Saturday, May 1, 2010

PricewaterhouseCoopers Says M&A Activity to Drive Fundamental Changes in Global Automotive Industry in 2010




30 Apr 2010 05:01 Africa/Lagos


PricewaterhouseCoopers Says M&A Activity to Drive Fundamental Changes in Global Automotive Industry in 2010

Deal value soars to $121.9 billion in 2009, brought on by government equity positions in sector

NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Automotive merger and acquisition (M&A) activity will continue to drive the fundamental changes necessary for the near-term restructuring and long-term sustainability of the industry, says PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. According to the publication titled, Drive Value -- Automotive M&A Insights 2009, the deal market will play a critical role as market participants pursue transactions with a focus on synergies, including cost savings and adding revenue to their business.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100430/NY95853 )

"The current deal environment is showing positive signs and presents a number of opportunities for both strategic and financial buyers who have access to financing," said Paul Elie, U.S. automotive transaction services leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

"Companies with stronger operating models and cash positions will likely leverage M&A to develop a competitive advantage through the consolidation of scale and expertise," emphasized Paul McCarthy, U.S. automotive strategy leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

The publication highlights a variety of factors driving the deal market in 2009 and provides an outlook for 2010 and beyond:

Global automotive M&A activity

Automotive M&A deal value soared to $121.9 billion for 2009, up 286 percent from $31.6 billion in 2008. The increase in deal value was influenced heavily by the U.S. Treasury investment in the vehicle manufacturing sector, which occurred in response to a near collapse of the automotive industry. Players across the automotive value chain reacted as they sought capital infusions, shed noncore assets, renegotiated debt obligations and pursued mergers of necessity.

Despite the record high deal value in 2009, the total deal volume fell to 532 transactions, representing a three percent decline from an already weak 2008 level and its lowest point since 2004.

"As we look forward, companies are likely to increase their focus on growth and the traditional drivers of M&A -- driving economies of scale, acquiring technology and expanding their geographic and customer base," said Elie.

Automotive companies seeking long-term success will drive the deal market in 2010, by developing and executing strategies for sustainable growth and value creation.

For more information on PricewaterhouseCoopers automotive deal capabilities and to download PricewaterhouseCoopers' Drive Value -- Automotive M&A Insights 2009 publication, visit: www.pwc.com/auto.

About the Transaction Services Practice

The PricewaterhouseCoopers Transaction Services (TS) practice provides due diligence for M&A transactions, along with advice on M&A strategy and integration, divestitures and separation, valuations, accounting, financial reporting, and capital raising. With approximately 1,000 deal professionals in cities in the U.S., and a global network of over 6,000 deal professionals in 90 countries, experienced teams are deployed with deep industry and local market knowledge, and technical experience tailored to each client's situation. The Transaction Services team can be involved from strategy to integration and employ an integrated business approach to uncover the realities of a deal. The field-proven, globally consistent, controlled deal process helps clients minimize their risks, progress with the right deals, and capture value both at the deal table and after the deal closes. For more information, visit www.pwc.com/ustransactionservices.

About PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 163,000 people in 151 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

"PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to the network of member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

© 2010 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100430/NY95853
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100430/NY95853
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers

CONTACT: Kristin McCallum, U.S. Automotive Marketing Leader,
PricewaterhouseCoopers, +1-313-394-6349, kristin.l.mccallum@us.pwc.com, or
Laura Schooler, PricewaterhouseCoopers, +1-646-471-3229,
laura.schooler@us.pwc.com

Web Site: http://www.pwc.com/



Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
30 Apr 2010
13:36 Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
28 Apr 2010
14:16 Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
27 Apr 2010
20:35 Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General On the release of four UN police in Darfur
12:29 UNAMID peacekeepers released
26 Apr 2010
23:25 The Sudanese Have Spoken
12:24 Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
1 May 2010
05:01 Anthony Lake Begins Tenure as UNICEF's Executive Director

03:33 America's Sheriff, Joe Arpaio, Consumer Advocate, Bogey, Endorse Upstart Conservative Challenger Phil Liberatore; Challenger Promises Fight to the Finish to Defeat Incumbent Gary Miller
02:36 Noted Environmental Attorney Stuart H. Smith of Smith Stag Law Firm, New Orleans, Louisiana Is Concerned About a Catastrophic Failure of the BP Deepwater Horizon Wellhead and Fluid Control Systems.
02:01 Concrete, Immediate US Action Needed to Implement the Policy of Three US Presidents on the Western Sahara
01:55 La comunidad empresarial hispana responde a la divulgación de la propuesta de reforma migratoria presentada por el Senado
01:20 Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Oil Leak from Gulf Rig Explosion
01:00 American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles Working With Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Service to Help Seniors Stay Independent
00:24 MultiVu Digital Center Feed: U.S. Ambassador to the EU Says U.S. and EU are Aligned in Major Global Issues Such as Nuclear Non-Proliferation, Mid-East Stability and Climate Change; EU Shifts from Eurocentric to External Focus.
30 Apr 2010
23:58 Arizona American Water President Paul Townsley Celebrates Grand Opening of White Tanks Regional Water Treatment Facility With ADEQ Director
23:55 ADL Congratulates Associated Students of UC Berkeley (ASUC) Senators for Standing Firm Against Factious Anti-Israel Divestment Resolution
23:54 MultiVu Digital Center Feed: Secretary Clinton Confirms Alliance with Kuwait, Seeks Arab States Support for a Two-State Solution in the Middle East and Warns of Increased Sanctions Against Iran During a Joint Press Availability with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al Sabah
23:23 Tennessee Man Convicted of Illegally Accessing Sarah Palin's E-Mail Account and Obstruction of Justice




Friday, April 30, 2010

The Pierre New York, A Taj Hotel, Celebrates $100 Million Renovation With Grand Suite Promotion




THE PIERRE NEW YORK, A TAJ HOTEL, CELEBRATES $100 MILLION RENOVATION WITH GRAND SUITE PROMOTION

New York, March 26 /PRNewswire/ — To celebrate the grand re-opening of The Pierre, the US flagship of Taj Hotels on New York's Central Park, The Pierre announced it is offering 40% off its newly renovated Grand Suites. Ranging in size from one to three bedrooms, with up to 2,000 square feet of space, these classic interiors offer magnificent views of Manhattan and Central Park, and residential-style pied-a-terres for discerning guests.





The 11 Grand Suites, two with terraces that can accommodate parties up to 30, are designed with custom furnishings, hand-crafted finishes and elegant details, such as rich silk and brocade fabrics, Murano glass chandeliers, hand-knotted carpets and Bang & Olufsen audio systems.




Following a meticulous $100-million renovation, The Pierre, now offers 189 redesigned residential-style guest rooms, including 39 suites and 11 Grand Suites, all featuring a quiet feeling of luxury and complemented by superb services personally crafted to attend to each guest’s every need.



A particular treat for guests is dining at Le Caprice, which opened its first U.S. restaurant outside London in New York at The Pierre. Le Caprice has established itself as a social institution in London with its effortless style, coveted cuisine and well-heeled crowd.

Mirroring the London restaurant and maintaining its deep-seated commitment to the art world, Le Caprice New York houses a series of photographs of iconic sixties model Jean Shrimpton by legendary British photographer, David Bailey. Long-standing favourites from the London restaurant, such as Thai-Baked sea bass, will continue to appear within the newly designed New York menu.

Two E, a new bar/lounge in The Pierre, features classic cocktails and light fare in an Alexandra Champalimaud-designed space. Afternoon tea is served from 3-5 pm. Culinary selections include The Pierre Salad with langoustines.

Business groups hosting meetings and receptions at The Pierre may select from three new elegant boardrooms with state-of-the-art amenities that can accommodate groups up to 75. These business-centric rooms complement the hotel’s expansive social banquet spaces on the second floor that can accommodate private events for up to 1,500 guests.

Discounted Grand Suite rates begin at $3,900. For reservations, please call 1-800-743-7734 or visit www.tajhotels.com/pierre.

Conde Nast Traveller has put The Pierre New York, on the Hot List 2010 after months of research and suggestions from the magazine's correspondents across the globe.
Media Contacts:

US
Babs Harrison
Sheila Donnelly & Associates
Tel: +1 212 851 8425
babs@sheiladonnelly.com

UK
Mary-Clare Gribbon
Tel: +44 (020) 7 834 2349
mcgribbon@prco.com

Japan
Akemi ENDO
Tel: +81 3 3585 9688
endo@essendo.com

India
Swati Sundareswaran
Tel: +91 98675 54174
swati@vccpl.com



FIFA.com Predicts 5.5 Billion Page Views for 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM)



30 Apr 2010 08:00 Africa/Lagos



FIFA.com Predicts 5.5 Billion Page Views for 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM)

GENEVA, April 30, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- FIFA.com's first-ever Panini Virtual Sticker Album, presented by Coca-Cola, drives two million sticker swaps within two weeks of launch.

FIFA.com, the world's official football website, today, 29 April 2010, announced that it is expecting record site traffic for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, making it the most visited football website in the world. The FIFA.com forecast is 5.5 billion page views, compared to 4.2 billion recorded for the 2006 event.

The site's popularity has been boosted by the launch of the FIFA.com's first-ever Panini Virtual Sticker Album, which is presented by Coca-Cola. Since its launch on Tuesday 14 April, the free application has generated 200 million page views and over two million sticker 'swaps'.

Every day, each collector receives a virtual pack of five stickers featuring the superstars and teams of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM). The stickers can then be collected or traded with other fans all over the world.

Matt Stone, FIFA's Head of New Media, says: "Our official forecast of 5.5 billion FIFA.com page views could even be conservative given we received 4.2 billion PVs in 2006. The Panini Virtual Sticker Album has really ignited our online World Cup activity. We're delighted football fans are finding the application so engaging."

Fans can raise their collecting power by forming a group, but only individual collectors will be eligible for a prize draw (deadline 16 July 2010) to win one of a 100 keepsake hardcover printed versions of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Sticker album, also produced by Panini.

About FIFA.com

FIFA.com, the world's official football website, is the online heart of football.

Recognised as the world's most authoritative football website, unrivalled for depth, insight and accuracy, FIFA.com reliably and impartially delivers the global football message across multiple digital platforms to an international community of millions of professionals and enthusiasts.

Constantly updated, FIFA.com (online 1995) offers the latest news, video highlights (with no cross-border restrictions on viewing), historical data, contact with the stars, behind-the-scenes access, and - through the free FIFA.com Club - a global meeting point for people who care about football.

In addition, FIFA.com supplies a one-stop shop for retail, event ticketing, accommodation and hospitality. Through serving the global football community it also delivers value to FIFA.com's commercial partners (Adidas, Coca-Cola, Emirates, KIA, SONY, VISA) and World Cup sponsors (Budweiser, Castrol, Continental, McDonalds, MTN, Satyam, Seara, Yingli Solar).

In an average month, FIFA.com attracts approximately 5 million unique users and generates over 80 million page views. The 2010 World Cup is predicted to generate over 5.5 billion page views.

About FIFA

FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), an association governed by Swiss law, was founded in 1904 and is based in Zurich. It has 208 member associations and its goal, enshrined in its statutes, is the constant improvement of football. FIFA employs some 310 people from over 35 nations and is composed of a Congress (legislative body), Executive Committee (executive body), General Secretariat (administrative body) and committees (assisting the Executive Committee).

Source: FIFA

For more information, please contact: Matt Stone, Head of New Media, Email: matt.stone@fifa.org, Telephone: +44(0)7521-683-831



RCCG Pastor in Texas Reveals Satan's Army and Its Evil Tactics

30 Apr 2010 12:45 Africa/Lagos

RCCG Pastor Reveals Satan's Army and Its Evil Tactics

TEMPLE, Texas, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- In his breakthrough religious nonfiction and spirituality book, "The Plans Of Our Enemy Have Been Revealed" (published by WestBow Press), Pastor Stephen Haastrup of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Texas exposes Satan's army and the myriad tactics he uses to influence people's lives. An accomplished pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Temple, Texas, Haastrup looks closely at Satan's strategies and then details the counter-tactics God wants Christians to implement in the fight against wicked spirits, principalities of power and all other entities that fight against righteousness.

"The Plans Of Our Enemy Have Been Revealed" discusses all aspects of life that affect churches and its faithful constituents. Haastrup addresses the subject of debt and God's teachings regarding debt. His book details what it takes to be a minister and covers the important role of leadership. It speaks to issues that can be a hindrance to the church ministry and also to the lives of people. And it lists a set of prayer points that targets areas of concern in people's lives and in ministry.

Geared toward those who wish to go beyond just sitting in churches and to those who are determined to make a difference in their church and in the ministry, "The Plans Of Our Enemy Have Been Revealed" helps Christian readers realize their work with God to help build a stronger church.

About the Author

Stephen Haastrup was born in Dallas in 1978 and was raised in Nigeria for 18 years. He gave his life to Christ in 1995. He fellowshipped in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry as an executive prayer leader and also worked in the drama department. Haastrup graduated from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., in 2002 and fellowshipped in The Redeemed Christian Church of God as a youth teacher, Sunday school teacher, assistant to men's fellowship and leader of the drama team. Haastrup is currently a manager at Wal-Mart and pastors The Redeemed Christian Church of God in Temple, Texas.

About WestBow Press

WestBow Press is a strategic self-publishing alliance of Thomas Nelson, the world's premier Christian publisher, and Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI) - the world leader in the fastest-growing segment of publishing. Through this partnership, authors benefit from the rich publishing heritage of Thomas Nelson and the speed-to-market advantages of the ASI self-publishing model. Titles published through WestBow Press will be evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication under the Thomas Nelson imprint. For more information, visit http://www.westbowpress.com/.

EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

Promotional Services Department
Tel: (866) 928-1240
Email: pressreleases@westbowpress.com



This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com/.

Source: WestBow Press

CONTACT: Promotional Services Department, +1-866-928-1240,
pressreleases@westbowpress.com

Web Site: http://www.westbowpress.com/



Thursday, April 29, 2010

World Economic Forum / Record Participation for 20th World Economic Forum on Africa

29 Apr 2010 15:18 Africa/Lagos


World Economic Forum / Record Participation for 20th World Economic Forum on Africa


DAR ES SALAAM, 29 avril 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Eleven African heads of state/government will take part in the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa in Dar es Salaam next week


Tanzania's President Kikwete to host the meeting, which will feature around 1,000 participants


Watch the video message with President Kikwete of Tanzania and Professor Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum on YouTube


Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 29 April 2010 – The World Economic Forum announced today that nearly 1,000 participants from 85 countries will participate in the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa in Dar es Salaam, 5-7 May 2010. President Kikwete will host the meeting, which this year explores the theme “Rethinking Africa's Growth Strategy”. President Kikwete said: “Africa is a continent full of potential. Africa has been growing despite the economic instability that is facing the world today. We will have the opportunity to examine the strategy of Africa for today to ensure that there is a better tomorrow.”


Richard Elliott, Associate Director, Media, Tel.: +41 (0)79 201 8127 E-mail: richard.elliott@weforum.org



Source: The World Economic Forum



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3 Great Sayings by 3 Great Black Men

"Speak truth, do justice, be kind and do not do evil."
-Baba Orunmila

"Cowardice asks the question: is it safe? Expediency asks the question: is it political? Vanity asks the question: is it popular? But conscience asks the question: is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor popular - but one must take it simply because it is right."
--Dr. Martin L. King, Jr


"If the enemy is not doing anything against you, you are not doing anything"
-Ahmed Sékou Touré


Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Democracy Facebook: Jonathan and Obama Are Now Friends


Democracy Facebook: Jonathan and Obama Are Now Friends



Four Defendants Sentenced in Human Trafficking Ring

28 Apr 2010 18:11 Africa/Lagos


Four Defendants Sentenced in Human Trafficking Ring

Conspirators Smuggled Women and Minors in from Mexico and then Compelled Them Into Prostitution in Metro Atlanta

WASHINGTON, April 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Juan Cortes-Meza, 33, of Mexico; Raul Cortes-Meza, 22, of Mexico; Edison Wagner Rosa Tort, 71, of Cartersville, Ga.; and Otto Jaime Larios Perez, 27, of Guatemala were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story for participating in sex trafficking in an organization targeting young Mexican women.


Juan Cortes-Meza was sentenced today to 16 years, eight months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $57,600. Raul Cortes-Meza was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $7,000. Edison Wagner Rosa Tort was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $57,000. Otto Jaime Larios Perez was sentenced yesterday to two years, six months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $3,600.


"These four defendants committed heinous crimes against vulnerable women and girls who dreamed of better lives in the United States," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Civil Rights Division. "Driven by greed, these defendants robbed their victims of basic human rights and dignities. The Department of Justice is committed to holding traffickers accountable and restoring the lives of their victims."


U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, "The U.S. Attorney's Office is committed to dismantling sex-trafficking organizations that operate in the Northern District of Georgia. Those who enslave and sell young women for sex, or who profit from it, must be held accountable. Nothing we can do will fully restore these victims from the harm they suffered at the hands of these criminals, but we will do everything in our power to stop others from being abused."


"These traffickers exhibited a callous disregard for the lives of the victims whom they exploited for money," said Kenneth Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Atlanta. "While we cannot undo the terrible experiences that they endured, we hope that today's sentencing gives them some sense of closure."


According to U.S. Attorney Yates and the information presented in court, From Spring 2006 through June 2008, these defendants and others charged in the conspiracy recruited and enticed approximately 10 victims to come to the Atlanta area from Mexico and then forced them into prostitution for the financial benefit of the members of the alleged conspiracy. Often the conspirators, including Juan Cortes-Meza, would lure the women to the U.S. by promising better lives, legitimate employment, or romantic relationships with the defendants. Drivers, such as Larios Perez, Raul Cortes-Meza, and Rosa Tort, collected the victims from the homes where they lived with the defendants in Norcross and drove them to apartments and homes where paying clients waited for commercial sex.


Specifically, Juan Cortes-Meza smuggled the 17-year-old female victim into the United States by falsely promising that he would help her find employment in a restaurant or as a housekeeper. The victim was thereafter compelled to engage in commercial sex acts with numerous men every night, and to give Juan Cortes-Meza the money she collected. Juan Cortes-Meza controlled the victim's daily life and was physically violent with her.


Raul Cortes-Meza harbored and transported a victim and benefitted financially from causing her to engage in commercial sex acts. While another co-conspirator brought the victim into the United States, Raul Cortes-Meza drove her to apartments to have sex with paying clients. He then collected money and kept some for himself, giving the rest to other co-conspirators.


Rosa Tort took a victim from the Cortes-Meza trafficking ring and kept her in Cartersville, Ga., where he forced her to perform commercial sex acts against her will.


Larios Perez pleaded guilty to making false statements to law enforcement when he was intercepted with a victim in his car. When caught with a victim, Larios Perez lied to investigators about his relationship to the victim, claiming she was a family member, and falsely stated that he had never driven anyone to any location for prostitution. In fact, Larios Perez had driven at least six of the young Mexican women to locations to engage in prostitution.


In order to bring defendants to justice, victims of crime may be eligible for immigration status in the United States to assist in the prosecution. Six of the victims addressed the court about what they suffered at the hands of this sex trafficking ring, telling of physical threats, beatings, and intimidation which caused them to work as prostitutes against their will.


This case was investigated by Special Agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Coppedge and Trial Attorney Karima Maloney of the Civil Rights Division's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.


Source: U.S. Department of Justice

CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs,
+1-202-514-2007, TDD +1-202-514-1888


Web Site: http://www.justice.gov/



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Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Barack Obama: Our African Dream and their American Dream


President Barack Obama


Barack Obama: Our African Dream and their American Dream

Africans see President Barack Obama first as the son of an African immigrant who married a white American in America. Africans are proud of this fact and are proud of him as the epitome of the African genius, an icon of the Black race and a worthy role model for the youths of Africa to celebrate and emulate in the pursuit of the dreams of a New Africa in the 21st century.


Barack Obama, Sr holding the younger Barack Obama in 1971.

There is a spirit of the audacity of Barack Obama in the heart and soul of every African youth in the continent and the Diaspora, propelling them to excel in the hope of the attainment of their ultimate conquest.

How great we would be when we have a Barack Obama as the President of every nation in Africa.

If Barack Obama can make it, then yes we can!

President Barack Obama has shattered the highest glass ceiling of the proverbial American Dream; the dream of the great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was elected at the most challenging period in America since World War Two, when Americans were facing the premonition of another Great Depression and the heart rending sacrifice of thousands of innocent American souls in a nightmarish unconventional war against legions of lunatic fringe elements of Islamic fundamentalism. Yet, undauntedly Barack Obama has taken up the herculean challenges of the leadership of the greatest nation on earth, from confronting the goliaths on Wall Street over health care insurance and Machiavellian capitalism in his dogged defence of the common folks on Main Street to marshalling the reformation of America for the nation building of a New America in the leadership of the world.

Will Barack Obama succeed?
President Barack Obama is already galloping ahead on the highway of history and his cheerleaders are cheering him all the way and he is not looking back.


~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
This article is from a new book on President Barack Obama by the author.