (HKG:0968) Shareholders Approved Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM) Takeover Offer

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 9 Jan 2012 13:00:25 GMT

Little Sheep Group Limited (HKG:0968) says that its shareholders have approved the proposed acquisition of Little Sheep Group by Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM), the US-based fast food company which owns KFC and Pizza Hut. Regulatory approvals from the Chinese authorities have also been granted. The acquisition of Little Sheep, in which Yum already owns nearly 30%, will further boost Yum's presence in China.

Sinopec Kantons Holdings Limited (HKG:0934) has signed agreements to acquire 50% interest in Fujairah Oil Terminal ("FOT") in the United Arab Emirates from Concord HK. FOT will principally engage in operating oil storage facilities in the United Arab Emirates and will develop an oil storage project with a capacity of 1,125,000 cubic metres in the United Arab Emirates.

Hitachi, Ltd (NYSE:HIT) (TYO:6510) says that it expects to close the transaction of transferring its hard disk drive business to Western Digital Corporation (NYSE:WDC) by March 2012, subject to the completion of obtaining approvals from European Commission and other regulatory authorities. On March 7, 2011, Western Digital Corporation agreed to buy Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, the hard drive and storage business owned by Hitachi for approximately US$4.3 billion.

Japanese software developer Celartem Technology Inc. (JASDAQ:4330) has signed a contract to participate in a smart micro grid project at the Beijing New Energy Industry Base. The total investment for the project is estimated at 124.88 million RMB.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TYO:4502) says that it will work with Osaka University to develop a platform for practical application and commercialization of nano-particle vaccines. Takeda launched the Vaccine Business Division on January 1, 2012, aiming to expand its vaccine business outside of Japan. The collaboration with Osaka University as part of Takeda's vaccine strategy, will contribute further to the development of innovative technology in the vaccine industry

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for January 6, 2012: Haier Group (SHA:600690) and LIXIL Corporation Set Up a New Factory in China

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 13:00:20 GMT

Haier Group (SHA:600690) and Japan-based LIXIL Corporation have set up a joint venture company in Qingdao, China, to be engaged in the manufacturing and sales of building materials and housing equipment. The new company will utilise LIXIL's production technologies and development capabilities to initially produce kitchen systems, with plans to further expand product range. Operation is expected to commence in the summer of 2012, and products will be sold through Haier Group's extensive distribution network in China.

Tokyo Stock Exchange Group has filed a notification to the Japan Fair Trade Commission regarding its merger plan with Osaka Securities Exchange. The two exchanges are seeking anti-monopoly clearance for their proposed business combination and restructuring.

KOSÉ Corporation (TYO:4922) has successfully developed "Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Cosmetics" that have been proven to prevent the aggravation of photosensitive dermatitis, in addition to the effectiveness of skin protection against sunburn and suntan. This new sunscreen contains highly effective ultraviolet absorbers, some of which have a stronger capability to absorb in the UV-A range, and therefore provides higher UV protection than existing sunscreen products in the market.

Mitsubishi Corporation (TYO:8058) and India's fertiliser manufacturer Zuari Industries Limited (BOM:500780) have formed a joint venture to invest in rock phosphate assets in Peru. The Joint venture has acquired 30% stake in mining company Fosfatos del Pacifico, a subsidiary of Peru's second largest cement producer Cementos Pacasmayo for US$46.12 million. Additionally, the joint venture company has agreed to purchase rock phosphate concentrates from Fosfatos for 20 years.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for December 14, 2011: Coach (NYSE:COH) (HKG:6388) Opens First Official Online Flagship Store in China on Taobao Mall

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:00:32 GMT

Coach, Inc. (NYSE:COH) (HKG:6388) has opened its first official online store in China on Taobao Mall (coach.tmall.com), a leading business-to-consumer shopping website under Alibaba Group. In celebration of Coach's 70th anniversary, the online store will open for a month from December 12, 2011 to January 15, 2012, offering a range of fashion accessories and gifts for women and men, including handbags, accessories and lifestyle products, many of which are limited editions, best sellers, and exclusive items available only on Taobao Mall.

Japan-based global IT giant NTT Data Corporation (TYO:9613) has opened a childcare centre, named "Egg Garden" at its headquarter in Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Egg Garden provides day care services to all NTT employees who are unable to send their babies to nurseries. The Company is hoping that, with the service, employees who are trying to juggle their job with parental obligations can go to work without worrying about their babies.

Shiseido (TYO:4911) has announced its intent to sell bareMinerals makeup products in Brazil. Starting in May, product sales will be carried out through e-commerce and retail stores, including standalone bareMinerals boutiques. This will be the first time that bareMinerals has been marketed throughout South America, and Shiseido expects to have over 100 stores in Brazil selling bareMinerals products over the next five years.

Astellas Pharma Inc. (TYO:4503) and Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:OPTR) announced that the European Commission has granted a marketing authorisation for DIFICLIR(TM) tablets for the treatment of adults aged 18 years and older with Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) in the European Union. Treatment for CDI has changed little in the past 20 years, even though the disease has a major impact on patients' health and quality of life and is potentially fatal. The EU approval of DIFICLIR is therefore an important advance for patients suffering from CDI.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for December 5, 2011: Chow Tai Fook to IPO on Hong Kong Stock Exchange

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 5 Dec 2011 12:30:38 GMT

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd. is preparing to launch what may become Hong Kong's biggest initial public offering in 2011, aiming to raise as much as HK$22 billion, with stock expected to start trading on December 15th. The Hong Kong based luxury-goods company has more than 1,400 outlets in China, with net income of more than HK$6.3 billion in the year ending March 31. As China's retail sales growth remains robust, the Company expects to further expand its retail network in Greater China.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (TYO:7201) announces that its 100% electric Nissan LEAF has won the Car of the Year Japan 2011-2012 award at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, the first time in the Show's long history that an electric vehicle has won this prestigious award. Nissan LEAF is a zero-emission vehicle that emits no CO2 while it is being driven. It has strong and smooth acceleration performance, excellent quietness, outstanding riding comfort and superb handling stability.

Exoma Energy Limited (ASX:EXE) confirms that its recent Katherine-1 well in the Galilee Basin in Central Queensland has the potential to be a significant onshore oil resource. Studies indicate that Katherine West structure may contain up to 177 million barrels of oil in place, in addition to 458 million barrels of potential oil in place at the adjacent but undrilled prospect - Katherine East. Follow-up drilling is expected in 2012.

Phoenix Gold Limited (ASX:PXG) announces the result of its latest drill programme completed at the Castle Hill Project in the Goldfields region of Western Australia. Drilling intersects significant high-grade mineralisation including 10 metres at 9.92 grams per tonne gold. The Company is expecting an upgrade of 559,000 ounce resource in march quarter 2012.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for July 28, 2011: Novogen Limited (ASX:NRT) Announce Results of Pre-Clinical Studies in Chemotherapy-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 28 July 2011 12:02:50 GMT

Novogen Limited's (ASX:NRT) subsidiary, Marshall Edwards, Inc.(NASDAQ:MSHL), an oncology company focused on the clinical development of novel therapeutics targeting cancer metabolism, announced the publication of results from a pre-clinical study of NV-128. This study shows that NV-128 can induce cell death in chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer stem cells, providing encouraging data for further study in ovarian cancer.

Anatolia Energy Limited (ASX:AEK) announced an initial JORC Mineral Resource estimate of 17.4Mlb U3O8 for the Temrezli uranium prospect in Turkey. The resource estimate exceeds the exploration tonnage potential expected for the Temrezli deposit, and provides all necessary encouragement for the feasibility study on the establishment of a uranium production facility that can leach the ore in-situ and recover uranium from Temrezli and other deposits.

Waratah Resources Limited (ASX:WGO) has signed a binding Share Sale Agreement to acquire the Okanabora Project in the Republic of Congo. The Project is centred approximately 75 kms southwest of Waratah's existing Youkou project. Recent field work from the Okanabora Project returned results up to 60% Fe2O3. Waratah's immediate goal is to define a JORC inferred resource by Q1 2012 at Youkou and Q2 2012 at Okanabora 2012.

David Jones Limited (ASX:DJS) is launching a new brand campaign titled "WAS. IS. ALWAYS. DAVID JONES" for Spring/Summer 2011 to further enhance its position as the premier department store in Australia. To support the campaign, David Jones is introducing 60 exciting new brands and brand extensions into its business, the vast majority of which are department store exclusive to the Company.

Asia Business News
Sydney Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
Tokyo Tel: +81-3-6868-3802
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Issey Miyake Continues To Lead The Way With Technology-Driven Designs and Ventures

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 19 July 2011 17:30:35 GMT

(Global Fashion Wire) - Issey Miyake- a brand synonymous with origami-like structures that transform the body into avant garde sculptures, pleats please fabric and the forbearers of innovative technology. For decades under the eye of its namesake designer the label has blurred the lines between fashion and art with his array of technology-driven clothing designs and ventures. This mission is now in the hands of the current creative director Dai Fujiwara.

In 1998, a year after Miyake's retirement, the brand introduced a new concept, A-POC (A piece of cloth). This notion is more than just about innovative clothing production it's about the quest for the new, utilising computer technology that reinvigorates the possibilities of fashion. A-POC is a philosophy, a design manifesto by which the brand wishes to infuse into Issey Miyake women's and men's lines as well as the Issey Miyake Fete line. The latest project to endorse A-POC was created by Masahiko Sato and Euphrates accompanied by Seiichi Yamamoto. A seemingly simple yet highly intelligent animation, drawing on mathematical shapes that pin-point the joints of a catwalk model.

It's positively mesmerising, enticing the viewer into the world of Issey Miyake.

The brand's new endeavour sees the opening of a clothing retail store for 24 Issey Miyake in Sapporo, Japan. Crafted by Hisaaki Hirawata and Tomohiro Watabe of Moment Design, the building encapsulates the brand's relationship between tradition and technology. The white walls are lined with modular cubby holes and clothing racks where garments and accessories hang unobtrusively seeming like a function of the shop as opposed to mere product. The cubbies allow for ease and flexibility when changing over the seasonal displays. It's a shop that is designed for function as well as aesthetic.

Issey Miyake is a brand that will always remain current because of its passion to stay one step ahead of the rest. With new projects such as A-POC and innovative constructions by the likes of Modern Design, Issey Miyake is not only the catalyst for the "New Issey Miyake" it's the catalyst for fashion.

Madeleine Carroll
Global Fashion Wire
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.globalfashionwire.com

Theodora Strano
Global Fashion Wire
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.globalfashionwire.com

Li & Fung (HKG:0494) Research Centre Releases China's Retail Market Report For 2011

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 18 July 2011 13:56:39 GMT

(Global Fashion Wire) - With the fiscal year ending just weeks ago Li & Fung (HKG:0494) (PINK:LFUGY) Research Centre have released their latest report documenting China's retail market growth over the last twelve months. It discusses the latest retail sales data and strategic analysis of the competitive landscape recognizing the growing sectors and the markets most recent developments at a national level.

National retail sales of consumer goods in 2010 presented real growth reaching a moderated 14.8% year over year (Y.O.Y). Eastern provinces and municipalities made up 59.9% of this annual growth. The luxury sales market also showed a compelling increase in 2010. With declining consumer confidence drawing to an end in early March, the first five months of 2011 has shown great developments with retail sales inflating to 16.6% Y.O.Y. A prominent theme in China's 12th five year plan (2011-2015) is to advance domestic private consumption.

Through the research conducted the competitive landscape of China's retail market was illustrated. Some of the findings showed huge opportunities in the nation with foreign retailers wanting to expand and distribute in China- not as easy a task as some may think. The top 100 retailers had a revenue increase in 2010 of 21.2%, capturing one-tenth of the total market share. While franchise businesses are dotting their way through the market place.

Despite being only two weeks into the new fiscal year Li & Fung Research Centre has already shown recent developments in China's retail market. Unsurprisingly the online retail market continues to grow. Retailers are expanding into smaller cities and even the rural market as the cost of city rent is climbing and also because consumers demand a more unique shopping experience. It is expected that retailers in China improve quality as consumption safety is a major concern.

Theodora Strano
Global Fashion Wire
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.globalfashionwire.com

Madeleine Carroll
Global Fashion Wire
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.globalfashionwire.com