Chedid Re wins the 2011 Reinsurance Broker of the Year award

Farid Chedid: “Winning this leading award two years in a row is a tribute to our excellence”

Doha, Qatar - Sunday, January 30th 2011 [ME NewsWire]

Chedid Re has been named “2011 Reinsurance Broker of the Year” for the secondyear in a row by the MENA Insurance Awards (previously Gulf Insurance Awards). The prestigious award was presented to Chedid Re Chairman Mr. Farid Chedid during the competition’s 2011 awards ceremony, held at TheAddress in Dubai.

A distinguished panel of judges comprising eminent industry leaders, practitioners and regulators from MENA and global markets agreed that product innovation, integrity, strong financial performance, commitment to customers and a proven track record of success set Chedid Re apart from all other reinsurance brokers in the region.

Receiving the award, Mr. Farid Chedid said: “It is a great honor to be named ‘2011Reinsurance Broker of the Year’ at the MENA Insurance Awards. Winning this leading award two years in a row is a tribute to the excellence of our team members and an acknowledgement of the leading position Chedid Re holds within the reinsurance industry.”

“We are extremely gratified to receive this recognition of our contributions. Chedid Re remains committed to our innovative approach in developing reinsurance businessrelationships, providing our clients with expert reinsurance solutions, and building a stronger reinsurance industry in the key global market.”

One of the fastest growing reinsurance brokers in the MENA region, Chedid Re delivers comprehensive reinsurance solutions to over 170 insurance companies in MENA and Europe through offices in Beirut, Dubai, Limassol and Riyadh. For more information please visit www.chedidre.com

About Chedid Re

Chedid Re is one of the fastest growing reinsurance brokers in the Middle East North Africa region (“MENA”) and is renowned for the quality of its services, placement of complex and specialized risks and speed of delivery. Chedid Re was established in Cyprus in 1998 to service a growing demand for a reliable, innovative and professional reinsurance broker/intermediary in the MENA region.

In addition to its reinsurance brokerage activities, Chedid Re has also a longstanding successful track record as an approved Lloyd’s correspondent cover-holder. Chedid Re is thus authorized by different Lloyd's syndicates and by other regional and international reinsurers to underwrite risks, enter into contracts of reinsurance, and issue reinsurance documentation on their behalf.

Today, Chedid Re delivers comprehensive reinsurance solutions to over 170 insurance companies in MENA and Europe through offices in Beirut, Dubai, Limassol and Riyadh.

For more information, please visit www.chedidre.com
Contacts

Krikor Khatchikian

Senior Account Manager

Cohn & Wolfe Public Relations

+974 428 3177

Krikor.Khatchikian@cohnwolfeqatar.com

East African Operator CxOs Plan to Meet in Nairobi to Discuss Strategies for Healthy Competition in the Region

LONDON - Tuesday, February 1st 2011 [ME NewsWire]

East Africa Com 2011

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The East African telecoms markets, and in particular the Kenyan & Ugandan markets, have seen stiff competition – especially around price. With ARPU decreasing to just US$7.13, operators are left wondering how they can improve their bottom line, despite having to diminish their prime source of income from customers.

In response to this, convergence, broadband and value added services are becoming an increasing part of operator strategies, with Informa Telecoms & Media reporting that mobile broadband subscriptions in East Africa grew by 105% in 2010 to reach 690,707. A mix of technologies are being deployed to offer these broadband services as mobile, satellite and fixed-line operators and ISPs compete with bundle prepaid options.

With this array of challenges and growth opportunities, East Africa Com is the perfect forum for operators needing to get together, discuss, and learn. 15 CxOs from East African operators have so far confirmed their participation at East Africa Com – the region’s leading executive-level telecoms conference & exhibition – which will take place in the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi, on the 5th and 6th April www.comworldseries.com/eafrica

These Operator CxO speakers include; Richard Bell, Group CEO, Wananchi Group; Atul Chaturvedi, CEO, Yu Kenya; Bhaskar Chakraborty, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Airtel Africa; Mickael Ghossein, CEO, Orange Telkom Kenya; Michel Barré, VP East Africa & Islands Region, Orange France-Telecom Group; John Barorot, CTO, Safaricom; Peter Arina, CCO, Safaricom; Norman Moyo, CEO, Zantel Tanzania; Peter Reinartz, CEO, Zuku Kenya; Julius Kinyua, CEO, Flashcom, Kenya; Khalil Nassar, CTIO, Vivacell, Southern Sudan; James Byraruhanga, CTO, Roke Telkom, Uganda, amongst others.

They will offer expert observations and best practice advice on issues like: mergers and acquisitions in the region; Airtel Africa’s arrival; competing in the converging East African arena; connecting East Africa - strategies to leverage greater network capacity & drive access to communications; network evolution & the leap to LTE; VAS - delivering real value to customers; operator competitive strategies - ensure prime positioning to thrive in East African markets; strategies for a fair playing field & customer centricity; intelligent and cost-effective extension of networks for rural access to communications; rural telecoms - reaching out with services for new growth; and how to defeat telecoms fraud to discover lost revenue.

East Africa Com is the only annual event dedicated to the communications industry of East Africa where 850 operators (fixed, mobile, wireless), ISPs, regulators, investors and vendors from the region gather to debate the opportunities and challenges facing their markets. The conference will be co-located with an exhibition that showcases the latest innovations from over 30 telecoms companies in East Africa and across the globe.

For more information on East Africa Com please contact: Emily Cottam, Senior Conference Producer, East Africa Com, emily.cottam@informa.comTel: +44 (0)20 7017 5610 www.comworldseries.com/eafrica

About Informa Telecoms & Media

Informa Telecoms & Media is the leading provider of business intelligence to global telecoms and media markets.

Our aim is to provide actionable, strategic advice and forecasting on all aspects of converging mobile, fixed, entertainment and IT markets. Driven by constant first-hand contact with the industry our team of analysts and researchers produce over 300 annual events and intelligence services including news and analytical products, in-depth market reports and data sets. We benefit from outstanding people, including 100+ analysts, researchers and journalists across 14 countries. Our customers include major blue-chip vendors, operators, and regulators in addition to key players from the financial and content communities. We are proud of the role we play in bringing the industry together and keeping 100,000 individuals better informed. www.informatm.com
Contacts

for East Africa Com

Emily Cottam, Senior Conference Producer

emily.cottam@informa.com

+44 (0)20 7017 5610

www.comworldseries.com/eafrica

Ban Ki-Moon Addresses Young Future Energy Leaders at World Future Energy Summit

UN Secretary-General Encourages next generation to think sustainably

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, January 18th 2011 [ME NewsWire]

On the opening day of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General, gave an address to the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL), an initiative led by Masdar Institute.

During his address Ban Ki-Moon said: “You young future energy leaders can make a difference. Starting today. You have the talent and enthusiasm to turn vision into reality. Whatever your chosen career path, I encourage you to think sustainability.”

YFEL was established by Masdar Institute, to raise the awareness of students and young professionals in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability. During WFES, Masdar Institute will also be hosting a range of events at the YFEL stand, including: on Tuesday January 18th – Dr Susan Hockfield, MIT President, visits YFEL; YFEL Debate: Enforcing Recycling on a Global Scale; Wednesday January 19th – Industry Update: International Wind Association and London Array Project Presentation and Case Study; YFEL Debate: The Challenges that USA Faces in Reducing their Carbon Footprint; Thursday January 20th – YFEL Debate: Policy Update.

Ban Ki-Moon said: “Engaging with the youth of today is a vital part of tackling the challenges climate change. The Masdar Institute’s Young Future Energy Leaders will be the Heads of State, Professors and CEO’s that will lead, develop and implement solutions in the renewable energy and sustainability space in the years to come. Listening to and nurturing these talented people now will ensure a more robust response to climate change.”

Ends

Photo YFEL.jpg attached. Caption:

Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General, Mohammed Salem Bin Kardous Al-Ameri, an Emirati philanthropist and donor to YFEL, and His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO, Masdar, with the Young Future Energy Leaders on the opening day of the World Future Energy Summit.

About Young Future Energy Leaders

YFEL is a key element of the annual World Future Energy Summit (WFES), held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). YFEL focuses on raising the awareness of students and young professionals in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability. This unique program, led by Masdar Institute, helps mentor future leaders in the fields of alternative energy by engaging them with the leaders of today. YFEL also offers young professionals and students from the UAE and abroad the opportunity to become more engaged in finding solutions to the world’s biggest challenges: energy efficiency and climate change.

Since its inception in 2008, WFES has evolved as the world’s foremost and must-attend annual meeting for the renewable energy and environment industry. In 2010 WFES uniquely brought together over 24,760 attendees from 148 countries including world leaders, international policy makers, industry leaders, investors, experts, academia, intellectuals and journalists to find practical and sustainable solutions for today’s energy security and climate change challenges.WFES promotes innovation and investment opportunities surrounding renewable energy and environment. It represents an unrivalled business platform bringing together project owners and solution providers with investors and buyers from both the public and private sectors. To find out more about WFES visit http://www.worldfutureenergysummit.com/.

During WFES, the following YFEL spokespeople will be available for comment. If you wish to arrange an interview:

· Mohammed Bin Kardous Al Ameri, an Emirati philanthropist and supporter of YFEL

· Ayesha Al-Ateeqi, YFEL Outreach Officer

· Zainab Al Ali, YFEL Outreach Officer

· Emirati students, a Masdar Institute student, International students, and one UAE young professional

If you wish to arrange an interview, please use the contact details below.

YFEL mission

• Engage young people from the UAE and beyond with alternative energy and sustainability

• Champion the efforts of young professionals already involved with alternative energy and sustainability

• Introduce young professionals to Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and its initiatives

• Promote interaction between the young professionals and government representatives, businesses leaders and other organizations active in the area of alternative energy and sustainability

• Encourage students to present innovative ideas related to alternative energy and sustainability

About YFEL 2011 Sponsors

Mr. Mohamed Bin Kardous Al Ameri, and Emirati and a philanthropist made a personal contribution of AED 1 million to the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program.

Four corporate sponsors have also been confirmed for the 2011 YFEL program. Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) are platinum sponsors. The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation is working to deliver safe, clean, efficient nuclear energy to the United Arab Emirates – energy that is needed to support the UAE’s social and economic growth. ADNOC was established in 1971, to operate in all areas of the oil and gas industry and since then has steadily broadened its activity establishing companies and subsidiaries and creating an integrated oil and gas industry in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) and Dolphin Energy are gold sponsor. ADWEA is a national organization wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government, maintaining a separate legal entity, as well as complete financial and administrative independence. ADWEA replaced the former Water & Electricity Department in 1998 and it is responsible for implementing government policy regarding water and electricity sector in the Emirate, including privatization of the water and electricity sector. Dolphin Energy is a strategic energy initiative that involves the production and processing of natural gas from Qatar’s North Field, and transportation of the refined gas by subsea pipeline across joint UAE-Qatari waters to the UAE.

About Participants of YFEL 2011

Local and international students participating in the YFEL program are from UAE University, Zayed University, Higher Colleges of Technology, American University of Sharjah, American University of Dubai, and University of Sharjah, as well as highly reputed Harvard University, MIT, Duke University, Technical University of Denmark, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, University of Kenya and Middle East University. These students were selected based on their academic accomplishments and leadership skills. They come from different academic background such us, engineering, IT, science and business.

The Young professionals nominated to participate in the YFEL program are from companies such as Mubadala Development Company, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Aldar Properties, Dolphin Energy and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Emirates National Oil Company and First Gulf Bank, Dubai Aluminum Ltd, TAKREER, ZADCO, ADCO, ADGAS , GASCO, and National Drilling Company.

About Masdar Institute

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute) was established by the government of Abu Dhabi as a not-for-profit, private graduate university to serve as a “knowledge-hub” in the region to develop indigenous R&D capacity in Abu Dhabi addressing issues of importance to the region.

With the assistance of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute has developed an academic and research platform that articulates its mission and vision according to critical energy and sustainability challenges.

An important characteristic of Masdar Institute is its focus on complex real-world problems that require a multidisciplinary approach for the development of solutions from an integrated technology, systems and policy perspective. This multi-interdisciplinary and integrated approach is supported by the structure of its academic programs and by the emphasis placed on engaging external partners from industry, government, and other academic institutions in collaborative activities.

Masdar Institute offers degrees in:

· MSc Engineering Systems and Management

· MSc Computing and Information Science

· MSc Materials Science and Engineering

· MSc Mechanical Engineering

· MSc Water and Environmental Engineering

· MSc Microsystems Engineering

· MSc Electrical Power Engineering

· Interdisciplinary Doctoral Degree PhD program

For more information on Masdar Institute, please visit http://www.masdar.ac.ae/
Contacts

For English language media:

Ben Steele

bsteele@masdar.ae

+971 (0) 567 891 764



For Arabic language media:

Nova Ghadri

Nova.ghadri@hotmail.com

+971 507 700 344

IntervalZero Releases RTX 2011: Most Powerful and Scalable Version of its Real-Time Software

Real-Time Windows’ Plug-in Supports Up To 32 Processors

WALTHAM, Mass. - Monday, January 31st 2011 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IntervalZero, Inc., today released RTX 2011, the most powerful and scalable version of its market-leading real-time software plug-in for Microsoft Windows.

RTX 2011, which replaces DSPs/FPGAs and significantly reduces development costs for Windows-based systems that require hard real-time and that have a sophisticated user experience, provides support for systems with up to 32 processors. RTX 2011 more than quadruples the number of processors that were supported in a true symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) configuration under the previous RTX version.

Unlike traditional architectures that rely on two development environments and two independent systems to deliver both real-time and a sophisticated user interface, RTX is the only solution that can deliver a single, integrated system that executes a Windows-based human-machine interface and the real-time system that can scale up to execute in parallel on as many cores in a multicore environment as are required by the OEMs’ application. Additionally, RTX is the only 100% Windows-focused product designed to be an SMP architecture on a single PC.

IntervalZero also announced today that RTX 2011 has six Runtime edition options, giving its global customers increased flexibility in choosing the level of processor support required for their embedded systems today – with the scalability to meet future requirements.

The RTX 2011 runtime edition options range from Runtime Solo, which includes support for real-time operations on one shared or dedicated real-time subsystem (RTSS) processor in a uniprocessor or multicore/multiprocessor environment, up to Runtime Ultimate, which includes support for real-time operations on one shared or up to 31 dedicated RTSS processors.

“Throughout our key markets – Industrial Automation, Digital Media, Medical Systems, Test and Measurement – OEMs see multicore x86 as a disruptive technology they can exploit to rip costs out of their Bill of Materials. Moreover, Windows 7’s new user experience is an additional catalyst for change, increasing OEMs’ urgency to trade old menu-oriented systems for a new touch and gesture experience.

“They see that a combination of Windows 7, x86 and RTX is their opportunity to increase system performance, cut their costs, and get to market more quickly. And they recognize that with RTX’s increased processor support, as well as its SMP and parallel processing functionality, the tasks traditionally performed by DSP or FPGA hardware can be done with software. They find the economics of this Soft-Control Architecture very compelling,” said IntervalZero CEO Jeffrey Hibbard.

Hibbard said RTX 2011 is an essential component in innovative Soft-Control Architectures that many OEMs have already adopted to achieve system-development cost reductions of 25 to 50%, as well as breakthroughs in throughput and yields, in production quality, and in a more compact physical footprint.

By leveraging RTX’s tight integration with the Windows environment and its native SMP support on x86 multiprocessors, OEMs move the hard real-time control logic, such as programmable logic control, motion logic, and digital media algorithms, from specialized hardware components – FPGAs and DSPs – to software components.

Hibbard pointed out that IntervalZero is the only software vendor 100% committed to the Microsoft ecosystem and that as leading Microsoft Gold Partner working hand in hand with Microsoft and other Microsoft partners helps insure that customers get to market quickly with the highest-quality, longest-lasting solution.

For more information, please visit www.intervalzero.com
Contacts

IntervalZero, Inc.

VP, Strategic Communications

Brian Carter, 508-277-7570

brian.carter@intervalzero.com

www.intervalzero.com

CHOICE Awards Outstanding Academic Title to ebrary’s Academic Complete

ALO ALTO, Calif. - Monday, January 31st 2011 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ebrary®, a leading provider of e-books and research technology, today announced that its Academic Complete™ subscription database has received the prestigious designation of CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title (OAT), further cementing its position as the best value in the industry.

Licensed by thousands of libraries worldwide, Academic Complete features a growing selection of more than 52,000 e-books in all academic subject areas with unlimited, multi-user access. The product also includes DASH!™ (Data Sharing, Fast), which enables libraries to upload and integrate their own digital content right from their computers. Preview the collection at http://site.ebrary.com/lib/academiccompletetitles.

“Academic Complete is our flagship product that we have offered to libraries for nearly a decade,” said Kevin Sayar, President and General Manager of ebrary. “We are very proud that with ongoing input and support from our customers and partners we have been able to improve both the quality of the collection and the research tools that have enabled Academic Complete to receive such an honor from CHOICE.”

Academic Complete subscribers may supplement their collection with purchased titles and e-books acquired through ebrary’s Patron Driven Acquisition (PDA) program, including over 1,000 additional CHOICE OAT from Cambridge University Press, Harvard University Press, Oxford University Press, Wiley, Yale University Press, and other leading publishers. The CHOICE selection may be previewed at http://site.ebrary.com/lib/choicetitles.

Key features and benefits include the following:

* Available anytime through any web-enabled device including the iPad.
* Seamless integration between subscription databases, purchased titles, and e-books acquired through PDA.
* Upload and integrate your own digital materials with DASH!, available with select subscription databases.
* Free on-demand MARC records.
* Granular COUNTER-compliant usage reports.
* 24/7 web-based training with a real person.
* Powerful technology:
o Multiple options for searching, navigating, and browsing.
o Saved searches with automatic alerts for end-users when new content that matches their interests is available.
o ebrary InfoTools™, which turns every word into a portal to additional information on the web.
o Notes and highlights that are automatically stored on a personal bookshelf.
o Ability to copy/paste and print text with automatic citations and URL hyperlinks back to the source.
o Personal bookshelves with moveable folders that can be shared with others.
o ADA 508C compliant content, text-to-speech, and other accessibility features.

To request a demo, title list, or additional information, please email sales@ebrary.com.

About ebrary (www.ebrary.com)

ebrary® is a leading provider of e-books and research technology to libraries worldwide. Founded in 1999, the company offers more than 273,000 e-books from over 500 trusted publishers under flexible models including subscription, perpetual access, and patron driven acquisition. ebrary is the only e-book provider that enables customer to upload and integrate their own digital materials right from their computers with DASH!™ (Data Sharing, Fast) as well as apply cross-referencing with multiple online resources with InfoTools™. A member of the ProQuestfamily of companies, ebrary is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, USA.
Contacts

ebrary

Beth Dempsey, +1 248-349-7810

beth.dempsey@proquest.com

KCI Licenses Wright Medical’s GRAFTJACKET® Brand for Wound Care

Deal Enables Full Commercialization of Regenerative Tissue Matrix Technology for Wound Care Patients, Including Those with Diabetic Foot Ulcers

SAN ANTONIO - Monday, January 31st 2011 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kinetic Concepts, Inc.(NYSE: KCI) announced today an agreement to license Wright Medical Group, Inc.’s GRAFTJACKET® brand for use in marketing the LifeCell™ acellular human dermal-based regenerative tissue matrix for wound applications such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous stasis ulcers. KCI’s Active Healing Solutions™ business unit will sell the LifeCell™ regenerative tissue matrix under the GRAFTJACKET® brand name. Patients can be conveniently treated with GRAFTJACKET® Matrix as part of the overall treatment regimen, in a variety of care settings, including outpatient wound care clinics, physicians’ offices, or as a hospital inpatient.

The addition of GRAFTJACKET® Matrix allows KCI to offer both negative pressure wound therapy and regenerative tissue matrix for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds, providing clinicians two leading modalities for treating patients across the wound healing continuum. KCI is already a market leader in negative pressure wound therapy for challenging wounds with the V.A.C.® Therapy System. GRAFTJACKET® Matrix may be used in conjunction with NPWT, such as V.A.C.® Therapy, providing a convenient option in caring for chronic wounds.

“Regenerative medicine plays a significant role in the practice of wound healing, and KCI stands at the forefront of that breakthrough,” said Mike Genau, global president, KCI Active Healing Solutions™. “By bringing GRAFTJACKET® Matrix to the clinical community for the repair of challenging chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, KCI is responding to the physician’s need to customize treatment options for patients’ individual wounds.”

In published clinical studies, GRAFTJACKET® Matrix provided physicians and their patients a treatment option that showed a higher probability of healing when used as part of the standard treatment regimen. A study showed that most diabetic foot ulcers can be successfully treated with one application of GRAFTJACKET® Matrix, offering significant potential savings for the patient and the health care system. Equally important, many insurers, including Medicare, cover the use of GRAFTJACKET® Matrix for chronic wounds.

GRAFTJACKET® Regenerative Tissue Matrix is indicated for repair or replacement of damaged or inadequate integumental tissue, such as diabetic ulcers, or for other homologous uses of human integument. Proprietary processing allows the body to accept GRAFTJACKET® Matrix and reduces the potential for a rejection response. GRAFTJACKET® Matrix provides immediate coverage to the wound and is readily repopulated with the patient’s own cells and revascularized by the body. Ultimately, GRAFTJACKET® Matrix acts as a scaffold that allows the body to convert the matrix to functional host tissue in ulcer repair.

The agreement goes into effect immediately. During the next six months, Wright will transition out of its wound care sales of GRAFTJACKET® Matrix in the wound care sector as KCI increases its sales and marketing activities in these markets.

About KCI

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (NYSE:KCI) is a leading global medical technology company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of innovative, high-technology therapies and products for the wound care, tissue regeneration and therapeutic support system markets. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, KCI's success spans more than three decades and can be traced to a history deeply rooted in innovation and a passion for significantly improving the healing and the lives of patients around the world. The company employs approximately 6,800 people and markets its products in 20 countries. For more information about KCI and how its products are changing the practice of medicine, visit www.KCI1.com.

All trademarks designated herein, including the Active Healing Solutions™ and LifeCell™ names, are proprietary to KCI Licensing, Inc. its affiliates and/or licensors. The absence of a trademark or service mark or logo from this release does not constitute a waiver of trademark or other intellectual property rights of KCI Licensing, Inc., its affiliates and/or licensors.
Contacts

Kinetic Concepts, Inc.

KCI Media:

Maggie McMahon, 210-515-7088 (Office) or 210-838-3329 (Mobile)

maggie.mcmahon@kci1.com



KCI Investors:

Todd Wyatt, 210-255-6157 (Office) or 210-347-3540 (Mobile)

todd.wyatt@kci1.com

Business Wire Opens Sales Office in Sydney, Australia, to Service Australasian Companies

SYDNEY - Monday, January 31st 2011 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Business Wire today announced an expanded Asia Pacific presence with the opening of a Sydney sales officeto serve the Australia and New Zealand markets, enabling local clients to reap the benefits of guaranteed web postings, mobile delivery applications, and Business Wire's patented multi-channel delivery platform.

Business Wire has actually been in Sydney since March 2004, when it named Kevin Chiew as its Asia-Pacific business development director. Chiew will take on the additional responsibility of leading the expanded Sydney operation.

The direct sales decision is based on the growing need of Australian and New Zealand companies to reach global markets and international investors. Business Wire operates the world's largest media communications network, and offers a full-range of investor relations services, including XBRL, regulatory filings, and the hosting of IR web sites.

"The opening of the Sydney sales office ties in nicely with Business Wire's growth in Asia over the past six years," said Chiew. "We offer the most comprehensive coverage in key markets including Greater China, India, South Korea and Japan. We can now provide an even greater degree of local support to help our clients communicate their message to Asia -- or the rest of the world."

"The Australia/New Zealand economy has performed remarkably well in recent years, with the region playing an increasingly important role in the global economy," noted Cathy Baron Tamraz, Business Wire's CEO, who made today's announcement. "Business Wire's direct sales presence means that local companies now have easy access to our expansive global networks, enabling them to increase their international profile, and to target specific markets for growth."

Business Wire has 31 offices worldwide, including 21 newsrooms and some 200 editors -- by far the largest geographic and editorial footprint in the industry. The company's success is predicated on providing its members with local service and global reach.

Business Wire will differentiate itself in the marketplace by providing guaranteed postings to more than a dozen news and industry-specific web sites, as well as mobile delivery, which will be available in the near future. Business Wire's local network reach is anchored by cBox, an Australasian media and marketing company. Additionally, Business Wire utilizes the regional networks of the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse, as well as influential regional platforms such as Asia Pulse.

The contact coordinates of Business Wire's Sydney office are:

Business Wire

Level 6

69 Reservoir Street

Surry Hills

NSW 2010

Australia

Phone: + 61 2 9699 2219

Fax: + 61 2 8588 1203

Business Wire maintains a full-service office in Tokyo, and has sales channel and distribution relationships throughout Asia, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, South Korea and Thailand.

About Business Wire

Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathawaycompany, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011 as the global leader in press release distributionand regulatory disclosure. Public relations and investor relations professionals rely on Business Wire for both broad-based and targeted market reach. A recognized disclosure service in the United States, Canada and a dozen European countries, Business Wire handles XBRL tagging, document formatting and regulatory filing into EDGAR, SEDAR and other systems. Business Wire provides online newsroom hosting and integration services as well as search engine optimization, mobile distribution and detailed measurement on every press release. Its patented NX delivery platform provides simultaneous full-text posting of Business Wire content to news systems and websites in virtually any country or language. With 31 bureaus worldwide, Business Wire offers local service and global reach.

Learn more at BusinessWire.comand the BusinessWired blog; follow updates on Twitter: @businesswireor on Facebook.
Contacts

Business Wire

Sydney

Kevin Chiew,

+ 61 2 9699 2219



New York

Neil Hershberg,

+1-212-752-9600