Press Releases

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 12/03/09 -- ST-Ericsson today announced its proposed plan to further improve financial performance and increase its competitiveness in the market. This plan follows the reorganization announcement made in July this year.

The company is now targeting additional annualized savings of $115 million. These savings are expected to come from reductions in operating expenses and spending, along with an extensive R&D efficiency program. As part of this effort, the company will also conduct a global workforce review which may affect up to an additional 600 employees worldwide.

Specific country impact related to this proposed plan and further details will be provided when employee representatives have been involved where required.

About ST-Ericsson

ST-Ericsson is a world leader in developing and delivering a complete portfolio of innovative mobile platforms and cutting-edge wireless semiconductor solutions across the broad spectrum of mobile technologies. The company is a leading supplier to the top handset manufacturers and ST-Ericsson's products and technologies enable more than half of all phones in use today. The company generated pro-forma sales of about USD 3.6 billion in 2008. ST-Ericsson was established as a 50/50 joint venture by STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) in February 2009, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

More information on ST-Ericsson is available at www.stericsson.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Media Relations
Phone: +41 22 930 2733
Email: media.relations@stericsson.com

Investor Relations
Phone: +41 22 929 6973
Email: investor.relations@stericsson.com

This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Press release_Eng: http://hugin.info/141758/R/1358864/331017.pdf

Copyright © Hugin AS 2009. All rights reserved.

MECHELEN, BELGIUM -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 12/03/09 -- Galapagos NV (Euronext: GLPG) announced today achievement of multiple milestones under its alliance agreement in rheumatoid arthritis. The milestones trigger a cash payment of EUR 10.2 million to Galapagos.

In October 2007, Galapagos announced an alliance agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV (Janssen) providing Janssen with option rights to acquire worldwide, commercial licenses to novel small molecules from up to 12 of Galapagos' internal programs involving rheumatoid arthritis therapeutic targets. The milestones announced today are the result of several of these programs reaching the next phase of medicinal chemistry optimization.

"We are pleased that the molecules derived under the rheumatoid arthritis alliance have met the agreed upon criteria," said Onno van de Stolpe, CEO of Galapagos. "Galapagos continues to deliver high quality research and remains on course for achieving its goals for the year."

About Galapagos

Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG; OTC: GLPYY) is a drug discovery and development company with small molecule programs in bone and joint diseases, bone metastasis, cachexia, anti-infectives and metabolic diseases. It has established risk sharing alliances with GlaxoSmithKline, Lilly and Merck and Co. Through an alliance with MorphoSys, Galapagos is also developing new antibody therapies in bone and joint diseases. Its division BioFocus offers a full suite of target-to-drug discovery products and services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies and to patient foundations, encompassing target discovery and validation, screening and drug discovery through to delivery of pre-clinical candidates. Galapagos currently employs 495 people and operates facilities in six countries, with global headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium. More info at: www.glpg.com.

CONTACT
Galapagos NV
Onno van de Stolpe, CEO
Tel: +31 6 2909 8028
ir@glpg.com

This release may contain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "could," "stands to," and "continues," as well as similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which might cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Galapagos, or industry results, to be materially different from any historic or future results, financial conditions, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this document. Galapagos expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this document to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless required by law or regulation.

This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Copyright © Hugin AS 2009. All rights reserved.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 12/03/09 -- Delhaize Group (Euronext Brussels: DELB - NYSE: DEG), the Belgian international food retailer, today at the occasion of its annual Analysts' Meeting, presents a new strategic plan for the coming years focusing on accelerated growth, increased efficiencies and stronger intra-Group integration. The Group is planning to further increase its price competitiveness in all its markets, triple the number of store openings in the coming three years in its newer formats and operations compared to the years 2007-2009 and realize an additional EUR 300 million annual operating cost savings by 2012 to fund its price investments and other sales building initiatives, and support its profitability.

Pierre-Olivier Beckers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Delhaize Group, commented: "Today, Delhaize Group has a strong and proven building platform of leading brands and market shares, best-in-class industry profitability and a solid balance sheet. Now is the right time to capitalize on our strengths and further accelerate. The goal of our "New Game Plan" is to deliver value leadership in all our markets leading to superior revenue and profit growth and to make of Delhaize Group a more effective acquisition platform through additional synergies, shared knowledge and shared services."

The "New Game Plan" of Delhaize Group is developed around 4 breakthrough themes:

1. Operate as one Group
2. Accelerate Growth
3. Excel in Associate Development
4. Executional Excellence

Breakthrough Themes of the "New Game Plan"

1. From 2010, the more than 141 000 associates of Delhaize Group will share and live one common vision and set of values which will drive the attitude of each and every associate in bringing the best of Delhaize Group to customers, communities and associates.

2. Building on its strong existing platform Delhaize Group is planning for accelerated growth.

- From 2010 on, Delhaize Group will put an even greater emphasis on price competitiveness resulting in value leadership across all its operations. Each of our banners is planning a new and more aggressive pricing strategy from the start of 2010 by benchmarking itself against the leading price competitor with, as a goal, to further narrow the gap.

- The Group will maximize the share of wallet in its existing stores by capitalizing on the more than 16 million customer visits per week worldwide through an efficient assortment as well as new innovative and attractive products and services.

- Delhaize Group will also further build its industry-leading initiatives in health and wellness such as Guiding Stars to respond to consumers' increasing health concerns and to continue to reinforce its differentiation. By 2011, Delhaize Group's Belgian and Greek operations will have nutritional labeling for their private brands' assortments, in addition to the Guiding Stars labeling already present today in Food Lion, Hannaford, Sweetbay and Bloom's assortments.

- In its "New Game Plan" Delhaize Group will continue to extend its industry leadership in Corporate Responsibility initiatives. In 2010, Delhaize Group plans to audit 100% of its private brand suppliers for food safety and compliance.

- Delhaize Group plans to use its new low cost supermarket formats Bottom Dollar Food (U.S.) and Red Market (Europe) and its newer markets (Greece, Romania and Indonesia) as additional drivers to accelerate organic store growth. Over the next three years, Delhaize Group will triple the store openings generated by these newer operations to 250 (compared to 85 new stores in 2007-2009).

3. The accelerated growth will be enabled by excellence in associate development. We will continue to leverage Delhaize Group's signature training and development programs and the Group's strong culture to further strengthen the best-in-class sense of engagement and commitment.

4. Increased efficiencies through executional excellence will fund the accelerated growth initiatives and offset underlying cost pressures. Following its EUR 60 million savings realized in 2008 and an additional EUR 100 million in 2009, Delhaize Group will additionally generate EUR 300 million annual operating cost savings by 2012 through banner-specific initiatives and increased shared services, particularly at regional level.

More Information about the "New Game Plan"

More information about the "New Game Plan" can be found on Delhaize Group's website (www.delhaizegroup.com). The presentations of the Analysts' Day are broadcast live over the internet (audio only) at www.delhaizegroup.com, on December 3, 2009 starting at 08:00 a.m. EET (07:00 a.m. CET). A replay of this webcast will be available on the website starting at 01:00 p.m. EET (12:00 p.m. CET) on December 3, 2009. The slides of the presentations are also available on the Group's website.

» Delhaize Group

Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in six countries on three continents. At the end of the third quarter of 2009, Delhaize Group's sales network consisted of 2 697 stores. In 2008, Delhaize Group posted EUR 19 billion (USD 28 billion) in revenues and EUR 467 million (USD 687 million) in net profit (Group share). At the end of 2008, Delhaize Group employed approximately 141 000 people. Delhaize Group's stock is listed on Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).

This press release is available in English, French and Dutch. You can also find it on the website http://www.delhaizegroup.com. Questions can be sent to investor@delhaizegroup.com.

» Contacts

Guy Elewaut: + 32  2 412 29 48
Amy Shue (U.S. investors): + 1 704 633 82 50 (ext. 2529)
Geert Verellen:  +  32  2  412  83  62
Barbera Hoppenbrouwers (media): + 32 2 412 86 69

        cautionary note regarding forward looking statements

Statements that are included or incorporated by reference in this press release and other written and oral statements made from time to time by Delhaize Group and its representatives, other than statements of historical fact, which address activities, events and developments that Delhaize Group expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements about strategic options, future strategies and the anticipated benefits of these strategies, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified as statements that include phrases such as "guidance", "outlook", "projected", "believe", "target", "predict", "estimate", "forecast", "strategy", "may", "goal", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "foresee", "likely", "will", "should" or other similar words or phrases. Although such statements are based on current information, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those projected depending upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, changes in the general economy or the markets of Delhaize Group, in consumer spending, in inflation or currency exchange rates or in legislation or regulation; competitive factors; adverse determination with respect to claims; inability to timely develop, remodel, integrate or convert stores; and supply or quality control problems with vendors. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements are described in Delhaize Group's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings made by Delhaize Group with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference. Delhaize Group disclaims any obligation to update developments of these risk factors or to announce publicly any revision to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this release, or to make corrections to reflect future events or developments

Press release in PDF format: http://hugin.info/133961/R/1358823/330989.pdf

This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Copyright © Hugin AS 2009. All rights reserved.

HONG KONG, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- China Water Affairs Group Limited ("China Water Affairs" or the "Company", stock code: 00855.HK), one of the leading integrated water services operators in China, today announced unaudited interim results of the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Group") for the six months ended 30 September 2009 (the "Review Period").

    Results Highlights:
                                           For the 6 months ended 30 September
    (HKD '000)                                2009         2008     Change
    Revenue                                 670,556      385,965      74%
    Gross profit                            251,915      136,649      84%
    Profit / (Loss) from operations         340,355     (166,236)     N/A
    Net profit / (Net loss)                 271,148     (171,642)     N/A
    Basic earnings / (Loss) per share
    (HK cents)                                17.48       (15.14)     N/A
    Interim dividend per share (HK cents)         2           --      N/A

During the Review Period, the Group's operating performance was satisfactory. It achieved significant growth in its businesses, with total revenue amounting to HK$671 million, a 74% increase over the last corresponding period. Gross profit advanced 84% to HK$252 million. The gross profit margin improved 2.2 percentage points to 37.6% when compared with the same period last year. Net profit was HK$271 million. Basic earnings per share were 17.48 Hong Kong cents. The board of directors recommended an interim dividend of 2 Hong Kong cents per share.

During the Review Period, the integrated city water supply segment generated revenue of HK$353 million, up 42% over the last corresponding period. Of which, HK$244 million came from the water supply business, up 50%; while the remaining HK$109 million was from the construction and meter installation business, up 28%. Revenue from the sewage treatment segment was HK$16 million, an increase of 7% over the last corresponding period. Revenue from the infrastructure construction segment soared by 271% to HK$208 million.

As at 30 September 2009, total assets of the Group were approximately HK$5,946 million, up 23% over the last corresponding period. Net assets amounted to HK$3,167 million, an increase of 54% over the last corresponding period. Cash and bank balances totaled HK$539 million, up 4% over the last corresponding period.

"Benefiting from the government's stimulus measures, the economy of Mainland China resumed growth momentum. As a result, urbanization and industrial processes sped up. During the period under review, the performance of our core business, city water supply, was encouraging amid the steady overall growth of water supply. This segment remained our largest revenue contributor and generated stable cash flow. During the period, we took various measures to enhance operating efficiency, strove hard to raise water tariffs and exercised stringent cost control so as to improve our core competitiveness and to lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth," commented Mr. Mr. Duan Chuan Liang, Chairman of China Water Affairs.

Looking ahead, Mr. Duan Chuan Liang said, "While focusing on the development of the water business, the Group will spin off or dispose of non- core assets at opportune times in order to create more investment value for shareholders. Meanwhile, the proposed spin-off of tourism and property projects in Xiannuhu, Jiangxi Province is still progressing. With the sustained development of the Chinese economy and accelerating urbanization, the government will continue its policy of integrating the water supply in cities and counties so as to strengthen the management of the water industry. These favorable factors are set to provide ample room for growth of our core operations such as city water supply, sewage treatment and installation of water facilities. We will continue to look for water projects with good potential and to further improve the scale and efficiency of our water business. Leveraging on our existing platform, we will work hard to integrate our water supply and sewage treatment businesses and to further expand the sewage treatment operation through acquisitions. By streamlining the value chain of water business and related operations, we will continue to enhance our overall operating efficiency, service quality and competitiveness."

About China Water Affairs Group Limited

China Water Affairs Group Limited is principally engaged in waterworks investment and operation as well as other related businesses in the PRC. The Group's businesses include urban water supply, water supply systems management, sewage treatment, water ecology preservation and related value-added businesses. Currently, the Group is undergoing rapid development, with operations in over 20 cities including Guangdong, Jiangxi, Henan and Jiangsu. A well established network with the Ministry of Water Resources of the PRC and various local water authorities gives the Group a leading position in the PRC water industry.

The press release is issued by PRChina Limited on behalf of China Water Affairs Group Limited.

    For investor and media enquiries:

    PRChina
     Henry Chik
     Tel:   +852-2522-1838
     Email: hchik@prchina.com.hk

    PRChina
     David Shiu / Eric Song
     Tel:   +852-2522-1838
     Email: dshiu@prchina.com.hk
            esong@prchina.com.hk

SOURCE China Water Affairs Group Limited

Steve Harvey Morning Show to Broadcast Live from Event in Honor of Black History Month

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rebuilding Together will host the 15th annual "Kickoff to Rebuild." This highly anticipated, NFL sanctioned charity event occurs every year in the city of the Super Bowl, intended to create lasting impact by revitalizing communities in need.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090421/REBUILDINGLOGO )

Special celebrity guests, football players, local volunteers and residents will come together to rehabilitate homes of low-income homeowners and revitalize the historic neighborhood of Coconut Grove in Miami on February 4th. After an incredible morning of community improvements, there will be a celebratory street party with food, local vendors, sponsors, and music.

Choice Hotels, whose Room to Rebuild campaign supports Rebuilding Together throughout the year, has joined on as title sponsor bringing with them the legendary Steve Harvey Morning Show to broadcast live on-site during the event.

"Kickoff to Rebuild has a proud legacy of creating lasting impact in neighborhoods in Super Bowl cities that goes far beyond the activity of the day," said Gary A. Officer, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "We are honored to have Steve Harvey as part of this significant day, and, our partner of Choice Hotels has once again proven their commitment to making a difference in the communities in which they work."

This year's prestigious advisory committee, includes: Steve Harvey, celebrity, radio-show host, author and entertainer; Dwight Stephenson, NFL Hall of Fame member and spokesperson for Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade; James Carey, Home Improvement Expert and Co-Host, On the House Radio; Tisha Ford, NFL Manager of Events and Business Development; Bill and Martin Gramatica, retired NFL players and founders of The Gramatica Group and Brandon Jones of the San Francisco 49ers.

Kickoff to Rebuild is an official NFL sanctioned event celebrating its 15(th) year and continues to advance the lives of homeowners and neighborhoods of the Super Bowl location.

A Kickoff to Rebuild media conference is scheduled for December 3, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. in the Coconut Grove neighborhood.

About Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade

Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade chapter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation that preserves homeownership and revitalizes neighborhoods by providing free of charge rehabilitation services to the elderly, veterans, disabled and low income homeowners. Through the support of corporate sponsors, local businesses and the hands-on work of volunteers, the organization donates approximately $250,000 in market value each year by focusing on home modifications, energy efficiency and safety concerns. The organization is part of a network of more than 204 affiliates and is the nation's leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities. For more information, visit www.rebuildingtogethermiami.org .

About Rebuilding Together

Rebuilding Together is the nation's leading nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing critical home repair and modification services to those in need at no cost to homeowners. With the help of everyday citizen volunteers, skilled trades people, the support of local business and major corporate partners, Rebuilding Together affiliates in America's largest cities and smallest towns make life considerably better for thousands of low-income homeowners and the communities in which they live by completing 10,000 projects per year. In addition to its core home repair work, Rebuilding Together also rehabilitates community centers and conducts home modification and repair programs that focus on aging in place. Rebuilding Together has programs dedicated to ageing in place, energy efficiency, veteran's housing, and disaster recovery and reconstruction. For more information, visit www.RebuildingTogether.org or follow us at Facebook.com/RebuildingTogether or on Twitter @RebldgTogthr.

SOURCE Rebuilding Together