text:
Over the weekend, AT&T announced a new promotion that doubled the data allotments of its high-end Mobile Share plans. Now Sprint has countered AT&T’s offer with a special deal of its own.
Sprint says that, starting today, new and existing customers on its top-tier Family Share Pack plans will see their data allotments grow significantly. Folks on the $130/32GB plan will be bumped up to 60GB, the $150/40GB plan will grow to 80GB and the $225/6GB plan will increase to 120GB. Those increased data allotments are double the size o the buckets that AT&T is offering.
This promo will run through October 31 and will be available online and in stores, but it sounds like existing customers will need to go in a store or call Sprint telesales to get their data allotment increase. Sprint also says that it will waive the monthly access fee of any lines on a 20GB or higher plan for customers that witch from another carrier and buy a device through Sprint Easy Pay or iPhone for Life.
Sprint’s also got a business promo kicking off this Friday, October 3. Sprint Business customers will get their data allotment doubled if they sign up for Sprint Business Share by October 31. These plans will offer 80GB for $135 per month, 120GB for $200, 160GB for $270 or 200GB for $330.
Sprint has said before that it plans to “double the data” of AT&T and Verizon, and today’s promo shows that it’s planning to stick to its word. If you’re a heavy data user and have some friends or family with similar appetites for megabytes, Sprint’s Family Share Plan may be worth looking into.


text:
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- CF Industries Holdings Inc. CF, +0.73% said Friday that its board has rejected Agrium Inc.'s AGU revised acquisition bid, noting that it "continues to substantially undervalue the company." On Thursday, Agrium raised its hostile takeover offer for fertilizer rival CF Industries, hiking the cash portion of the deal by 13%. Based on Wednesday's closing price of Agrium, the total revised bid was lifted to $92.99 a share. Shares of CF Industries ended Thursday at $79.90.
Have breaking news sent to your inbox. Subscribe to MarketWatch's free Bulletin emails. Sign up here.

domain: news


text:
An update in the Swedish press suggests that former members of the Trustbuddy management team cashed in prior to company’s decline.
The report – which surfaced last week in the Swedish publication “Di” – suggests that former CEO Jens Glasø and Director Rune Glasø pocketed at least SEK 130m on share sales from 2012 onwards. Jens Glasø has been portrayed as the “biggest winner” in the Trustbuddy saga. The former CEO sold nearly 55 million shares at a value of SEK 92m since the close of 2012. These shares were seemingly sold through his company Jac Invest AS.
The larger part of Glasø’s holding was shipped in Q4 2013, when he sold 30m shares for an approximate price of SEK 69m, by Di’s estimations. The timing of this sale coincided with the company’s highest closing price of 2.44 kronor on 11th December 2013. Trustbuddy was then valued at close to one billion SEK, as opposed to 88m SEK when shares ceased trading on 7th October. Di reports that Glasø’s stake in the company decreased gradually from 27% in late 2012 to just 4% at the end of June 2015. Below is a 5 year view of Trustbuddy's share price from Bloomberg:
The suggestion in the local press is that Trustbuddy’s management knew that the company was doomed, that it was heading for insolvency, and that their selling of shares was therefore illegal.
Swedish police are now looking into the Trustbuddy case for evidence of embezzlement and insider trading, and the Economic Crimes Bureau (EBM) has reportedly launched a preliminary investigation.
Trustbuddy has since filed for bankruptcy, and administrators are now exploring options for recompensing the platform’s 3,500 individual lenders. Roughly SEK 44m is said to be outstanding at present.
The Trustbuddy debacle has shaken the peer-to-peer lending space. The news has already provoked impassioned responses from a selection of industry leaders, calling for a unified effort to preserve the good reputation of the sector. Di’s findings may have made that challenge a little steeper. Read the article in full here.


text:
Since its formation in 2004, pharmaceutical manufacturer Aesica has more than tripled both sales and employee figures while successfully wooing the industry’s biggest hitters. No spoonful of sugar required, either, as Edward Machin discovers.
As a supplier of active pharmaceutical ingredients, formulations and custom synthesis solutions to the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, Aesica’s product portfolio reads like a roll call of modern medicinal offerings: anti-infectives; cardiovasculars; anaesthetics; haematinics; anti-inflammatories; anti-virals; hormones; and potent drugs, among many others.
It was, however, not always the case. “Created in 2004 by a management buyout of BASF’s Northumberland-based site, what we acquired was a small business which produced three pharmaceutical ingredients, primarily supplying to generic companies,” says Aesica’s CEO, Dr Robert Hardy.
“The first step in our expansion strategy was, therefore, to grow the company’s custom manufacturing business so as to enable contract manufacture for big pharma.”
Acquire to inspire
In seeking to place itself squarely on the radar of global pharmaceutical giants, emerging life science companies and leading generic manufacturers, many of which Aesica now enjoys relationships with, Hardy and his cohorts looked to acquire a range of sites from the very companies whose business they sought. With the purchase of manufacturing facilities from Merck Sharpe Dohme in 2006 — including a six year supply agreement — and Abbott at Queenborough, Kent a year later, the company is now placed to offer both primary and secondary contract manufacturing services with the capabilities to develop products from early-phase clinical stages to commercial supply.
“At the same time, we looked to broaden our offerings into formulated products — away from chemical and into tablet manufacturing and packaging,” says Hardy. Such prescience is reaping continued rewards: in 2004, for example, the company was turning over approximately £25m in sales and employing a workforce of 150. Leaping fourfold in little under six years, Aesica currently boasts a staff of nearly 700, with sales figures totaling £100m.
Unsurprisingly, the company’s startling expansion has not gone unnoticed, both within pharmaceuticals and the wider business community. Recently placing 50th in Deloitte’s Buyout Track 100, a league table — published in The Sunday Times — of the fastest growing, private equity-backed British companies according to EBITDA, the Newcastle-based Aesica was praised for raising profits by 49% year-on-year.
The American dream
And the secret of the company’s considerable success? When Aesica acquires a site, while it may be under capacity the company can sell any excess space to other businesses, thus increasing efficiency across the gamut of facility operations — a modus operandi since the buyout, says Hardy.
Given the global nature of the modern pharmaceutical industry, the majority — i.e. 90-95% — of Aesica’s products find their home in bodies outside the UK. “While our biggest markets are, perhaps understandably, the US, western Europe and Japan, there are very few territories in which we don’t supply,” says Hardy. “That said, to complement the global supply of our products we feel it particularly important to establish manufacturing facilities outside the UK.” As such, he expects to complete two manufacturing acquisitions — in the US and continental Europe, respectively — before the year’s end, together with a contract development organisation to further increase Aesica’s presence in the formulated product space. With an ever-increasing American client roster, “While being based in the UK hasn’t stopped us winning US-based business by any means, it would be fair to say that companies do perhaps feel more comfortable with the knowledge that they can speak to somebody in the same time zone, should it be necessary,” admits Hardy. “Although Aesica operates a sales office on both coasts and in China, it’s not quite the same as making contact with a physical asset, which the acquisition of an American manufacturing facility will seek to address.
With the company’s spending set to continue in the face of perilous economic conditions, does the pharmaceutical sector — and Aesica — perhaps know something the rest of us don’t? “Our industry is generally not as cyclic as some within manufacturing,” explains Hardy, “so we don’t tend to experience inflated booms during the good years and particularly bad times when the rest of industry is struggling.” While a more bankable proposition, undoubtedly, Aesica continues the aggressive growth drive employed since its founding largely through acquisition but, says Hardy, organically too.
“For instance, while we have overseen a number of excellent business wins during the past year, the majority of our expansion remains due to the purchase of like-minded organisations, and we wouldn’t expect that to change in the next two or three years. As such, within three years of an acquisition the company has targeted 25% of our business to come from the nonoriginator, with half of new growth thereafter made up by new business wins compared to the originator.” Furthermore, says Hardy, Aesica is concentrating on maintaining its key strategic partners within the industry.
“While this is clearly not to say that we won’t seek to supply anyone with whom we do not enjoy such a relationship, we believe that for a company growing at the rate Aesica is six partners represents an ideal number at this point in time.” While it amounts to merely a facet of the company’s customer portfolio, however, that the level of business provided by its partners regularly exceeds £20m means Aesica is cementing industry partnerships with those organisations seeking to remain at the forefront of pharmaceutical production. Concentrating — as with every relationship it holds, partner or otherwise — on how to maximise the benefits of such endeavours, moreover, the company looks to integrate its industry-leading manufacturing capabilities into partners’ supply chains, thus ensuring an ever-increasing presence of Aesica-produced formulations in its targeted markets.
All creatures great and small
Indeed, that the company currently holds a number of strategic partnerships with the industry’s leading players reflects, “Very positively on what we have built here, especially so given the relative youth of our business,” says Hardy.
Equally, however, Aesica maintains — and seeks to develop new — relationships with manufacturers regardless of size.
Such is particularly significant going forward, given that more than 50% of new chemical entities come from small pharma; a fact not lost on Hardy. “We must, and do, recognise the importance of the market’s smaller operators,” he says.
“While the pharmaceutical industry is relatively stable, general lending conditions mean that some of the smaller companies are not seeing credit lines being extended to them in the current climate; something that the sector’s giants aren’t experiencing so markedly.” As a result, 75% of Aesica’s business results from dealings with those in the upper reaches of its industry — a group which is currently both outsourcing and increasing its formulated product offerings as never before.
Confirms Hardy, “The top ten players in the market are merging at unprecedented rates, the result being that the contract manufacturing space has become very fragmented; a rippledown effect, so to speak”. For example, the largest three manufacturers in pharmaceuticals only own 3% market share each, with no other company owning more than a single percentage.
“We expect to see continued compacting both in the wider sector and its supply chains,” he says. “Given Aesica’s history, the company is ideally placed to lead in any consolidation, thus continuing one of the defining aspects of our business well into the twenty-first century. After all, people will not suddenly stop needing their medicine!”


text:
Iran Automotive Industry Outlook 2025
Iran also looks at its automotive industry as an important sector for exporting its products to neighboring countries. Several national brands exist, such as Iran Khodro, SAIPA, Pars Khodro, Kerman Khodro, and Bahman that produce a variety of different models (such as Samand, Tiba, Dena, etc). IKCO and SAIPA are the biggest automotive manufacturers and together own more than 79% of the total market share.
by: Hoda Hosseinifar, Amir Ebrahimzadeh, Marlon Jünemann (ILIA Corporation)
Automotive Industry Iran – Past to Present
The benefits of developing a domestic automotive industry are significant. The worldwide automotive industry is estimated to have a total cash flow of more than 2,790 billion USD with a total production capacity of approximately 90 million (PV* and CV**) and it employs more than 48 million people (directly and indirectly). Accumulated this would make up for the 7 th biggest economy of the world.
The first Ford Model T's arrived in Iran in the 1930s and by 1955 annual imports had soared to approximately 10,000 units. Nowadays the domestic Iranian automotive industry is estimated to have a yearly nominal production capacity of 2 million cars (PV and PC combined) of which around 1.09 million units of PV and CV production capacity is being utilized. It employs more than 1.5 million people (directly and indirectly) making up for 12% of the countries workforce. Furthermore it has a daily nominal production capacity of 10 million components whilst drawing input from sixty related industrial fields.
With total sales of 12 billion USD it makes up for approximately 19% of the total industry, as well as for approximately 2.5% - 3% of Iran’s GDP. Furthermore it is responsible for 14% added value creation contribution to the whole industry. The average profit of the industry is 4.5%. The Iranian automobile industry makes up for 1.2% of world production, and currently holds rank 18 to 20.
Several national brands exist, such as IKCO, SAIPA, Pars Khodro, Kerman Khodro, and Bahman that produce a variety of different models (such as Samand, Tiba, Dena, etc.). IKCO and SAIPA are the biggest automotive manufacturers and together own more than 79% of the total market share.
Iran also looks at its automotive industry as an important sector for exporting its products to neighboring countries. In 2012 Iran exported 520 million USD worth of automobiles and car components. The situation for car and component manufacturers worsened in the following years, leading to a diminishing export value by 2013 to 263 million USD. In 2014 Iran’s share of exporting automobiles and car components was announced to be at 243 million USD. There are several reasons for the drop, however, experts concur that the key reasons are low quality and at the same time a high price.
Currently the Iranian automobile import market is ranked on 75th place worldwide, making up for less than a percent of the global automobile and component importing market share. In 2010, its market share was 0.2 percent with a total value of 2.5 billion USD. During 2011 the market share did not change, however, the total value of it increased to 2.9 billion USD.
Economic sanctions were a big setback for Iran’s automotive industry, especially at a time when the industry was ready for major expansion. Since the year 2012 the production output decreased by approximately 50% (from 1.4 million to 0.7 million), whilst at the same time the price of cars increased radically by about 300%. Furthermore the quality of Iranian-made cars dropped at a similarrate as well.
Sanction Situation and Impacts
Over the past years sanctions have had a serious effect on Iran's economy and its people. Since 1979 the United States has led international efforts to utilize sanctions in order to influence Iran's policies, including Iran's uranium enrichment program which Western governments fear is intended for developing the capability to produce nuclear weapons. Iran counters that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, including generating electricity and medical purposes.
On July 14th 2015, the P5+1 and Iran reached a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program will be exclusively peaceful. October 18th 2015 marks “Adoption Day” under the JCPOA. The agreement provides that in return for verifiably abiding by its commitments, Iran will receive relief from the U.S., European Union, and United Nations Security Council nuclear-related sanctions. “ImplementationDay” was initiated on January 16th 2016.
Despite the fact that Iran's economy has been suffering from the effects of intensified international sanctions since 2007, different industrial sectors have shown deviating levels of instability.
Since 2010, the Iranian total passenger car production dropped considerably, as a direct effect of the sanctions impact on the automotive sector.
Chinese automotive companies have gained a wide presence in the Iranian automotive market since 2010 by taking advantage of the sanction situation, mostly through cooperation's with domestic automakers (mainly the private ones). One of the first Chinese players in Iran was Chery, however, ever since many other brands have entered adding up to a total of ten today. Those ten Chinese automakers have so far launched 30 different models in a variety of price ranges. Some experts say that the private automotive sector is dominated by the Chinese. Furthermore, large numbers of vehicle importsfrom China have been accounted for.
According to research from IHS Automotive Assessment, in 2011 Chinese car manufacturers held around one percent of the Iranian car market and by 2015 their share had increased to approximately nine percent. Furthermore,they are ambitious about increasing their retail business.
Future of the Iranian Automotive Industry
Within Iran’s 2025 overall economic vision the particular automotive industry vision is defined as follows: “Reaching the number one ranking in the automotive industry of the region, 5 th ranking in Asia and 11th ranking in the world by focusing on competitive development based on technological advancement.” Although Iran´s vision for 2025 aims for a production of 3 million units, according to current trends and the assumption that no further sanctions will be imposed on Iran within the next ten years, it can be expected that Iran will produce up to 2 million PV by 2025 under the condition that the average growth rate will be the same as it was before 2011. Some of the most significant shortcomings of the Iranian automotive industry include insufficient financial access, poor financial statements in general, and low product quality for a high price.
At this moment in time the future of the Iranian automotive industry is being decided upon and thus it is hard to predict. Factors that will definitely have an influence on the future direction (aside from the lifting of sanctions) are the access to financing, international competition, potential joint ventures, and other macro-economic factors. Almost all sources and experts agree that the Iranian automobile industry will remain as one of the key industries of Iran for years to come. Furthermore, many believe that the Chinese players’ market share will diminish after sanctions relieve, and that it will be taken over by European companies. Some potentialscenariosinclude:
The domestic automotive industry plays an important role within the Iranian economy, with a turnover of approximately 12 billion USD and making up for 12% of the countries workforce. After sanctions were enforced in 2007 the automotive industry faced many challenges, however, with recent agreements between Iran and the P5+1 the Iranian automotive sectorwill remain a key driver of the economy.
Numerous paradigm shifts have already occurred and others are bound to follow:
• Recent visits by delegations from Germany, Italy, France and Japan for post-sanction cooperation. Most likely Iran will sign collaboration agreements with one or two European companies and two Asian ones – some experts argue that both Germany and France will definitely enter Iran whole heartedly, and Asian countries will include the Chinese, Koreans and Japanese
• Partnerships with major international automotive OEM will demand their direct investment and technology transfer – condition will be to provide new technologies and also to support the countries exports
• Promoting tier manufacturers
• Co-operations between OEM´s and banksto receive financial aid
• Developing export ratios and improving vehicle production capacity
• Determining the price by marketrather than government
• Improving the utilization of technology in buying / selling
• Reducing the role of middle men, also by increasing online supply in order to reduce prices
Although the Iranian automotive industry has a clear strategic plan until 2025 with the aim of reaching a production of 3 million units, ILIA predicts that total production cannot exceed 2 million PV by 2025. Furthermore, ILIA anticipates that the industry will collaborate with German and French companies under joint venture agreements, and that the Chinese will continue pushing their products into the market.
ILIA is of the firm opinion that no matter the direction that the Iranian automotive industry will take, it is certain that the government will continue to directly and indirectly supportthisindustry.


text:
Shares of Chinese tech giant Alibaba fell 3.5% on Monday, after the company said in a surprise move that outgoing CEO Daniel Zhang will also be stepping down as chairman and CEO of its cloud business.
The move comes months after Alibaba said in June that Zhang was departing as chairman and CEO of Alibaba Group to focus on the cloud intelligence unit.
Eddie Wu, who was set to take over from Zhang as CEO and director of Alibaba Group from September, will now also be chairman and CEO of the cloud business on an interim basis, the company said in a statement to the Hong Kong exchange on Sunday.
In a surprise leadership reshuffle in June, Alibaba announced that Zhang was bowing out as both CEO and chairman on Sept. 10 to focus on the cloud intelligence business.
Co-founder Wu would become CEO and director, while another co-founder, Joseph Tsai, will be chairman from September, the e-commerce giant said at that time.
Zhang was Alibaba Group CEO since 2015 and the group chairman since 2019. He has also been chairman and CEO of the Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group since 2022.
“The board of our Company expresses its deepest appreciation to Mr. Zhang for his contributions to Alibaba Group over the past 16 years,” Alibaba said in the Sunday statement.
What it means for Alibaba Cloud IPO
In May, Alibaba also announced plans to spin off its cloud division as a separate, publicly traded company.
In a major restructuring plan in March, Alibaba split into six business groups in March, paving the way for each unit to raise outside funding and go public.
The surprise announcement will weigh on Alibaba’s share price in the near term until a new successor is named, Citi analyst Alicia Yap said in note on Monday.
“Investors may be concerned that the timing and process of AliCloud’s spin-off may be affected,” she explained. However, she maintained a “buy” rating on Alibaba’s stock and a target price of $151 — that’s 67% higher that the stock’s last close of $90.05 on the New York Stock exchange.
Citi will continue to monitor developments and await any new announcement, she added, citing key downside risks for the company, including a failure in executing its new retail strategy, as well as investment spend and margins pressure become worse than expected.
Zhang will continue to contribute to Alibaba by “channeling his expertise differently,” according to an internal letter to staff seen by Reuters, which reportedly said Alibaba will invest $1 billion in a technology fund that Zhang would establish.
“The Company will continue to execute its previously announced plan to spin off Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group under a separate management team to be appointed,” subject to the restructuring plan and relevant approvals, Alibaba has said.
Alibaba has faced slowing economic growth at home and tougher regulation from Beijing, resulting in billions being wiped off its share price.


text:
Self continues its transition under the leadership of publisher Mary Murcko and editor Joyce Chang. According to WWD, eight have been cut from the magazine, including six from the fashion department and one each from the photo and art departments.
When Murcko and Chang took over the title in April, they didn’t wait long — only three weeks — before dropping Self’s executive director, creative director, web director, entertainment editor, fashion editor, associate publisher for sales and associate publisher for marketing. Then, just a few weeks later, Murcko and Chang conducted a round of hirings.
Just like in April, a few hires have been made on the heels of the eight people getting cut this week. Self has hired Dania Ortiz as fashion market and accessories director; Lori Cohn and Tammy Cohen as beauty executive directors; and Lexie McCarthy as northwest account director.
Be sure to check back in two weeks when seven more people are fired and five new people are hired.


text:
Fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder have quite a run going this year. Last month, in back-to-back games, lucky fans chosen to take a half-court shot for $20,000, courtesy of MidFirst Bank, successfully made the shot. Statistics suggest the odds of this are somewhere in the 1-in-250 range. More impressively, this is the fifth winner in the last 22 games. The odds of at least five winners are in the 1-in-15,000 trials range. For MidFirst Bank the cost of this promotion appears to be adding up… But is it?
Many companies seek the publicity and goodwill of promotional events. The prizes for these events can range from a gift certificate for correctly answering a trivia question to the million-dollar grand prize for McDonald’s Monopoly game. Because of the nature of these games, the cost of running the promotion is usually unknown to the sponsor until the event is over. While this is obvious for the half-court shot scenario, the cost of the Monopoly game can vary based on the number of completed sets of properties, the percentage of winners who go through the process to collect their prizes, and the number of game pieces casually tossed in the trash. McDonald’s has removed some of the uncertainty by adjusting the odds to limit the total potential prize pool, but that isn’t an option for all promotions.
MidFirst Bank can attest that promotions such as the half-court shot for cash or hole-in-one for a car are potentially much more costly than the odds would predict. For this reason, companies such as Odds on Promotions and SCA Promotions exist to allow the sponsor to trade the uncertain potential payout for a known fee. Similar to an insurance policy, the promotion sponsor will pay a fee to the promotional company to organize the event and pay any winners. In an interview with ESPN, SCA’s founder Bob Hamman described the rather actuarial method used to derive premiums, using frequency and severity calculations with a profit provision. The math here has developed with the rest of the industry, with winning frequencies moving from a “SWAG,” or “Scientific Wild-Ass Guess,” to derivations using databases of historical data. By using this insurance-like product, the cost of the promotion becomes known for the sponsoring entity.
Unfortunately for MidFirst, it is running the promotion on its own and has been paying the full cash prize to each of the winners. MidFirst chairman Jeff Records, who is also a part owner of the Thunder, says the bank is happily paying the winners and will continue the promotion. So while Thunder fans enjoy the surprisingly lucrative promotion, bank investors likely have mixed feelings about the surprisingly expensive advertising.


text:
We’ve been well aware that the Samsung Galaxy Note would be getting a healthy dose of Android Ice Cream Sandwich at some point, but the questions has always been, when? Well initial reports of Samsung Galaxy Notes getting the update have appeared on Twitter.
It was Samsung Italy who confirmed back in late 2011 that both the Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note would be running the latest iteration of Android before summer 2012. That being said, it took a long time for Samsung Galaxy S2 users to actually enjoy the benefits as the update only really completed its roll out a week or so before the Galaxy S3 entered onto scene only last week.
XDA Developers set about fast-tracking the process by offering up a near enough stock Android experience, available in the form of an ICS ROM for the Galaxy Note which appeared way back in January, we even took it for a test run to see how it handled with all that extra screen real estate at its disposal.
In a way, it’s a little disappointing that only now are users able to taste some official ICS goodness, but Samsung aren’t to be rushed. The new ICS Note update should offer up a similar set of tweaks and improvements as seen on the S2 ICS update, but with a few extra features thrown in, such as the S Pen-friendly My Story app as well as the Video Everywhere function, which we saw demoed on stage at the S3 launch.
Let us know if your Note has Android 4.0 waiting in the wings and if you can, tell us your carrier and if your device is unlocked.


text:
The government is considering a trial of 25-metre double artics on Britain’s roads as part of a wider multi-modal transport strategy. The move follows the recent launch of a DfT consultation into the use of longer semi-trailers (LSTs) on the UK’s roads, following a successful seven-year trial which showed LSTs delivered significant cuts to mileage and CO2 emissions. Denby Transport chairman Dick Denby recently met with DfT minister Baroness Vere to argue the merits of the 25.25m 60te B Double […]
A new report from the Home Office has suggested theft was the biggest crime suffered by commercial transport and logistics premises during 2012.
Nearly 11% of logistics businesses are still reporting severe or extreme disruption to their overall freight volumes in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Another significant blow to the transport sector could come in the form of an extension of the Capital’s congestion charge zone, which has been suggested as a means of bailing out Transport for London (TfL).


text:
COPENHAGEN, June 28 (Reuters) – Maersk Line, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, said on Wednesday its cargo booking system was back up and running after a global cyber attack crippled its IT networks a day earlier. “Further to earlier communications, we are now able to accept bookings via INTTRA,” the company said […]
“You keep standing, no matter what, no matter how heavy the seas, no matter how deep the water. You keep standing.” Watch Dr. Rick Rigsby – an award-winning journalist, author and son of a ship’s cook – share the wisdom he learned from the wisest sailor he ever met with the 2017 graduates of California Maritime Academy.
By Gavin van Marle in Amsterdam (The Loadstar) – The cyber attack on Maersk has the potential to throw global container supply chains into chaos, according to Lars Jensen, chief executive of maritime cyber security firm CyberKeel. Mr Jensen told delegates at the TOC Europe Container Supply Chain conference in Amsterdam today that the attack is […]
Norwegian oil major Statoil has awarded contracts to five shipowners covering a total seven supply vessels and requiring each to be equipped with hybrid battery power, and the possibility of shore power connection. The total value of the contracts amounts to NOK 3.1 billion, or about USD $366 million. The seven supply vessels will operate […]
By Teis Jensen COPENHAGEN, June 28 (Reuters) – The Danish owner of the world’s largest container shipper Maersk Line, said its computer systems were among those hit by the global Petya cyber attack, causing it problems processing orders and delaying cargoes. A.P. Moller-Maersk said the cyber extortion, which has disrupted businesses around the globe, has […]
by CW4 Michael W. Carr, US Army Watercraft Master (Ret) As a former instructor I taught cadets, midshipman, and merchant mariners for over 15 years during my various tenures at Maine Maritime, Kings Point, and MITAGS. And I sailed on my Merchant Mariner and Army Mariners License for many more years. When you know your […]
By Giles Turner, Volodymyr Verbyany and Stepan Kravchenko (Bloomberg) — A new cyberattack similar to WannaCry is spreading from Europe to the U.S., hitting port operators in New York and Rotterdam, disrupting government systems in Kiev, and disabling operations at companies including Rosneft PJSC and advertiser WPP Plc. More than 80 companies in Russia and […]


text:
Lady Gaga likes pretending she's dead. But is this the pop star's way of foreshadowing the end of her career? (Getty Images)more pics » Lady Gaga (Getty Images) In a February 60 Minutes interview, Lady Gaga told CNN's Anderson Cooper that everyone "wants to see [her] fail." By May, Forbes had listed the pop sensation as the most powerful celebrity in the world. Yet after losing her title as the most "liked" living artist on Facebook and seeing a decrease in sales of her Born This Way album, has this self-proclaimed fame artist indirectly foretold her own fate?
Album Sales: The first noticeable chink in her armor coincided with the release of Gaga's much hyped second studio album, Born This Way, released on May 23. Despite selling an impressive 1.1 million copies in its first week, the album failed to find sustained growth. In just its second week, sales had sunk a staggering 85 percent.
To better put that number in perspective, let's take a look at another hugely successful pop star that's had no problem selling millions of records without having to wear a lobster on her head. The artist: Adele.
The British singer's sophomore album, 21, sold 352,000 copies in its first week, back on February 22. Nearly five months later, its sales remain incredibly strong -- the album sold 121,000 units this past week, which was good enough for it to reach the No. 2 spot.
In comparison, Born This Way has already slipped to No. 8 in just seven weeks. This places Gaga's album exactly three spots lower than Hell: The Sequel, which as it turns out is not a slasher film, but actually the latest Eminem project.
Still, selling 1.1 million copies in one week is a feat in and of itself, right? Well... it is and it isn't. Born This Way was initially released on Amazon.com for the low low price of 99 cents. Anyone who has ever casually strolled through a Dollar Store can tell you how instantly attractive k.d. lang's Christmas album or some lead based candy becomes when priced at 99 cents.
In other words, Gaga offering her album for pennies is akin to all the movie theaters in America showing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 for a buck -- which for the record, didn't happen. But just imagine the chaos if it had! Needless to say, many in the industry felt Gaga's first week sales didn't paint an accurate picture.
Cash Flow: If we're to believe what she said this past week on the Howard Stern Show, Gaga doesn't "give a f--- about money." But when you consider that Forbes estimated her 2010 earnings to be $90 million -- or more than enough to buy one hell of a hat collection -- it's hard to believe she doesn't have some sense or appreciation of her fortune.
Then again, it was barely two months ago that the singer admitted her 18-month-long Monster's Ball tour left her completely bankrupt. She's since recovered financially, but if Gaga doesn't better watch her cash flow, she could end up back in the $1,100 a month NYC apartment she used to call home.
Most "Liked" on Facebook
Eminem 43 million
Michael Jackson 38 million
Justin Bieber 33 million
Rihanna 41 million
Lady Gaga 40 million
Shakira 37 million
Fan Base: Gaga's "Little Monsters" are as dedicated and passionate as the most fervent Twihard, Gleek or Biebaholic you'll ever meet. In fact, they're so loyal that they helped catapult Gaga up the Twitter food chain, making her the first person in the world to reach 10 million followers.
And while the pop star still holds that crown, her Facebook status isn't as commanding. In February, Eminem overtook Gaga as the most "liked" living artist on the social network. Then, last week, her popularity took another hit, as Rihanna became the most "liked" woman on the site.
With all these numbers, it's important to keep them in perspective. What we perceive to be a decline in Gaga's fame and success is all relative when you consider the possibility that other artists are just growing in popularity faster. Still, when you're having eggs thrown at you, it becomes easier for skeptics to see your fame as nothing more than a fad.
Ultimately, it's up to you to chime in and tell us:


text:
According to Allied, the global online video platform market was pegged at $254 million in 2017 and is expected to reach $915 million by 2025, registering a CAGR of 17.50% from 2018 to 2025.
The global online video platform market in media and entertainment is expected to witness an exponential growth in future owing to the growing use of online video platform in media and entertainment market for online video advertising, surge in internet connectivity on mobile phones, investment in creation of online videos, and high scope for live streaming of video content. However, the market is hampered by the availability of open source and free online video platforms in the market. Furthermore, rise in scope for live streaming of video content and rise in investments for streaming sports events live are expected to play an important role in the development of the industry.
Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2947
The report bifurcates the type segment into video analytics, video content delivery network, video content management, mobile video, live streaming, and others. The video content management segment accounted for the highest revenue in 2017 and would continue to dominate the global market in terms of revenue through 2025. However, the live streaming segment is expected to supersede the video content management segment in terms of growth rate through 2025 by growing at a CAGR of 22.30%.
The application areas discussed in the report include video sharing, commercial video platforms, and others. The video sharing segment generated the highest revenue in 2017, contributing more than half of the total market share. However, the commercial video platform could be fruitful in future, as it is likely to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period.
The report assesses the online video platform in media and entertainment market based on end users into individual, content creators, and brands & enterprises. The brands & enterprises generated the highest revenue in 2017 and is projected to amass $418 million by 2025. However, the individual segment is likely to grow at the highest rate through 2025.
The competition in the global online video platform in media and entertainment industry is high and is dominated by market players such as Ooyala Inc., MediaMelon Inc., Akamai technologies, Kaltura Inc., Panopto, Brightcove Inc., Frame.io, Inc., Limelight Networks Inc., YouTube, and Comcast Technology Solutions. These companies have adopted various strategies such as new product launches and partnerships to sustain their position in the industry.
For Purchase Enquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/2947
5933 NE Win Sivers Drive
#205, Portland, OR 97220
Hong Kong: +852-301-84916
India (Pune): +91-20-66346060
Follow Us on: LinkedIn Twitter
Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP, based in Portland, Oregon. AMR provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of “Market Research Reports” and “Business Intelligence Solutions.” AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients in making strategic business decisions and achieving sustainable growth in their respective market domains.
AMR launched its user-based online library of reports and company profiles, Avenue. An e-access library is accessible from any device, anywhere, and at any time for entrepreneurs, stakeholders, researchers, and students at universities. With reports on more than 60,000 niche markets with data comprising of 600,000 pages along with company profiles on more than 12,000 firms, Avenue offers access to the entire repository of information through subscriptions. A hassle-free solution to clients’ requirements is complemented with analyst support and customization requests.


text:
1.0-Liter EcoBoost Named 2014 International Engine of the Year
LeBron James and the Heat may have come up just a bit short of a three-peat (and by just a bit short we mean that they got walloped in the most one-sided series in NBA Finals history), but the Ford 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine had no such trouble throttling the competition for the title of 2014 International Engine of the Year. With this being the third straight year that the engine has taken home the award, it’s fair to say that Ford has a dynasty on its hands (and it didn’t even have to gather a supposed super-team in South Beach to do so).
“This year’s competition was the fiercest yet, but the 1.0-liter EcoBoost continues to stand out for all the right reasons – great refinement, surprising flexibility and excellent efficiency,” said Dean Slavnich, co-chairman, 16th International Engine of the Year awards and editor, Engine Technology International magazine. “The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is one of the finest examples of powertrain engineering.”
The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which is available in the Ford Fiesta and in the upcoming 2015 Ford Focus, has won 13 major awards to date, including:
- 2012, 2013, 2014 International Engine of the Year
- 2012 Best New Engine
- 2013 International Paul Pietsch Award
- Dewar Trophy (Royal Automobile Club)
- Breakthrough Award (Popular Mechanics)
- Ward’s 10 Best Engines
The 2014 International Engine of the Year award was determined by a panel of 82 automotive journalists from 35 countries, who also named the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine the Best Engine Under 1.0-Liter for the third year. So, technically, it’s a double three-peater. LeBron should take notes.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.


text:
Visa, EBay, Stripe and Mastercard have all announced that they are dropping out of Facebook’s Libra Association and its associated stablecoin project.
Four companies abandon ship
On Oct. 11, Bloomberg reported that Ebay, Stripe and Mastercard had decided to drop out of Facebook’s Libra cryptocurrency project. Within minutes, Visa said it had also decided not to join the Libra Association, according to The Block.
The news comes one week after payment processor PayPal announced its withdrawal from the Libra stablecoin project as regulators continue to scrutinize the project.
The companies have expressed respect for Facebook’s vision and claim to see continued potential in the project, but chose to redirect their focus for the time being.
Cointelegraph previously reported that Visa, Mastercard and Stripe were trying to ensure that Facebook’s crypto project wasn’t harming their relationships with regulators. The three payments giants hinted that Facebook had exaggerated claims that regulators were comfortable with Libra. Stripe initially denied it was considering a U-turn, but said today in a statement:
“Stripe is supportive of projects that aim to make online commerce more accessible for people around the world. Libra has this potential. We will follow its progress closely and remain open to working with the Libra Association at a later stage.”
Coinbase CEO supports Libra
Brian Armstrong, CEO and co-founder of major crypto exchange Coinbase, recently said that he believes that “the way the U.S. government reacted it’s like they almost want to be left behind.”
He also echoed his concerns over the United States possibly becoming obsolete due to innovation obstruction, adding:
“The way for countries to remain relevant over the long term and continue to have high economic growth is to invest in science, technology, and innovation. If the government can help here, even better. But first it needs to do no harm.”


text:
- Apr 12, 2001
Facebook will discontinue its peer-to-peer payments feature for Messenger users in the United Kingdom and France on June 15, the company announced on Tuesday (via TechCrunch).
The social network sent out notices to users of the service in the two countries informing them of the decision, adding that they would continue to be able to make charitable donations through Facebook itself. A note on the company's online help center reads:
Facebook's Messenger instant payments service originally launched in 2015, but wasn't available to users outside of the United State until November 2017, when it began rolling out in the U.K. It appears that the service will continue to remain active in the U.S. for now, despite the pullback in Europe."On 15 June 2019, we will discontinue P2P services on Messenger or through Facebook messages for all residents in the UK and France. While you won't be able to exchange money with friends and family, you'll still be able to complete other transactions through Facebook, such as making donations to charitable organisations."
Facebook offered no reason for its decision to end the payments service in the two countries, although the company is reportedly working on its own cryptocurrency that could enable people to send money to each other over the social network.
Article Link: Facebook to End Messenger Instant Payments Service in UK and France on June 15


text:
Smuggled ivory handicrafts intercepted by customs authorities in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, are shown during an exhibition. Photo: CFP
Li Dongbao (a pseudonym), 33, has been collecting ivory decorations and accessories for six years.
But last August things changed, after he saw subway posters depicting an elephant and its baby, which revealed how the ivory trade would tear them apart. He found himself feeling guilty and couldn't stop thinking about the graphic images and messages.
He's now considering whether or not to give up his hobby.
"I got information about these products from a collector's forum, htchi.com, and then contacted the sellers directly. The deals were conducted using an online platform because the country strictly controls trade involving ivory. In addition to ivory and hornbill beaks, tiger bones are also popular despite being illegal," Li was quoted by the Beijing Times as saying.
On htchi.com, most of the deals involve cultural relics or paintings.
The forum moderators clearly state that trade involving endangered species is forbidden in China and is banned from the forum. It also states that those involved will be punished.
However, visitors can still simply use the website forum to find ivory sellers.
Li's experience is one example of the already established online black market for ivory, which has slowly moved beyond traditional sales channels and distribution methods.
Black and white market
Hua Ning, a project director with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) China office, told the Global Times that ivory products account for around 70 percent of the wild animal trade based on the information acquired from distribution rings.
"Most of the ivory comes from Africa. IFAW has taken note of the profit chain in China as many enthusiasts have tried to purchase wild animals or products made from these animals over the Internet," Hua added.
As China strengthened its crackdown on the illegal ivory trade and implemented new regulations demanding strict sales permits, the illegal ivory business migrated online.
Collector websites and forums became the major channels for finding potential buyers.
"It's hard to track these sellers down on the Internet. They use aliases and frequently change accounts. You try to shut one website down, and they pop up in another," Hua said.
"They move between locations and deliver their goods through a web of courier services, which, due to the enormous number of parcels transferred between cities each day, has become extremely difficult to detect in advance," he added.
The Internet has become the largest black market for the wild animal trade. The killing, the smuggling, the manufacturing and the selling from Africa to China are all elements of the entire illegal profit chain that benefits those hidden behind the scenes, Hua added.
In 1981, China joined the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora, which strictly forbids any commercial sales of endangered species.
China prohibits the trade of animals under CITES' appendices I and II. Elephants are included in appendix I.
"Ivory products have long been at the top of the customs' crackdown list," an official with the policy and regulation division of the General Administration of Customs, who requested anonymity, told the Global Times, adding that ivory products generally require a very long waiting period before being permitted into the country.
However, the official said there is a certain level of flexibility in enforcing the regulations in different customs districts around the country.
"In some areas where smuggling has traditionally been rampant, like coastal areas in the southeastern part of the country, officials are doing more due diligence."
According to China's criminal law, people smuggling endangered species should be punished with prison sentences of five to 10 years, as well as hefty fines. Severe offenders can be punished with sentences of more than 10 years.
Governments across the world launch sporadic campaigns to crack down on the illegal trade in ivory, and typically focus on intercepting the products at borders.
Legally transporting ivory products into the country for private collections can be a tortuous process.
"My husband once bought an ivory name card case for 6,000 yuan ($965.4) from a Switzerland-based auction house, which was unfortunately intercepted by local customs officials during its delivery by a global courier company," Li Dong, a Shanghai-based office worker, told the Global Times.
"We were told that the product would be held unless we presented an import certificate from the State Forestry Bureau to prove the ivory product was solely for a private collection instead of trading," she said.
"It took us another two months to secure it, during which period the overdue fine for customs clearance accumulated day by day. We ended up paying another 6,000 yuan to get the product back," Li complained to the Global Times.
"A local customs official even said we could just walk away with one condition: leaving the ivory product behind," she grumbled.
According to data from the IFAW, around 25,000 elephants were killed in 2011 and the total number of elephants has dropped to approximately 500,000.
To make hunting them easier and to draw less attention from rangers, poachers tend to kill the elephants before they cut off their tusks.
In Africa, the number of elephants has been declining, in part due to the demand for ivory in many parts of Asia including China.
Hua believes that besides cracking down on the illegal animal trade, the government should focus more on changing the urge among many members of the public to buy these products and make inspections routine.
"It's cruel to kill an animal to acquire its tusks. There are other things people can collect. Taking ivory items and the heads of helmeted hornbills is unnecessary," said Hua, who told the Global Times Wednesday that he feared that as long as the demand exists, there will be no effective way to stop the killing.
Bai Tiantian and Li Xiang contributed to this story


text:
GOVERNOR ERNIE FLETCHER UNVEILS NEW UNBRIDLED SPIRIT LICENSE PLATE
Frankfort, Kentucky (July 19, 2005) – As the sun sets on the “smiley face” license plate, Kentucky’s unbridled spirit is racing to the forefront. Governor Ernie Fletcher, joined by officials from the Transportation Cabinet and Department of Tourism, unveiled Kentucky’s new license plate today at Kentucky Speedway. The announcement officially marks the sunset of the “smiley face” plate.
“This is a phenomenal opportunity to showcase our new state brand,” stated Governor Ernie Fletcher. “We wanted a plate that is clean, striking and promotes Kentucky’s Unbridled Spirit. We are very excited about the new license plate and hope this captures the approval of every citizen throughout the commonwealth.”
Beginning August 1, 2005, residents who acquire a vehicle or who transfer a vehicle title to Kentucky will receive the new license plate. Effective January 1, 2006, a resident renewing registration will receive the new plate. By the end of 2006, all regular passenger vehicle plates will be the new “Unbridled Spirit” plate.
“By next December there will be more than two million plates visible throughout the commonwealth,” said Acting Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert. “The cabinet is putting to rest the “smiley face” license plate after many requests from constituents. We feel the new plate clearly represents the brand that the citizens of the commonwealth endorse.”
There is no additional cost to taxpayers to produce the new license plates. The cost is covered from a replating fund. The plates are for passenger vehicles only. The brand may also be incorporated on the specialty plates in the coming months.
- On August 1, 2005 a newly acquired vehicle or vehicle transferring title to the state for the first time, will receive a new unbridled spirit license plate.
- Beginning January 1, 2006 a vehicle renewing registration will receive a new brand license plate.
- By the end of the year 2006, all regular passenger vehicle plates will be the new brand plate.
- Approximately 2 million plates will be produced at a cost of $3.5 million.
- Escrow funds collected for license re-plating ($.50/plate) will be utilized to pay for this re-plating process. There are no additional costs to the taxpayers.
- Escrow funds available are sufficient to fund this re-plating process at NO ADDITIONAL COST to the Transportation Cabinet.
- Department of Corrections will produce these license plates in the same way as current license plates are supplied.
- The new brand license plates are for passenger vehicles only, no specialty or commercial license plates are available with the new brand.
- The current cycle to replace Specialty Plates in 2008 will not be affected by this re-plating process. However, the “unbridled spirit” brand may be incorporated on specialty plates in the coming months.
- The current license plate (smiley face) will continue to be issued until July 31, 2005 with current supplies being utilized until exhausted to minimize waste.
- To minimize waste, cars already in the Kentucky license system will receive the smiley face plate through December 31, 2005. Only brand new passenger vehicles (that have not been plated before) or vehicles that are being transferred from another state (that would need a new plate) will receive the new license plate.


text:
By September 6, Russia exported agricultural products worth $ 17.6 billion, which is 14% more than on the same date last year ($ 15.4 billion), according to the federal center “Agroexport” under the Ministry of Agriculture. At the same time, the cost of 1 ton of export products dropped to $ 401 from $ 416.
Since the beginning of the year, most of all, grain has been exported – for $ 5.5 billion.Export of fish amounted to $ 3.3 billion, fat and oil products – $ 3.1 billion.
China remains the main buyer of Russian raw materials and food – by $ 2.5 billion, which is 28% more than a year earlier ($ 1.98 billion). His purchases are the most fish – for $ 1.1 billion.
Turkey ranks second with $ 1.98 billion against $ 1.6 billion last year (an increase of 25%), the third is the EU with $ 1.85 billion against $ 1.67 (an increase of 11%), respectively. Turkey bought most of all grain ($ 1.1 billion), the EU – fish ($ 601 million).
In 2019, the Russian Federation exported agricultural products worth $ 25.6 billion. According to the federal project “Export of agricultural products” this year, supplies are provided for $ 25 billion.
The Federal Center “Agroexport” is engaged in consulting support for exporters, forecasting and analyzing the situation in foreign markets, assessing tariff and non-tariff restrictions on agricultural exports, creating an industry system for promoting agricultural products to foreign markets.


text:
Monte Carlo Automobile was founded back in 1983 as Monaco’s first automaker. And to celebrate its 30th anniversary, it will soon launch a new supercar called the Rascasse. Yes, it may resemble a Pagani
Zonda with a touch of Ferrari
here and there, but it’ll still be quite rare. Just 15 units are planned at a cost of roughly $660,000 each. But what about power and how does this thing compare with Europe’s finest?


text:
The car industry in the UK is still booming. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have shown that new car registrations grew 7% in the first six months of 2015. With total registrations of 1,376,889 cars, it’s the highest half-year figure since records began.
The upwards movement isn’t just a blip, either. June 2015 marks the 40th consecutive month of growth in the market, with registrations up 12.9% on May.
The SMMT data also shows changes in our purchasing habits. Patriotism is alive and well with 13.9% of consumers choosing a car manufactured in the UK – the highest level in five years. With nearly 800,000 people in the UK employed across the automotive sector it’s a while since the domestic car manufacturing picture looked this rosy.
As you might imagine, alternatively fuelled vehicles are on the rise with volumes increasing by 70.9% compared to May figures. The vast majority of these are electric vehicles operated by fleet users, but registrations to private buyers remain strong.
With attractive finance packages and low interest rates becoming ever more prevalent, more and more people are taking the plunge and purchasing a new car. Combine this with a glut of new models featuring some incredible technological innovations and the market seems to have a good recipe for continued growth.
Chief Executive of SMMT, Mike Hawes, said, ‘It is still a great time to buy a new car in the UK, and it is encouraging to see more consumers choosing British models. This is important to the wider economy with 799,000 people now employed across the UK automotive sector, including retail.
Now check out our full list of the UK’s best selling cars…


text:
Nike's 'innovation lull' is 'crippling' Finish Line, analyst says
Finish Line Inc. is having a brutal week that includes a plummeting share price, a reduced profit outlook and measures taken by its board to fend off a possible takeover.
But if it's any solace for Finish Line executives — and it probably isn't — the company's troubles might not all be their fault.
Apparel experts say footwear giant Nike Inc. has hit a yearslong slump — with no end in sight — that is crushing retailers such as Indianapolis-based Finish Line and competing chain Foot Locker, whose stock also has been falling.
"This sharp collapse of (Finish Line's) business underscores the category challenges facing athletic, largely promulgated by (Nike's) innovation lull," Camilo Lyon, the managing director of equity research for Canaccord Genuity, wrote Tuesday. "Simply put, it is crippling the retailers."
Lyon elaborated in an interview with IndyStar, saying footwear retailers are facing two main problems: Nike, whose products account for about 70 percent of their sales, has not released a hit product in at least five years. And footwear makers are taking increasing control over their own sales, including by moving more products on their websites.
"This is effectively Nike sneezing and retailers catching the flu," Lyon said.
Ironically, Nike hasn't been hurt by its own stagnation nearly as much as the companies that sell its products. Nike on June 29 reported fiscal fourth-quarter profit and revenue that beat analysts' expectations.
But Matt Powell, a footwear analyst for NPD Group, recently told Benzinga that Nike's problems are apparent in other ways, including an increasing reliance on discounts.
“To my eye, Nike is on sale now more than ever," Powell told Benzinga. "Our industry was built on aspiration and inspiration, not on price."
Meanwhile, Finish Line's problems have accelerated. The company on Monday announced preliminary second-quarter results that showed year-over-year sales declined 3.3 percent to $469.4 million, with same-store sales tumbling 4.6 percent.
Finish Line also warned, as The Wall Street Journal notes, that it expects to generate its smallest profit since 2009.
Separately, Finish Line disclosed that it has adopted a shareholder rights plan, better known as a poison pill, to prevent any entity from obtaining more than 12.5 percent of outstanding shares. The move comes as United Kingdom-based Sports Direct International PLC has been gobbling up shares of Finish Line and has been thought to be a takeover threat.
“The board believes that it is in the best interests of Finish Line and our shareholders to adopt a shareholder rights plan given the current market conditions and recent share accumulations,” Finish Line Chairman Glenn Lyon said in a statement. “The plan is designed to ensure that the Company’s board of directors is able to appropriately consider whether proposals, if any, are in the best interests of all our shareholders."
In a separate statement, Finish Line CEO Sam Sato noted the "marketplace for athletic footwear is highly competitive and promotional."
Finish Line shares have fallen more than 55 percent this year to a closing price of $8.50 Tuesday.
It's going to be at least nine to 12 months before Finish Line and other retailers can expect to see any help from Nike, Lyon said.
"Nike's really the dominant player on the footwear side and these guys are much more exposed to footwear than anything else in the business," he said.
Call IndyStar reporter James Briggs at (317) 444-6307. Follow him on Twitter: @JamesEBriggs.


text:
Updating Customs Union to offer key chance to revive Turkey-EU ties
A long-awaited update to the Customs Union deal between Turkey and the European Union has the potential to restore strained ties between the two.
The European Commission took a key step in silence on Dec. 21 on the road to launching negotiations with Turkey to modernize the existing 20-year old Customs Union, in line with a key process that officially started in 2015. The commission asked the council for a mandate to launch talks with Turkey to modernize the deal.
This step may not result in anything if the update talks fail. However, the move will mean a lot if the process ends with a win-win deal for both sides.
It is quite obvious that the update to this key deal will bring many opportunities in economic terms for the both sides. Beyond these economic goodies, this process could bring significant opportunities for both sides to understand each other better and for Turkey to improve its key institutions during these difficult times, especially after the European Parliament’s vote to freeze negotiations with Turkey temporarily because of Ankara’s “disproportionate” reaction to the July 15 failed coup attempt.
The commission noted that “respect for democracy and fundamental rights will be an essential element of the agreement,” in its statement to announce its move. Any progress in these fields will of course be good for Turkey.
Before proceeding into the details of the potential economic gains, it should be noted that there is still hope to boost social, political and economic ties between Turkey and the EU.
What will the update bring economically?
Turkey is the EU’s fifth largest partner in trade in goods, and the value of bilateral trade in goods has increased more than fourfold since 1996, now hitting 140 billion euros a year. According to officials from both sides, with an updated Customs Union deal, this figure could double to $300 billion.
Services and public procurement are not included in the current framework of EU-Turkey bilateral trade relations, and agriculture is only covered on the basis of preferential concessions. With a deepening of the Customs Union deal, these key sectors could be included as well as public procurement, thus incorporating all areas of the Turkish economy related to international trade.
Turkey is required to import goods from any countries with whom the EU has a free trade deal without trade restrictions under the existing deal, but this creates enormous asymmetries in Turkey’s trade with third parties with whom the EU has a free trade agreement. Now the country has the chance to revise this for the better.
There is also always more than trade, as two thirds of foreign direct investment in Turkey currently originates in the EU. FDI inflows to Turkey peaked in 2007 at $19.1 billion and the EU, led by the Netherlands, Austria, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Germany and Spain, has been the largest foreign investor in Turkey in recent years.
Besides, on the road to deepening its deal with the EU, Turkey will have many opportunities to liberalize its economy and make its economic activities more transparent and more productive.
Additionally, Turkey will also be able to participate in a decision-making mechanism in the Customs Union agreement.
Beyond all of these economic and commercial benefits, the launch of the official talks to modernize the Customs Union deal soon will create a healthy dialogue mechanism between the two sides.
With the Turkish side’s current rhetoric, the EU is a significant reference point for Turkey to strengthen its institutions. This process could, however, drag on forever. As such, both sides must take steps toward each other rather than endlessly disapprove of each other’s moves.


text:
Africa as the Next Major Frontier: The Drivers for Fintech in Africa
Africa is the next major frontier for the global economy and will see its population nearly double from 1.4 billion today to 2.5 billion by 2050.
The GSMA estimated that sub-Saharan Africa was home to nearly 550 million mobile money accounts in 2021, with over 160 million of these accounts being active on a regular basis. The World Bank credits mobile money and similar fintech solutions in helping to pull out millions of Africans out of poverty in the past decade. The opportunity is greater still. Like everywhere else on the planet, Covid19 has only accelerated this wave of digitization, and mobile payments across the continent are soaring.
Here are some of the unique drivers for fintech adoption in Africa:
1. High Mobile Phone Adoption & Penetration
Africa has on


text:
Prishtina, August 26, 2019 – Digitalizing Kosovo’s economy is one of the preconditions for the further development of businesses, facilitating the process of providing their services in the market, but also for the economic growth of Kosovo. This was said during the roundtable organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo in which business representatives provided their recommendations to the new Government regarding the digitalization of the economy.
Chairman of AmCham Digital Economy Committee, Ardian Hoxha, mentioned the priorities of the Committee he leads which should be considered by the new Government, such as establishing the legal infrastructure for digital economy, increasing cyber security measures, approving the Draft Law on Electronic Identification and Trusted Services in Electronic Transactions, etc. He said that considering the fact that the information and communication technology sector remains the sector with the largest growth in the country, its facilitation and development should be the focus of the governmental institutions for the country to be competitive with other countries in the region and the world.
Representative of the U.S. company Sutherland, Shpresa Kika, said that one of the challenges that foreign businesses face in the Kosovar market is the lack of access to information which is fundamental in providing quality services to clients. She added that despite the lack of information which is key to expanding businesses in various countries, the cyber security level is also a major challenge for businesses in the country.
On the other hand, Arizona Bërdynaj from the company Kujtesa said that although there is high internet penetration in the country, numerous investments are needed in its infrastructure in providing quality services to citizens and businesses. Regarding the digital economy transition, Bërdynaj said that businesses should also be supported through various funds that focus on supporting the digitalization of the economy.
Sharing the view of Innovation Centre Kosovo (ICK), Executive Director Uranik Begu said that given the fact that technological trends are constantly changing, continuous partnership between the public and private sectors is more than necessary for higher success in the digitalization of the economy. Begu said that Kosovo needs a mission that for the next five years clearly places the country as the leader in the digital economy in the region in a certain area, adding that the proper use of financial resources in this regard is necessary for the development.
Arianit Fazliu from Kutia said that Kosovo has easier access to internet than some European countries and therefore its higher use impacts the economic growth and business development. Among others, he mentioned various methods for monetization by businesses providing digital services, such as selling products online, adding that the inclusion of institutions should be made in order to simplify access to online shopping platforms. According to him, this would help to further materialize the higher internet use in Kosovo, which is among the highest in Europe.


text:
(Reuters) – U.S. small business optimism rose in July, with owners anticipating an improvement in sales and earnings, which could bolster hopes of an acceleration in economic activity in the second half of the year.
The National Federation of Independent Business said on Tuesday its Small Business Optimism Index increased 0.6 point to 94.1 last month, recouping most of June’s decline.
It was the fourth highest reading since December 2007, when the economy slipped into recession.
Though the economy is in its fourth year of expansion, the recovery has been patchy, leaving the unemployment rate at an uncomfortably high 7.4 percent.
The economy grew 1.4 percent in the first six months of the year, held back by belt-tightening in Washington. Economists expect the pace of economic growth to quicken in the second half as the tight fiscal policy burden eases.
In July, six of the index’s 10 components advanced, with small business owners a bit upbeat on sales, earnings and job creation plans. There were also improvements in their views on inventory and there was an uptick in the number of owners who thought the time was right to expand their operations.
There was also a slight increase in the number of owners reporting difficulties in filling open jobs. However, expectations for business conditions over the next six months fell, while capital spending plans were unchanged.
(Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)


text:
Google Play Movies will likely soon be announcing one of the largest-ever expansions of the service since its launch, adding 21 new nations from around the world. Here's the complete list, because I know that's what you're here for:
- Czech Republic
- Lao People's Democratic Republic
Just in March, Google announced a full 35 newly-supported countries for the service, and in December last year it added 13 more countries. Read More
Looking to kick back and kill a few minutes this afternoon / evening / morning / whatever time it is where you are? Google's got a brand-new set of football-themed mini-games out via the Kick with Chrome experiment today.
The games include Infinite Dribble, Space Kick, and Shootout. Shootout is actually a multiplayer penalty-shot game, so that one could be fun with friends. Infinite Dribble is a tilt-based endless... dribbler, and Space Kick is a sort of vertical platformer. Read More
Square Order is actually a pretty interesting service - think Amazon Fresh meets Eat24. While it's still only available in New York City and San Francisco, the on-demand ordering system is finally out of beta on Android, with the app now available for consumption.
Square Order allows you to order food from restaurants, but it's a bit more than that - it's designed to be used even while you're inside the restaurant, because the app actually notifies you as soon as your order is ready, and payment and tip are integrated as well. Read More
As one of the world's largest advocates for web access in emerging markets, Facebook obviously cares very much just how well its own platform works on mobile devices in those markets. As such, Facebook sent a team of product managers and engineers to various regions in Africa to learn more about just how people were using the service, on which devices, and what the major pain points for the app were. Read More
Nokia doesn't have much to do with Android, but it does make those super-cheap Android devices with the wonky interface and no Google services. That's not the extent of Nokia's Android ambitions, though. There's a new launcher from the company called Z Launcher, and you can try it right now. Make no mistake – it's basic, but kind of neat.
Pushbullet is one of those apps that gets continuously updated over time, and while many releases don't look particularly mind-blowing on the outside, they subtly introduce rather impressive functionality. A week ago we reported on upcoming integration with EvolveSMS that would allow users to receive, view, and reply to text messages from the comfort of their desktop computers. Users could download a beta to play around with the feature before, but now it's rolling out to everyone. Read More
A lot has happened since 1998, so here's a refresher: Mojo Jojo is still up to shenanigans, Townsville is still in trouble, and it's still up to the Powerpuff Girls to save the day. Rather than taking to the TV screen, this time they're kicking butt in their own 2D sidecrolling adventure. Read More
AccuWeather has been my go-to weather app for a long time now. I still have like eight others installed (don't judge me), but I always find AccuWeather to be the most...accurate. Today, the app is getting a kickass new update that brings up to the minute forecasts. It's called – get this – MinuteCast, and it basically provids minute-by-minute forecasts for a two hour window. Oh, and it uses your exact street address, so you know exactly what's coming. Read More
Most third-party home screens simply add on features to the standard launcher experience, but Action Launcher has always been a little more innovative. While it has a lot of neat stuff like Shutters and the Quickdrawer, it has been missing one of the basic features of a custom launcher – unread counts. Well, now it has arrived, albeit in beta form.
Intel might have finally cracked the video messaging code. See, you'd probably send more video messages to people if you looked like a giant anthropomorphized puffer fish. Heck, you might even pay for the privilege of looking like George Washington in said video message. So obviously, there's now an Intel app called Pocket Avatars that does just that.


text:
Ten months after Raf Simons stepped down as creative director at Christian Dior, the haute fashion house confirmed today — after weeks of rampant fashion-insider speculation — that Valentino’s own Maria Grazia Chiuri will be stepping into Simons’ beloved shoes.
Her appointment signals a turning point for Dior: Chiuri is the first female creative director at the 69-year-old house.
Her departure from Valentino has also initiated one of the biggest fashion breakups in history. After working alongside her (now former) co-creative director Pierpaolo Picciolo at the Italian house for nine years, many — including this Valentino fangirl — are wondering: what will Chiuri’s solo act bring to Dior?
Season after season, Chiuri and Picciolo delivered magical collections, each infused with fairy-tale elements (showstopping embellished tulle gowns), princess-worthy moments (starry tiaras) and the now ubiquitous Rockstud shoe. And at the Valentino fall 2016 couture show this week, the pair debuted their final collection together, taking a cue from Shakespeare’s Elizabethan era — ruffled, high-neck blouses, richly embellished full skirts and embroidered robes, all anchored with the modern-day woman’s need for utility (every look was paired with a flat, knee-high black boot). Fantasy tailored to function was the essence of this duo. Who doesn’t want a piece of that?
Personally, I’m super-excited to see what Chiuri will bring to Dior. The pairing seems not only fitting, but appropriate that a brand so synonymous with its iconic (not to mention superfeminine) “New Look” — full skirts nipped at the waist (a look I live for) will be led from a woman’s point of view.
And who knows? Maybe Chiuri will debut her first runway show for the house this fall with that pitch-perfect blend of old and new, all with a swish of her magical fairy wand.
A girl can dream.


text:
The Apple event has just concluded with Apple having revealed the iPad Mini 6 and 9th generation iPad, Apple Watch Series 7, and iPhone 13. If you missed it live, don’t worry you can still watch it in the YouTube embed below. We also have plenty of coverage of everything that was announced, including a comprehensive overview so you won’t miss a thing.
Apple will open up its livestream starting at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 14. You’ll be able to watch it on Apple’s Event website using any modern browser. You can also watch it through the Apple TV app with any compatible device or directly on YouTube if your device isn’t on the list.
New iPad Mini 6 and iPad 9th generation
Two new iPads are making their debut, a redesigned iPad Mini 6, and a thinner and lighter traditional iPad.
Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 is official, bringing with it a redesigned form-factor and more sensors.
Apple iPhone 13 Series
This is Apple’s marquee event for the fall, and the new iPhone 13 series are the highlight since as always, Apple saved the best for last. The new reveals include the 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 Mini are in the cards.
- This one Apple Fitness feature completely changed how I exercise
- An Apple insider just revealed how iOS 18’s AI features will work
- Everything you need to know about the massive Apple App Store outage
- Do iPhone 14 cases fit the iPhone 15? Sort of, but not quite
- Is the iPhone 15 waterproof? Read this before getting it wet


text:
Nearly 200 jobsare under threat with the announcement of the likely sale of a wool spinning plant in Oamaru.
Summit Wool Spinners, New Zealand's largest independent wool spinner, has a conditional sale agreement with Canterbury Spinners, a subsidiary of Godfrey Hirst.
The unions representing workers at the plant say Summit is the second-largest employer in Oamaru and has been part of the North Otago town for 130 years.
The sale is targeted for the end of February and is expected to affect 192 workers.
The unfavourable exchange rate and less local demand for wool carpets are cited as factors behind the move.
Godfrey Hirst New Zealand general manager Tania Pauling says if the sale goes through, a skeleton staff will be kept on to help assess the viability of the business.
Ms Pauling says it is in a very precarious situation and the company hopes to know by May whether the plant can be kept open.


text:
Two parties are interested in buying AC Milan, a report claims, after Louis Vuitton distances themselves from the recent speculation.
Elliott Management acquired control of the Rossoneri back in summer 2018 as previous owner Yonghong Li defaulted on the repayment of his debts to the American fund.
There have been reports from a number of sources suggesting that Elliott could sell the club once they have improved its valuation.
Recent reports from Il Messaggero claimed that the owner of Louis Vuitton – Bernard Arnault – is interested in taking Milan over, with a €1bn+ offer planned.
However, the group then released a statement to the same outlet denying the rumours.
“The LVMH group firmly and officially denies the hypothesis reported today by Il Messaggero that LVMH presented an offer to the Elliott fund for the purchase of the AC Milan football club.”
Tuesday’s edition of La Repubblica (via MilanNews.it) offers an update by claiming that there is interest from Saudi Arabia and the Emirates in buying the club.
Elliott, however, are apparently unlikely to sell the club before the stadium issue is resolves, which – if completed – would obviously give the club’s valuation a huge boost.


text:
Gaming benchmarks for NVIDIA’s upcoming GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics cards have appeared ahead of their June 10 release courtesy of two reviewers from China’s Bilibili video platform. Select benchmarks suggest that the GeForce RTX 3070 Ti might be anywhere from 5 to 10 percent faster on average than its standard sibling in hit games such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Cyberpunk 2077, while additional (synthetic) tests indicate that the GeForce RTX 3080 beats the GeForce RTX 3070 Ti by around 18 to 20 percent. The hash rate of the GeForce RTX 3070 Ti also appears to be limited to 45 MH/s.
Overall Synthetic and Gaming Performance
It does not take a lot of effort to determine the exact model which was used […] thanks to the GPU-Z screenshot that was released during the video review. The subsystem ID confirms this is a Colorful Vulcan X model. […] There is also a video from TecLab (also Bilibili) showing a different model (Gigabyte) and full GPU-Z screenshot.
Sources: Big Hardware Player, TecLab, VideoCardz


text:
Thrash metal outfit ANTHRAX have announced the news that many fans have been eagerly anticipating – the release of their live DVD, Kings Among Scotland.
The live-in-concert DVD is set for release on 27th April 2018, both in stores and online.
The footage for the long-awaited DVD was shot at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom last February and shows the band performing a sold-out, two-hour extravaganza. The release is also set to contain a handful of bonus features as an extra treat for fans, including interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
Kings Among Scotland was produced, directed, filmed and edited by Paul M. Green, who has previously worked with the likes of Opeth, The Damned and The Levellers.
ANTHRAX are set to hit the road once again in January, touring North America with Killswitch Engage next year. You can find full tour dates, as well as info on pre-ordering Kings Among Scotland, at www.anthrax.com.


text:
Small businesses are feeling the pinch of rising prices at the gas pump
Share Now on:
The price of gasoline isn’t just a burden for consumers. Small businesses are feeling the pinch, too. We checked in with some small business owners to hear about how they’ve been managing the spike at the pump.
Early in the pandemic, Jenny Niezgoda added a new line of business to her catering company and food market, Al Fresko. She started delivering charcuterie boards to people’s homes.
“That was a huge segment of our business that we’ve fortunately been able to grow in the last couple years,” she said.
In the San Diego area where Niezgoda’s business is based, gas prices have gone up by 70 cents per gallon over the past week.
So, on Tuesday, she hiked her delivery fee by 60%. That’s from $25 dollars to $40.
“When you’re paying almost $6 a gallon, I think I saw yesterday, and it keeps rising daily, we want to make sure that we’re kind of preparing for the weeks coming as well. Because we don’t know — is it going to keep rising at that rate?” she said.
Niezgoda isn’t sure how customers will react. She’s wondering whether she wants to deliver at all if she has to charge that much.
“So maybe at this point it’s something where we start to shift more to … having our clients come pick them up at the shop,” she said.
Near San Francisco, equipment supplier TMB Baking is re-thinking its vehicle fleet.
“We’re donating a pickup truck that we had, and we’re also eliminating one van of our van fleet that’s not as fuel efficient,” said CEO Greg Warwick.
The company does a lot of site visits to inspect equipment.
“Our installation manager was going to a bakery this morning to evaluate an oven. Then we asked him to take the Prius,” Warwick said.
Even businesses that don’t own their own vehicles are feeling the pinch. Cathrine Reynolds handles imports and deliveries for Palmetto Tile Distributors in South Carolina. Her shipping companies started adding new fuel surcharges this week.
“And those are averaging between, like, $1.50, $2.50 per shipment, per box. So it sounds small, but it adds up, especially when we have to pass those costs on to our clients,” she said.
Given the continued shortage of drivers, congested ports, and problems sourcing raw materials, Reynolds said she’s expecting her delivery fees to rise even more.
There’s a lot happening in the world. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.
You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.
Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.


text:
Ron Burkle is Busy Looking to Buy
Ron Burkle and his Yucaipa Cos. have stakes in quite a
number of retailers, including A&P, Barneys New York, Barnes & Noble,
Scoop and Whole Foods. Recently, Mr. Burkle has been making headlines as he
has sought to buy bigger stakes in Barneys and Barnes & Noble.
In a public
letter to Barnes & Noble’s board last week, Mr. Burkle objected
to a “poison pill” provision adopted by the company designed to keep him from
raising his share in the company from its current 19 percent to 37 percent. The
provision sets up roadblocks to keep single entities from owning more than
20 percent of the company, although current members of the board make up blocks
greater than that amount.
Mr. Burkle specifically criticized Leonard Riggio,
chairman of the company, and Stephen Riggio, its CEO and vice chairman.
“The fact that the Riggio family
and other company insiders own over 37 percent of the outstanding stock, and
that over the past three years Len was allowed to increase his personal stake
by approximately 10 percent of the outstanding stock (to over 30 percent of
the outstanding shares), in my view shows that the board and its chairman endorse
two sets of rules: one for the Riggio family, and one for the rest of the company’s
Mr. Burkle also criticized Leonard Riggio for selling his textbook
business to Barnes & Noble. The result was a reduction in the chain’s liquidity
the company and its shareholders with significant debt to finance that purchase.”
the case of Barneys, Mr. Burkle appears to be coming in with a lowball offer
to gain a controlling stake in the luxury retailer. According to a Wall
Street Journal report, Mr. Burkle offered $50 million to acquire
an 80 percent share of the retailer.
The current majority owner of Barneys,
Istithmar World Capital, finds itself struggling with huge amounts
of debt after acquiring the luxury fashion merchant in 2007 for $1 billion.
Istithmar is reportedly not considering the offer.
“Our holiday performance
exceeded our expectations, and Barneys remains cautiously optimistic for 2010,” Vince
Phelan, chief financial officer at Barneys New York, told the Journal. “No
financial restructuring of the company is imminent.”
Discussion Questions: What
do you read into Ron Burkle’s push to gain greater share of Barnes & Noble
and Barneys? Would those companies be better off or worse with Mr. Burkle exerting
more control over them?
- Ron Burkle Letter to Board of Directors of Barnes & Noble,
Inc. – Yucaipa
Cos./Securities and Exchange Commission
- Burkle challenges Barnes & Noble – Financial Times
Ron Burkle bids for N.Y.’s Barneys – Los Angeles Times
- Burkle Angles for Controlling Stake in Barneys – The Wall Street Journal


text:
Embracing automation – the use of equipment or technology to automate a process or facility – is one way small businesses can remain competitive, and last year’s COVID crisis has given some owners the push they needed to get started.
Among them is the founder of Integrity Food Co, Mat Stillone. He’s spent the past decade transforming his supplements start-up into a multimillion-dollar manufacturer of protein powders, gluten-free goods and plant-based meat substitutes.
With his two Brisbane factories at capacity, producing the company’s own range and manufacturing on contract for other brands, Stillone recognised that further expansion would require a significant investment in equipment.
In early 2019, he began working with food and process engineers in Australia and China to design two fully automated production lines that would allow Integrity Food Co to quadruple its capacity, from five to 20 tonnes a day.
“Because we started small, our production process wasn’t master-planned,” Stillone explains. “It evolved over time and some things were quite manual – staff having to apply stickers to products by hand, for example.
“There were lots of bottlenecks, and we were losing opportunities and sales because we didn’t have the capacity to take on large manufacturing contracts and continue to fulfil our distributor orders. I could see automation was on the horizon – it was just a matter of working out the perfect time to take that step.”
The time proves right
During a global pandemic was not that time, Stillone judged. With sales slowing in January and February 2020, he shelved his plans temporarily, to focus on steering Integrity Food Co through what he anticipated would be a protracted downturn.
But, as it turned out, business boomed.
“Our ecommerce trade quadrupled overnight, and we went from panicking to making hay while the sun shone,” Stillone says. “We saw huge growth and things got pretty crazy, trying to employ people to keep up with demand.”
By October 2020, he felt confident enough to reactivate the automation initiative. In early 2021, he took delivery of his new equipment, having first seen it put it through its paces via a series of Zoom demonstrations.
The first production line can mix, pack and seal up to two tonnes of powder at a time. The second line blends, packs, seals and labels product in tubs and pouches.
“My original plan was to fly to China to test the equipment in situ, but with COVID that wasn’t possible. So I sent about 40 different raw materials over and, with the help of a translator, had the supplier do multiple test runs,” Stillone says.
“Some of the processes are quite finicky and tedious, but we wanted to ensure we’d captured all the data and ironed out the kinks before going ahead with the purchase.”
Lower costs, a better product
While the automation project’s $500,000 price tag represents a sizeable investment for a manufacturer of Integrity Food Co’s size, the business case is compelling.
As well as upping production capacity, Stillone expects automation to result in efficiencies that will yield an annual saving of at least $120,000, once the new lines are fully operational. What’s more, product wastage and the need to halt production to clean the lines periodically costs the company around $100,000 a year; automation is expected to reduce this figure to $85,000.
But the benefits go beyond financial savings. New metal detection and X-ray capabilities provide confidence the company’s food safety and quality measures are world standard, while having fewer people on the lines reduces the risk of industrial accidents.
Prepare your ground
Nevertheless, after years of keeping an iron grip on outgoings, investing in automation was not a move he made lightly, Stillone admits.
“If you have a self-funded business like mine, it feels quite daunting, committing to that kind of outlay,” he says.
His advice for other small businesses looking to gain an automation advantage? Analyse the problems in your enterprise so you can determine whether and how automation might help to solve them, talk to other business owners in your industry whose opinion you respect, and crunch the numbers.
“Base your decision on data, not feelings,” Stillone adds. “Don’t invest in something because it’s a dream of yours – it needs to make financial sense.”
Researching and testing the technology and equipment you’re looking to acquire is also vital.
“If you’re a manufacturer, you should make sure your product is compatible with the machinery, especially when you’re buying from abroad,” Stillone says. “You don’t want to be in a position where you’re forking out money and hoping something works when it lands. If you get it wrong, it can take months or years to find something else and cost you a lot, in time, money and wasted opportunities.”
Get it right, though, and you may find yourself well placed to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
“Automation is helping Integrity Food Co transform from a small-time player into a fully fledged manufacturer with the capacity to diversify and tackle new markets overseas,” Stillone says.
“Being in the position to achieve that growth is so exciting.”


text:
Food Union, a global dairy production and distribution group, is seeking to change the ice cream landscape across Northern Europe by harnessing insights from sensory and behavioral R&D to bring new ice cream flavors to market. The company has prepared over 100 novel products for the upcoming summer season that feature exclusive flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits targeting consumers across the Baltics, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
“We have built R&D deep into our company’s DNA and have ambitions to test and invent new products while upholding the highest standards of taste, quality, and nutritional value,” says Normunds Staņēvičs, CEO of Food Union, Europe. “We prioritize sensory innovation and behavioral science to identify what consumers demand when disruptive changes have increased the need for joy, comfort, and nutrition from trusted brands. Consumer-centered innovation will always be at the core of our product strategy and business model.”
Food Union produces ice cream in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Denmark and the group holds a strong market position in Norway, Romania, Russia and Belarus. The Food Union Group’s shareholders include its founder and global head Andrey Beskhmelnitsky; the Hong Kong-based investment company Meridian Capital Limited; and one of Asia’s largest private capital firms, PAG. They became Food Union shareholders in 2015 and 2018 to finance the construction of two dairy plants in China and facilitate the company’s dynamic expansion into the Chinese market.
Food Union is showcasing the following five key trends in 2020 products:
Flavor Fusions and Culinary Complexity: An indulgent experience that brings fine dining into take-home ice cream. The team tapped the power of mixology to inspire exciting new tastes, and create ice cream that evokes an experimental joy.
Guilt-Free Gourmandise: Food Union’s innovation team expanded low-calorie snacking options to provide “guilt-free” snacking. Bite-sized indulgences are now available as a “healthy-snacking” option for those concerned with reducing calorie and sugar intake.
Seasonal Signatures Pure to Nature: Signature fruit flavors are used, which offer fresh, natural notes. The natural world was used as inspiration for products that are vibrant, refreshing, detoxing and energizing.
Delicious Disruption: The element of surprise is vital. A black cone was created, incorporating a “sprinkle of something that is not typically sprinkled.” The ingredient philosophy used meant taking the expected and making it unexpected.
Plant-Based Alternatives: Most consumers have now tried plant-based products and are likely to continue incorporating them into their lifestyle due to health benefits and dietary preferences. New recipes were developed to be among the first to fulfill this growing demand.
Edited by Elizabeth Green


text:
A few weeks ago, Apple presented a very promising service that was making the company enter the video game business . It’s true that in the App Store we can find incredible games, but with Apple Arcade the company wants to go further and has more than 100 titles under its arm.
The official launch of Apple Arcade will come after the summer , although it is very likely that in the imminent WWDC 19 we will know more news along with the launch of iOS 13. However, Apple Arcade could be much more ambitious than we thought since it seems that Apple would be developing its own wireless controller compatible with the iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Mac.
If Apple has made a firm commitment to , its own universal video game platform for all its devices, it makes perfect sense to launch a controller to make playing games much more comfortable. It is true that we have many controllers available in the App Store and in other stores and thanks to the MFi certification we know that they work perfectly, however an own Apple controller would be much more interesting.
According to this developer, Apple is testing a proprietary driver for video games on Apple TV, we understand that it should be compatible with other devices as well. With Apple Arcade the Apple TV can become a real console and an Apple controller is essential to achieve this.
Although Apple has failed in the past in the world of video games, as with its Pippin console, it has been incredibly successful with wireless devices such as AirPods in recent years. Following this example, this so-called controller could connect incredibly fast between our devices and make Apple Arcade conquer the most demanding and succeed much faster.