Press Releases

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d9b61f/private_healthcare) has announced the addition of the "Private Healthcare Market Report 2009" report to their offering.

This Market Report examines the UK private healthcare market. Private healthcare has so far withstood the economic downturn, and, in 2008, the market grew by 5.6% to reach an estimated value of 25.81bn at current prices. Between 2004 and 2008, the value of the market increased by 29.1%, with the growth being driven by increased NHS and public outsourcing towards the private sector.

For the purposes of this report, private healthcare is split into the following sectors: long-term care (for the elderly and physically disabled); acute care; psychiatric care; private medical insurance (PMI); and primary care. These sectors are mainly funded by the NHS and local authorities, and, therefore, a large proportion of the market is dependent on government investment. This has largely been sustained, if not increased, during the 2004 to 2008 review period.

The acute care and PMI sectors are under some threat due to the recession in the UK. Acute care is currently buoyed up by government outsourcing to the private sector, but aside from this driver, self-pay revenue in acute care is currently falling, despite growing demand for non-traditional treatment such as cosmetic surgery and weight-loss surgery. PMI is already a mature market, and is experiencing falling membership rates in individual PMI. The current recession may make this subsector, along with company-paid PMI, even more vulnerable in 2009.

The market is currently facing new challenges due to the improvements that are taking place in the NHS, with many hospitals now having reduced waiting times. Some experts believe that consumers are now being deterred from using private healthcare since they recognise that NHS treatment is becoming faster and better quality. In addition, consumers are now able to take advantage of the private sector through the NHS by using the extended patient choice scheme. This came into force in April 2008, and enables patients to choose where they wish to be treated when referred to a specialist.

The future for the private healthcare market does not appear to be under threat in the long term, as it is likely that NHS performance will fluctuate and demand for more individualised and privileged treatment will remain a priority for many people. However, a period of more modest growth in all sectors is emerging, where cost-effectiveness, in comparison with public provision, will be the key to survival. We forecast that the value of the market will increase to 32.62bn in 2013 -- a growth of 63.2% compared with 2004.

Companies Mentioned:

    --  Atos Origin IT Services UK Ltd
    --  AXA PPP Healthcare Ltd
    --  Barchester Healthcare Ltd
    --  BUPA Care Homes (CFG) PLC
    --  BUPA Insurance Ltd
    --  Capita Health Solutions Ltd
    --  Care UK PLC
    --  Craegmoor Ltd
    --  Four Seasons Health Care Ltd
    --  HCA International
    --  Netcare Healthcare UK Ltd
    --  Nuffield Health
    --  Partnerships in Care Ltd
    --  Priory Group (Priory Investments Holdings Ltd)
    --  Ramsay Health Care UK Operations Ltd
    --  Southern Cross Healthcare Group PLC
    --  Spire Healthcare Ltd
    --  St Andrews Healthcare

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d9b61f/private_healthcare

    Source: Research and Markets Ltd.

BRISTOL & LONDON, UK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bristol Interactive Technology, the television manufacturer and Miniweb, the Interactive Service Provider today announced the integration of Miniweb's interactive software within a new range of Bristol HD ready digital televisions. The Bristol devices have been designed to provide UK consumers with exciting, enhanced viewing services, using Miniweb's TV software and interactive platform technology that enables a converged broadband video and Freeview entertainment experience.

"TV viewers are increasingly aware of online content such as catch up TV services and user generated content. They expect to be able to access these directly from their TV, instead of using their PC or having to buy a set-top box," says Paul Fellows, CEO, Bristol Interactive Technology. "Our partnership with Miniweb makes it easy for viewers to enjoy the best of broadcast digital TV services and online video on the same TV screen. Now viewers can simply connect a Miniweb equipped Bristol television to their broadband connection, gaining immediate access to millions of hours of internet video enabled by Miniweb's internet gateway and services software. It's the seamless integration of TV, community and online services combined with ease of use which makes this solution so special and attractive for TV viewers."

"Adding Miniweb's interactive functionality to Bristol's range of flat screen, HD ready TVs provides consumers with the simplest and most powerful way to benefit from and enjoy a fully converged broadcast and broadband experience on the main screen in the house," says Andrew Carver, CEO, Miniweb Interactive. "Providing a converged viewing experience in the home is the biggest advance since the introduction of colour TV. Miniweb provides viewers with access to enhanced and relevant online content to complement the TV channel being watched. Together with Bristol Interactive, we're making it easy for viewers to enjoy a new TV experience allowing them to choose the best mix of broadcast and broadband delivered video content to suit their viewing preferences - all from the comfort of their sofa without the need for a PC or additional set-top box."

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About Bristol Interactive Technology

Bristol Interactive Technology designs and manufactures in the EU, Freeview High Definition Televisions for the digital switchover and is introducing an exciting new range of enhanced interactive televisions which additionally deliver direct, immediate access to online broadband HD television, internet radio and web based content. Bristol televisions are designed for viewers who seek the latest technology combined with ease of use, style, quality and excellent value. For more information, please visit: www.bristol-tv.com

About Miniweb Interactive

Miniweb, the Interactive Service Provider with headquarters in the UK, delivers a converged broadcast and broadband entertainment experience that provides personalised web-style interactivity for TV viewers. It allows broadcasters, network operators, content owners and advertisers to easily and cost effectively delivers new services and business models. The open, standards-based Miniweb Platform, which is already deployed in over 9 million homes, is designed to enable next generation TV services over broadband, providing access to internet video, personalisation, social networking and web-style recommendations and business models. Miniweb was voted winner of 'Best Interactive Service / Application 2009' at the IPTV World Series Awards. For more information please visit: www.miniweb.tv

    Source: Miniweb

BOCA RATON, Fla., July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Imperial Brands, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Belvedere S.A., has retained Boca Raton-based, award-winning PR firm The Gab Group to launch and market a new, one-of-a-kind vodka made from Florida oranges, crafted in Florida. 4 Orange Premium Vodka will be a super-premium product distilled from four distinct varieties of Florida oranges. The brand will be introduced to duty free, off-premise retailers and Florida restaurants later this year.

"We are excited to promote such an innovative vodka brand that will encompass world-class quality with homage given to Florida heritage," says Michelle Soudry, The Gab Group PR director.

"We chose The Gab Group to promote 4 Orange Premium Vodka because of their out-of-the-box public relations creativity and for the agency's ability for superior in-house design work, branding, media relations and event capabilities," explains Vice President, Marketing and Business Development of Imperial Brands, Inc. Timo Sutinen.

"It was imperative for us to have a well-rounded PR firm with a proven track record and a strategic mind-set to launch this phenomenal brand that will captivate Floridians and global markets," said Sutinen.

Imperial Brands, Inc. is an importer and marketer of fine wines and spirits headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The company entered the spirits market in 2007 when it successfully introduced Sobieski Vodka to the U.S., which is currently one of the top selling vodkas in the world. Imperial Brands, Inc. owns Florida Distillers Co. with two production facilities located in Florida where 4 Orange Premium Vodka will be made. Belvedere S.A. operates production and distribution units in Poland, France, Bulgaria, Lithuania and the United States and additionally owns subsidiaries in Russia, Canada, Spain, Scandinavia and Brazil. For more information, visit www.ibrandsinc.com.

The 4 Orange Premium Vodka campaign will consist of a multi-city introduction in key beverage markets with various tasting events and a subsequent advertising campaign. For more information, contact Jennifer Pearson at The Gab Group, 561-750-3500 or email jennifer@thegabgroup.com

About The Gab Group

Founded in 2004, The Gab Group is a unique brand communications agency specializing in streamlined services for local and national lifestyle accounts. The agency's broad scope of services includes brand-focused PR, creative marketing and exceptional special events. For more information, visit www.thegabgroup.com.

SOURCE The Gab Group

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN and AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 07/06/09 -- Electrolux have launched a unique dining experience which allows up to 12 people to host their own lunch or dinner party encased in a glass room on the rooftop of the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. Launching on June 5th it will be open for 12 months, where a resident chef will be combining art with food to develop a truly unique dining experience. Combining a cookery school below the restaurant, people can express themselves by creating food with a view of the Eiffel Tower and then share a rare dining experience with friends. http://www.art-home-electrolux.com/

Everyone is invited to dine at the Palais de Tokyo although it is expected to quickly become a celeb spot. All bookings will be conducted via the website which has been developed by LBi. Electrolux will also be auctioning some of the tickets via the website to the highest bidders, with the revenues going to charity.

The partnership with the Palais de Tokyo was created by the French event agency Vaudoo. LBi and Vaudoo then partnered to position Electrolux as a brand that enables consumers to express themselves through the Art Home concept. LBi were responsible for the strategy, user experience, design, ePR, CRM, digital media, mobile and social media elements. This ambitious concept marks a continuing trend for brands to create genuine believable consumer experiences in place of advertising.

Tom Poynter, Client Partner at LBi said "this is a fantastic example of where LBi wishes to engage with brands that embrace digital and have a vision that is aligned with our proposition of "Building Believable Brands" online."

About LBi:

LBi is a global digital marketing and technology agency, blending insight, creativity and expertise to solve business problems. The largest genuinely full service agency of its kind in Europe, LBi provides the full range of digital capabilities, including digital strategy, branded content, service design, media, CRM, technology, managed hosting and support services. The Company employs over 1,500 professionals located primarily in the major European, American and Asian business centers; such as Amsterdam, Atlanta, Berlin, Brussels, London, Milan, Mumbai, New York, Paris and Stockholm. LBi is listed on Nasdaq OMX in Stockholm and NYSE Euronext in Amsterdam (symbol: LBI). www.lbi.com

Electrolux1: http://hugin.info/86897/R/1327240/312630.jpg

Electrolux2: http://hugin.info/86897/R/1327240/312633.jpg

Electrolux3: http://hugin.info/86897/R/1327240/312634.jpg

For further information please contact:
Sarah van Praagh
Press contact
LBi UK
+44 20 7063 6465
Sarah.VanPraagh@LBi.com

Eva Ottosson
Group Communications Manager
LBI International AB
+46 709 41 21 40
eva.ottosson@lbi.com

MOLINE, Ill., July 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- On the eve of the Russia - USA Business Forum in Moscow, Deere & Company announced today that it is prepared to significantly expand its farm, forestry, and construction operations in Russia, reinforcing Deere's long-term commitment to a market in which John Deere has had a presence for nearly 130 years.

The Russia - USA Business Forum is being held in conjunction with the summit meetings between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and U.S. President Barack Obama. Samuel R. Allen, president and chief operating officer of Deere & Company, is representing Deere at the Forum and will meet with government officials and reporters in Moscow to emphasize Deere's commitment to Russia.

"We share the vision that Russia can make a significant and sustainable contribution to help meet the world's growing demand for food, energy, and forest products," said Allen. "Under the right market access conditions, John Deere anticipates significant investments in Russia. John Deere is working to expand its Russian manufacturing of agricultural equipment by early 2010. Ultimately, with the support of the government of the Russian Federation, Deere could envision a series of significant investments over the next five to seven years in expanded capacity for manufacturing and supporting all types of Deere equipment."

The company already markets a wide range of advanced technology products to the agricultural, forestry, and construction sectors. Allen said farmers all across the world, including those in Russia, need advanced technology to enhance their productivity, improve their profitability, and contribute more to meeting the growing global demand for food and agricultural products.

During its long presence in Russia, Deere has developed an extensive dealer network across the country for its agricultural and forestry products. The company has a manufacturing operation in Orenburg that provides seeding and tillage equipment to the Russian market and exports to other locations. In addition, John Deere is developing an operations, training, and parts center near Kaluga.

In total, Deere and its independent dealers employ a workforce in Russia of nearly 2,000 people, including technicians, engineers, and agronomists. The workforce supports farmers, foresters, and others who work the land.

"John Deere's long-term commitment to the Russia market is illustrated by our aspiration to significantly expand operations and investment in the country," Allen said.

Earlier this year, the company introduced a broad line of construction equipment into Russia despite the global economic downturn. Between now and spring 2010, the company anticipates investing in manufacturing facilities for tractors, construction, forestry and harvesting equipment

Allen, who will become Deere & Company CEO on August 1, said the company's investments will help Russia meet its goals of greater productivity in agriculture and forestry and improved infrastructure development.

The investments also will enhance Russian manufacturing and technological capabilities, while aligning with the Russian government's plans and supporting a long-term presence of John Deere in Russia.

John Deere (Deere & Company - NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.

SOURCE Deere & Company