ABN Newswire

Asian Activities Report for January 4, 2012: LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK) Announces Takeover Offer for Sunways (ETR:SWW)

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 4 Jan 2012 12:00:51 GMT

LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (NYSE:LDK), a Chinese solar company has agreed to acquire approximately 33% increased share capital in Sunways AG (ETR:SWW) of Germany for 2.2 million euros. LDK Solar has also offered to take over all outstanding shares in Sunways. Subject to regulatory approvals, the completion of the takeover offer is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2012. After the takeover, Sunways will remain a separate brand and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (TYO:8031) says that its joint venture company Galaxy NewSpring Pte. Ltd. will operate two new plants in China - a waste water treatment plant in Chongqing and a water treatment plant in Shandong Province. Galaxy will invest approximately 6 billion yen for the two new operational assets, which are expected to significantly contribute to the development of the regional community and environmental preservation.

Nomura Holdings, Inc. (TYO:8604) has reached an agreement to invest in Jiu You Quan Xing Equity Investment Fund, a private equity fund based in Shanghai. The investment follows Nomura's approval as a Qualified Foreign Limited Partner (QFLP) by the Shanghai municipal government. The QFLP program in Shanghai allows approved foreign investors to convert foreign currency into yuan and directly invest in private equity funds based in Shanghai. Nomura was the first Japanese financial institution to qualify for the program.

Diploma Group Limited (ASX:DGX) has achieved Practical Completion on its Eleven 78 development on Hay Street, West Perth. Eleven 78 is a A$75 million residential building with 128 apartments and two commercial tenancies. Titles for the 130 lots have now issued with settlements expected to commence in the first week of January 2012.

AEON Co., Ltd. (TYO:8267) says that its subsidiary, Petcity Co., Ltd. will be merging with AHB International Inc., a Japanese company which owns and operates pet retail stores and provides pet grooming services. The merger will create the largest pet service company in Japan's rapidly-growing pet beauty care and medical services market, with 165 pet retail stores, 146 pet grooming stores and 49 pet hospitals.

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

Asian Activities Report for December 9, 2011: Shanghai Electric Group (SHA:601727) to Form Wind Power Equipment Joint Ventures with Siemens (NYSE:SI)

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Fri, 9 Dec 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Shanghai Electric Group (SHA:601727) (HKG:2727) has signed agreements with Siemens (NYSE:SI) to jointly invest over 165 million euros in two joint venture companies in China for the development, manufacturing and sales of wind power equipments. Shanghai Electric expects to utilise Siemens' advanced wind power technology and to play a leading role in China's offshore wind power market.

Beijing Enterprises Holdings Limited (HKG:0392) says that its subsidiary Green Industry (Qinghai) has signed a contracting agreement for a 20 megawatt photovoltaic grid-tied power generation project in Qinghai Province in China. Green Industry (Qinghai) is responsible for the operation of the Project, which is expected to commence by the end of 2011. The total investment of the Project is approximately RMB 356,220,000.

Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. (TYO:8306), will form a strategic business and capital alliance with AMP Limited (ASX:AMP), the largest independent financial services provider in Australia. Mitsubishi UFJ will acquire a 15% interest in AMP Capital Holdings, a subsidiary of AMP Limited. This alliance is part of Mitsubishi UFJ's business growth strategy to enhance its asset management business globally.

Honda Motor (TYO:7267) says that two of its auto plants in Ohio have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2011 Energy Star award, due to the Company's ongoing efforts to operate energy-efficient facilities. Improving the energy efficiency of Honda factories is the single biggest focus of the company's efforts. It has ongoing conservation initiatives to minimize the environmental impact from the use of fossil fuels.

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

Asian Activities Report for December 6, 2011: DunAn (SHE:002011) Won Greatest Growth Potential Award in China

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 6 Dec 2011 12:00:23 GMT

DunAn (SHE:002011) has recently won the Greatest Growth Potential Award at the 2011 Reputation List of China Listed Companies event in China. Founded in 1987, the China-based company is a market leader in the manufacturing and sales of general refrigeration equipment and accessories. In recent years, DunAn has expanded its business to renewable energy, new material development and other areas. The Company successfully raised 966 million yuan through private placement last month to fund its projects in renewable energy system development, and nuclear power station heating, ventilation, and air conditioning integration.

Honghua Group Limited (HKG:0196) says that its wholly-owned subsidiary Sichuan Honghua Petroleum Equipment Corporation Ltd. will form a joint venture company with Gansu Huateng Petroleum Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.. Sichuan Honghua will purchase some assets from Gansu Huateng for RMB 39 million, and own 70% of the equity interest in the joint venture, with the rest 30% to be owned by Gansu Huateng. The joint venture company will be principally engaged in manufacturing and marketing of special vehicles, fabrication and marketing of pressure pumps, oil exploration and production, mining and metallurgy, and other business.

Seven Bank, Ltd. (JSD:8410), an Osaka Securities Exchange listed company, has received approval to list its shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Monday, December 26, 2011. Seven Bank is a subsidiary of Seven & I Holdings Co. (TYO:3382), with its core business in ATM operations. The Bank has started to install third-generation ATMs in the fiscal year 2011, and as of the end of February 2011, it had 15,356 installed ATMs. The Bank's net income in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 was 16,008 million yen.

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

Agricultural Bank of China (HKG:1288) Plans to Open Branches in London and Seoul

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Fri, 2 Dec 2011 16:08:19 GMT

Agricultural Bank of China Limited (SHA:601288) (HKG:1288) ("the Bank") is planning to open branches in London, UK and Seoul, Korea, where the Bank currently has representative offices.

Following approvals received from the China Banking Regulatory Commission, Agricultural Bank of China (UK) Limited and Seoul Branch of Agricultural Bank of China Limited have received business licenses from the regulatory authorities in their respective jurisdictions, said the Bank in an announcement today.

Agricultural Bank of China is one of the "Big Four" state-owned commercial banks in China. The Bank ranked No.141 in the global Fortune 500 companies in 2010, and ranked No.14 in The Banker's "Top 1000 World Banks" list in terms of profit before tax for the year of 2009. Recently, the Bank won the title of the "Most Innovative Chinese Company" in 2011 from the Fortune China.

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

Asian Activities Report for November 29, 2011: Bank of Communications (SHA:601328) Opens Sydney Branch

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:30:03 GMT

The Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. (SHA:601328) (HKG:3328), a leading commercial bank in China, has officially opened its first branch in Australia, an important addition to its expanding global network. The new branch, located in Sydney, will provide first-class financial services to Australian customers and companies. Headquartered in Shanghai, the Bank of Communications currently has 11 overseas branches, including the Los Angeles Branch, which just opened 2 weeks ago.

Trend Micro, Inc. (TYO:4704) and the International Cyber Security Protection Alliance ("ICSPA") will establish a "global cyber nation" in Washington D.C. today to coordinate the international fight against cybercrime. As a global cloud security leader and one of the principal sponsors and founding members of the ICSPA, Trend Micro will support ICSPA in its bid to work with international governments and agencies to create a unified, worldwide defense force capable of protecting the global cyber nation.

Arc Exploration Limited (ASX:ARX) has commenced exploration field work at its Bima Project in Indonesia. The project covers 250 square kilometres and is prospective for copper and gold. The project has excellent infrastructure with a well-established road network covering almost all of the tenement area.

WCP Resources Limited (ASX:WCP) has received encouraging rock chip assays at its 100%-owned Yalgoo gold project. Gold grades of up to 60.4 grams/tonne were received. The Company is now preparing an initial drill program to test prospective targets.

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

Asian Activities Report for September 21, 2011: Impact Minerals Limited (ASX:IPT) Updates on Exploration Activities in Botswana

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 21 Sept 2011 12:15:52 GMT

Impact Minerals Limited (ASX:IPT) has commenced a major drilling programme at its Botswana Uranium Project. The first results are expected soon and will determine the scope of the drilling programme. The Company has also completed a major airborne magnetic survey over the northern part of the Xade Copper-Nickel-PGE project in central Botswana. The data has been received and a detailed interpretation is in progress.

Cokal Limited (ASX:CKA) has purchased an additional 10% of both the Bumi Barito Mineral and Borneo Bara Prima metallurgical coal projects in Indonesia, bringing Cokal's ownership of the two projects to 60%. The exploration program at the Bumi Barito Mineral project has progressed well, while planning and initial groundwork is well advanced at the Borneo Bara Prima project to enable drilling to commence in the near future.

Manas Resources Limited (ASX:MSR) reported final results from drilling at its 100%-owned Shambesai Gold Project in the Kyrgyz Republic. Two wide intersections of 54m at 2.9 g/t Au and 19m at 1.1 g/t Au were returned. Resource update for Shambesai remains on schedule for release later this month, and Feasibility Study will be completed in the December Quarter.

Tiger Resources Limited (ASX:TGS) provided a production update for August 2011 from its high-grade Kipoi Copper Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The plant's maintenance work has finished and the operation is moving steadily towards achieving nameplate production rates and recoveries. It is expected that export sales will commence in October 2011.

Tata Consultancy Services Limited (BOM:532540) has signed a five-year multi-million contract with Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) to deliver IT services to the Bank at locations in USA, UK, Germany, Hungary, Philippines, Singapore and India. This will help reduce service complexity and enhance customer experience for the Bank.

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

Seven Bank Limited (JSD:8410) To Launch International Money Transfer Service on March 22, 2011

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:01:00 GMT

Seven Bank Limited (JSD:8410) (PINK:SEBNF) will launch an international money transfer service on March 22, 2011. The service allows customers to easily and conveniently send money from Seven Bank accounts for an affordable transfer charge(*1) to over 400,000(*2) Western Union (NYSE:WU) locations in more than 200 countries across the globe.

To best serve the needs of customers sending money from Japan to overseas locations, the service will use the world's leading money transfer network, operated by Western Union (The Western Union Company) and covering over 400,000 locations in more than 200 countries and territories across the globe. The highly convenient and reliable service will allow customers to quickly and easily transfer money from a Seven Bank account via Internet banking, mobile banking, or Seven Bank's network of over 15,000 ATMs(*3) across Japan.

Summary of international money transfer service

1. Generally available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Customers will be able to quickly and easily transfer money from a Seven Bank account via Internet or mobile banking. From July 2011, customers will also be able to transfer money via the bank's network of over 15,000 ATMs across Japan, installed primarily in Seven-Eleven stores.

2. Simple, affordable transfer charges(*1)

A transfer charge of 990 yen will apply to transfers of up to 10,000 yen. A transfer charge of 1,500 yen will apply to transfers of up to 50,000 yen. In general, additional fees will not be charged upon receipt of the funds.

3. Vast network of payout locations

Funds will be transferable to over 400,000 Western Union agent locations in over 200 countries and territories.

This includes, for example, around 2,900(*2) location in South Korea, around 31,000(*2) locations in China, and around 8,000(*2) locations in the Philippines.

4. Funds available in as little as minutes(*4) after transfer

Customers will be able to quickly and reliably transfer funds when pressed for time.

To use Seven Bank's money transfer service, customers will need to open a Seven Bank account and apply for an international money transfer service agreement. Fund recipients must be registered in advance.

Notes:

(*1). In addition to transfer charges, Seven Bank and Western Union also earn foreign exchange gains.

(*2). Figures current as of December 31, 2010.

(*3). Money transfers from ATMs are scheduled to begin in July 2011.

(*4). Funds are usually available within a few minutes of transfer but may take longer depending on business hours of the receiving agent and time-zone differences.

For Reference

1. Where to find further details of Seven Bank's international money transfer service, please visit the following URL on Seven Bank's website:
http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/soukin/en

2. About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded payment services, Western Union provides fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world. Western Union's services are offered through a network of over 400,000 agent locations in around 200 countries. Western Union is well known for having pioneered telegram services in 1851. For more information, visit http://www.westernunion.com

For further information

Seven bank International Money Transfer Service
http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/soukin/en

Seven Bank, Ltd.
http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/english

Marunouchi Center Building,
1-6-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo 100-0005, Japan

Aspire Mining Limited (ASX:AKM) Complete Placement And Announce Board Appointment

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 16:55:47 GMT

Aspire Mining Limited (ASX:AKM) (PINK:ASPXF) ("Aspire") is pleased to announce the completion of the placement of 105,860,186 ordinary shares at A$0.19 per share to SouthGobi Resources Limited (TSX:SGQ) ("SouthGobi").

Aspire and SouthGobi announced the Placement Agreement on 25 October 2010, under which Aspire has raised A$20.1 million through the issue of 19.9% of the company's issued ordinary share capital to SouthGobi. Aspire received shareholder approval for the placement and strategic alliance on 15 December 2010 and SouthGobi received Foreign Investment Review Board ("FIRB") approval on 22 December 2010.

The funds from the placement will assist Aspire with its 2011 exploration and resource drilling programme at the Aspire 100%-owned Ovoot Coking Coal Project in Mongolia and the payment of the deferred consideration owing in respect to the acquisition of Ovoot.

Mr Tony Pearson, SouthGobi's Vice President of Corporate Development, joined the Aspire Board of Directors today. He has previously held senior positions with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission, Citigroup's (NYSE:C) Metals and Mining Investment Banking team and Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX:WBC) (NYSE:WBK).

During his time with Citigroup, Mr Pearson advised mining clients on capital raisings, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, particularly for Asian and Australian mining companies. At Westpac, Mr Perason was integral to the establishment of the bank's infrastructure and funds management business, focusing on financing and investment activities in the infrastructure and transportation sectors.

Aspire's Managing Director, Mr David Paull, said: "We are very pleased to welcome SouthGobi as the company's cornerstone shareholder and look forward to a very active 2011 exploration and development programme targeted towards our Ovoot Coking Coal Project."

David Paull
Managing Director
Aspire Mining Limited
Tel: +61-407-22-5291
Email: info@aspiremininglimited.com
http://www.aspiremininglimited.com

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM) Visited Shandong Gold (SHA:600547)

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:29:41 GMT

General Manager of Global Mining Division of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM) (NYSE:CM) ("CIBC") Mr. Terblanche recently led a team to Shangdong, China, visiting Shandong Gold (SHA:600547) and received a warm welcome.

Both parties exchanged their opinions on the acquisition of mining projects and reached preliminary agreement.

Wang Jianhua, Chairman of the Board of Shandong Gold briefed the guests on the Group's recent achievements in mineral exploration and development, explaining its stategic focus in China's 12th Five-Year Development Plan. Mr Wang wished to have the opportunity of leveraging on CIBC's extensive experience in mergers & acquisition and capital operation in the mining sector to help Shandong Gold build an overseas resource platform.

Mr. Terblanche introduced CIBC's current business development in China as well as their achievement in mining project acquisition and stock underwriting.

Shandong Gold Group
Fax: +86-0531-88932773
Tel: +86-0531-67710071

FINANCE VIDEO: Launch of Trevor Sykes New Book Six Months of Panic and Presentation - Can There Be Another GFC?

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:28:35 GMT

FINANCE VIDEO: Launch of Trevor Sykes New Book Six Months of Panic and Presentation - Can There Be Another GFC?

Trevor Skyes is one of Australia's leading finance writers. In a journalistic career spanning more than half a century, he has been Editor of The Bulletin, Editor-in-Chief of Australian Business and Assistant Editor of The Australian Financial Review and Melbourne Bureau Chief of the Australian Financial Review. He is also the creator of the Pierpont column in which he assumes the identity of a crusty old clubman who surveys the financial world and its scandals through the bottom of a brandy glass at the Croesus Club. His previous books include The Money Miners (covering the Poseidon boom of 1969 - 70), Two Centuries of Panic, (a history of financial collapses since the arrival of the First Fleet), The Bold Riders (surveying the excesses of the 1980s) and Operation Dynasty (on Warwick Fairfax's takeover of the Fairfax empire).

Trevor Sykes is also on the board of AusTex Oil Limited (ASX:AOK) as a Non-Executive Director (appointed 11 August 2007). He is currently a Director of Mitchell Corporation, the largest trucking company in WA, specialising in logistics services for the resource industry. He was also a Director of the listed exploration company Copper Range Limited (ASX:CRJ)(August 2006 to October 2007). He is a member of the SA Mining & Petroleum Expert Group which promotes resource development in that state and a Patron of the Sydney Mining Club.

View this videocast here:
http://www.abnnewswire.net/multimedia/en/63969/Trevor-Sykes

Books by Trevor Sykes:

- the Bold Riders
Published: September 1994
Re-Published: August 1996

Just as Trevor Skyes' Two Centuries of Panic has become the classic, definitive history of corporate collapses in Australia from the 1820s to the 1970s, The Bold Riders is the classic history of the collapses that followed.

- Money Miners
Published: May 1995

- Two Centuries of Panic
Published: December 1998

A new edition of the classic contribution to the history of business in Australia, Two Centuries of Panic will fascinate all who are interested in money, and in the people who make it.

the soon to be released - Six Months of Panic
Published: November 2010

A roller coaster of a ride through the boom and bust that led to the 'GFC', by Australia's most acclaimed business writer.

Trevor Sykes
Author and Legend in Mining

Allen & Unwin
Tel: +61-2-8425-0100
Fax: +61-2-9906-2218
http://tinyurl.com/2degq5d