ABN Newswire

Asian Activities Report for February 10, 2012: Mazda Motor (TYO:7261) Develops Resin Material to Make Lighter Vehicle Parts

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:44 GMT

Mazda Motor Corporation (TYO:7261) has developed resin material for vehicle parts that maintains the same rigidity as parts made with conventional materials while achieving significant weight reduction. When the material is used for both front and rear bumpers, it contributes to weight reduction of approximately 20%. Mazda plans to adopt the lighter bumpers using this resin material in the all-new Mazda CX-5 SUV to go on sale this spring, as well as other upcoming new models.

Sinochem International Corporation (SHA:600500) has signed an agreement with French energy giant Total (EPA:FP) to buy TEPMA BV, a fully owned affiliate of Total in Colombia, for about US$1 billion. TEPMA BV holds a working interest in the Cusiana field, of which Total's share of production is around 7,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. This transaction is subject to approval by the relevant authorities.

Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TYO:4502) announced the establishment of the Takeda Shanghai Development Center within the Shanghai-based Takeda (China) Holdings Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda. This important step reflects Takeda's strategic commitment to China, where the company is actively enhancing manufacturing, marketing and sales operations.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TYO:7211) will present the global debut of the all-new Outlander at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 6 through March 18. The new-generation Outlander is built to be eco-friendly, with the fuel efficiency and CO2 emission levels among the best in its class.

Lion Corporation (TYO:4912) says that the Company has improved Ban Deodorant Roll On, which features a long-lasting deodorant effect, and has upgraded Ban Refresh Shower Sheets, a new product that can effectively wipe away sticky perspiration and odor. Lion will also add Pink Plumeria and Aqua Sparkle fragrances to its Ban Deodorant Powder Spray series in February 2012.

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

Asian Activities Report for February 9, 2012: Pacific Basin Shipping Limited (HKG:2343) Forms Alliance with Crowley Maritime Corporation

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:34:33 GMT

Pacific Basin Shipping Limited (HKG:2343), one of the world's leading operators of modern handysize and handymax dry bulk vessels and a global provider of diversified shipping services, has formed business alliance with US-based Crowley Maritime Corporation. The alliance aims to provide comprehensive project management, project cargo transportation, logistics, offshore support, and other services to Oil and Gas, Mining, and Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management customers undertaking major infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The alliance will also provide customers with representation and a seamless marine cargo and logistics solution in and around the United States and Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TYO:6723), a Japan-based semiconductor manufacturer, has opened a wholly-owned subsidiary in Sao Paolo, Brazil, to further expand its operations into South America. The new company will provide local sales promotion and technical product support, as well as regional systems solution development expertise.

Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. (TYO:7238), a Japanese manufacturer of automotive and industrial brakes and related components, has announced the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Mexico. The new production facility and supply base will facilitate a shift to localized production of Akebono Brake's components which have been exported to Mexico from Japan and elsewhere, to meet the increasing demand from automakers in Mexico.

Nikon Corporation (TYO:7731) announces the release of the Nikon D800 FX-format digital SLR camera, which offers a noteworthy effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels. The camera has superior image quality and a number of new functions, including multi-area mode full HD D-Movie that enables movie recording using either the FX-based movie format or the DX-based movie format.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
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Asian Activities Report for February 8, 2012: Great Wall Computer (SHE:000066) Partners with Satcon (NASDAQ:SATC) in Chinese Solar Projects

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 13:00:30 GMT

Great Wall Computer Company Limited (SHE:000066), a Chinese electronics contract manufacturer, has agreed to form a strategic sales and manufacturing partnership with Satcon Technology Corporation (NASDAQ:SATC), a leading provider of utility-scale power conversion solutions for the renewable energy market. Under the partnership Great Wall has committed to an initial purchase of approximately 60 megawatts of Satcon's PowerGate Plus solutions, which are expected to be delivered by April and utilised for Great Wall's projects. The two parties will also work together to reduce cost through design and supply chain improvements.

Anhui SaunaKing Co., Ltd. (SHE:300247), one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of sauna products in China, has proposed to acquire 100% stake in Saunalux, a German manufacturer of saunas and thermal cabins, for 2.1 million euros, and to invest a further 4.25 million euros in Saunalux as operating capital. Through the acquisition SaunaKing intends to expand its market position in Europe by utilising Saunalux's channel and resources, and to introduce Saunalux' high end brands into the Chinese market.

Suzuki Motor Corporation (TYO:7269) will establish a 50:50 joint venture company with Intelligent Energy Holdings PLC ("IEH") of UK, in February 2012, for developing and manufacturing fuel cell system. The Joint venture company, named SMILE FC System Corporation, aims to develop and commercialize a product by combining the fuel cell development technology of IEH, and control and mass-production technologies of Suzuki.

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

Asian Activities Report for February 7, 2012: GCL-Poly Energy Holdings (HKG:3800) Forms a Joint Venture with NRG Solar to Enter the US Solar Market

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:00:53 GMT

GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Limited (HKG:3800), a leading polysilicon and wafer supplier as well as a top green energy enterprise in China, has formed a 50:50 joint venture named Sunora Energy Solutions 1 LLC ("Sunora"), with NRG Solar, one of the largest photovoltaic ("PV") project developers in the United States. Sunora will seek to build selected projects developed by NRG Solar using GCL-Poly's performance-optimized PV system equipment and NRG's proprietary advanced racking technologies. GCL-Poly aims to participate in the fast-growing US solar market through this partnership.

Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HKG:0013) says that its subsidiary Hutchison 3G Austria ("3 Austria") has signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of Orange Austria. After the acquisition 3 Austria will become a top 3 player in the Austrian market, with 2.8 million customers and a market share of 22%. Customers in Austria will benefit from 3 Austria's superior high speed data network coverage and quality through the improved spectrum position, retail footprint and efficiencies that the combined businesses will generate.

Furukawa Electric (TYO:5801) has completed the acquisition of SuperPower Inc., a US-based manufacturer of second generation high temperature superconductivity wire. Through this acquisition, Furukawa Electric plans to provide superconducting wire and develop applied superconductor devices for the smart grid, alternative energy and industrial sectors.

Tokyo Electron Limited (TYO:8035) plans to set up a wholly owned subsidiary in Singapore, called Tokyo Electron Singapore PTE Ltd., on April 1, 2012. The new subsidiary will engage in the sales and services support of semiconductor production equipment and parts in Singapore and other Southeast Asian nations to strengthen the Company's sales performance in Southeast Asia.

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

Asian Activities Report for January 20, 2012: Tencent (HKG:0700) Invests in Level Up to Explore Online Game Markets in Brazil and the Philippines

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:18 GMT

China's largest and most used Internet service provider Tencent Holdings Limited (HKG:0700) has signed an agreement to acquire 49% interest in Level Up for US$26.95 million. Level Up is one of the leading game publishers and operators in Brazil and the Philippines. As of 30 November 2011, the consolidated total assets of Level Up were approximately US$32.3 million and net assets were approximately US$19.0 million. Tencent believes that the investment in Level Up will help Tencent identify opportunities in the online game sector in Brazil and the Philippines.

Asia Resources Holdings Limited (HKG:0899) says that its iron ore mine in Indonesia has commenced trial production in January 2012. An initial 5,000 metric tonnes of raw iron sand have been exploited and are currently under processing. Alongside with the trial production, the Group will commence marketing activities targeting both local and overseas customers for the sales of its iron sand.

Eisai Co., Ltd. (TYO:4523) will launch LIFE CHECK, a self-monitoring blood glucose meter on January 27, 2012. LIFE CHECK has been specially designed for ease-of-use by elderly diabetes patients. The sensor is easily inserted into the meter and has been designed to ensure that drops of blood from pierced fingertips can be easily applied. LIFE CHECK can even be used simply by diabetes patients who experience numbness and trembling in their hands and fingers.

Nihon Kohden Corporation (TYO:6849) announced the establishment of a 100%-owned subsidiary in Brazil, for the sales and after-sales support of medical devices. The sales subsidiary will aim to expand the market in Brazil, one of the major markets in Latin America, and to enhance brand image and provide tailored customer services. Operations will commence in April 2012.

NTT Data Corporation (TYO:9613) has commenced to provide supportive services, including ATM software and settlement networks, to regional banks in Japan whose ATMs are ready to accept China UnionPay cards. The Bank of Kyoto (TYO:8369) has become the first regional bank to adopt NTT Data's supportive services, and now provides cash withdrawal and balance inquiry services for China UnionPay card holders. The services will ensure that Chinese visitors can enjoy an even more pleasant shopping experience in Japan.

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

Asian Activities Report for January 19, 2012: King Jim (TYO:7962) New Product "iScamil" Scans Documents Directly onto iPads

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:27 GMT

King Jim Co., Ltd. (TYO:7962) says that its latest scanner product "iScamil" can easily convert iPad/iPad 2 into a portable scanner and digitises documents directly onto iPads. "iScamil" can handle everything from business cards to A4-sized documents, and directly save scanned copies as 300dpi JPEG files in the iPad's picture folder. Users can also have a real-time preview on their iPads as the items are pulled through the feeder and scanned. "iScamil" will be available in the Japanese market on February 17th, 2012, priced at 15,540 yen. King Jim expects to sell 30,000 units in the first year after launch.

Anton Oilfield Services Group (HKG:3337) today announces its strategic objectives for 2012, as it works towards its goal of becoming a leading global oilfield technology services company with a strong foothold in China. The Group expects to increase its market share in natural gas and horizontal wells, to increase revenue generated from business outside of China, and to make acquisitions worldwide.

SouthGobi Resources Limited (TSE:SGQ) (HKG:1878) says that the Company has successfully completed its 2011 guidance for coal sales and production. 4.02 million tonnes of coal were sold in 2011, representing a 58% year-on-year increase, whilst coal production for 2011 amounted to 4.57 million tonnes, up 64% than 2010.

Rhythm Watch Co., Ltd. (TYO:7769) has released a new alarm clock product with many features for emergencies and disaster prevention. It has AM/FM radio, a flashlight, a hand crank generator, and a USB jack for charging mobile phones. The product operates on either battery or AC power. It will be available in the Japanese market on 25 January 2012.

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

Asian Activities Report for January 18, 2012: DeNA (TYO:2432) Works with NetDragon Websoft (HKG:0777) to Develop Mobile Social Games for the Chinese Market

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:00:01 GMT

DeNA Co., Ltd. (TYO:2432), Japan's leading social gaming platform operator, and NetDragon Websoft Inc. (HKG:0777), a leading online game developer and mobile internet platform operator in China, have agreed to form a joint venture in the first quarter of 2012 to develop and operate mobile social games for the Chinese market. The joint venture company will localize non-Chinese social games, including a roster of DeNA Group's popular in-house and third party titles, for the growing smartphone market in China. The games will be available via NetDragon's app distribution platforms, which are widely used by smartphone users in China.

Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (TYO:5711), Furukawa Co., Ltd. (TYO:5715), Dowa Holdings Co.,Ltd. (TYO:5714), and Marubeni Corporation (TYO:8002) have announced the extended mine of life for their jointly invested Huckleberry copper project in Canada. Regulatory approvals for the Main Zone Optimization Plan have been received, and the life of the project has been extended to 2021. Production is expected to maintain the current rate, at approximately 20,000 tonnes of copper per year. The project is 50% owned by the four Japanese companies, with the remaining 50% interest owned by Canadian company Imperial Metals Corporation (TSE:III).

Goldwin Inc. (TYO:8111), a Japan-based manufacturer of highest quality authentic sportswear and equipment says that it will invest 1,800,000 Swiss francs to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary in Switzerland, named "Goldwin Europe AG", as an effort to expand the Company's business in Europe. Regulatory approval has been granted for the new company, which is expected to commence operation on April 1, 2012.

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

Asian Activities Report for January 16, 2012: China Southern Airlines (HKG:1055) Eyes on Australia

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:05:43 GMT

China Southern Airlines (HKG:1055) (SHA:600029) has become a major international sponsor and the official airline for Sydney Festival 2012, which opens from 7 January to 29 January 2012 in Sydney. China Southern Airlines is the first Chinese company to sponsor Sydney Festival, Australia's most vibrant summer festival of arts and performances. The sponsorship worth A$600,000, is part of China Southern Airlines' strategic expansion in the Australian market. The Company has been flying into Sydney for over 10 years, with additional flights to Melbourne and Brisbane and a new direct Perth service added in 2011. It is currently offering Australians flights into China and 132 cities worldwide.

Hisense Group (SHA:600060) was honored with the "Value Innovation Award" for its I'TV2 product at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 10th. This is the first time a Chinese enterprise has secured the highly competitive CES award. Hisense' I'TV has become a very popular product in China since it was launched at the end of 2011. It is the world's first personalized Smart TV, built specifically as a tablet but with all the functions of a TV.

Chiyoda Corporation(TYO:6366) says that its joint venture company with JGC Corporation (TYO:1963) and Kellogg Brown & Root has been awarded an engineering, procurement and construction ("EPC") contract for the Ichthys LNG plant facilities in Australia. The overall EPC contract value is expected to be around US$15 billion. The Ichthys LNG project is an integrated natural gas field development project, which will produce 8.4 million tonnes of LNG, approximately 70% of which is to be delivered to Japan.

Bridgestone Corporation (TYO:5108) has developed a revolutionary new printing technology for tires that is different from any tire printing or coloring process on the market today. Through this new technology, Bridgestone can realize the more creative showcase of tires while also considering environmental concerns such as fuel efficiency, without any additional weight to the tire. Bridgestone plans to quickly bring this tire printing technology to market.

Elecom Co., Ltd. (JASDAQ:6750) has unveiled its latest USB products, which features a function for encrypting stored data through a strong encryption algorithm called AES 256 bit. In addition, the USB products have superb security function, embedded with anti-virus program Trend Micro USB Security(TM) 2.0, which can protect the data on flash drive and PCs that it connects to.

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

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

Asian Activities Report for January 12, 2012: Wuliangye (SHE:000858) Total Revenue in 2011 Topped the Chinese Liquor Industry

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

China's liquor maker Wuliangye (SHE:000858) says that the Group has topped the Chinese liquor industry by achieving a total revenue of RMB 20.2 billion in 2011. Its net profit and earnings per share both increased by over 40%. Sales is expected to continue to grow in 2012, targeting RMB 50 billion in 2012. In 2011, Wuliangye was in the third place among China's 100 Most Valuable Brands, with a brad value of RMB 58.626 billion. The Group is actively expanding overseas markets in Korea, Japan and the USA. It is currently working with Lotte Group of Korea to market its products into the Korean market.

Logitech International (NASDAQ:LOGI) has unveiled Logitech HD Pro 920, the Company's first video webcam that makes video calls at full HD resolution. Logitech HD Pro 920 can send 1,080p video streams during Skype chats and 720p through Windows Live Messenger, with smoother video motion and better image quality. The webcam can also capture digital still images of up to 15 megapixels in quality. Logitech HD Pro 920 is expected to hit the market in January, 2012.

Toyo Engineering Corporation (TYO:6330) has won a contract to install topsides units for a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) system to be used in oilfield exploitation in Brazil. This is the twenty-eighth project to be executed by Toyo in Brazil. Toyo is striving to secure more overseas opportunities and to expand its business in the field of upstream activities such as resource development and FPSO.

NEC Corporation (TYO:6701) has announced the successful experimental demonstration of 1.15-Tb/s ultra-long haul optical transmission over 10,000 kilometers using optical superchannel technology. This is the first instance that a terabit/s channel generated from a single laser source has been transmitted over such a distance. The results clearly demonstrate that practical high-capacity transmission for transoceanic communication can be achieved using cost-effective superchannel technology.

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