Prolexic Releases DDoS Protection Infographic: How to Select a DDoS Mitigation Provider

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Prolexic Technologies, the global leader in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection services, today released a DDoS protection infographic to help organizations choose the right DDoS mitigation service provider and DDoS protection. The infographic can be viewed and downloaded at http://bit.ly/1c9PbUb.
Prolexic Infographic
Prolexic Infographic

“DDoS attacks are now a mainstream issue and, as a result, more providers are entering the DDoS mitigation market, making it difficult for organizations to distinguish the quality of service,” said Stuart Scholly, president at Prolexic. “This infographic can help businesses see through the hype and choose the best provider and level of DDoS protection for their needs.”

Prolexic’s DDoS protection infographic highlights a number of critical areas that organizations should evaluate when selecting a DDoS mitigation provider:

Bandwidth capacity for DDoS mitigation
Ability to stop multiple DDoS attacks at once
Specialist versus generalist DDoS mitigation service providers
A documented time-to-mitigate service level agreement (SLA)
Flat-rate pricing for any number of attacks
Quick access to DDoS mitigation experts
Evidence of attack mitigation expertise
A secure online portal

“When it comes to DDoS, organizations need to avoid surprises – like the service provider failing to mitigate the attack, lack of access to the DDoS mitigation experts, or large overage charges,” said Scholly. “Following the advice in our infographic can help ensure a better DDoS customer experience.”

Prolexic’s DDoS protection infographic can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1c9PbUb.

About Prolexic

Prolexic is the world’s largest, most trusted Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) mitigation provider. Able to absorb the largest and most complex attacks ever launched, Prolexic restores mission-critical Internet-facing infrastructures for global enterprises and government agencies within minutes. Ten of the world’s largest banks and the leading companies in e-Commerce, SaaS, payment processing, travel/hospitality, gaming, energy and other at-risk industries rely on Prolexic to protect their businesses. Founded in 2003 as the world’s first in-the-cloud DDoS mitigation platform, Prolexic is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has scrubbing centers located in the Americas, Europe and Asia. To learn more about how Prolexic can stop DDoS attacks and protect your business, please visit http://bit.ly/1dkGkvu, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, YouTube, and @Prolexic on Twitter.

Contact:
Michael E. Donner
SVP, Chief Marketing Officer
Prolexic
media {at} prolexic {dot} com
+1 (954) 620 6017
Source: Prolexic Technologies

ViaSat Demonstrates Full Mesh MF-TDMA DAMA Networking Over WGS

– On-the-fly reconfiguration of LinkWayS2® system enables government satcom operation

CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — ViaSat Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT) has successfully demonstrated full-mesh multi spot beam (Fan In/Fan Out) operations over the government-owned WGS-1 satellite with LinkWayS2 equipped earth terminals configured with the WIN-T software baseline. This demonstration was a collaboration between the U.S. Army and ViaSat aimed at improving the efficiency of multi spot beam operations over the Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) constellation.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131219/LA36082)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091216/VIASATLOGO)

LinkWayS2 equipped earth terminals in the Guam, Hawaii, and West Coast WGS beams participated in the week long demonstration. Using a single TDMA carrier, full-mesh connectivity was demonstrated between all traffic terminals, both interbeam (e.g., Hawaii-to-Guam, Hawaii-to-Roberts, etc.) and intrabeam (e.g., Hawaii-to-Hawaii, Roberts-to-Roberts, etc.). To further demonstrate the flexibility of the LinkWayS2 system, it set up the same connections using multiple TDMA carriers configured in the same bandwidth segment on WGS-1. The system is scalable from one TDMA carrier to multiple contiguous cross-beam TDMA carriers and multiple non-contiguous in-beam carriers.

“The LinkWay system has been a satellite networking workhorse for U.S. defense over the past 10 years and this demonstration illustrates how quickly ViaSat commercial systems can be adapted for government use,” said Bill Connelly, general manager, ViaSat Tactical Satcom Networks. “As soon as we were provided the operational scenarios, we were able to adjust configuration parameters to meet the requirements that are unique to WGS operations. And we did it without any new software or software modifications.”

For more information or to purchase the LinkWayS2, email gov.satcom@viasat.com.

About ViaSat (http://www.viasat.com/)

ViaSat creates satellite and other wireless networking systems that efficiently deliver the most bandwidth for fast, secure, and high-quality communications to any location for consumers, governments, enterprises, and the military. The company offers fixed and mobile satellite network services including Exede® by ViaSat, which features ViaSat-1, the world’s highest capacity satellite; service to more than 2,300 mobile platforms, including Yonder® Ku-band mobile service; satellite broadband networking systems; and network-centric military communication systems and cybersecurity products for the U.S. and allied governments. ViaSat also offers communication system design and a number of complementary products and technologies. Based in Carlsbad, California, ViaSat employs over 2,900 people in a number of locations worldwide for technology development, customer service, and network operations.

LinkWay, Exede, and Yonder are registered trademarks of ViaSat Inc.
Source: ViaSat Inc.

Frost & Sullivan Finds Wellness and Early Intervention Technologies Core Components in Healthcare Delivery Transformation

— Key predictions forecast early intervention and general wellness services to merge over time

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The major driver for early intervention technologies in the U.S. is a combination of legislative cost controls, emerging consumer demand for self-management, and lower costs for technology delivery. General wellness technologies also allow employers to enhance loyalty and engagement through affordable, non-cash incentives, as they place emphasis on proactive self-care and migrate to a mix of basic covered care and defined contribution structures that mimic company retirement plans.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan’s US Market for General Wellness and Early Intervention Technologies (http://www.connectedhealth.frost.com) research finds the general wellness technologies segment earned revenue of $3.87 billion in 2012 and estimates this to reach $5.12 billion in 2017. The early intervention technologies segment earned revenue of $2.10 billion in 2012 and is likely to reach $2.63 billion in 2017. Early intervention programs include patient experience through programs, care coordination and patient safety, preventive health, and caring for at-risk populations.

For more information on this research, please email Jennifer Carson, Corporate Communications, at jennifer.carson@frost.com.

“Early intervention toolscan provide sufficient gap coverage for at-risk employees, especially as cost pressures lead to the introduction of a more a la carte employer benefits portfolio based on individual employee coverage needs,” said Frost & Sullivan Connected Health Global Research Director Daniel Ruppar (@danielruppar). “Wellness programs, on the other hand, offer a middle ground that satisfies employer outreach campaigns while they migrate to more flexible individual coverage benefits that limit out-of-pocket exposure.”

The prime challenges in the U.S. market are inconclusive outcomes, arbitrary pricing schemes, and a broader employer shift away from costly at-risk care to preventive wellness. Frost & Sullivan expects a high degree of market attrition for wellness service providers that have not invested in clinical integration hooks.

However, it has been established that wellness programs enhance employee satisfaction, and technology-focused providers can utilize this awareness to efficiently penetrate the market in the country.

As care-cost controls become prevalent through factors such as the Affordable Care Act-driven managed care market and the overall liability shifts from care provider to consumer self-care, intervention and wellness solution providers must come together to offer lower bundled service rates.

“From a product development standpoint, technologies for both early intervention and general wellness are starting to overlap,” concluded Ruppar. “For instance, integration with health reimbursement account analytics and predictive tools will help determine the likelihood of disease and enable the design of general lifestyle modification campaigns for easily preventable illnesses like diabetes.”

US Market for General Wellness and Early Intervention Technologies is part of the Connected Health Growth Partnership Service program which focuses on the ecosystem of markets surrounding health information technology, telemedicine, remote monitoring and mobile health. Frost & Sullivan’s related research services includes US Patient Portal Market for Hospitals and Physicians, as well as upcoming research slated for 2014 such as Population Health Management in the US, and US Payer Activities in Connected Healthcare. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

Connect with Frost & Sullivan on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, SlideShare and LinkedIn, for the latest news and updates.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.

Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.

The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.

For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?

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Contact:
Jennifer Carson
Corporate Communications — North America
P: +1.210.247.2450
E: jennifer.carson@frost.com

LinkedIn: Transform Health Group
Twitter: @Frost_Sullivan
Facebook: Frost & Sullivan

http://www.frost.com
Source: Frost & Sullivan

London Mayor Boris Johnson is First to See Zero-Emissions-Capable Next Generation Metrocab World Taxi

LONDON, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ —
Ecotive and Frazer-Nash present ready-for-market UK-built electric powered next-generation Metrocab to London Mayor
Cities to benefit from zero emissions capability, improved air quality and reduced noise pollution
Drivers benefit with >75mpg, home charging via standard mains outlet, significantly reduced costs, enhanced comfort, performance and technology
Passengers benefit from improved ride, six passenger seats, full-length panoramic glasshouse, sizeable boot for increased luggage space, full disabled accessibility
London Mayor Boris Johnson took an exclusive first look today at an all-new Range-Extended Electric (REE) Metrocab from UK-based Ecotive and its technology partner Frazer-Nash Research. The Mayor also couldn’t resist the temptation to get behind the wheel for a short drive, demonstrating that the Metrocab is ready for market.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131219/659546-a )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131219/659546-b )
Designed, engineered and built in-house by Ecotive and Frazer-Nash in Mytchett, Surrey, UK, the new zero-emissions-capable world taxi is set to launch as a trial fleet on the streets of London early in 2014.
Boris Johnson said:
“Ecotive, with technical expertise from Frazer-Nash, have designed a unique and purpose-built new Metrocab taxi for London with zero-emissions capabilities, which is exactly the type of vehicle I would be delighted to see entering the market.”*
Metrocab Chairman Sir Charles Masefield said:
“The Metrocab is designed as a new generation of taxi for world-class cities and there is no better place to launch it than one of the world’s great cities and home to probably the world’s most iconic taxi – London. The Metrocab represents a revolution in the market as the first electric-powered cab to meet the typical high-mile duty cycle of a taxi, and which is ready now. Our range extended drivetrain technology offers the solution world-class cities are looking for, and we are confident Metrocab will make a real impact in the market and provide a better service to cities, drivers and passengers alike.”
The Metrocab from Ecotive and Frazer-Nash is the latest in a long line of electric powered transport solutions they have marketed and developed over the last 25 years with world-class highly efficient, optimized and fully-integrated digital electric and hybrid-electric powertrains. Priced competitively to enter the taxi market, the Metrocab is powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery pack with an electric motor to each of the rear wheels.
Following the trial early next year, the Metrocab will be rolled out in London and to other key cities around the world.
Further details will be announced during the first London fleet trial in early 2014.
About Frazer-Nash
In the early 20th century, Archibald Goodman Frazer Nash partnered with Henry Ronald Godfrey and formed Frazer-Nash Limited, to produce affordable motor vehicles.
Over the past 25 years, Frazer-Nash has evolved to develop world-class highly energy efficient, optimized and fully-integrated digital electric and hybrid-electric powertrains, and famously has been Official Vehicle Partner with its fleets of electric vehicles to both the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games. Today, the company delivers technology to market for its brands including Bristol Cars and Metrocab under the Ecotive banner.
* Stated in a letter from Boris Johnson published in the Telegraph newspaper on 29 October 2013.
To view a video of Boris Johnson viewing the new Metrocab taxi, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYO_diBOMls
Source: Metrocab and Frazer-Nash

The NAUTIZ X1 Ultra-Rugged Smartphone Is Now Shipping

LIDKOPING, Sweden, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Handheld Group, a fast-growing manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, PDAs and smartphones, has started shipping the Nautiz X1. The highly anticipated Nautiz X1 is the toughest enterprise smartphone in the world – it’s waterproof, dustproof, shock-resistant and can handle extreme temperatures, yet it’s also slim, lightweight and smartly designed for both work and play.
To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
http://www.multivu.com/mnr/64174-handheld-ultra-rugged-smartphone-now-shipping
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131219/659062 )
The Nautiz X1 is now shipping to customers worldwide. Interest in Handheld’s ultra-rugged smartphone has been tremendous, and the first batches are completely sold out.
The Nautiz X1 is part of the Nautiz product family of rugged and ultra-rugged PDAs and smartphones. It has an IP67 ingress protection rating, which means it’s fully dust- and waterproof and can withstand immersion in water, and it also meets stringent MIL-STD-810G military test standards for enduring humidity, vibration, shock and extreme high and low temperatures.
“As a company specializing in rugged computers, we know our customers expect all our products to be built rugged from the inside out. The Nautiz X1 is no exception – it comes with the reliability and sturdiness of an ultra-rugged computer,” says Product Manager Johan Hed of Handheld Group. “People are increasingly using their smartphones all the time, everywhere, and they’re expecting mobility and connectivity anytime, anywhere, and in all environments and weather conditions. The Nautiz X1 ultra-rugged smartphone is a natural choice, as it’s built to survive these challenges.”
“This is the toughest smartphone ever built,” says Jerker Hellstrom, CEO of Handheld Group. “We see a huge demand for truly rugged smartphones among field professionals and outdoor enthusiasts who want to be constantly connected. We’re excited to see the great response this product receives from the market.”
The Nautiz X1 is slim and lightweight, weighing in at less than 180 grams (6.3 ounces). It has a 4-inch special sunlight-readable capacitive touchscreen and ultra-durable Gorilla® Glass. It runs on a powerful 1 GHz dual-core processor and has 1 GB of RAM. It features Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a compass, a professional u-bloxGPS, and a 5-megapixel camera. The Nautiz X1 comes with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 operating system, and runs on both GSM and CDMA networks. Multiple battery options enable a full day’s work in the most demanding environments.
Press images of the Nautiz X1 rugged smartphone are available here.
Videos of the Nautiz X1 can be found here.
For information on how to order the Nautiz X1, please contact Handheld, your IT supplier or your local service provider.
Helpful links
Nautiz X1 product specifications
Nautiz X1 press images
Nautiz X1 videos
Handheld Group
Handheld product lineup
What does rugged mean?
Tweet this: Handheld NAUTIZ X1 ultra-rugged smartphone is now shipping http://bit.ly/1gtlRtF
About Handheld
The Handheld Group is a manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, PDAs and smartphones. Handheld and its partners worldwide deliver complete mobility solutions to businesses in industries such as geomatics, logistics, forestry, public transportation, utilities, construction, maintenance, mining, military and security. The Handheld Group of Sweden has local offices in Finland, the U.K., the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Australia and the USA. For more information, please see http://www.handheldgroup.com
Source: Handheld Group

Chromalloy Enters Into Long Term Agreement With Pratt & Whitney To Support The New PurePower(R) PW1100G-JM Engine Supply Chain

— Under Two Additional Contracts Chromalloy Will Provide Pratt & Whitney with Aftermarket Services on Legacy Engines
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Florida, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Chromalloy announced today that it has entered into three significant new long-term parts and service agreements with leading aircraft engine producer Pratt & Whitney, for manufacturing and supply chain activities on the new PurePower PW1100G-JM engine and to provide aftermarket support on legacy engines.
“Chromalloy continues to build on our long-standing relationship and service excellence to Pratt & Whitney, with a series of agreements to provide manufacturing and aftermarket support on new and legacy systems,” said Armand F. Lauzon, Jr., Chief Executive Officer. “We are pleased to support the revolutionary new PurePower PW1100G-JM engine – designed to power the Airbus A320neo.”
Chromalloy will produce investment cast parts and provide advanced coatings, machining and drilling on other components.
The other two agreements cover materials and services for several Pratt & Whitney and Pratt & Whitney Canada aircraft engine platforms.
Chromalloy is a leading supplier of technologically advanced repairs, coatings, investment castings, and services for turbine airfoils and other critical engine components. The company serves engine manufacturers and operators in commercial aerospace, defense, and the energy industry. Chromalloy facilities include operations, annexes and sales offices in 17 countries around the world. More information is at http://www.chromalloy.com.
Chromalloy has evolved from a gas turbine parts repair business into a leading supplier of advanced repairs, services, and maintenance, repair and overhaul for gas turbines used in aviation and land-based applications. Chromalloy serves the airline, military, marine and energy segments with a broad range of services at locations around the globe. Chromalloy is authorized by the FAA and EASA and many other NAAs, and is qualified under ISO and NADCAP. Chromalloy is a subsidiary of Sequa Corporation.
Sequa Corporation is a diversified industrial company with operations in the aerospace, energy and metal coatings industries. Sequa is a Carlyle Group company. For additional information, visit http://www.sequa.com.
Media Contact:
Cathy Gedvilas
+1-718-974-9595
cathy_gedvilas@sequa.com
Source: Chromalloy

F5 Networks, Imperva, Penta Security Systems and Barracuda Networks emerge as champions in the APAC Web Application Firewall Vendors Frost IQ matrix, says Frost & Sullivan

~ Nascent WAF market remains fragmented yet demonstrates strong growth potential with market revenue expected to reach US$750.5 million by 2019 ~
SINGAPORE, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The necessity of relying on web applications to drive business processes has given rise to the popularity of Web Application Firewall (WAF) solutions for many organisations in the Asia Pacific region.
Employing web applications allows companies to run their businesses more effectively in several ways, such as enhancing the user experience or reducing overhead costs. This has, in turn, led to an increased possibility of security breaches in the corporate network, especially with cyber attacks becoming more prevalent. A rising number of these sophisticated attacks are also happening at the application level.
As such, enterprises are beginning to acknowledge the limitations of their traditional network firewalls and recognise that these sophisticated threats can only be rectified through the utilisation of a WAF solution.
The shift towards securing web applications is also due to stringent regulatory requirements for client data protection and privacy laws in light of essential services such as Internet banking and e-commerce transactions.
Frost & Sullivan has evaluated the top ten web application firewall vendors in the Asia Pacific region and assessed them using the Frost Industry Quotient (Frost IQ) matrix. The Frost IQ matrix comprises of four quadrants: ‘champions’, ‘challengers’, ‘defenders’ and ‘explorers’.
The Frost Industry Quotient – Frost IQ, is a proprietary Frost & Sullivan vendor assessment tool that accurately operationalises and captures the merits and challenges faced by technology vendors in their respective segments and geographies. The tool aims to provide key decision makers with a localised yet objective perspective of the industry in a highly heterogeneous business environment.
In the Frost IQ for Asia Pacific Web Application Firewall Vendors 2013, F5 Networks, Imperva, Penta Security Systems and Barracuda Networks have been positioned in the champions’ quadrant, based on a combination of market share performance and future growth strategies as determined by Frost & Sullivan research studies.
WAFs can be largely divided into three forms; standalone WAF appliances, integrated WAF on an Application Delivery Controller (ADC) or software WAF solutions. At present, standalone appliances remain the preferred form factor in the Asia Pacific region, accounting for 77.7 per cent of the market. However, this may change in the future.
Edison Yu, Associate Director, ICT Practice, Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific says, “Standalone versions are generally perceived as a better option for protecting mission-critical web applications but the cost-effective integrated WAF solutions have been gaining popularity. This is especially so for businesses such as service providers and Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) who appreciate the lower costs and ease of use generated (by integrated WAFs).”
In 2012, the web application firewall market in the Asia Pacific region was largely dominated by four main players in terms of their market share performance; F5 Networks, Imperva, Penta Security Systems and Barracuda Networks. These vendors have not only built up a strong market presence in their respective regions but differentiated themselves through their WAF offerings, such as offering standalone and integrated WAF solutions.
From a future growth perspective, the Frost IQ also recognises the efforts of NSFOCUS, Citrix Systems and Venustech to compete in the Asia Pacific WAF market, be it in product development or market expansion.
Although their presence has been largely limited to local markets, smaller vendors such as Piolink, MonitorApp and Trinity Soft have been progressively increasing their business with hopes of regional expansion.
With more enterprises looking to migrate their key business functions over to the web and utilise web applications to drive business processes, the need for WAF will only become more evident in future.
“As cyber attacks and threats become more sophisticated, enterprises will require the security intelligence and application fluency offered by WAF technology to protect their business-critical web installations from increasingly prevalent application layer attacks,” states Yu.
However, the relatively nascent state of the WAF market in the Asia Pacific region means that the competitive landscape remains highly fragmented with potential for growth.
The Frost IQ (FIQ) for Asia Pacific Web Application Firewall Vendors 2013 focuses on web application firewall (WAF) solutions across different form factors in the Asia Pacific region. Market segments evaluated include enterprise horizontals, verticals and service providers. The base year of the study is CY2012. The parameters used to determine relative positioning on the FIQ matrix include market share, product/service strategy, people/skills strategy, ecosystem and business strategy.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies? Contact us: Start the discussion
Media Contact:
Melissa Tan
Corporate Communications, Asia Pacific
P: +65-6890-0926
E: melissa.tan@frost.com
http://www.frost.com
Source: Frost & Sullivan

Metlife to Form Strategic Partnership with Malaysia’s AMMB and to Purchase Interests in AMMB’s Life Insurance and Family Takaful Companies

Proposed Partnership Includes Twenty-Year Bank Distribution Agreements;
Signals MetLife’s Ambition to Become a Leading Player in the Malaysian Insurance Market
KUALA LUMPUR and NEW YORK/PRNewswire/ — MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) announced today it has reached an agreement with Malaysia’s AMMB Holdings Bhd (“AMMB”) to seek regulatory approval of a proposed strategic partnership involving AmLife Insurance Berhad (“AmLife”) and AmFamily Takaful Berhad (“AmTakaful”).
Upon receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of certain other conditions, the proposed transaction will result in MetLife owning a fifty percent plus one share in AmLife with the remaining shares to be owned by AMMB, and AMMB owning a fifty percent plus one share in AmTakaful with the remaining shares to be owned by MetLife. In addition, the proposed transaction will result in AmLife and AmTakaful entering into exclusive twenty-year bancassurance and bancatakaful agreements for the distribution of life insurance and family takaful products through the distribution network of AMMB’s banking subsidiaries, AmBank (M) Berhad and AmIslamic Bank Berhad, in Malaysia. The total consideration for the proposed transaction payable by MetLife is RM 812 million (equivalent to USD 249 million) upon completion, subject to customary adjustments.
AMMB is the holding company of the fifth largest banking group (“AmBank Group”) in Malaysia (based on market capitalization), with RM 129 billion of assets, 187 branches, and over 4 million retail customers. AmLife is an established life insurance business that has been operating since 1973 that distributes protection, savings and investment-linked products through agency, bank, and group channels. AmTakaful started operations in January 2012 and distributes Shariah-compliant products.
In accordance with local regulatory requirements and upon the receipt of Malaysian regulatory approvals, MetLife and AMMB will execute definitive agreements, after which the proposed transaction will close upon the satisfaction of certain other conditions.
“Our proposed transaction advances MetLife’s strategy to capitalize on growth opportunities in emerging markets, and further expands our footprint into fast growing and profitable South East Asia insurance markets,” said Christopher Townsend, MetLife’s Asia President. “It is a great testament to our strengths in bancassurance, direct marketing and agency management,” he added. “AmBank Group has a distinguished track-record and brand, and we look forward to partnering with them to build top-tier life insurance and takaful businesses in Malaysia,” he concluded.
Commenting on the proposed transaction, Dato’ Dr. Nirmala Menon, MetLife’s Head of Designated Markets and Health Asia said, “Malaysia is a very attractive market, with low insurance penetration and a rapidly expanding middle class. Partnering with AMMB will leverage the strengths of two exceptional companies to meet the increasing demand for insurance in Malaysia; AMMB’s customers will benefit from access to MetLife’s global expertise, financial strength and innovative products and services, while MetLife will benefit from AMMB’s distribution network, and brand strength in the market place.” She concluded by saying, “Malaysia is a fast developing and important center of Islamic finance and this partnership will advance our Takaful product capabilities, providing us with an opportunity to export these across our other Muslim markets.”
The proposed transaction follows recent announcements from MetLife of the formation of a joint venture with Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam and opening of a Representative Office in Myanmar.
About MetLife
MetLife, Inc. is a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs, serving 90 million customers. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit http://www.metlife.com.
About AmBank Group
Established in August 1975, AmBank Group is one of the largest banking groups in Malaysia and comprises AMMB Holdings Berhad (a public listed company on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad), and its core subsidiaries — AmBank (M) Berhad, AmIslamic Bank Berhad, AmInvestment Bank Berhad, AmInvestment Group Berhad, AmGeneral Insurance Berhad, AmLife Insurance Berhad and AmFamily Takaful Berhad.
The Group provides a wide range of both conventional and Islamic financing and related financial services, including retail banking, business banking, transaction banking, corporate and institutional banking, investment banking, funds management, markets, as well as underwriting of general insurance, life insurance and family takaful.
AmBank Group’s core philosophy incorporates a deep-seated commitment to the satisfaction of its wide range of customers, with numerous customer-focused initiatives at the heart of communication and interaction with all customer groups. The Group is committed to providing new and innovative products and services to its customers, leveraging the synergy of its strategic partnership with the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), one of Australia’s leading banks.
For more information, please visit http://www.ambankgroup.com.
This press release may contain or incorporate by reference information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operations and financial results.
Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining the actual future results of MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors that might cause such differences include the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in MetLife, Inc.’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These factors include: (1) difficult conditions in the global capital markets; (2) concerns over U.S. fiscal policy and the “fiscal cliff” in the U.S., as well as rating agency downgrades of U.S. Treasury securities; (3) uncertainty about the effectiveness of governmental and regulatory actions to stabilize the financial system, the imposition of fees relating thereto, or the promulgation of additional regulations; (4) increased volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets, which may affect our ability to seek financing or access our credit facilities; (5) impact of comprehensive financial services regulation reform on us; (6) economic, political, legal, currency and other risks relating to our international operations, including with respect to fluctuations of exchange rates; (7) exposure to financial and capital market risk, including as a result of the disruption in Europe and possible withdrawal of one or more countries from the Euro zone; (8) changes in general economic conditions, including the performance of financial markets and interest rates, which may affect our ability to raise capital, generate fee income and market-related revenue and finance statutory reserve requirements and may require us to pledge collateral or make payments related to declines in value of specified assets; (9) potential liquidity and other risks resulting from our participation in a securities lending program and other transactions; (10) investment losses and defaults, and changes to investment valuations; (11) impairments of goodwill and realized losses or market value impairments to illiquid assets; (12) defaults on our mortgage loans; (13) the defaults or deteriorating credit of other financial institutions that could adversely affect us; (14) our ability to address unforeseen liabilities, asset impairments, or rating actions arising from acquisitions or dispositions, including our acquisition of American Life Insurance Company and Delaware American Life Insurance Company (collectively, “ALICO”) and to successfully integrate and manage the growth of acquired businesses with minimal disruption; (15) uncertainty with respect to the outcome of the closing agreement entered into with the United States Internal Revenue Service in connection with the acquisition of ALICO; (16) the dilutive impact on our stockholders resulting from the settlement of common equity units issued in connection with the acquisition of ALICO or otherwise; (17) regulatory and other restrictions affecting MetLife, Inc.’s ability to pay dividends and repurchase common stock; (18) MetLife, Inc.’s primary reliance, as a holding company, on dividends from its subsidiaries to meet debt payment obligations and the applicable regulatory restrictions on the ability of the subsidiaries to pay such dividends; (19) downgrades in our claims paying ability, financial strength or credit ratings; (20) ineffectiveness of risk management policies and procedures; (21) availability and effectiveness of reinsurance or indemnification arrangements, as well as default or failure of counterparties to perform; (22) discrepancies between actual claims experience and assumptions used in setting prices for our products and establishing the liabilities for our obligations for future policy benefits and claims; (23) catastrophe losses; (24) heightened competition, including with respect to pricing, entry of new competitors, consolidation of distributors, the development of new products by new and existing competitors, distribution of amounts available under U.S. government programs, and for personnel; (25) unanticipated changes in industry trends; (26) changes in assumptions related to investment valuations, deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, value of business acquired or goodwill; (27) changes in accounting standards, practices and/or policies; (28) increased expenses relating to pension and postretirement benefit plans, as well as health care and other employee benefits; (29) exposure to losses related to variable annuity guarantee benefits, including from significant and sustained downturns or extreme volatility in equity markets, reduced interest rates, unanticipated policyholder behavior, mortality or longevity, and the adjustment for nonperformance risk; (30) deterioration in the experience of the “closed block” established in connection with the reorganization of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company; (31) adverse results or other consequences from litigation, arbitration or regulatory investigations; (32) inability to protect our intellectual property rights or claims of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others; (33) discrepancies between actual experience and assumptions used in establishing liabilities related to other contingencies or obligations; (34) regulatory, legislative or tax changes relating to our insurance, banking, international, or other operations that may affect the cost of, or demand for, our products or services, or increase the cost or administrative burdens of providing benefits to employees; (35) the effects of business disruption or economic contraction due to disasters such as terrorist attacks, cyberattacks, other hostilities, or natural catastrophes, including any related impact on our disaster recovery systems, cyber- or other information security systems and management continuity planning; (36) the effectiveness of our programs and practices in avoiding giving our associates incentives to take excessive risks; and (37) other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in MetLife, Inc.’s filings with the SEC.
MetLife, Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement if MetLife, Inc. later becomes aware that such statement is not likely to be achieved. Please consult any further disclosures MetLife, Inc. makes on related subjects in reports to the SEC.
Contacts:
For Media:
Simon Smith (Primary Contact)
+852-6109-5585
Eunice Cheng
+852-2277-4163 / +852-9277-0859
For Investors:
Edward Spehar
+1-212-578-7888
Source: MetLife Asia Pacific Limited
Related stocks: NYSE:MET

Frost & Sullivan Applauds CIMV’s Vision in Introducing a Biorefinery Process that Uses Second-Generation Biofuels instead of Whole Plants

– CIMV is the only company that can successfully separate the three components of lignocellulosic biomass with a high level of purity

LONDON, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Based on its recent analysis of the biochemicals market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Compagnie Industrielle de la Matiere Vegetale (CIMV) with Frost & Sullivan’s 2013 French Visionary Innovation Award. CIMV’s extensive research to find a viable substitute for petroleum has led to a biorefinery concept that focuses on second-generation biofuels and chemicals. These types of biofuels use only plant residuals (straws, forest residues, wood, miscanthus, and switch grass) and not the plant itself.

Biorefineries have to employ a challenging process in order to accurately break down the complex hydrocarbon, lignin, for extracting cellulose from a plant. CIMV collaborated with key participants to implement best practices that can aid in breaking down a plant’s components to their purest forms. CIMV uses byproducts such as cereal straw, sugarcane bagasse, sweet sorghum, or fibre crops (hemp, flax, Provence cane, and miscanthus), and hardwood, which points to significant feedstock flexibility in its processes. Once these technologies are patented, they present a unique, competitive advantage over other industry participants.

CIMV ensured process validation and technology optimization by testing them in its pilot plant for more than six years. This plant was also used for the production of industrial product samples for commercial validation.

The technology was made possible through CIMV’s collaboration with several thought leaders. CIMV also signed a technology partnership with Technip, a leader in project management, engineering, and construction for the energy industry. Technip helped CIMV to promote its technology across borders; their collaboration is also expected to result in an industrial unit for the production of cellulose pulp, Biolignin™ and C5 sugars syrup.

“To date, CIMV is the only biorefinery that can use these processes to generate non-deteriorated lignin and produce pure glucose. It also has the only technology that can promote a lignin on a pre-industrial scale and at a very high degree of purity,” said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Latha Rani. “CIMV’s cellulose treatment process eliminates the quality issues common in the pulp and paper industry, such as the presence of silica in straw and annual plants. CIMV’s process also makes top-quality glucose available at a very competitive price for commercial applications, especially biosourcing for biofuels and white biotechnologies.”

CIMV’s cellulose hydrolysis yields a high purity glucan syrup, with low enzyme dose, while its fermentation yields more than 0.48kg of ethanol per kg of glucose, with an ethanol concentration of 100g/kg. Besides, the derived cellulose has very low lignin content.

CIMV’s process also enables the derivation of C5 syrup of more than 85 percent purity. It finds application as biosourcing for bioethanol and white biotechnologies, additives in animal feeds as well as for Furanic chemistry.

The third primary product in CIMV’s process is Biolignin™, which has low molecular weight, regular structure, high OH content, and no sulphur. Biolignin™ is used as a substitute for phenol, with more than 60 percent substitution rate. The applications for Biolignin™ include phenolic resins, additives for rubber, carbon fibres, and polyurethanes.

As CIMV has the only technology that can optimally extract three main components from the feedstock, it has obtained business from BIOCORE’s €20.3 million project. CIMV also participates in two other European projects: the INNOBITE European Research Program, where it provides silica, Biolignin™ and cellulose to all the partners in the project; and the BIOMIMETIC European project, where it provides Biolignin™ from different feedstock to all the partners in the project.

“CIMV’s operations have had a significant impact on future sustainability, as it is able to substitute fossil-based products, preserve soil fertility, and decrease greenhouse emissions,” noted Ms Rani. “Simultaneously, its process promotes 100 percent of non-food biomass and resolves the debate on food versus fuel.”

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that demonstrates a keen understanding of Mega Trends and an ability to leverage them in a way that greatly influences business and society. The recipient has also shown high efficiency in the innovation process and converted its vision into strategy excellence.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Compagnie Industrielle de la Matiere Vegetale (CIMV)

The company CIMV (Compagnie Industrielle de la Matiere Vegetale), founded in 1998, has developed a revolutionary concept of lignocellulosic biorefinery. Based on a petroleum refinery model, this allows the separation, without risk to the environment and without degradation, of the three components of plant material into three intermediary products designed for industry: BiolignineTM, cellulose/glucose and sugar syrups in C5. These products can be substituted for commodities of a fossil origin used in the composition of everyday consumer products (glue, insulation, fuel, plastics, etc.). The extraction of a pure lignin is the unique scientific breakthrough of CIMV’s process and the basis of its profitability, since lignin is the equivalent of a petroleum phenol or carbon black. The plant material used in this CIMV process is non-food and comes from agricultural byproducts (cereal straw, bagasse from sugarcane and sweet sorghum) or fiber crops (hemp, flax, Provence cane and miscanthus), but can also come from forestry waste. CIMV has protected its technology by filing seven international patents.

CIMV will launch its industrial project in 2014 by building a demo-plant in partnership with a large industrial group

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.

Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.

The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
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Contact:

Emmanuel Dutournier
Chief Financial Officer
Compagnie Industrielle de la Matiere Vegetale
T: +33-(0)6-33-55-91-63
E: e.dutournier@cimv.fr

Kristina Menzefricke
Best Practices
Frost & Sullivan
T: +44-(0)-207-915-7862
E: kristina.menzefricke@frost.com
Source: Frost & Sullivan