5 Mar 2010 13:31 Africa/Lagos
Global Oil and Gas Upstream M&A 2009 Review: New Assets and New Buyers Bring Deal Value to $153 Billion
PLS, Inc., Derrick Petroleum Services and Rystad Energy Study indicates E&P Transactions Markets are well supplied now with $46 billion of Deals on the Market
HOUSTON, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- PLS, Inc. with its international partner Derrick Petroleum Services and further analysis from Rystad Energy report, despite a difficult economic cycle, Global Upstream M&A activity for oil and gas deals in 2009 totaled $153 billion and surpassed the pre-crash levels in 2007. According to Brian Lidsky, Managing Director of Houston-based research, transactions and advisory firm PLS, Inc., "Despite the recovery in the total dollar amount of Global oil and gas deals in 2009, the markets have not yet fully recovered as tracked by the number of actual transactions above the $100 million mark, which came in at 124 in 2009 versus 160 in 2008 and 168 in 2007. Furthermore, the 2009 market is characterized by new buyers and new assets, a trend we believe will continue in 2010 and beyond."
Oil and gas valuations globally, based on an evaluation of the $100 million plus deal market and prices paid per 2P entitlement reserves, ended 2009 at the $14.40 per BOE level, up 40% from a trough number of $10.20 per BOE seen in Q1 2009 but down from the $20.90 per BOE peak seen in Q1 2008. In the U.S., valuations for 1P oil reserves ended the year at about $14.10 per barrel, down 25% from the 2008 peak. For 1P gas reserves, values ended 2009 at about $1.80 per Mcf, down 40% from the 2008 peak.
The oil and gas deal markets have shifted to a new paradigm and new asset types - namely unconventional oil and gas production primarily sourced from gas shales, tight gas sands and oil sands. This asset class garnered 45% of the market in 2009, up dramatically from just 9% in 2007.
On the buyer side, foreign National Oil Companies ("NOC's") and Government-backed entities represented 50% of all deals greater than $1 billion in 2009; also marking a shift to a new buyer profile in the oil and gas markets. The traditional major international oil companies ("IOC's") had limited activity, but when active the IOC's focused on unconventional assets. A prime example was ExxonMobil's $41 billion purchase of U.S. independent XTO Energy.
Interestingly, $35 billion of the $153 billion in 2009 is classified as cross-border transactions. According to Yashodeep Deodhar, President of Derrick Petroleum Services, "The Chinese NOCs clearly are on a global buying spree, having accounted for 45% of the deal value in cross-border deals. In 2009 alone, China spent $16 billion gaining footprints in Canadian oil sands, the Gulf of Mexico, Nigeria, Gabon, Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Indonesia and Kazakhstan." Following China in cross-border deals are the European majors (primarily into the U.S. shales, $5.6 billion) and Korea (3 deals, $5.25 billion).
Dissecting the oil and gas markets even further reveals another market shift in 2009. Pure asset deals accounted for 28% of the volume in 2009, down markedly from 65% in 2007. Volatility in oil and gas prices and economic conditions early in 2009 drove this shift as companies found it more effective to buy entire companies rather than attempt to complete a deal where both buyer and seller could agree on the price of an asset.
In terms of emerging trends, Africa continues to be a growing area of interest for buyers with its share of the global market growing to 14% in 2009, up from 5% in 2007. According to Anders Wittemann, Consulting Manager with Rystad Energy, "Hess and Shell's cross-border swap of North Sea and Gabon assets, valued by Rystad Energy at $2.9 billion, ranks the deal at the #9 spot for 2009. This is a unique example of portfolio management driving strategic and operational goals. Hess is a global leader in cross-border asset swaps and both companies demonstrated persistence and flexibility through this transaction."
According to Lidsky, "Looking forward, we currently have more than $46 billion of deals on the market and have already transacted $18 billion in the first two months of 2010. For perspective, in May 2009, we only had $20 billion of deals on the market. The markets are well supplied - particularly on the asset side. The difficult cycle the industry is coming out of requires managers to laser focus on execution and strategy."
Drivers for oil and gas M&A deals in 2010 include, (1) North American companies focusing on resource plays and divesting conventional and/or cash flowing assets, (2) capital needs for world class development projects, and (3) normal portfolio balancing and risk management.
For more on the 2009 Study or the M&A Database, please contact PLS, Inc. at (713) 650-1212.
PLS, Inc. and Derrick Petroleum Services are partners in providing U.S., Canadian and International clients with leading M&A and E&P databases and services.
PLS, Inc. is a leading industry research, transactions and advisory firm based in Houston, Texas.
Derrick Petroleum Services is an independent oil and gas research and consulting firm with special emphasis on emerging plays and transactions internationally.
Rystad Energy is an independent and integrated E&P advisory and business intelligence data firm offering global database applications, stand-alone research products and strategy consulting services.
For more information:
Contact Brian Lidsky at PLS, Inc. at 713-650-1212 or email blidsky@plsx.com for further inquiries or to access and subscribe to the M&A database and 2009 Study.
Source: PLS, Inc.
CONTACT: Brian Lidsky, Managing Director of PLS, Inc. +1-713-600-0134,
blidsky@plsx.com
Web Site: http://www.plsx.com/
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Tomorrow is the Big Day of the Oscars
82nd Annual Academy Awards, March 7th, 2010
Best Picture:
Avatar,
The Blind Side,
District 9,
An Education,
The Hurt Locker,
Inglourious Basterds,
Precious,
A Serious Man,
Up,
Up in the Air
Actor in a Leading Role:
Jeff Bridges,
George Clooney,
Colin Firth,
Morgan Freeman,
Jeremy Renner
Actress in a Leading Role:
Sandra Bullock,
Helen Mirren,
Carey Mulligan,
Gabourey Sidibe,
Meryl Streep
Directing:
Avatar,
The Hurt Locker,
Inglourious Basterds,
Up in the Air,
Precious
www.oscars.org
Zoe Saldana poses beside her character Neytiri in James Cameron's Avatar.
Do not be surprised if the director of Avatar, the most debated movie on the Internet, James Cameron loses the coveted Oscar for Best Director to his ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow or Lone Scherfig, director of An Education. One thing for sure is it is not going to be a walk over for any of the directors of the films nominated for the Best Picture.
Kathryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker has already won the BAFTA and in fact, James Cameron said he would be glad to see her winning the Oscar for the Best Picture as well. He knows that she really excelled in directing her Iraqi war thriller.
I see Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side) and Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart) clutching their Oscars for the Best Actress and Best Actor in leading roles..Many film critics say it is going to be either George Clooney (Up In The Air) or Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker), but I am betting on Jeff Bridges. And of course Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia) knows her greatest contender for the Best Actress Oscar is Sandra Bullock.
I wish all the Oscar Nominees the best wishes of their dreams.
~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
NOTE: The news video of the Oscars will be on Supple magazine and you can watch it full screen no matter the size of your monitor. Enjoy it!
Friday, March 5, 2010
US Still Worried About the Political Situation in Nigeria
5 Mar 2010 12:52 Africa/Lagos
Political Situation in Nigeria
WASHINGTON, March 5, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Office of the Spokesman.
Nigeria is very important to the region, the continent, and to the United States, yet it remains unsettled as a result of President Yar'Adua's uncertain medical condition. Since his return home from Saudi Arabia, President Yar'Adua has not been seen publicly or met with members of his cabinet or any of his country's key political leaders, generating additional unease about the stability of the country and physical capacity of the president to lead the government. In a modern democracy, senior cabinet members and legislative leaders have a right to know the health status of their president and so do Nigeria's citizens.
In President Yar'Adua's absence, we applaud the Nigerian leaders who have taken steps to restore confidence in the country's political system while adhering to democratic principles. We welcome Acting President Jonathan's commitments on electoral reform, anti-corruption, post-Amnesty programs in the Niger Delta, and justice for the perpetrators of sectarian violence and extra-judicial killings.
As Nigeria deals with its current political crisis, it is essential for the country's leaders to avoid any actions that will imperil Nigeria's last ten years of democratic progress as well as the accomplishments that have been achieved under civilian rule. Nigerians have a right to expect their civilian and military leaders to work through their country's democratic institutions, ensuring that the good of the many triumphs over the ambitions of the few.
Source: US Department of State
Political Situation in Nigeria
WASHINGTON, March 5, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Office of the Spokesman.
Nigeria is very important to the region, the continent, and to the United States, yet it remains unsettled as a result of President Yar'Adua's uncertain medical condition. Since his return home from Saudi Arabia, President Yar'Adua has not been seen publicly or met with members of his cabinet or any of his country's key political leaders, generating additional unease about the stability of the country and physical capacity of the president to lead the government. In a modern democracy, senior cabinet members and legislative leaders have a right to know the health status of their president and so do Nigeria's citizens.
In President Yar'Adua's absence, we applaud the Nigerian leaders who have taken steps to restore confidence in the country's political system while adhering to democratic principles. We welcome Acting President Jonathan's commitments on electoral reform, anti-corruption, post-Amnesty programs in the Niger Delta, and justice for the perpetrators of sectarian violence and extra-judicial killings.
As Nigeria deals with its current political crisis, it is essential for the country's leaders to avoid any actions that will imperil Nigeria's last ten years of democratic progress as well as the accomplishments that have been achieved under civilian rule. Nigerians have a right to expect their civilian and military leaders to work through their country's democratic institutions, ensuring that the good of the many triumphs over the ambitions of the few.
Source: US Department of State
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
5 Mar 2010
13:31
Global Oil and Gas Upstream M&A 2009 Review: New Assets and New Buyers Bring Deal Value to $153 Billion
12:52
Political Situation in Nigeria
Apple and Google Top the World's Most Admired Companies 2010: Full List
Apple is still the numero uno
Steve Job's Apple keeps the highly coveted title of the most admired company in the world for the third year, while Google overtakes Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway for the second position.
Google is the second most admired company in the whole wide world (www).
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ACTIVATE THE MAP
Show: Top 50 All Most Admired: Americas Europe Asia and Australia
The following is the full list of the 2010 World's Most Admired Companies.
Rank Company
1 Apple
2 Google
3 Berkshire Hathaway
4 Johnson & Johnson
5 Amazon.com
6 Procter & Gamble
7 Toyota Motor
8 Goldman Sachs Group
9 Wal-Mart Stores
10 Coca-Cola
11 Microsoft
12 Southwest Airlines
13 FedEx
14 McDonald's
15 IBM
16 General Electric
17 3M
18 J.P. Morgan Chase
19 Walt Disney
20 Cisco Systems
21 Costco Wholesale
22* BMW
22* Target
24 Nike
25 PepsiCo
26 Starbucks
27 Singapore Airlines
28 Exxon Mobil
29 American Express
30 Nordstrom
31 Intel
32 Hewlett-Packard
33 UPS
34 Nestlé
35 Caterpillar
36 Honda Motor
37 Best Buy
38 Sony
39 Wells Fargo
40 eBay
41 Nokia
42 Samsung Electronics
43 Deere
44 L'Oréal
45 AT&T
46 Lowe's
47 General Mills
48 Marriott International
49 DuPont
50 Volkswagen
From the March 22, 2010 issue
For the 50 most admired companies overall, FORTUNE's survey asked businesspeople to vote for the companies that they admired most, from any industry.
Hot Topics
Toyota Recall
Lexus Hybrids Hit 5.5 Billion Mile Mark
BNY Mellon Survey Cites Internal Upgrades and Integration as Treasury Technology Priorities for U.S. Insurance Companies
Baker Hughes Announces February 2010 Rig Counts
Rentrak Announces Top Ten Movies-On-Demand Titles Week Ending February 28, 2010
WNET.ORG Commemorates Five Years of the Celebration of Teaching & Learning During New York City's First 'New York Celebrates Teaching & Learning Week'
February U.S. Retail Sales
Earthquake in Chile
Bankrate: Mortgage Rates Dip Down
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, Theophilus Danjuma and Company Plc
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan
The fact that Lt.Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd)GCON, FSS psc, is Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee of “Acting” President Goodluck Jonathan is enough proof of the bad judgment of the Vice President of Nigeria.
Lt.Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) and his wife thinking of what to do with their $500 million cash from selling their illegal oil block.Vice President Goodluck Jonathan is simply name-dropping. The emergency committee is made up of strange bedfellows. Corrupt retired generals and their partners in crime would have been indicted and convicted in America and executed in China for their ill-gotten wealth, but in Nigeria, they are rewarded and promoted. Moreover, lest we forget Mrs. Patience Goodluck Jonathan, the "First Lady" in waiting has a case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for money laundering. Would that be swept under the carpet?
How legal is the $500m, Lt.Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd made as his profit from the total of $1bn for selling an oil block, which was allocated to him 12 years ago by the corrupt military junta of late Gen. Sani Abacha?
What is destroying Nigeria is not the so-called kitchen cabinet of the First Lady of Nigeria, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua, but the political hydra of the ruling party of Nigeria, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the "Acting President" Goodluck Jonathan is part of this notorious monstrosity.
Let us say the truth and call a spade a spade.
~ By Abba Babbi, Abuja (FCT), Nigeria.
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
5 Mar 2010
12:30
Côte d'Ivoire / Media and civil society discuss how to strengthen social cohesion in Bondoukou
12:27
Cote d'Ivoire / Les populations de Zouan-Hounien s'engagent en faveur d'un climat électoral apaisé
12:27
Cote d'Ivoire / UNOCI underlines the decisive phases of electoral process
12:19
IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn to Visit Africa to Deepen Dialogue on the Continent's Economic Challenges
12:19
Bulletin du Bureau de Liaison du CTA à Bruxelles
12:16
Christiana Care Health System Wins National Award for Innovation
12:13
Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
12:00
Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) To Host 'Caring Calls for Kids' Phone Bank To Help Support Children and Families From the Philadelphia Region
09:00
Microfinance: The end of the El Dorado for Investors?
07:23
Banro Stichting en Lugushwa inaugureren de nieuwe Kigumo gezondheidskliniek
06:58
La fondation Banro Foundation et la communaut? Lugushwa inaugurent la nouvelle clinique Kigumo
06:01
U.S. Government to Unveil New $100 Note on April 21
06:01
U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for March 5
05:34
Toyota Evaluates Unintended Acceleration Complaints in Remedied Vehicles
Microfinance: The end of the El Dorado for Investors?
5 Mar 2010 09:00 Africa/Lagos
Microfinance: The end of the El Dorado for Investors?
PARIS, March 5, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- PlaNIS, an entity of PlaNet Finance Group dedicated to advising SRI (Socially Responsible Investment) funds, has noticed that during the last decade, the microfinance sector has benefited from a sustained growth due to an increased interest from many international investors. In 2008, European funds assets dedicated to microfinance have grown by 31% thanks to private investors and public entities.
In 2009, in a very tough economic environment damaged by the crisis, SRI funds dedicated to microfinance have continued to increase their fundraising, with a 16% volume growth, (an excellent rate compared to the asset management market). Today, SRI European funds represent more than 6 billion USD.
Nevertheless, in 2009 and contrary to the previous years, the earning rates for SRI funds dedicated to microfinance have strongly decreased to reach rates between 1.74% and 2.31% which used to be at an average of 4%.
These results can be explained by:
- An increasing credit-related risk: Outstanding payments linked to high-risk-portfolio, generated by credit repayment default reaching up to 20% in certain areas.
All this, has led some funds to settle very significant provisions.
- The growing over-liquidity of numerous microfinance funds leading to the drop of their revenues: Slowdown of MFIs' development, combined to a more regulated credit policy, has drawn to the decrease of their financing demand. At the present time, PlaNIS estimates the total non-used liquidity to 1 billion USD which represents about 20% of the asset under management.
- Local currencies volatility
Therefore, SRI funds in microfinance have to be careful before investing and need to work with specialists in order to mitigate the risks.
Despite hard market conditions, PlaNIS managed to maintain good results for 2009. Its portfolio has increased by about 30% (from 119M USD to 153M USD), and the average return of the financing programs proposed to advised funds has come about 9%.
These results proceed from its big ability in terms of sourcing, its high level of expertise of the market and its portfolio composed by promising MFIs.
NEWS :
PlaNIS is a partner of MicroFinancial Services World. Organised by Hanson Wade and chaired by Xavier Reille of CGAP MicroFinancial Services World is the largest gathering of Microfinance Practitioners and Socially Responsible Investors in Europe. The conference will take place from the 10th to the 12th of May 2010 in Amsterdam.
Website: http://www.mfs-world.com
About PlaNIS:
In 2009, PlaNIS' met 300 MFIs in 40 countries. 70 investment proposals were drawn up and close to 50 million USD were lent out to MFIs. PLANIS currently advises 9 microfinance funds and manages a 153-million-USD portfolio distributed among 75 MFIs across 30 countries, 4 of these funds are managed by responsAbility; PLANIS main partner.
PlaNIS is part of PlaNet Finance group and has the chance to benefit from its 13 years of expertise concerning microfinance.
http://www.planetfinancegroup.org
MicroFinancial Services World
Charlotte Whewell
charlotte.whewell@hansonwade.com
+44(0)20-3141-8700
Source: PlaNIS
Press Contacts: PlaNet Finance, Marlène Biard, mbiard@planetfinance.org, +33-1-49-21-26-15; Audrey Le Blanc, aleblanc@planetfinance.org, +33-1-49-21-26--5; MicroFinancial Services World, Charlotte Whewell, charlotte.whewell@hansonwade.com, +44(0)20-3141-8700
Microfinance: The end of the El Dorado for Investors?
PARIS, March 5, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- PlaNIS, an entity of PlaNet Finance Group dedicated to advising SRI (Socially Responsible Investment) funds, has noticed that during the last decade, the microfinance sector has benefited from a sustained growth due to an increased interest from many international investors. In 2008, European funds assets dedicated to microfinance have grown by 31% thanks to private investors and public entities.
In 2009, in a very tough economic environment damaged by the crisis, SRI funds dedicated to microfinance have continued to increase their fundraising, with a 16% volume growth, (an excellent rate compared to the asset management market). Today, SRI European funds represent more than 6 billion USD.
Nevertheless, in 2009 and contrary to the previous years, the earning rates for SRI funds dedicated to microfinance have strongly decreased to reach rates between 1.74% and 2.31% which used to be at an average of 4%.
These results can be explained by:
- An increasing credit-related risk: Outstanding payments linked to high-risk-portfolio, generated by credit repayment default reaching up to 20% in certain areas.
All this, has led some funds to settle very significant provisions.
- The growing over-liquidity of numerous microfinance funds leading to the drop of their revenues: Slowdown of MFIs' development, combined to a more regulated credit policy, has drawn to the decrease of their financing demand. At the present time, PlaNIS estimates the total non-used liquidity to 1 billion USD which represents about 20% of the asset under management.
- Local currencies volatility
Therefore, SRI funds in microfinance have to be careful before investing and need to work with specialists in order to mitigate the risks.
Despite hard market conditions, PlaNIS managed to maintain good results for 2009. Its portfolio has increased by about 30% (from 119M USD to 153M USD), and the average return of the financing programs proposed to advised funds has come about 9%.
These results proceed from its big ability in terms of sourcing, its high level of expertise of the market and its portfolio composed by promising MFIs.
NEWS :
PlaNIS is a partner of MicroFinancial Services World. Organised by Hanson Wade and chaired by Xavier Reille of CGAP MicroFinancial Services World is the largest gathering of Microfinance Practitioners and Socially Responsible Investors in Europe. The conference will take place from the 10th to the 12th of May 2010 in Amsterdam.
Website: http://www.mfs-world.com
About PlaNIS:
In 2009, PlaNIS' met 300 MFIs in 40 countries. 70 investment proposals were drawn up and close to 50 million USD were lent out to MFIs. PLANIS currently advises 9 microfinance funds and manages a 153-million-USD portfolio distributed among 75 MFIs across 30 countries, 4 of these funds are managed by responsAbility; PLANIS main partner.
PlaNIS is part of PlaNet Finance group and has the chance to benefit from its 13 years of expertise concerning microfinance.
http://www.planetfinancegroup.org
MicroFinancial Services World
Charlotte Whewell
charlotte.whewell@hansonwade.com
+44(0)20-3141-8700
Source: PlaNIS
Press Contacts: PlaNet Finance, Marlène Biard, mbiard@planetfinance.org, +33-1-49-21-26-15; Audrey Le Blanc, aleblanc@planetfinance.org, +33-1-49-21-26--5; MicroFinancial Services World, Charlotte Whewell, charlotte.whewell@hansonwade.com, +44(0)20-3141-8700
Thursday, March 4, 2010
No Offer of a Cup of Tea, No Seat on the Bus...and Barely a Hello From Your Neighbour: Welcome to Today's Britain
4 Mar 2010 08:00 Africa/Lagos
No Offer of a Cup of Tea, No Seat on the Bus...and Barely a Hello From Your Neighbour: Welcome to Today's Britain
ANDOVER, England, March 4, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- A recent survey of the nation's local community and workplace habits carried out by healthcare provider Simplyhealth, has revealed us to be a nation that no longer cares about our community. Long gone are the days when Britons knew their neighbours by name - in fact, over half of modern day workers (52%) don't even offer to make a cup of tea for a colleague.
Almost half of us now only know a maximum of three neighbours by name. Tellingly, it's the 'over 55s' that can be bothered to get to know their neighbours with the majority (57%) on first name terms with at least five of their neighbours, whereas almost two-thirds of 'under 35s' know only two.
According to Simplyhealth's Bothered Britain survey of more than 1,000 UK adults, the main causes of people not bothering are lack of time and stress at work. However, despite the claim of "no time", over half the nation (56%) still manages to watch over 15 hours of television a week, instead of bothering to offer up an act of kindness. Other statistics revealed:
- 82% of people don't give up their seat on the bus or train
to someone who needs it more
- 61% of people admitted to never having volunteered for a charity
- 86% of the nation don't ever offer to carry someone else's bags
In fact, it seems that it now takes moments of extreme adversity to encourage any active acts of botheredness at all - 92% of us agree that it takes a crisis for people to show they care about one another, with 82% agreeing that the recent freezing weather conditions brought about a greater sense of community spirit - which now appears to have melted along with the snow.
This could be a reflection of modern life, with higher work expectations and frantic family lifestyles causing higher levels of stress and fatigue. However, carrying out good deeds for others can in fact have a positive impact on a person's health, as well as the surrounding community.
Medical expert Dr Christian Jessen agrees: "We all know that helping others is of benefit to them, but many people don't realise that getting active to help others can also improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Simple activities like walking the neighbour's dog or helping in the garden help to burn calories and improve general fitness, leading to a healthier, happier nation."
Jamie Wilson, spokesperson for Simplyhealth, says: "Committing just half an hour a month to helping someone else can make a real difference to your life as well as theirs. If everyone in the UK aimed to do just one act of 'botheredness' every month, it would make a real difference to the nation's overall wellbeing. As a healthcare provider, we encourage our staff to get active in the community supporting others - in fact we give 100 days a year to staff to spend a day helping at a charity of their choice."
Simplyhealth provides a variety of health plans, which help towards the cost of check-ups, treatment and emergencies, helping people budget for the costs of expected and unexpected healthcare. It also has a specialist Simplyhealth store that offers mobility and daily living aids.
For further information on Simplyhealth please bother us on +44(0)800-072-6715 or log onto http://www.simplyhealth.co.uk. In a world where so many people can't be bothered, Simplyhealth is proud to be a company that can, to find out how log onto http://www.wecanbebothered.co.uk.
Notes to Editor
- Previously known as HSA, BCWA, LHF, HealthSure and Totally
Active, our family of health companies have joined together over the
last 8 years to form Simplyhealth
- At Simplyhealth, we have been providing healthcare solutions for
nearly 140 years, dedicated to serving our customers through a variety
of cash plans, dental plans, private medical insurance, healthcare
trusts and mobility and living aids
- Simplyhealth is a trading name of Simplyhealth Access, which is
authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
- As of December 2009, Simplyhealth had 1.3 million customers
providing cover for some 2.3 million people
- Simplyhealth is committed in its constitution to making a
positive impact on its communities. Each year, we help health related
charities and causes to the tune of at least GBP1million
For further information, please bother us at:
http://www.simplyhealth.co.uk/media-centre
Source: Simplyhealth
For further information, please bother us at: Abby Bowman, Senior Brand and PR Manager +44(0)1264-342561; Caroline Lakeman, Public Relations Manager +44(0)1264-342570; Rebecca Jeremy, Public Relations Assistant +44(0)1264-342400; Or pr@simplyhealth.co.uk.
No Offer of a Cup of Tea, No Seat on the Bus...and Barely a Hello From Your Neighbour: Welcome to Today's Britain
ANDOVER, England, March 4, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- A recent survey of the nation's local community and workplace habits carried out by healthcare provider Simplyhealth, has revealed us to be a nation that no longer cares about our community. Long gone are the days when Britons knew their neighbours by name - in fact, over half of modern day workers (52%) don't even offer to make a cup of tea for a colleague.
Almost half of us now only know a maximum of three neighbours by name. Tellingly, it's the 'over 55s' that can be bothered to get to know their neighbours with the majority (57%) on first name terms with at least five of their neighbours, whereas almost two-thirds of 'under 35s' know only two.
According to Simplyhealth's Bothered Britain survey of more than 1,000 UK adults, the main causes of people not bothering are lack of time and stress at work. However, despite the claim of "no time", over half the nation (56%) still manages to watch over 15 hours of television a week, instead of bothering to offer up an act of kindness. Other statistics revealed:
- 82% of people don't give up their seat on the bus or train
to someone who needs it more
- 61% of people admitted to never having volunteered for a charity
- 86% of the nation don't ever offer to carry someone else's bags
In fact, it seems that it now takes moments of extreme adversity to encourage any active acts of botheredness at all - 92% of us agree that it takes a crisis for people to show they care about one another, with 82% agreeing that the recent freezing weather conditions brought about a greater sense of community spirit - which now appears to have melted along with the snow.
This could be a reflection of modern life, with higher work expectations and frantic family lifestyles causing higher levels of stress and fatigue. However, carrying out good deeds for others can in fact have a positive impact on a person's health, as well as the surrounding community.
Medical expert Dr Christian Jessen agrees: "We all know that helping others is of benefit to them, but many people don't realise that getting active to help others can also improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Simple activities like walking the neighbour's dog or helping in the garden help to burn calories and improve general fitness, leading to a healthier, happier nation."
Jamie Wilson, spokesperson for Simplyhealth, says: "Committing just half an hour a month to helping someone else can make a real difference to your life as well as theirs. If everyone in the UK aimed to do just one act of 'botheredness' every month, it would make a real difference to the nation's overall wellbeing. As a healthcare provider, we encourage our staff to get active in the community supporting others - in fact we give 100 days a year to staff to spend a day helping at a charity of their choice."
Simplyhealth provides a variety of health plans, which help towards the cost of check-ups, treatment and emergencies, helping people budget for the costs of expected and unexpected healthcare. It also has a specialist Simplyhealth store that offers mobility and daily living aids.
For further information on Simplyhealth please bother us on +44(0)800-072-6715 or log onto http://www.simplyhealth.co.uk. In a world where so many people can't be bothered, Simplyhealth is proud to be a company that can, to find out how log onto http://www.wecanbebothered.co.uk.
Notes to Editor
- Previously known as HSA, BCWA, LHF, HealthSure and Totally
Active, our family of health companies have joined together over the
last 8 years to form Simplyhealth
- At Simplyhealth, we have been providing healthcare solutions for
nearly 140 years, dedicated to serving our customers through a variety
of cash plans, dental plans, private medical insurance, healthcare
trusts and mobility and living aids
- Simplyhealth is a trading name of Simplyhealth Access, which is
authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
- As of December 2009, Simplyhealth had 1.3 million customers
providing cover for some 2.3 million people
- Simplyhealth is committed in its constitution to making a
positive impact on its communities. Each year, we help health related
charities and causes to the tune of at least GBP1million
For further information, please bother us at:
http://www.simplyhealth.co.uk/media-centre
Source: Simplyhealth
For further information, please bother us at: Abby Bowman, Senior Brand and PR Manager +44(0)1264-342561; Caroline Lakeman, Public Relations Manager +44(0)1264-342570; Rebecca Jeremy, Public Relations Assistant +44(0)1264-342400; Or pr@simplyhealth.co.uk.
Breaking News: 4 M-Net SuperSport Journalists Kidnapped in Niger Delta
4 Mar 2010 12:52 Africa/Lagos
Journalists Kidnapped in Niger Delta / IPI Urges Immediate Release Although One Journalist Managed to Escape, Fears Remain over Two Journalists who Remain in Captivity
ABUJA, March 4, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Three journalists from the African sports network M-Net SuperSport were kidnapped in the Niger Delta Region on Monday, but one has since escaped from his captors and fled to safety, according to news reports. A fourth journalist was reportedly shot during the kidnapping and taken to hospital, reports said.
Cameraman Alexander Effiong “took a big risk,” M-Net SuperSport general manager Felix Awogu told Agence France-Presse. “He ran away from them and he is now back to us in Lagos.” No further information on his escape has been released.
Awogu also said that his network was in contact with the kidnappers, and that he was optimistic about the return of the other two abductees.
South African journalist Nick Greyling, and his three Nigerian colleagues, cameraman Alexander Effiong, commentator Bowie Attamah and an unidentified cameraman, were travelling to Owerri airport when they were stopped by armed attackers, News24 reported.
IPI Director Dadge said: “We urge the abductors to release the journalists immediately. Kidnappings, for ransom, or any other reason are unacceptable. Journalists are no exception.”
In July 2009, Reuters reported that 500 people had already been kidnapped in Nigeria, up nearly 70 percent from the whole of 2008. Hundreds of foreign workers have been kidnapped over the past three years in Nigeria.
IPI board member Hajiya Bilkisu Bintube, who is the editor of Citizen Communications, in Kaduna, Nigeria, told IPI: “There is a lot of activity by criminals, who are also sometimes supported by the government. They kidnap and then they share the ransom. It is often not related to the struggle of environmental groups anymore.”
The last recorded attack on a sports journalist in Nigeria was on 22 August 1998, according to the Canada-based International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX), Ganiyu Salman, a reporter with the Sporting Tribune was assaulted by a staff member of the Shooting Stars sports club (3SC) football club during a pro-league match. The attack was sparked over a story titled “Baraje Unveils N4m (US$470,400) Juju deal at 3SC.”
Source: International Press Institute (IPI)
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
4 Mar 2010
15:18
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Appointment of Professor Albert Tevoedjere as Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union for Niger
12:52
Journalists Kidnapped in Niger Delta / IPI Urges Immediate Release Although One Journalist Managed to Escape, Fears Remain over Two Journalists who Remain in Captivity
Journalists Kidnapped in Niger Delta / IPI Urges Immediate Release Although One Journalist Managed to Escape, Fears Remain over Two Journalists who Remain in Captivity
ABUJA, March 4, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Three journalists from the African sports network M-Net SuperSport were kidnapped in the Niger Delta Region on Monday, but one has since escaped from his captors and fled to safety, according to news reports. A fourth journalist was reportedly shot during the kidnapping and taken to hospital, reports said.
Cameraman Alexander Effiong “took a big risk,” M-Net SuperSport general manager Felix Awogu told Agence France-Presse. “He ran away from them and he is now back to us in Lagos.” No further information on his escape has been released.
Awogu also said that his network was in contact with the kidnappers, and that he was optimistic about the return of the other two abductees.
South African journalist Nick Greyling, and his three Nigerian colleagues, cameraman Alexander Effiong, commentator Bowie Attamah and an unidentified cameraman, were travelling to Owerri airport when they were stopped by armed attackers, News24 reported.
IPI Director Dadge said: “We urge the abductors to release the journalists immediately. Kidnappings, for ransom, or any other reason are unacceptable. Journalists are no exception.”
In July 2009, Reuters reported that 500 people had already been kidnapped in Nigeria, up nearly 70 percent from the whole of 2008. Hundreds of foreign workers have been kidnapped over the past three years in Nigeria.
IPI board member Hajiya Bilkisu Bintube, who is the editor of Citizen Communications, in Kaduna, Nigeria, told IPI: “There is a lot of activity by criminals, who are also sometimes supported by the government. They kidnap and then they share the ransom. It is often not related to the struggle of environmental groups anymore.”
The last recorded attack on a sports journalist in Nigeria was on 22 August 1998, according to the Canada-based International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX), Ganiyu Salman, a reporter with the Sporting Tribune was assaulted by a staff member of the Shooting Stars sports club (3SC) football club during a pro-league match. The attack was sparked over a story titled “Baraje Unveils N4m (US$470,400) Juju deal at 3SC.”
Source: International Press Institute (IPI)
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
4 Mar 2010
15:18
EODT to Provide Munitions Clearance at Nevada Test and Training Range
12:54
Appointment of Professor Albert Tevoedjere as Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union for Niger
12:52
Journalists Kidnapped in Niger Delta / IPI Urges Immediate Release Although One Journalist Managed to Escape, Fears Remain over Two Journalists who Remain in Captivity
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
People Are Talking: Interventional Radiology:Know Your Treatment Options!
People Are Talking: Interventional Radiology
Know Your Treatment Options!
FAIRFAX, Va. — March 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — A woman can’t walk after the ER treated her blood clot. A man faced six hours of cancer surgery before learning about a two-hour minimally invasive treatment. A woman with painful uterine fibroids refused to have a hysterectomy. All three have one thing in common: They were each treated by interventional radiologists—doctors whom they had never heard of and learned about on their own through non-traditional means—by word of mouth, on the Web or from a friend.
Dynamic Medical Field
Interventional radiologists pioneered modern medicine and are responsible for much of the medical innovation and development of minimally invasive treatments that are commonplace today. From the invention of angioplasty and the catheter-delivered stent, which were both first used to treat peripheral arterial disease in the legs, to drug-coated stents, balloon angioplasty, catheter delivery systems and clot-removing devices of today—these vascular specialists continue to shape and change the medical landscape and improve patient care. IR treatments offer less risk, less pain and less recovery time than traditional surgery. IRs reach the source of a medical problem through blood vessels or directly through a small nick in the skin to deliver a precise, minimally invasive treatment.
Minimally Invasive Treatments
Interventional radiology is a rapidly changing specialty that treats major health problems, including cancer, cardiovascular and venous disease, spine fractures, stroke and uterine fibroids.
Know Your Treatment Options
Minimally invasive treatments are available for many diseases, but few patients know to ask about them or to seek out a second opinion from an interventional radiologist. Many primary care doctors may not be aware of new IR advances, and most specialists (i.e., gynecologists, urologists) are surgically trained and may not know of new minimally invasive treatments. With people talking and sharing on the Internet, this may change—with patients seeking the least invasive practitioner for consult first.
Society of Interventional Radiology Releases Video
SIR wants consumers to know that they have treatment options—minimally invasive choices—and direct access to these specialists. Its new video (excerpt attached) shows how IRs make major contributions to fighting cancer and other diseases—often changing medical outcomes and patients’ lives.
Interventional Radiology Showcases Innovation
“IR Innovation” will be showcased during the Society of Interventional Radiology’s Annual Scientific Meeting March 13–18 in Tampa.
Media Contact:
Maryann Verrillo
703-460-5572
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan to Speak at High-level Conference on Agribusiness and Agro-industries in Africa
Acting President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of Nigeria
On March 10, 2010, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will deliver a speech at a High-level Conference in Abuja to Promote Agribusiness and Agro-industries in Africa.
According to a March 1, 2010 press release from the African Press Organization (APO), the conference will focus on “ways to boost the development of agribusiness and agro-industries in Africa from 8 to 10 March.”
Participants will discuss strategies for the promotion of sustainable and inclusive agribusiness and agro-industries development on the continent, and are expected to endorse the African Agribusiness and Agro-industries Development Initiative (3ADI). The 3ADI comprises a programme framework and associated financial modalities through which the public and private sectors can mobilize resources for investment in agri-food sector development in Africa.
The event will bring together Government officials from some 40 African countries, as well as senior policy makers and representatives of financial institutions.
The Conference will also be attended by the heads or representatives of international organizations, including the Chairman of the African Union Commission, Jean Ping; the Executive Secretary of UN Economic Commission for Africa, Abdoulie Janneh; the Vice President of the African Development Bank, Kamal El Kheshen; the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Kanayo F. Nwanze; and the Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, Modibo Traore; and the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Kandeh K. Yumkella.
Journalists are invited to the opening session at 9:00 hours, on Monday, 8 March, at the Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
A news conference will be held at 12:30 hours, on Wednesday, 10 March, at the Media Centre, Hilton Hotel.
Conference website www.hlcd-3a.org
Source: UNITED NATIONS
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