Ball Corporation Signed a US$ 225 Million Deal to Sell its Metal Beverage Packaging Facilities

Ball Corporation, a Colorado-based packaging firm, announced that it has entered an agreement with ORG Technology Co. Ltd., a Chinese metal can manufacturing company, to sell metal beverage packaging facilities in China for approximately US$ 225 million.

The total transaction of US$ 225 million includes cash payments and potential additional payments, ranging between $50 million and $75 million, associated with the relocation of the current manufacturing facility. The company also announced that the assets mentioned in the acquisition agreement include its beverage can and end facilities in Foshan, Beijing, Qingdao, and Hubei, China.

Ball Corporation has agreed to reinvest approximately $50 million in ORG Technology’s shares for the projects needs for relocation of its facility in China. Furthermore, the company will be licensing its beverage can and end technology to ORG technology as a part of the deal. Ball declared that, while leveraging ORG’s expertise in the Chinese market in its respective markets, it will cooperate with ORG Technology post acquisition with mutual customers to help the company leverage lucrative commercial opportunities in the upcoming years.

“The acquisition of Ball’s metal packaging facility by ORG Technology is directed towards freeing up Ball’s capital investments in the Chinese beverage can and end plants that did not generated the anticipated annual returns. This acquisition will enable us to follow a disciplined approach in capital allocation across our business segments and help both the companies to benefit from each other’s expertise and presence in our respective geographical markets,” said John A. Hayes, chairman, president and CEO.

The company declared that, anticipating an incremental rise in demand for environment-friendly packaging solutions such as metal packaging, Ball will continue to offer sustainable aluminum beverage packaging in Asian markets. The wholly owned metal packaging facility of Ball in Myanmar and several joint ventures in South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Thailand will maintain the presence of Ball Corporation in the Asia Pacific region.

The company is planning to close the transaction during the second half of 2019, and use proceeds from the deal to support its multi-year share repurchase programs and current global growth initiatives.

Australia-Based Company Gets Recognized for Path Breaking Cancer Treatment Technology

OncoRes Medical a technology start-up based in Perth, Australia has been given global recognition for its attempts to improve the results of breast cancer surgery.

Digital Imagery to Play Major Role

OncoRes Medical created an imaging tool for surgeries that generates digital images of cancerous tissue. Currently, the primary method for tumor identification is through the feeling of stiff lumps in the body, which is difficult when the stiffness of tumors is at minute scale which can’t be detected by touch.

In surgery, healthcare professionals are often relying on feel and vision to find out every bit of the tumor has been removed, which is considered to be outdated in terms of today’s technology.

A large percentage of patients who require surgery for removing breast cancer tumors, find that they need extra surgeries to get rid of diseased tissue which was not detected in earlier operations.

Study Displays Positive Results

The CEO of OncoRes, Katherine Giles stated that results from recent research on the new technology has been extremely positive. The company just completed a study at the Fiona Stanley Hospital, which has shown in its results that, the accuracy of the new technology is more than 90 per cent, which is far higher than any expectation and better than competing technologies. The technology is now operating with great results, in a hand-held devices, which is expected to be released to healthcare professionals worldwide to utilize in operations within the surgical cavity, to find any bit of tumor that might have been missed by surgeons during operations.

Technology Showcased to the World

The firm is aiming establish itself firmly in the United States market, where it is expected to have a global impact. The win at Pitch@Palace, that was initiated by Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, is a huge step in this direction.

A major aspect of the Pitch@Palace meeting is that actually higher access is provided to the start-up network present at the House of York, and the networks are promoted by Prince Andrew himself.

So OncoRes Medical has been given specific directions that if the company were to require anything, that they could go and directly speak to a secretary appointed to the Duke of York’s office, and make requisitions for exactly what they require to assist in the faster growth of the business. OncoRes Medical aims to develop tools and technology in the end to give help in other areas, such as the different causes of cancer that are commonly faced by the medical fraternity.

Diary Giant Kerry Group acquiring Ariake USA, Southeastern Mills for €325m

Kerry Group, a diary giant announced on Friday about its plan to acquire two businesses for roughly €325 million. In a note, the foods group said that it is going to take over Ariake USA, the North American business of Ariake Japan. The discussions are going on around regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

The Irish consumer foods company will also acquire Southeastern Mills’ North American coatings and seasonings business (SEM), following the customary closing conditions.  The group’s spokesperson said that such acquisitions are helpful in improving the foundational technology portfolio of the group and will also strengthen its foodservice positioning matching the strategic growth priorities. As a whole, the acquisition are expected to cost €325 million to the group.

The purchases have annualized pro-forma third-party revenues of nearly €125 million. Kerry will rely on the existing lines of credit to finance the two acquisitions. Kerry Group is a producer of brands like Galtee, Dairygold, Low Low, and Denny.

Ariake USA produces clean and natural savory taste products using raw materials derived from poultry, pork and vegetables at its Harrisonburg, Virginia facility.

The acquirer mentioned that Ariake USA has highly specialized extraction technologies and boasts superb development capabilities to develop a group of customized solutions for numerous end use markets. As per the diary giant the acquisition will also add to Kerry’s widespread authentic taste and clean label portfolio.

The food group spokespersons added that SEM manufactures seasonings and coatings at its manufacturing base in Rome, Georgia. They noted that the acquisition will further enhance the Group’s industry leading offering into the meat end use market.

The food group added that its business volumes climbed by 3.5 per cent in the first nine months of 2018, reaffirming its full-year earnings per share growth of 7% to 10%.  During the nine months till September 30th, the group’s business volumes rose by 3.5%, with a 4.1% growth in nutrition and taste, and a 1.2% profit in the consumer foods division of the group. It recorded a rise of 2.2% in its revenues.

Pricing decline by 0.2% during the period, indicating the lower raw material prices on average, but the group said that its trading margin was maintained. On Friday morning, the shares in Kerry Group were up 0.2% at EUR89.50.

BASF Produces Products Based on Chemically Recycled Plastic Waste

In a novel move, BASF has manufactured products composed of chemically reused plastic waste, and has become a worldwide pioneer across the industry.

Dr. Martin Brudermüller, CTO and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, said that companies, consumers and institutions must use plastics responsibly, if the world wants to set itself free from existing waste problem. He added that with chemical recycling, the company wants to reduce the amount of plastic waste significantly.

Brudermüller said that the company’s ChemCycling project uses waste derived from plastic as a resource, in order to create value for the society, economy and the environment. He added that the company has also collaborated with partners across the value chain to create an efficient working circular model.

The German chemical company and the biggest chemical producer in the world, BASF is closely associating with its partners and customers, ranging from waste management firms to packaging producers and technology providers, to form a powerful circular value chain.

At the first stage of the production chain, BASF feeds oil obtained from plastic waste through an oiling process into the Production Verbund. The company received this feedstock for the pilot products from one of its partners Recenso GmbH, Germany. Syngas, which is also composed of plastic waste, can also be used as a substitute in the process.

In October, BASF fed the first batch of this oil into the steam cracker at its Ludwigshafen site. The steam cracker begins the Verbund production, breaking down the raw material at about 850°C temperature.

Ethylene and propylene are the main outputs of this process, and these general chemicals are used in the Verbund to produce different chemical products. The company spokesperson said that following the mass balance approach, the recycled raw material share can mathematically be assigned to the final certified product. In fact, customers can choose the allotted amount of recycled material.

The chemical producer is already producing preliminary products like components of a refrigerator, insulation panels, and mozzarella packaging with 10 customers from different industries. BASF-supplied ChemCycling products exhibit the exactly same properties as products composed of fossil resources, thus they meet high quality and hygiene standards, which are seeing high demand especially in food packaging industry.

Nissan Inaugurates First of its Kind Global Digital Hub in Kerala

Nissan has opened its first Global Digital Hub to boost the development of software and information technology. The Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer has inaugurated its first Global Digital Hub in Kerala’s IT hub, Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram, India.

It will be the first of its kind facility, along with many other upcoming technology development centers coming in different parts of Asia, North America, Latin America and Europe.

Nissan’s Corporate Vice President and CIO Tony Thomas, said that they are quite excited to achieve this important milestone in its journey towards growth of Nissan Digital.

Thomas added that the Hub in India is going to play a vital role in driving Nissan’s worldwide digital transformation, especially when they already have some of the best technology talent driving outcomes to deliver their global customers in a better way.

This Global Digital Hub along with the technology centers setting up across the world are going to trigger the digital transformation in the manufacturer’s business by incorporating digital technology with the pivotal services and operations. For now, the Thiruvananthapuram located facility will allow the manufacturer to offer application portfolio management, optimized user experiences, cyber security, better product development competences, and connectivity with the evolution of automotive industry, owing to the increasing dependency on connected, autonomous and electric vehicle technology.

Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, the Honorable Chief Minister of Kerala has inaugurated the facility in the presence of Shri K.J. Alphons, who is the Minister of State for Tourism; Japanese Ambassador to India- His Excellency Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu; Mr. Tony Thomas, and MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shri Shashi Tharoor.

The Kerala chief minister said that Nissan’s entry to Thiruvananthapuram will mark the beginning of a new era for the IT sector in Kerala. Vijayan also mentioned that the state officials will try their level best to prove Kerala efficient enough to become second home for Nissan after Japan.

Headquartered in Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Nissan sells its cars under the brand names Nissan, Infiniti, and Datsun with in-house performance tuning products regarded as Nismo. It is the biggest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in the world, and registered worldwide sales of over 320,000 all-electric vehicles as of April this year.

Kenya Medical Supplies Authority to Dispatch Medical Supplies

With the University Health Coverage Launch, Kenya Medical Supplies Authority dispatched a medical supplies consignment to four pilot countries. University Health Coverage is expected to be launched in Kisumu and rolled out in the other three countries including Isiolo, Nyeri and Machakos. The CEO of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, Jonah Mwangi told the press that the orders that were delivered included critical care items, public health chemicals, point-of-care clinical diagnostic devices, orthopedic implants, basic medical equipment, dental consumables, and lien.

Kenya Medical Supplies Authority has been dedicated towards delivering renal and dialysis consumables, non-communicable disease commodities through access programs, digital films and radiology products, CT scan and MRI products, along with expanded oncology products.

The agency in the University Health Coverage program has been entrusted to ensure quality medical products to be provided at fair prices, delivery of supplies and medicine in good time according to the requirements of health facilities, and sufficiency in vital health medicines and supplies’ stock.

Know Why Pilot Countries were Chosen

Rashid Aman, the Health Ministry CAS was present and stated that Kisumu was chosen as a pilot country for the programme as it has registered a high predominance of communicable disease burden. Similarly, Isiolo has a scanty population along with a high rate of maternal mortality, Nyeri a recognized a leader in communicable disease burden, while soaring incidences of road accidents are witnessed in Machakos.

The University Health Coverage program would focus on a primary health care approach and would include maternal and child health services, antenatal and postnatal care services, enhancing immunization services, family planning, prevention of diseases such that are vector borne or water borne, HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and improving the nutrition of conceiving women and carried out these activities throughout the initial five years of the child’s life.

New Research Revelations

The need for effective medical devices and medical supplies has been an increasing requirement across the world. According to a new research conducted by Future Market Insights, the point-of-care devices such as point-of-care cholesterol monitoring devices are increasingly utilized especially in the home care setting. Moreover, with the increasing emergence of technology, the point-of-care devices are expected to be integrated with advanced technologies. With the supply of medical devices and effective clinical care, such programs are expected to boost the capabilities of healthcare.

To know more about the effectiveness of point-of-care cholesterol monitoring device, and gain insights regarding the market scenario, click here.

FDA Approves New Orphan Drug for Frontotemporal Dementia

Orphan Drug Designation to Foster Rising Consumption of Drug

Orphan drugs are developed specifically for the treatment of rare medical conditions that are known as orphan diseases. Approvals of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) play a crucial role in the implementation of drugs for treatment. The new and first-of-its-kind protein aggregation inhibitor LMTX developed by TauRx has reached Phase 3 clinical development for neurodegenerative disease treatment. Backed by the company’s three decades of research, this drug was granted an approval by FDA getting an Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for treating frontotemporal dementia.

Protein aggregation is widely considered to be a driver in dementia development, owing to which, protein aggregation inhibitors are used for undoing the process. This approach helps in potentially reducing the speed at which underlying disease pathology spreads, consequently helping preserve the function, cognition and quality of patient’s life. An active substance in LMTX is reflected to be active against TDP-43 protein aggregation apart from primarily focusing on tau protein.

Addressing Rare Neurodegenerative Conditions

Professor Claude Wischik, Excutive Chairman of TauRx along with Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at the University of Aberdeen stated that the FDA Orphan Drug Designation of the drug acts as a favorable step for clinical researchers, care teams, and patients, reinforcing their persistent research for disease-modifying treatment for the in-adequately addressed category of rare neurodegenerative conditions. LMTX has also been granted the Orphans Designation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2010.

FDA approvals of the ODD status are provided only to those medicines that are developed for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of rare disorders. ODD is recognized to offer incentives for sponsors for the development of products intended for rare diseases.

Research Unveils Promising Future for Orphan Drugs

Similarly, other orphan drugs are undergoing key developments that are boosting the capabilities of the clinical and medical science for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of rare orphan diseases. A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, Entera Bio recently announced the completion of the part 1 of Phase 2 clinical trials of Natpara, an injectable orphan drug developed for treating the rare endocrine disease, hypoparathyroidism. A recent market study presented by Future Market Insights reveals the developments in treatment of hypoparathyroidism. The senior team of analysts state that favorable government schemes related to orphan drug, tax incentives for qualified clinical trials, along with regulatory approvals are some major factors that could translate in promising earnings for companies. Such support combined by the process of gaining regulatory approvals is expected to paint a favorable picture with respect to treatment of rare diseases.

Key insights and opportunities in the hypoparathyroidism treatment market could be availed here.

Automotive Shock Absorbers: A Key Component in Next-generation Automobiles

Car Makers to Compete at Dakar with New Versions

Automotive shock absorbers are amongst the key components of any automotive vehicle. Major automotive companies are continually developing automobiles that are designed for next-generation requirements. Nissan has developed the new version of their Navara for competing in the Dakar 2019. The purpose built pickup truck is well-equipped with new and improved components. With a suspension of double-wishbone or live-axle setup, equipped with Reiger shock absorbers, the T1 Navara also has a massive fuel tank and a raised ride height. This truck is built by the custom off-road car and truck builder, Red-Lined Motoring Adventure is ready to compete in Dakar 2019, an annual rally raid organized by Amaury Sport Organization.

New Entries Focus on Improved Component Offerings

New automotive editions are being integrated with advanced components, thereby improving the output and performance of automotive vehicles and contributing to the increasing profits for manufacturers. Nexon Kraz special edition, by TATA motors has been launched in Nepal. This new edition of the vehicle showcases key features and specifications of its predecessor, with an appealing color scheme that is expected to attract the customers. Amongst they features owned by the SUV, shock absorbers are a key component.

Ideal Shock Absorbers for SUVS

Monotube shock absorbers offer rapid damping reaction and immediate response to changing road conditions, with the help of a continuous pressure exerted by gas on the oil, making them an ideal alternative for SUV rear axles. Such advanced shock absorbers boost the performance and durability of vehicles helping them attract customers that demand similar attributes from automotive vehicles. Monotube shock absorbers are also well suitable for luxury sedans and sport cars.

Automotive gas charged shock absorbers are gaining major demand owing to their advanced attributes. The research study on automotive gas charged shock absorbers market presented by Future Market Insights (FMI) highlights the significance of automotive gas charged shock absorbers. According to the senior analysts at FMI, the technologically advanced variants of automotive gas charged shock absorbers are expected to be preferred increasingly, owing to the design that prevents any occurrence of cavitation and aeration. The automotive shock absorbers improve the capabilities of automotive vehicles, making them more robust and effective in terms of effective stability and strength on roads, thereby boosting their demand in future.

More valuable insights and a glimpse of growth opportunities of the automotive gas charged shock absorbers could be obtained here.

Medical Technology Company – HeartFlow Starts the PRECISE Clinical Randomized Trial

HeartFlow, Inc. announced its initiation of the Prospective Randomized Trial of the Optimal Evaluation of Cardiac Symptoms and Revascularization (PRECISE) clinical trial. The enrollment of the first patient of the trial was implemented by the cardio vascular specialists at the Imperial Health based in Lake Charles, Los Angeles.

This particular clinical trial has been designed to differentiate between the results arising from traditional methodology of the diagnosis and evaluation of patient status who display constant chest pain, during the application of stress tests or the use of cardiac catheterization, with that of the new new Precision Evaluation Strategy that makes use of testing procedures, based on risk. The new process also makes use of computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans.

PRECISE to Improve Cardiac Artery Disease Treatments

The trial will attempt to evaluate the successful improvement in accuracy, cost, efficiency, and outcomes brought about by the new approach while treating patients who are suspected of having coronary artery disease (CAD). This clinical trial aims to enroll more than two thousand patients from numerous relevant centers around the globe.

In the current trial, patients will enrolled in a random manner, either for traditional medical care or treatment under Precision Evaluation Strategy. The Precision Evaluation Strategy will make use of a PROMISE Risk Score to assess and place patients in low risk or high risk groups. Patients of the low risk group will be given treatments comprising medicines and lifestyle changes. On the other hand, patients of the high risk group will be put through CTA processes. In cases where more data is required, a HeartFlow FFRct analysis will be implemented.

As per a recent study by Future market insights, the modern angio suites market gives health care professionals with comprehensive and actionable data, and can assist modern physicians to make accurate diagnosis of patients who might have CAD, owing to better vertical and horizontal integration.

The process is based upon scientific research and the PRECISE clinical trial is one of the latest instances where angio suites are bringing the absolute best in extracting useful clinical research for both healthcare professionals and patients.

HeartFlow Analysis Uses AI to Simplify Results

The analysis by HeartFlow is customizable and non-invasive, in nature. It uses artificial intelligence for improved images extracted from CTA scans to generate digital 3D models of the patient’s arteries. The processes also utilizes new algorithms that comply with numerous calculations to assess adverse impacts on the heart with an online interfaces to help decide on the best treatments.

Currently, health care professionals globally, have made use of this process, successfully for around 25,000 patients to diagnose or prevent heart disease accurately.

To find more key insights on the changing dynamics of the angio suites market, click on the link here.

Walmart to Acquire Art.com for Expanding Its Home Décor Business

Retail giant Walmart has plans to buy Art.com for expanding its home décor business. The deal is expected to reach closure by 2019. The main agenda behind this acquisition is to cater to the growing demands of millennials, especially those inclined towards online shopping. With the availability of over 2 Million designs in Art.com, Walmart in planning to expand its home décor business, as the former is considered as one among the largest online retailers of wall décor and art across the globe. Reportedly, Art.com has been generating more than $300 Million in sales every year. Artist Rising, one among the three sister sites of Art.com helps end users in selling their work by means of various channels. This in turn is likely to benefit revenue sales of Walmart’s wall décor business.

Since the recent past, Walmart has been pushing itself in acquiring e-commerce corporations such as Moosejaw, ModCloth, Eloquii, Bonobos, Bare Necessities, and Jet.com. Apart from this, the retail giant has also introduced a feature known as ArtView to enable shoppers to choose the artwork that would be suitable for their walls, by means of augmented reality. Walmart is planning to sell its products from Art.com on websites such as Hayneedle.com, Jet.com, and Walmart.com. Marc Lore, head of the U.S. e-commerce wing of Walmart recently stated that the company further plans to own approximately 40 digitally native brands in the forthcoming years.

A recent study by Future Market Insights on the wall decor market indicates that constant changes especially in the interiors of retail shops are expected to fuel the growth of the wall décor market at a notable pace. In addition, significant growth in internet penetration across the globe is expected to open up lucrative opportunities for key players in the wall décor market for promoting their offerings to target consumers in a more efficient manner.

To know more about the emerging opportunities and trends in the wall décor market, click here.

Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation Signature Outlet to Experience New Signage

The NSLC (Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation) is preparing to highlight its new signature stores in SYDNEY RIVER with new signage. Recently, a new tender has been issued for integrating innovative signs for the interiors and exteriors of the SYDNEY RIVER store along with the Bridgewater and Joseph Howe stores in the mainland. The deadline for this tender is 20th December, 2018. The new signs are a part of the renovation plan for New Year in signature retail stores. The new sign will be witnessed as ‘NSLC Signature’ on each renovated store of the company. Currently, NSLC holds only one signature store in Portland Street, Dartmouth. After completion of the renovation process, the company will have four signature stores.