OnBoard Security® announced that its Chief Technology Officer, Dr. William Whyte, has been awarded the 2018 International Award by the IEEE Standards Association for his work harmonizing the US and European standards for connected vehicle communications security. This harmonization will help accelerate the implementation of strong transportation security and increased safety by way of lower costs and greater operational simplicity.

WILMINGTON, Mass. (PRWEB) December 06, 2018

OnBoard Security®, a leader in IoT and Automotive Security, announced that its Chief Technology Officer, Dr. William Whyte, has been awarded the 2018 International Award for his work harmonizing the US and European standards for connected vehicle communications security. This harmonization will help accelerate the implementation of strong transportation security and increased safety by way of lower costs and greater operational simplicity.

IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for humanity, today announced the recipients of the 2018 IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) Awards, which were presented at the annual awards ceremony on Sunday, 2 December 2018.

The International Award is presented annually to an IEEE Standards Association individual member who has “made an extraordinary contribution to establishing the IEEE as a world-class leader in standardization.”

Dr. Whyte is the editor of IEEE Std 1609.2 and related standards, which specify communications security mechanisms for use in the Connected Vehicle setting. A similar Connected Vehicle initiative existed in Europe, with standards being developed in ETSI. The ETSI standards and the US standards (IEEE and SAE) have historically been different, even though they are trying to serve similar use cases and meet very similar requirements. Dr. Whyte proposed that ETSI should discard its current design and adopt 1609.2, making the IEEE standard the baseline for connected vehicle deployments in Europe.

To get ETSI to agree to adopt the IEEE standard, Dr. Whyte needed to address technical, process, and institutional concerns:· The ETSI standards are written with significant input from the Car 2 Car Communications Consortium security working group; that group needed to approve the adoption of the IEEE standard.
· The ETSI working group needed to have assurance that the IEEE standard met all of its requirements.
· The study group determined that there were a number of edge cases that 1609.2-2016 did not address. Dr. Whyte implemented the necessary changes in 1609.2a, shepherded it through the working group, and saw it through a full sponsor ballot including two recirculations.
· ETSI was concerned about basing its standard on an IEEE standard, especially since this was going to be the subject of a European mandate. Dr. Whyte worked with IEEE and ETSI staff and officers to understand and address the ETSI concerns. This resulted in a signed copyright agreement granting ETSI the permissions to reproduce 1609.2 material if necessary and resolving the ETSI objection. The ETSI standard was published on November 16 2017.

http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_ts/103000_103099/103097/01.03.01_60/ts_103097v010301p.pdf
“I am honored to have my work recognized in this way,” said Dr. Whyte. “OnBoard Security continues to influence and drive the worldwide adoption of strong security practices in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and this International Award is acknowledgement of those efforts.”

The IEEE Standards Association, a globally recognized standards-setting body within IEEE, develops consensus standards through an open process that engages industry and brings together a broad stakeholder community. IEEE standards set specifications and best practices based on current scientific and technological knowledge. The IEEE-SA has a portfolio of over 1,200 active standards and over 650 standards under development.

About OnBoard Security
OnBoard Security was created to help automotive and IoT organizations stay ahead of the curve through superior cybersecurity. For over 10 years, the world-renowned experts at OnBoard Security have been pioneering technologies that protect the Internet of Things, now and for the future. We address three significant challenges; ensuring the security and privacy of autonomous and connected vehicles, making hardware roots of trust easy to use, and avoiding the existential threat from quantum computers to the integrity of the internet. To learn more about our solutions, please contact sales(at)onboardsecurity(dot)com Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.

The authors of the multinational study conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo recommend implementation on a global scale to treat a disease that kills 200,000 people each year.

WORCESTER, Mass. (PRWEB) December 06, 2018

Tea infusions made from two species of the wormwood plant cured the tropical disease schistosomiasis significantly faster than the drug most commonly used against the ailment—and with no adverse side effects—in a large clinical trial conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study’s authors, including a professor and two research associates at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), say the treatment should be considered for implementation on a global scale.

Schistosomiasis, which is caused by parasitic flatworms, affects nearly 210 million people worldwide, primarily in Africa, Asia, and South America, and is responsible for about 200,000 deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization. Infecting the intestines and urinary tract, it causes a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain and diarrhea, and in more severe case can lead to liver damage, kidney failure, and even bladder cancer. The only cost-effective treatment is praziquantel, or PZQ, a drug used to treat a number of parasitic worm infections.

Previous clinical trials have shown that the effectiveness of PZQ is enhanced when it is administered along with one of three anti-malarial drugs: artemisinin, artesunate, or artemether. Artemisinin is a chemical derived from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisia annua, while the other two are chemically synthesized from artemisinin. While artesunate alone was found to be less effective than PZQ at eliminating the disease in the same trial, anecdotal reports suggest that a tea made from the Artemisia annua plant has been used successfully as a treatment for schistosomiasis.

“In preclinical studies, we showed that ingesting the dried leaves of Artemisia annua effectively eliminates the parasite that causes malaria,” said Pamela Weathers, professor of biology and biotechnology at WPI, a co-author of the new study who is also currently overseeing the first clinical trial involving the use of dried leaf Artemisia (DLA) against malaria. “Some of the plant’s antimalarial properties would be expected to have a similar effect on the schistosomiasis parasite, so it made sense to explore the effects of orally ingested leaves of the plant on that disease, as well.”

In the study conducted by researchers in Africa, Europe, and the United States* and published in the journal Phytomedicine (“Effect of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra tea infusions on schistosomiasis in a large clinical trial,” December 2018), 800 patients from Maniema Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who exhibited signs of schistosomiasis infection were assigned to one of three groups. One group was treated with PZQ, while patients in the other two drank about a third of a liter of a tea infusion made from the dried leaves and twigs of either Artemisia annua or Artemisia afra (another member of the wormwood genus) three times daily. Patients were considered cured when no more parasite eggs were found in their stool samples.

The results showed that both of the Artemisia tea infusions were just as effective in eliminating the parasite as PZQ, but that they achieved that result in two-thirds of the time—14 days, vs. 21 days for PZQ. And while many of the patients receiving PZQ suffered adverse side effects (more than 18 percent experienced abdominal pain, for example, and more than 26 percent had headaches), no side effects were reported among those who consumed the teas.

“This is an important study with promising results,” said Lucile Cornet-Vernet, vice president of La Maison de l'Artemisia, a non-governmental organization in Paris, the corresponding author of the Phytomedicine paper. “It points to the need for more studies like this to better understand the medicinal value of Artemisia. Finding support for such studies has proven challenging, but it is important that we try, since this work benefits humanity.”

Artemisia annua is categorized as a “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) medicinal herb by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which means it is safe to add to foods and can be consumed without adverse effects. Made into a tea, the plant has been consumed as a remedy for malaria for hundreds of years in Asia, though it was not until 1972 that Chinese scientist Tu Youyou isolated artemisinin from the plant and demonstrated its effectiveness against malaria, a discovery that won her the 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine.

Weathers said one of the most intriguing aspects of the results of the clinical trial in the DRC is that extracts of both species of wormwood were effective against schistosomiasis, even though only one, Artemisia annua, contains artemisinin (Artemisia afra has been found to contain, at most, trace amounts). “Each species of Artemisia contains a unique, complex mixture of phytochemicals, a number of which have been shown to have antimalarial properties,” Weathers said. “The results of this study make it clear that the effectiveness of Artemisia against schistosomiasis and malaria is not due to artemisinin, alone. The plants should really be considered rich combination therapies.”

In her research, Weathers has compared the effectiveness of administering the dried leaves of Artemisia annua, ground up and made into tablets or capsules, to that of the standard malarial treatment, artemisinin combination therapy, or ACT, in which artemisinin is combined with one or more other anti-malarial drugs. In animal trials, her team has shown that the body more readily absorbs artemisinin from the plant than from the drug, that the compound is less likely to be broken down by the liver, and that the plant-based therapy is more effective in eliminating the malaria parasite. Weathers believes that these differences between ACT and DLA are due to the presence of the other phytochemicals with medicinal properties in DLA.

Weathers noted that Artemisia’s utility as a medicine goes beyond its demonstrated effectiveness as a treatment for schistosomiases and malaria. She said many species of wormwood, including Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra, grow naturally in areas of the world where tropical diseases are rampant and that the processes of growing, harvesting, and processing the plant and producing the DLA capsules or tablets can be done locally and even become the basis for local businesses, which could significantly lower the cost of treating these diseases and increase the availability of effective treatments.

Also, Weathers noted that while the schistosomiasis trial tested the effectiveness of tea infusions, she has chosen to focus her own studies on the efficacy of ingesting the plant, itself. “Tea infusions are the traditional way to get the benefits of Artemisia, but they have some disadvantages,” she said. “First, the tea must be prepared carefully to ensure that the beneficial compounds from the plant end up in the tea, and this may not be easy for everyone to do. Second, for many people, the tea will taste very bitter, and may simply not be palatable to some patients, especially children. With the tablets and capsules containing the dried plant, the dosage can be carefully controlled, storage is possible, and most people have no problem consuming them.”

Cornet-Vernet said that her organization will continue to focus on tea infusions since she believes that they offer a more affordable option for the poorest residents of Africa and other areas impacted by tropical diseases. In addition, she said the widespread problem of fraudulent medications in Africa has led her non-governmental organization to favor a treatment that people can create themselves, from plants they grow on their own property. “People in Africa are used to making tea infusions,” she said. “This is something that is very familiar to them, and it can save lives.”

*The full list of authors of the Phytomedicine paper: Jérôme Munyangi, Université de Kolwesi/Lualaba, DRC; Lucile Cornet Vernet of La Maison de l'Artemisia, France; Michel Idumbo, Centre de Santé de Lubile, Maniema, DRC; Pierre Lutgen, Association IVFB-BELHERB, Luxembourg; Christian Perronne, Paris IDF Ouest, France; Dieudonné Mumba, Bavon Mupenda, and Nadège Ngombe, Université de Kinshasa, DRC; Jacques Bianga, Programme National Lutte Contre le Paludisme, Maniema, DRC; Paula Lalukala, provincial minister, Santé Publique Maniema, DRC; Guy Mergeai, Université de Liège, Belgium; and Chen Lu, Melissa Towler, and Pamela Weathers, WPI.

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI, a global leader in project-based learning, is a distinctive, top-tier technological university founded in 1865 on the principle that students learn most effectively by applying the theory learned in the classroom to the practice of solving real-world problems. Recognized by the National Academy of Engineering with the 2016 Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education, WPI’s pioneering project-based curriculum engages undergraduates in solving important scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education and at more than 45 project centers around the world. WPI offers more than 50 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across 14 academic departments in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts. Its faculty and students pursue groundbreaking research to meet ongoing challenges in health and biotechnology; robotics and the internet of things; advanced materials and manufacturing; cyber, data, and security systems; learning science; and more. http://www.wpi.edu

Contact:
Alison Duffy, Director of Public Relations
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, Massachusetts
508-831-6656; amduffy@wpi.edu Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG), the global business strategy and commercial diplomacy firm, today announced that Monique Meche has joined as Senior Advisor. In this role, she will help the firm’s technology and media clients navigate complex policy issues and enter international markets.“Monique is one of the sharpest, experienced, and well-respected individuals operating in the global tech sector today,” said Dan Rosenthal, Managing Principal of ASG. “She has been at the frontlines of the most complex tech policy challenges globally and understands how to help clients advance their goals in countries around the world.”

Ms. Meche brings extensive, senior-level international technology policy, government relations, and market entry expertise at some of the world’s most innovative technology companies, including Netflix, Amazon, Cisco Systems, and Intel.

She most recently served as Vice President of Global Public Policy at Netflix, where she led public policy and government affairs in 190 countries. Previously, she served as Vice President of International Public Policy at Amazon, where she helped expand Amazon’s presence, products, and services in fifteen countries. Her earlier roles included leading Cisco’s government affairs and policy in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and managing public policy in Europe and investments while working at Intel. Ms. Meche also worked at ArcelorMittal, as Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility.

With expertise across the spectrum of technology issues, ASG advises high-growth and established technology companies on matters related to market entry, privacy, cybersecurity, platform and content, data flow, and storage. The firm also works with start-ups to help establish management structure, form policy teams, and develop communications strategies.

Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG) is the premier global strategy and commercial diplomacy firm. We help clients understand and successfully navigate the intersection of public, private, and social sectors in international markets. ASG’s worldwide team has served clients in more than 110 countries. To learn more, visit albrightstonebridge.com.

Contact:
Mary Clare Rigali
mrigali@albrightstonebridge.com

  Reported by GlobeNewswire 1 hour ago.

Regulated information
06 December 2018- 20h

*Information relating to the total number of voting rights and shares making up the capital*

 

Article L. 233-8-II of the French Commercial Code and article 223-16 of the General Regulations of the French Financial Markets Authority

Number of shares making up capital Total number of voting rights*
104 057 392 104 057 392

* This number is calculated based on all of the shares carrying voting rights, including shares without voting rights in line with paragraph Z of article 223-11 of the French Financial Markets Authority’s General Regulations.

*About SOLUTIONS 30*

The SOLUTIONS 30 Group is Europe's leading provider of Solutions for New Technologies. Its mission is to grant individuals and businesses alike access to technological changes that transform our daily lives: computers and the Internet in the past, today’s digital changes, and future technology that will make the world ever more connected in real time. Since its founding, the Group has handled more than 10 million service calls by drawing on a network of 4,000 regional technicians. SOLUTIONS 30 currently covers the whole of France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Spain. SOLUTIONS 30 S.E.'s capital comprises 104 057 392 shares, with an identical number of theoretical and exercisable voting rights.
Solutions 30 S.E. is listed on the Alternext market – ISIN FR0012750586 – code ALS30, eligible for the PEA-PME share savings plan, and on the Frankfurt stock exchange on the Xetra electronic system (ISIN FR0013188844 – code 30L2)
For more information, go to www.solutions30.com*SOLUTIONS 30 CONTACTS:*

*SOLUTIONS 30* *EDIFICE COMMUNICATION*
Nezha Calligaro | CEO PA Samuel Beaupain | Press Relations
+352 (0)2 648 19 17 +33 (0)6 88 48 48 02 | samuel@edifice-communication.com
*GENESTA Finance*  
Hervé Guyot | Listing Sponsor Nathalie Boumendil | Investor Relations
+33 (0)1 45 63 68 60 | hguyot@genesta-finance.com
+33 (0)6 85 82 41 95 | nathalie@edifice-communication.com

*Attachment*

· PRESS RELEASE 06 DECEMBER 2018 Reported by GlobeNewswire 1 hour ago.

Phoenix, AZ, Dec. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- No Borders, Inc. (OTC:NBDR), a leading remote work holding company, has announced that it will be changing its corporate brand from Lannister Holdings, Inc. to  No Borders, Inc. effective immediately“We have decided to embrace the name No Borders to reflect our synergy with the name we acquired when we completed our reverse merger of this company. We are truly a ‘no borders’ remote work company in both philosophy and reality, and our brand strategy must reflect this vision,” said Joseph Snyder, CEO.

One of the reasons for this decision was the holding company’s decision to immediately acquire/deploy product offerings in two additional business verticals, Medical and Education. These new offerings are named No Borders Dental Resources, Inc. and No Borders Education, Inc. respectively; both are Arizona corporations. No Borders Dental Resources, Inc. is a supplier of medical/dental equipment and wellness products while No Borders Education, Inc. is a purveyor of digital courses and classes. 

No Borders, Inc. strongly believes in the ability of our experienced team to create and deploy valuable software solutions in business verticals where the current market participants are behind the curve of technological adoption and deployment. These strategic deals are the first of many that the company intends to pursue in order to provide immediate market access, non-technical revenue streams and in-vertical operations that allow for the deployment of technologies that reduce cost, improve results and add scale to verticals from the inside out. With that vision in mind, our software development division, Lannister Development, will be rebranded as No Borders Labs, Inc. and Lannister Capital, Inc, will be renamed No Borders Funding, Inc. These existing subsidiaries will begin to, or continue to have, their own client-facing offerings while providing technical and financial support to the No Borders family of brands. “We have thus unified our brands under our actual public company name and ticker symbol, which gives us a cleaner, stronger brand identity as we continue our mission to deploy cutting-edge technology in real-world businesses,” stated Cynthia Tanabe, COO of No Borders, Inc. “As COO I am committed to maintaining lean operations throughout our organization to provide our shareholders the greatest value while giving us the financial ability to scale our internal and acquired brands. We have achieved great things with the resources available to us and we will continue to utilize all of our assets with mindfulness and care.”2018 was a year of many milestones for No Borders, including complete elimination of variable convertible debt, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in fresh capital, achieving and maintaining NBDR’s current status with OTC markets, building a world-class remote talent team and advisory board among many other victories big and small. The company also appeared in Forbes, Reuters, and Entrepreneur while Joseph Snyder and Christopher Brown appeared on dozens of podcasts. The company’s technology principals have gained positions of authority in the blockchain/Web 3.0 field while the company’s remote work staffing and lean operating ideologies have received great attention and traction. 

Interested parties can view our video about this Press Release on YouTube with the following link- https://youtu.be/MqpYQo5hvG0

About No Borders, Inc.

No Borders, Inc. (OTC:NBDR)  is a remote work, diverse holding company for several brands in verticals that are ripe and ready for the impact of Web 3.0 technologies. With a strategic focus on acquiring, improving and utilizing Web 3.0 tech inside its target verticals, No Borders can leverage its technological talent alongside its best in class branding, messaging and product teams to scale revenues for multiple vertical product offerings.No Borders Labs, in addition to supplying leading-edge tech tools to our internal companies also offers consulting, architecture, and software development services to external businesses looking to update their technology infrastructure for greater efficiency, security, and transparency. No Borders is headquartered in Arizona with resources in the USA, South America, Asia, and Europe.Forward-Looking Statement

This press release details forward-looking content projected based on present conditions. The reader is forewarned to not place expectation on speculative language. Except as required by law, the Company renounces any intention and accepts no obligation to update forward-looking statements, be it as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Furthermore, the Company assumes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

CONTACT: No Borders, Inc.

Contact: contact@nbdr.co

www.NBDR.co

Morissa Schwartz, CCO Reported by GlobeNewswire 1 hour ago.

CHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. women's soccer team has finalized plans for a 10-game "Countdown to the Cup" tour in advance of next year's World Cup.The team will visit Europe to start the new year, playing France and Spain, before playing... Reported by New Zealand Herald 45 minutes ago.

I’ll be heading back to Europe in December to run a pitch-off in Wroclaw and Warsaw, Poland. Are you ready? The Wrocwal event, called In-Ference, is happening on December 17 and you can submit to pitch here. The team will notify you if you have been chosen to pitch. The winner will receive a table at […] Reported by TechCrunch 5 minutes ago.

"These climate targets obviously cannot protect us." Susannah Israelsson, from northern Europe's indigenous Saami population, spoke to Euronews about why her peoples are taking the EU to court over its climate change policies. Reported by euronews 11 minutes ago.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Human rights and migrant welfare groups are urging Greece to scrap its part of a deal between the European Union and Turkey, designed to reduce unchecked migration to Europe from the east.In a statement Thursday,... Reported by New Zealand Herald 5 minutes ago.

NEW YORK, Dec. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Altice USA, Inc. (NYSE: ATUS) pursuant and/or traceable to the Registration Statement and Prospectus (collectively, the “Offering Documents”) issued in connection with Altice’s June 2017 initial public offering (“IPO”).  The firm reminds investors of the important January 18, 2019 lead plaintiff deadline in the class action. The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for Altice investors under the federal securities laws.

To join the Altice class action, go to https://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-1393.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. or Zachary Halper, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or zhalper@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

NO CLASS HAS YET BEEN CERTIFIED IN THE ABOVE ACTION. UNTIL A CLASS IS CERTIFIED, YOU ARE NOT REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL UNLESS YOU RETAIN ONE. YOU MAY RETAIN COUNSEL OF YOUR CHOICE. YOU MAY ALSO REMAIN AN ABSENT CLASS MEMBER AND DO NOTHING AT THIS POINT. AN INVESTOR’S ABILITY TO SHARE IN ANY POTENTIAL FUTURE RECOVERY IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON SERVING AS LEAD PLAINTIFF.

According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) “The Altice Way” proprietary growth model previously developed in Europe and described in the Offering Documents as a means to achieve superior margin performance was falsely touting Altice’s capacity to face already existing highly competitive environments and ever-changing consumer behaviors; (2) Altice was suffering from aggressively growing competition both in Europe and the United States, directly causing negative and decelerating revenue and EBITDA growth and impacting Altice’s market share; (3) more specifically, Altice was suffering from mismanaged rate events, regulatory compliance and poorly managed network and customer care both in its France and Portugal segments, thereby impacting its customer base and churn rate, (4) Altice could not simply replicate the “The Altice Way” in the U.S. and (5) as a result, Altice’s Offering Documents were materially misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 18, 2019. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. If you wish to join the litigation, go to https://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-1393.html or to discuss your rights or interests regarding this class action, please contact Phillip Kim, Esq. or Zachary Halper, Esq. of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via e-mail at pkim@rosenlegal.com or zhalper@rosenlegal.com.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm, or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 3 each year since 2013.  Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:
      Laurence Rosen, Esq.
      Phillip Kim, Esq.
      Zachary Halper, Esq.
      The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
      275 Madison Avenue, 34^th Floor
      New York, NY  10016
      Tel: (212) 686-1060
      Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
      Fax: (212) 202-3827
      lrosen@rosenlegal.com
      pkim@rosenlegal.com
      zhalper@rosenlegal.com
      www.rosenlegal.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 3 hours ago.

Tel Aviv, Israel, Dec. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Elbit Imaging Ltd. (“*EI*” or the *“Company”) (TASE, NASDAQ: EMITF)* announced today further to its press release dated November 26, 2018 and November 29, 2018 regarding a new Buy-Back plan for its (Series I) Notes (the *“Notes”* and the *"Current Buy-Back Plan"*, respectively), that it completed repurchases of additional 115,067 par value Notes.

Below is a table containing a summary of data regarding the repurchase of Notes under the Current Buy-Back Plan:

*Note* *The acquiring corporation* *Quantity purchased (Par value)* *Weighted average price* *Total amount paid (NIS)*
Series I Elbit Imaging Ltd 3,625,086 130.52 4,731,312

Since the issuance of the Notes (in February 2014) and until the date of this press release, the Company has published three (3) buy-back plans for the repurchase of up to NIS 200 million of Notes. As of the date of this press release, the Company has purchased par value NIS 100.16 million Notes for a total cash consideration of NIS 123.95 million.

*About Elbit Imaging Ltd.*

Elbit Imaging Ltd. operates in the following principal fields of business: (i) medical industries through our indirect holdings in Insightec Ltd. and Gamida Cell Ltd.; (ii) land in India which is designated for sale (and which was initially designated for residential projects); and (iii) land in Eastern Europe which is designated for sale (and which was initially designated for development of commercial centers).

*For Further Information:*

*Company Contact*  
*Ron Hadassi*  
CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors  
Tel: +972-3-608-6048
Fax: +972-3-608-6050  
ron@elbitimaging.com   Reported by GlobeNewswire 2 hours ago.

MUMBAI, INDIA, Dec. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- *UPL Limited today declared the new leadership appointments for the merged entity. The appointments will be effective upon the completion of the proposed transaction.* The* *completion of the proposed transaction is subject to obtaining various regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.On 20 July 2018, UPL, a global agrochemicals solutions provider, had announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary UPL Corp had signed a definitive agreement with Platform Specialty Products Corporation (NYSE:PAH) to acquire Arysta LifeScience Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “Arysta”). The vision for New UPL is that it presents a huge opportunity to transform agriculture, enhance the lives of the farmers and grow the world's food supply sustainably. Our new UPL is a game changer, with the ambition to reshape the industry by revolutionizing the agribusiness through innovation to enhance the life of farmers worldwide. The coming together of UPL and Arysta will be transformative not only for growers but will open new opportunities for partners and customers across the entire agriculture and food chain. New UPL will also be a leader in bio-solutions and is committed to achieving sustainable growth for the world.

Envisioned as an agile organization, “New UPL” will leverage the strengths that both UPL and Arysta bring to this entity. The leadership structure is strategically designed to allow for the organization to deliver impact on both short- and long-term horizons. The leadership will continue to focus on being customer centric, leverage its expertise in manufacturing, innovation and strategic partnerships to deliver innovative solutions to farmers to enhance their sustainability and profitability.

The new executive team will be led by *Jai Shroff,* currently the Global CEO of UPL Limited. Jai is a well-recognized global leader in the Agri-Inputs industry with over 30 years of experience in India and internationally. Under Jai’s leadership, UPL has been one of the fastest growing agri-input companies in the world with strong presence in the Seeds, Plant Nutrition, Crop protection and Post-harvest food preservation value chains.

*Vikram Shroff, *Executive Director,* Rajendra Darak*,* *Group CFO,* Raj Tiwari, *Global Head of Supply Chain &* *Manufacturing, *Anand Vora,* Global Chief Financial Officer (CFO), *Rohit Kumar,* Global General Counsel, *Sanjay Singh, *Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO),* Paresh Talati*,* *Global Head of Chemistry R&D,* Vidya Sagar Kaushik, *Global Head of Corporate Affairs will all continue to play the same role for New UPL.* Bhupen Dubey *will continue to lead the Seeds business, and* K. R. Srivastava *will continue to lead the Specialty* *Chemicals business for New UPL*.*

*Diego Casanello*,* *currently President of Arysta LifeScience, will take over as the COO for the Crop Protection* *business for New UPL.

*Ajit Premnath, *currently the COO of the Crop Protection business at UPL, will assume the position of Business* *Mentor, Crop Protection, focusing on mentoring Diego to take over the COO role, leading strategic initiatives and ensuring a seamless cultural integration across the two organizations. He will continue in the new role of Business Mentor till March 2020, post which he will assume a new role in the group.

*Carlos Pellicer, *currently COO Global Strategy Innovation & NPD at UPL, will now be the COO Integration,* *Global Strategy and Special Growth Initiatives. He will work closely with marketing, R&D and strategic alliances to drive strategic growth initiatives for New UPL. Decco will also continue to report to Carlos.

Following is the *new Crop Protection Leadership Team* that will be reporting to Diego:

*Farokh Hilloo*,* *currently Global Sales Director in UPL, will assume responsibility for the position of Chief* *Commercial Officer in the New UPL reporting to Diego. Farokh will have overall responsibility for global sales and will lead the budgeting and MBR/MIS process and work with the regions to help deliver the targets. He will also be responsible to help the organization achieve expected revenue synergies.

*Rico Christensen*,* *currently Head North America, Australia and New Zealand, will be the* Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) *for New UPL. Current Portfolio team, Strategy & Innovation, Marketing Communication and* *ZEBA teams at UPL will now become part of the Marketing organization.

*Paula Pinto*,* *currently Head of Integration and 3rd* *Party Relations for Arysta, will become Global Head of* Strategic Alliances and B2B *for New UPL. The newly created CTO (Chief Technology Officer) position is currently open and will be filled as soon as possible.

Strategically, New UPL structure will be organized in 7 regions, with the following leaders:  *Vicente Gongora*,* *currently the head of UPL North America, will continue as the head of* North America *for* *New UPL. *Fabio Torretta*,* *currently Regional Business Head LATAM in Arysta, will be the Regional Head of* Brazil *for* *New UPL. *Sameer Tandon, *currently head of UPL India, will continue in this role as the Regional Head of* India *for New UPL. *Hisaya Kobayashi, *currently Head of Asia in Arysta, will become Regional Head of* Asia *for New UPL. *Jagdish Nainwal*,* *who currently leads LATAM North business for UPL, will be the* LATAM *Regional Head for* *New UPL. *Hildo Brilleman*,* *currently Head of EMEA in Arysta, will become Regional Head of* Europe *for New UPL. The* *Europe region will also include Turkey, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. *Marcel Dreyer*,* *currently the head of Southern, Eastern Africa for Arysta, will take on the role of the* Africa, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand *Regional Head for New UPL. The global *Decco organization* will continue to be led by *Francois Girin* and will continue to report to Carlos Pellicer.

Speaking of the new team, Jai Shroff Group CEO said, "This is the leadership team that will be working closely, to take New UPL to the next level. We are creating the 'new leader' in our space. A company ready to challenge the established order and play a dynamic role in transforming agriculture globally. We have great talent to draw on in New UPL and these new leaders that we are announcing today will push us even beyond our goals. Together with our powerful New UPL team worldwide, we will drive a new era of sustainable growth."

The appointments will be effective only with the closing of the merger. Until that date, both companies will continue to operate under their current structures.

*About UPL*

UPL Limited is one of the leading global crop protection products companies headquartered in India. UPL Limited stock is publicly traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India. Its current market capitalization is ~US$5.3 billion, as of October 31, 2018. For FY 2018, UPL Limited reported operating revenue of c.US$2.7 billion and EBITDA of US$543 million. UPL Corp is an operating company that leads the international operations of UPL Limited across the world. Since its inception in 1993, UPL Corp has expanded its production and distribution footprint through its subsidiaries internationally and now has a diversified crop protection and post-harvest solution business with an established presence and leading market position in major agricultural regions throughout the world.

*Recap of deal rationale*

Following the acquisition, UPL will enhance its position as a global leader in agriculture solutions:

•       US$5 billion in combined sales

•       US$1 billion EBITDA: 20%+ EBITDA margin pre-synergies

Transaction provides a compelling value proposition and underscores UPL’s “Farmer First” mission to continue the transformation of UPL into a leading crop solutions company:

•       A “perfect match" with powerful synergies across geographies, crops and products, strengthened through best-in-class manufacturing and differentiated R&D capabilities

•       Brings together two winning teams with strong values and successful track records

UPL Limited today announced the new leadership appointments for the consolidated organization. The appointments will be effective upon the completion of the proposed transaction, which is expected early 2019. The completion of the proposed transaction is subject to obtaining regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

CONTACT: Melissa Depro
Office – 610-491-2858;  Cell – 610-608-5672
melissa.depro@uniphos.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 2 hours ago.

Tel Aviv, Israel, Dec. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- *Elbit Imaging Ltd. (“EI” *or the* “Company”) (TASE, NASDAQ: EMITF) *announced today, further to its press release dated September 6, 2018, that Edison Investment Research (Israel) Ltd. published an updated evaluation of its subsidiary, Elbit Medical Technologies Ltd. ("*Elbit Medical*") (the "*Evaluation*"):

https://maya.tase.co.il/reports/details/1200918/2/0

The Evaluation assessed the value of Elbit Medical to be NIS 424 million (USD 113.6 million) in accordance with the assumptions detailed in the Evaluation.

The Company makes reference to the exemption clauses at the end of the Evaluation, which includes a provision that the Evaluation does not constitute a recommendation or opinion regarding the purchase or sale of securities.

The Company holds approximately 63% of Elbit Medical's outstanding share capital (approximately 41% on a fully diluted basis).

*About Elbit Imaging Ltd.*

Elbit Imaging Ltd. operates in the following principal fields of business: (i) medical industries through our indirect holdings in Insightec Ltd. and Gamida Cell Ltd.; (ii) land in India which is designated for sale (and which was initially designated for residential projects); and (iii) land in Eastern Europe which is designated for sale (and which was initially designated for development of commercial centers).

*For Further Information:*
*Company Contact*
*Ron Hadassi*
CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Tel: +972-3-608-6048
Fax: +972-3-608-6050
ron@elbitimaging.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 2 hours ago.

Scala’s debut proves Skoda is more than one of the VW Group’s 'budget' brands

Why launch a family hatchback in Tel Aviv?

For Skoda, choosing Israel's second city as the debut location for the all-new Scala makes a lot of sense: the area is home to more than 6,500 technology startups, placing it second only to Silicon Valley as the largest global startup scene. 

Two of the Scala's biggest plays to attract a younger, more connected audience are its new technology and an upgraded infotainment system, so it fits right in. But more importantly, all this new-to-the-Volkswagen Group hardware is appearing on a Skoda first.

The Volkswagen Group tends to shuffle which brands get to introduce new metal and platforms in various market segments on a regular basis, but it's unusual for Skoda to be given first dibs on new technology. Normally Volkswagen would lead the charge itself, but the group's third-generation infotainment system makes its debut here instead.

The Scala is also the first with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay (admittedly as an option rather than as standard), which means no more having to remember to pack a cable if you want to connect your phone to your car. It will be always-connected, too, so you'll be able to remotely lock the doors or check where you parked using your smartphone, before you will on any VW or Seat. Even the humble USB port is dead, as far as the Scala's cockpit is concerned: it's the ultra-modern USB-C all the way (don't worry, adaptors are available).

Letting what was traditionally seen as a budget brand pioneer this kind of equipment is a bold move - but it's also a smart way to make Skoda appeal to a more mainstream market. After all, the company wants to sell twice as many Scala across Europe as it did the Rapid, and achieving that will mean competing with giants like the Ford Focus and VW's own Golf. Giving it some standout tech helps it stand out in ways a Simply Clever ice scraper hidden in the fuel filler cap simply can't.

Right now, Skoda won't be your first thought as the maker of high-tech interiors, electric powertrains and autonomous cars. But that should change by 2020, when the company is plotting to have nine electric models on sale. A volume seller like the Scala seems as good a place as any to start turning that perception around.

*Read more*

*2019 Skoda Scala: all-new family hatchback revealed*

*Skoda to push bolder design ahead of first electric cars*

*Skoda Scala 2019 prototype: first drive review* Reported by Autocar 2 hours ago.

Why are Mauricio Pochettino's men in a league of their own this season? Reported by Football.london 2 hours ago.

· The US trade deficit hit $55.5 billion in October, the highest since October 2008.
· The increase in the deficit came due to continued growth in imports, while exports actually fell.
· The trade deficit with China also hit a record level.
· One of President Donald Trump's goals for the trade war was to reduce the trade deficit, but the president's own policies are likely prompting some of the widening gap.

Shrinking the US trade deficit has been a key goal of President Donald Trump's trade war.

But the Census Bureau announced Thursday that the US trade deficit grew to $55.5 billion in the month of October, the highest in exactly 10 years. That was a 1.7% jump from September, as imports rose by 0.2% and exports fell by 0.1%.

Trump has long been focused on the trade deficit as a signal that his administration's tariffs on Chinese good and metals are working, despite the fact that most economists discount the measure as a sign of effective trade policy.

Looking at the main target of the trade war, China, the trade deficit was similarly dismal. The unadjusted goods trade deficit hit $43.1 billion in October, the highest level ever.

While Trump may not like the results, there are good reasons the trade deficit is expanding. And part of the blame, for better and for worse, lies on the president's own policies.

On the import side of the ledger:

· The US economy is stronger, and US consumers' appetite is outpacing the country's ability to produce the goods they want.
· This means the US needs goods from other countries to satisfy consumer demand, leading to import growth.
· The increase in demand is in part due to the significant amount of fiscal stimulus injected into the economy by Trump's tax cuts and the massive bipartisan budget deal.
· Goosing the economy, while helping Trump claim victories on things like stronger GDP, also means the president's trade report card looks worse.

At the same time, exports are cooling due to retaliatory tariffs on US products:

· For example, soybean exports to China — a major chunk of US agricultural exports — have collapsed as a result of the trade war.

The trade policy exacerbates the existing issues that were already causing weak export growth, Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, wrote Thursday.

"The stronger dollar and slower growth in China and Europe are hurting exports, and the tariffs are a real problem too; exports of soybeans fell by $0.8 billion to a four-year low, down 43% year-over-year," Shepherson said.

*Read more:* The US-China trade war might still rage on despite a breakthrough deal between Trump and Xi»

Those existing drags on exports — the strong US dollar and slowing economic growth in foreign countries — in conjunction with the tariffs, combine to make the perfect recipe for weakness on that side of the deficit ledger.

"Moderating global momentum, the stronger dollar, and protectionist trade policies will keep weighing on exports in the near-term, while sturdy domestic demand and limited spare capacity keep import growth healthy – further widening the deficit," said Jack McRobie and Gregory Daco, economists at Oxford Economics.

A few things could turn around the deficit situation. If the US economy were to cool off, as many economists expect, it could slow the pace of import growth. At the same time, if Trump is able to strike a trade deal with China, a prospect of which economists and experts are more skeptical, export growth could rebound and close the gap.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Anthony Scaramucci claims Trump isn't a nationalist: 'He likes saying that because it irks these intellectual elitists' Reported by Business Insider 1 hour ago.

A real estate team from global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP represented Round Hill Capital in its new partnership with Cortland Partners, an Atlanta-based multifamily operator.

NEW YORK (PRWEB) December 06, 2018

A real estate team from global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP represented Round Hill Capital in its new partnership with Cortland Partners, an Atlanta-based multifamily operator. The new partnership’s strategy focuses on providing European investors with access to the U.S. multifamily sector. To begin the joint venture, Round Hill Capital made its first U.S. investment through the acquisition of a 411-unit suburban apartment community in Atlanta.

“Greenberg Traurig’s platform allows us to represent clients seamlessly, regardless of what corner of the world they reside. Whether it is a first for the industry or a first for the client, we have the depth and breadth of resources to help our clients reach their business goals at a global scale,” Eric Rosedale and Howard R. Shapiro, the shareholders who led the Round Hill Capital representation, said.

Founded in 2002, Round Hill Capital, is a European-based real estate investment firm managing more than $6 billion of assets across eight European countries. The acquisition of the Atlanta apartment community represents Round Hill’s first U.S. investment; however, the firm’s principals have previously invested in the U.S. using personal capital. The investment firm’s strategy for the U.S. will continue to focus on investing in the Southeast.

Led by Rosedale and Shapiro, the team also included Of Counsel Deborah Mintz and Associate Alexis R. Kanarek.

About Greenberg Traurig's Real Estate Practice: The Greenberg Traurig Real Estate Practice is a cornerstone of the firm and recognized leader in the industry. The firm’s real estate attorneys deliver diversified and comprehensive counsel for property acquisition and investment, development, management and leasing, financing, restructuring, and disposition of all asset classes of real estate. The team draws upon the knowledge and experience of more than 400 real estate lawyers from around the world, serving clients from key markets in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia. The group’s clientele includes a broad range of property developers, lenders, investment managers, private equity funds, REITs, and private owners. The firm’s real estate team advises clients on a variety of matters across a broad spectrum of commercial, recreational, and residential real estate, including structured equity and debt and the hybrids.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and is among the Top 20 on the 2018 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.

PLEASANTON, Calif., Dec. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Cooper Companies, Inc. (NYSE: COO) today announced financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended October 31, 2018.· Fourth quarter revenue increased 16% year-over-year to $651.5 million. Fiscal 2018 revenue increased 18% to $2,532.8 million.
· Fourth quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share $2.02, up 24 cents or 13% from last year's fourth quarter.  Fiscal 2018 GAAP EPS $2.81, down 63% from fiscal 2017.
· Fourth quarter non-GAAP diluted earnings per share $2.87, up 22 cents or 8% from last year’s fourth quarter.  Fiscal 2018 non-GAAP EPS $11.50, up 19% from fiscal 2017. See “Reconciliation of GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Results” below.

Commenting on the results, Albert White, Cooper’s president and chief executive officer said, "This was a year of record revenues, non-GAAP EPS and free cash flow. I am proud of our team for everything we accomplished and believe our growth strategies are working and our momentum remains strong.”

*Fourth Quarter Operating Results*

· Revenue $651.5 million up 16% from last year’s fourth quarter, up 9% pro forma (defined as constant currency, including acquisitions and excluding carrier screening and NIPT in both periods).
· Gross margin 66% compared with 63% in last year’s fourth quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was 66% compared with 66% last year.
· Operating margin 19% compared with 19% in last year’s fourth quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin was 27% compared with 27% last year.
· Interest expense increased to $22.8 million compared with $10.1 million in last year's fourth quarter primarily due to higher debt and interest rates.
· Total debt decreased $271.4 million from July 31, 2018, to $2,022.8 million primarily due to debt paydown from operational cash flow generation.
· Cash provided by operations $236.6 million offset by capital expenditures of $43.4 million resulted in free cash flow of $193.2 million, up 16% year-over-year.

*Fourth Quarter CooperVision (CVI) Operating Results*

· Revenue $480.6 million, up 9% from last year’s fourth quarter, up 10% pro forma.
· Revenue by category:

                Pro forma
    (In millions)   % of CVI Revenue   %chg   %chg
    4Q18   4Q18   y/y   y/y
  Toric $ 149.2     31 %   10 %   11 %
  Multifocal 47.8     10 %   6 %   7 %
  Single-use sphere 141.7     29 %   19 %   21 %
  Non single-use sphere, other 141.9     30 %   2 %   2 %
  Total $ 480.6     100 %   9 %   10 %

· Revenue by geography:

                Pro forma
    (In millions)   % of CVI Revenue   %chg   %chg
    4Q18   4Q18   y/y   y/y
  Americas $ 185.8     39 %   8 %   8 %
  EMEA 183.8     38 %   6 %   9 %
  Asia Pacific 111.0     23 %   19 %   19 %
  Total $ 480.6     100 %   9 %   10 %

· Gross margin 64% compared with 65% in last year’s fourth quarter.  On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was 64% compared with 68% last year.  Gross margins were negatively impacted primarily by currency, as well as internal shipping costs and higher than expected inventory and equipment write-offs associated with older products.22%

*Fourth Quarter CooperSurgical (CSI) Operating Results*

· Revenue $170.9 million, up 40% from last year’s fourth quarter, up 5% pro forma.
· Revenue by category:

                Pro forma
    (In millions)   % of CSI Revenue   %chg   %chg
    4Q18   4Q18   y/y   y/y
  Office and surgical products $ 110.0     64 %   97 %   12 %
  Fertility 60.9     36 %   (9 )%   (6 )%
  Total $ 170.9     100 %   40 %   5 %

· Gross margin 70% compared with 57% in last year’s fourth quarter.  On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was 73% vs. 60% last year.  Gross margin increases driven by the addition of PARAGARD^® and improvements in product mix.

*Fiscal Year 2018 Operating Results*

· Revenue $2,532.8 million, up 18% from fiscal 2017, up 7% pro forma.
· CVI revenue $1,882.0 million, up 12% from fiscal 2017, up 8% pro forma, and CSI revenue $650.8 million, up 40% from fiscal 2017, up 2% pro forma.
· Gross margin 64% compared with 64% in fiscal 2017.  Non-GAAP 67% compared with 65% in fiscal 2017.
· Operating margin 16% compared with 20% in fiscal 2017.  Non-GAAP 28% from 26% in fiscal 2017.
· GAAP EPS $2.81, down 63% from fiscal 2017.  Non-GAAP $11.50, up 19% from fiscal 2017.
· Cash provided by operations $668.9 million offset by capital expenditures of $193.6 million resulted in free cash flow of $475.3 million.

*Fiscal Year 2019 Guidance*
The Company initiated its fiscal year 2019 guidance.  Details are summarized as follows:

· Fiscal 2019 total revenue $2,600 - $2,660 million · CVI revenue $1,940 - $1,980 million

· CSI revenue $660 - $680 million· Fiscal 2019 non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $11.30 - $11.70

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance excludes amortization of intangible assets and other costs including acquisition and integration related expenses which we may incur as part of our continuing operations.

With respect to the Company’s guidance expectations, the Company has not reconciled non-GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance to GAAP diluted earnings per share due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting acquisition-related, integration and restructuring charges and expenses, which are reconciling items between the non-GAAP and GAAP measure.  Due to the unknown effect, timing and potential significance of such charges and expenses that impact GAAP diluted earnings per share, the Company is not able to provide such guidance.

*Reconciliation of GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Results*
To supplement our financial results and guidance presented on a GAAP basis, we use non-GAAP measures that we believe are helpful in understanding our results. The non-GAAP measures exclude costs which we generally would not have otherwise incurred in the periods presented as a part of our continuing operations.  Our non-GAAP financial results and guidance are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.  Management uses supplemental non-GAAP financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate our business and make operating decisions.  These non-GAAP measures are among the factors management uses in planning and forecasting for future periods.  We believe it is useful for investors to understand the effects of these items on our consolidated operating results.  Our non-GAAP financial measures may include the following adjustments, and as appropriate, the related income tax effects and changes in income attributable to noncontrolling interests:

· We exclude the effect of amortization and impairment of intangible assets from our non-GAAP financial results.  Amortization of intangible assets will recur in future periods; however, the amounts are affected by the timing and size of our acquisitions.  Impairment of intangible assets is a non-recurring cost.
· We exclude the effect of acquisition and integration expenses and the effect of restructuring expenses from our non-GAAP financial results.  Such expenses generally diminish over time with respect to past acquisitions; however, we generally will incur similar expenses in connection with any future acquisitions. We incurred significant expenses in connection with our acquisitions and also incurred certain other operating expenses or income, which we generally would not have otherwise incurred in the periods presented as a part of our continuing operations. Acquisition and integration expenses include items such as personnel costs for transitional employees, other acquired employee related costs and integration related professional services.  Restructuring expenses include items such as employee severance, product rationalization, facility and other exit costs.
· We exclude other exceptional or unusual charges or expenses.  These can be variable and difficult to predict, such as certain litigation expenses and product transition costs, and are not what we consider as typical of our continuing operations. Investors should consider non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as replacements for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
· We report revenue growth using the non-GAAP financial measure of pro forma which includes constant currency revenue and revenue from acquisitions and excludes carrier screening and NIPT in both periods. Management also presents and refers to constant currency information so that revenue results may be evaluated excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current period revenue for entities reporting in currencies other than the United States dollar are converted into United States dollars at the average foreign exchange rates for the corresponding period in the prior year. To report pro forma revenue growth, we include revenue for the comparison period when we did not own recently acquired companies.
· We define the non-GAAP measure of free cash flow as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures.  We believe free cash flow is useful for investors as an additional measure of liquidity because it represents cash flows that are available for repayment of debt, repurchases of our common stock or to fund our strategic initiatives.   Management uses free cash flow internally to understand, manage, make operating decisions and evaluate our business.  In addition, we use free cash flow to help plan and forecast future periods.

*THE COOPER COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Reconciliation of Selected GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Results
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)*
    *Three Months Ended October 31,*
    *2018*       *2018*   *2017*       *2017*
    *GAAP*   *Adjustment*   *Non-GAAP*   *GAAP*   *Adjustment*   *Non-GAAP*
Cost of sales   $ 221.5     $ (3.1 ) A $ 218.4     $ 208.1     $ (16.8 ) A $ 191.3  
Operating expense excluding amortization   $ 271.1     $ (12.0 ) B $ 259.1     $ 227.0     $ (9.5 ) B $ 217.5  
Amortization of intangibles   $ 36.2     $ (36.2 ) C $ —     $ 17.9     $ (17.9 ) C $ —  
Interest expense   $ 22.8     $ (2.5 ) D $ 20.3     $ 10.1     $ (2.2 ) D $ 7.9  
Other (income) expense, net   $ (12.8 )   $ 14.2   E $ 1.4     $ 1.8     $ —     $ 1.8  
Provision for income taxes   $ 12.1     $ (2.8 ) F $ 9.3     $ 8.0     $ 3.6   F $ 11.6  
Diluted earnings per share   $ 2.02     $ 0.85     $ 2.87     $ 1.78     $ 0.87     $ 2.65  
Weighted average diluted shares used     49.9           49.9       49.7           49.7  

A   Fiscal 2018 GAAP cost of sales includes $3.1 million of costs primarily related to acquisitions and other integration costs, resulting in fiscal 2018 GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins of  66%. Fiscal 2017 GAAP cost of sales includes $10.9 million of primarily incremental costs associated with the impact of Hurricane Maria on our Puerto Rico manufacturing facility and $2.9 million of product write off costs related to the Avaira product transition in CooperVision; and $3.0 million of integration costs in CooperSurgical, resulting in fiscal 2017 GAAP gross margin of 63% as compared to fiscal 2017 non-GAAP gross margin of 66%.
     
B   Fiscal 2018 GAAP operating expense comprised of $12.0 million primarily related to integration activities and costs associated with exiting carrier screening and NIPT in CooperSurgical. Fiscal 2017 GAAP operating expense comprised of $9.5 million in charges primarily related to acquisition and integration activities in CooperSurgical and CooperVision.
     
C   Amortization expense was $36.2 million and $17.9 million for the fiscal 2018 and 2017 periods, respectively. Items A, B and C resulted in fiscal 2018 GAAP operating margin of 19% as compared to fiscal 2018 non-GAAP operating margin of 27%, and fiscal 2017 GAAP operating margin of 19% as compared to fiscal 2017 non-GAAP operating margin of 27%.
     
D   Fiscal 2018 interest expense includes $2.5 million write off of debt issuance costs  related to term loan prepayment. Fiscal 2017 interest expense includes $2.2 million of fees related to the termination of a bridge loan facility commitment related to CooperSurgical's PARAGARD acquisition.
     
E   Other income includes $14.2 million from realization of Puerto Rico R&D credit.
     
F   Includes a $(15.6) million of U.S. tax reform impact in fiscal 2018 and $12.8 million net changes in the provision for income taxes that arise from the impact of the above adjustments. Fiscal 2017 represents the net changes in the provision for income taxes that arise from the impact of the above adjustments.*THE COOPER COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Reconciliation of Selected GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Results
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)*
    *Twelve Months Ended October 31,*
    *2018*       *2018*   *2017*       *2017*
    *GAAP*   *Adjustment*   *Non-GAAP*   *GAAP*   *Adjustment*   *Non-GAAP*
Cost of sales   $ 900.5     $ (75.5 ) A $ 825.0     $ 773.2     $ (23.0 ) A $ 750.2  
Operating expense excluding amortization and impairment   $ 1,058.1     $ (50.9 ) B $ 1,007.2     $ 868.3     $ (30.1 ) B $ 838.2  
Amortization of intangibles   $ 146.7     $ (146.7 ) C $ —     $ 68.4     $ (68.4 ) C $ —  
Impairment of intangibles   $ 24.4     $ (24.4 ) D $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —  
Interest Expense   $ 82.7     $ (4.2 ) E $ 78.5     $ 33.4     $ (2.2 ) E $ 31.2  
Other (income) expense, net   $ (11.5 )   $ 14.2   F $ 2.7     $ 1.7     $ (0.2 ) F $ 1.5  
Provision for income taxes   $ 192.0     $ (144.5 ) G $ 47.5     $ 21.1     $ 15.7   G $ 36.8  
Diluted earnings per share   $ 2.81     $ 8.69     $ 11.50     $ 7.52     $ 2.18     $ 9.70  
Weighted average diluted shares used     49.7           49.7       49.6           49.6  

A   Fiscal 2018 GAAP cost of sales includes $10.1 million of costs in CooperVision primarily related to product transition write off costs, inventory step-up release and other related manufacturing integration costs; $65.4 million of costs in CooperSurgical, primarily related to PARAGARD and LifeGlobal inventory step-up release and other integration costs, resulting in fiscal 2018 GAAP gross margin of 64%, as compared to fiscal 2018 non-GAAP gross margin of 67%. Fiscal 2017 GAAP cost of sales includes $10.9 million of primarily incremental costs associated with the impact of Hurricane Maria on our Puerto Rico manufacturing facility; $5.7 million of product write off costs related to the Avaira product transition; and $0.6 million of facility start-up costs, all in CooperVision and $5.8 million of integration costs in CooperSurgical, resulting in fiscal 2017 GAAP gross margin of 64%, as compared to fiscal 2017 non-GAAP gross margin of 65%.
     
B   Fiscal 2018 GAAP operating expense comprised of $44.7 million in charges primarily related to acquisition and integration activities in CooperSurgical and CooperVision and $6.2 million of compensation costs related to executives retirement. Fiscal 2017 GAAP operating expense comprised of $21.0 million in charges primarily related to acquisition and integration activities in CooperSurgical and CooperVision and $9.1 million of legal costs related to Unilateral Pricing Policy.

     
C   Amortization expense was $146.7 million and $68.4 million for the fiscal 2018 and 2017 periods, respectively.
     
D   Relates to an impairment charge of intangible assets associated with carrier screening acquired from Recombine in CooperSurgical. Items A, B, C and D resulted in fiscal 2018 GAAP operating margin of 16% as compared to fiscal 2018 non-GAAP operating margin of 28%, and fiscal 2017 GAAP operating margin of 20% as compared to fiscal 2017 non-GAAP operating margin of 26%.

     
E   Fiscal 2018 interest expense includes $2.5 million write off of debt issuance costs related to term loan prepayment and $1.7 million of bridge loan termination fees related to CooperSurgical's PARAGARD acquisition. Fiscal 2017 interest expense includes $2.2 million of fees related to the termination of a bridge loan facility commitment related to CooperSurgical's PARAGARD acquisition.

     
F   Fiscal 2018 other income includes $14.2 million from realization of Puerto Rico R&D credit. Fiscal 2017 other expense represents costs related foreign exchange loss on forward contracts related to acquisitions.
     
G   Includes a $(214.6) million of U.S. tax reform impact in fiscal 2018 and $70.1 million net changes in the provision for income taxes that arise from the impact of the above adjustments. Fiscal 2017 represents the net changes in the provision for income taxes that arise from the impact of the above adjustments.*Conference Call and Webcast*
The Company will host a conference call today at 5:00 PM ET to discuss its fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2018 financial results and current corporate developments. The live dial-in number for the call is 855-643-4430 (U.S.) / 707-294-1332 (International). The participant passcode for the call is “Cooper”. A simultaneous webcast of the call will be available through the "Investor Relations" section of The Cooper Companies website at http://investor.coopercos.com and a transcript of the call will be archived on this site for a minimum of 12 months.  A recording of the call will be available beginning at 8:00 PM ET on December 6, 2018 through December 13, 2018. To hear this recording, dial 855-859-2056 (U.S.) / 404-537-3406 (International) and enter code 266737.

*About The Cooper Companies*
The Cooper Companies, Inc. ("Cooper") is a global medical device company publicly traded on the NYSE (NYSE:COO). Cooper is dedicated to being A Quality of Life Company™ with a focus on delivering shareholder value. Cooper operates through two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision brings a refreshing perspective on vision care with a commitment to developing a wide range of high-quality products for contact lens wearers and providing focused practitioner support. CooperSurgical is committed to advancing the health of families with its diversified portfolio of products and services focusing on women’s health, fertility and diagnostics. Headquartered in Pleasanton, CA, Cooper has more than 12,000 employees with products sold in over 100 countries. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com.

*Forward-Looking Statements*
This earnings release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Statements relating to guidance, plans, prospects, goals, strategies, future actions, events or performance and other statements which are other than statements of historical fact, including our 2019 Guidance and all statements regarding acquisitions including the acquired companies’ financial position, market position, product development and business strategy, expected cost synergies, expected timing and benefits of the transaction, difficulties in integrating entities or operations, as well as estimates of our and the acquired entities’ future expenses, sales and diluted earnings per share are forward looking.  In addition, all statements regarding anticipated growth in our revenue, anticipated effects of any product recalls, anticipated market conditions, planned product launches and expected results of operations and integration of any acquisition are forward-looking.  To identify these statements look for words like "believes,""expects,""may,""will,""should,""could,""seeks,""intends,""plans,""estimates" or "anticipates" and similar words or phrases.  Forward-looking statements necessarily depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Among the factors that could cause our actual results and future actions to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements are: adverse changes in the global or regional general business, political and economic conditions, including the impact of continuing uncertainty and instability of certain countries that could adversely affect our global markets, and the potential adverse economic impact and related uncertainty caused by these items, including but not limited to, the United Kingdom’s election to withdraw from the European Union and escalating global trade barriers including additional tariffs; foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations including the risk of fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies or interest rates that would decrease our revenues and earnings; changes in tax laws or their interpretation and changes in statutory tax rates, including but not limited to, the U.S., the United Kingdom and other countries with proposed changes to tax laws, some of which may affect our taxation of earnings recognized in foreign jurisdictions and/or negatively impact our effective tax rate; our existing indebtedness and associated interest expense, most of which is variable and impacted by rate increases, which could adversely affect our financial health or limit our ability to borrow additional funds; acquisition-related adverse effects including the failure to successfully obtain the anticipated revenues, margins and earnings benefits of acquisitions, integration delays or costs and the requirement to record significant adjustments to the preliminary fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed within the measurement period, required regulatory approvals for an acquisition not being obtained or being delayed or subject to conditions that are not anticipated, adverse impacts of changes to accounting controls and reporting procedures, contingent liabilities or indemnification obligations, increased leverage and lack of access to available financing (including financing for the acquisition or refinancing of debt owed by us on a timely basis and on reasonable terms); compliance costs and potential liability in connection with U.S. and foreign laws and health care regulations pertaining to privacy and security of third party information, such as HIPAA in the U.S. and the General Data Protection Regulation requirements which took effect in Europe on May 25, 2018, including but not limited to those resulting from data security breaches; a major disruption in the operations of our manufacturing, accounting and financial reporting, research and development, distribution facilities or raw material supply chain due to integration of acquisitions, natural disasters or other causes; a major disruption in the operations of our manufacturing, accounting and financial reporting, research and development or distribution facilities due to technological problems, including any related to our information systems maintenance, enhancements or new system deployments, integrations or upgrades; disruptions in supplies of raw materials, particularly components used to manufacture our silicone hydrogel lenses; new U.S. and foreign government laws and regulations, and changes in existing laws, regulations and enforcement guidance, which affect areas of our operations including, but not limited to, those affecting the health care industry including the contact lens industry specifically and the medical device or pharmaceutical industries generally; legal costs, insurance expenses, settlement costs and the risk of an adverse decision, prohibitive injunction or settlement related to product liability, patent infringement or other litigation; limitations on sales following product introductions due to poor market acceptance; new competitors, product innovations or technologies, including but not limited to, technological advances by competitors, new products and patents attained by competitors, and competitors' expansion through acquisitions; reduced sales, loss of customers and costs and expenses related to product recalls and warning letters; failure to receive, or delays in receiving, U.S. or foreign regulatory approvals for products; failure of our customers and end users to obtain adequate coverage and reimbursement from third party payors for our products and services; the requirement to provide for a significant liability or to write off, or accelerate depreciation on, a significant asset, including goodwill, and idle manufacturing facilities and equipment; the success of our research and development activities and other start-up projects; dilution to earnings per share from acquisitions or issuing stock; impact and costs incurred from changes in accounting standards and policies; environmental risks, including increasing environmental legislation and the broader impacts of climate change; and other events described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the “Business” and “Risk Factors” sections in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017, as such Risk Factors may be updated in quarterly filings.

We caution investors that forward-looking statements reflect our analysis only on their stated date. We disclaim any intent to update them except as required by law.

Contact:

Kim Duncan
Vice President, Investor Relations and Administration
925-460-3663
ir@cooperco.com

THE COOPER COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(In millions)
(Unaudited)

  October 31,
2018   October 31,
2017
ASSETS
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents $ 77.7     $ 88.8  
Trade receivables, net 374.7     316.6  
Inventories 468.8     454.1  
Other current assets 169.7     93.7  
Total current assets 1,090.9     953.2  
Property, plant and equipment, net 976.0     910.1  
Goodwill 2,392.1     2,354.8  
Other intangibles, net 1,521.3     504.7  
Deferred tax assets 58.4     60.3  
Other assets 74.1     75.6  
  $ 6,112.8     $ 4,858.7  
       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:      
Short-term debt $ 37.1     $ 23.4  
Other current liabilities 499.4     372.7  
Total current liabilities 536.5     396.1  
Long-term debt 1,985.7     1,149.3  
Deferred tax liabilities 31.0     38.8  
Long-term tax payable 141.5     —  
Accrued pension liability and other 110.3     98.7  
Total liabilities 2,805.0     1,682.9  
Stockholders’ equity 3,307.8     3,175.8  
  $ 6,112.8     $ 4,858.7  

THE COOPER COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended
October 31,   Year Ended
October 31,
  2018   2017   2018   2017
Net sales $ 651.5     $ 561.5     $ 2,532.8     $ 2,139.0  
Cost of sales   221.5     208.1     900.5     773.2  
Gross profit   430.0     353.4     1,632.3     1,365.8  
Selling, general and administrative expense   248.6     208.5     973.3     799.1  
Research and development expense   22.5     18.5     84.8     69.2  
Amortization of intangibles   36.2     17.9     146.7     68.4  
Impairment of intangibles   —     —     24.4     —  
Operating income   122.7     108.5     403.1     429.1  
Interest expense   22.8     10.1     82.7     33.4  
Other (income) expense, net   (12.8 )   1.8     (11.5 )   1.7  
Income before income taxes   112.7     96.6     331.9     394.0  
Provision for income taxes   12.1     8.0     192.0     21.1  
Net income attributable to Cooper stockholders $ 100.6     $ 88.6     $ 139.9     $ 372.9  
                   
Earnings per share - diluted $ 2.02     $ 1.78     $ 2.81     $ 7.52  
                   
Number of shares used to compute diluted earnings per share   49.9     49.7     49.7     49.6   Reported by GlobeNewswire 2 hours ago.

NEW YORK, Dec. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Guggenheim Energy & Income Fund (the “Fund”) (XGEIX) announced today a tender offer to purchase for cash up to 2.5% of the Fund’s issued and outstanding common shares of beneficial interest (“common shares”). The tender offer will be conducted at a price equal to the Fund’s net asset value per share of common share on the date on which the tender offer expires. The Fund intends to commence the tender offer on or about Thursday, December 6, 2018, with the expiration of the tender offer currently expected to take place on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, unless otherwise extended.

The tender offer will be made, and the shareholders of the Fund will be notified, in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and other applicable rules and regulations. The tender offer described in this announcement has not yet commenced. This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of the Fund. The tender offer will be made only by an Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal, and related documents. As soon as the tender offer commences, the Fund will file a tender offer statement on Schedule TO with the SEC, which will include an Offer to Purchase and related Letter of Transmittal. SHAREHOLDERS OF THE FUND SHOULD READ THESE DOCUMENTS BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN THE TERMS OF THE TENDER OFFER. Documents filed with the SEC are available to investors for free at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov).

Questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to Georgeson LLC, the information agent for the tender offer, at (888) 624-7035.

*About Guggenheim Investments*

Guggenheim Investments is the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), with $207 billion^* in assets under management across fixed income, equity, and alternative strategies. We focus on the return and risk needs of insurance companies, corporate and public pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations, consultants, wealth managers, and high-net-worth investors. Our 300+ investment professionals perform rigorous research to understand market trends and identify undervalued opportunities in areas that are often complex and underfollowed. This approach to investment management has enabled us to deliver innovative strategies providing diversification opportunities and attractive long-term results.

Diversification neither assures a profit nor eliminates the risk of experiencing investment losses.

Guggenheim Investments includes Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (“GFIA”) and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”). GFIA serves as Investment Adviser for XGEIX. GPIM serves as Investment Sub-Adviser for XGEIX.

*Assets under management is as of 09.30.2018 and includes leverage of $11.8bn. Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS GAMMA Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited and Guggenheim Partners India Management.

This information does not represent an offer to sell securities of the Fund and it is not soliciting an offer to buy securities of the Fund. An investment in the Fund involves a high degree of risk. The Fund should be considered an illiquid investment. The Fund does not intend to apply for an exchange listing, and it is highly unlikely that a secondary market will exist for the purchase and sale of the Fund’s common shares. You could lose some or all of your investment. An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for all investors and is not intended to be a complete investment program. The Fund is designed as a long-term investment for investors who are prepared to hold the Fund’s common shares until the date of the Liquidity Event, and is not a trading vehicle. All investments are subject to risk, including possible loss of principal. Fixed income securities are subject to numerous risks, including but not limited to: credit, inflation, income, prepayment and interest rates risks. As interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities fall. The Fund may invest without limitation in high-yield (“junk bonds”). High yield bonds (“junk bonds”) are subject to higher credit risk and a greater risk of default. The Fund may invest all or a portion of its Managed Assets in illiquid securities. The Fund may make significant investments in securities for which there are no observable market prices; the prices of which must be estimated by the investment adviser. Investments in foreign securities involve risks, including the possibility of losses due to changes in currency exchange rates and negative developments in the political, economic or regulatory structure of specific countries or regions. These risks are greater in emerging markets. Leverage may result in greater volatility of net asset value (NAV) of common shares and increases a shareholder’s risk of loss. Derivative instruments can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses and have a potentially large impact on Fund performance. Distributions are not guaranteed and are subject to change.

*Investors should consider the investment objectives and policies, risk considerations, charges and expenses of any investment before they invest. For this and more information, visit www.guggenheiminvestments.com or contact a securities representative or Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60606, 800-345-7999.*

*Analyst Inquiries*

William T. Korver
cefs@guggenheiminvestments.com

Not FDIC-Insured | Not Bank-Guaranteed | May Lose Value
Member FINRA/SIPC (12/18) Reported by GlobeNewswire 2 hours ago.

New research suggests that the germ may have devastated settlements across Europe at the end of the Stone Age in what may have been the first major pandemic of human history Reported by CBS News 1 hour ago.