Tag Archives: MLM

58.com Converted Profit Participation Right and Acquired Shares of Golden Pacer

BEIJING, April 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — 58.com Inc. (NYSE: WUBA) (“58.com” or the “Company”), China’s largest online classifieds marketplace, today announced that it closed the transaction whereby it converted its profit participation right with respect to Golden Pacer into approximately 40.0% of the share capital of Golden Pacer. Golden Pacer is a leading financial technology platform in China, and the ultimate holding company of the financial services and other finance related business disposed by the Company in 2017. In September 2019, 58.com entered into definitive agreements to convert its profit participation right into equity stake of Golden Pacer and, in parallel, Golden Pacer entered into definitive agreements with Uxin Limited (“Uxin”), a leading national online used car dealer in China, pursuant to which Golden Pacer would acquire the loan facilitation related business from Uxin and Uxin would receive a certain number of shares of Golden Pacer as part of the consideration. Golden Pacer and Uxin now have entered into supplementary agreements to modify their transactions in light of the recent changes in the regulatory environment and the impact of COVID-19 outbreak and the two abovementioned transactions have been completed.

About 58.com Inc.

58.com Inc. (NYSE: WUBA) operates China’s largest online classifieds marketplace, as measured by monthly unique visitors on both its www.58.com website and mobile applications. The Company’s online marketplace enables local business users and consumer users to connect, share information and conduct business. 58.com’s broad, in-depth and high-quality local information, combined with its easy-to-use website and mobile applications, has made it a trusted marketplace for consumers. 58.com’s strong brand recognition, large and growing user base, merchant network and massive database of local information create a powerful network effect. For more information on 58.com, please visit http://www.58.com.

Safe Harbor Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. 58.com may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about 58.com’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but not limited to the following: 58.com’s goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; its ability to retain and grow its user base and network of local merchants for its online marketplace; the growth of, and trends in, the markets for its services in China; the outbreak of COVID-19 or other health epidemics in China or globally; the demand for and market acceptance of its brand and services; competition in its industry in China; its ability to maintain the network infrastructure necessary to operate its website and mobile applications; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the corporate structure, business and industry; and its ability to protect its users’ information and adequately address privacy concerns. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date of the press release, and 58.com does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

58.com Inc.

ir@58.com

Christensen

In China
Mr. Christian Arnell
Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
E-mail: carnell@christensenir.com

In US
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Phone: +1-480-614-3004
Email: lbergkamp@ChristensenIR.com

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DevOps Enterprise Summit London Announces Virtual Conference Plans, Speakers from Global 2000 Companies

The virtual conference takes place 23-25 June and is focused on bringing technology leaders from large, complex organizations together from around the world while delivering its coveted networking and immersive learning experience

PORTLAND, Oregon, April 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — IT Revolution, the industry leader for advancing DevOps, today announced the DevOps Enterprise Summit London 2020 will be going virtual (https://events.itrevolution.com/virtual/). The scheduled dates and times for the summit will remain the same, 23-25 June during British Summer Time to closely match the schedule of previous live conferences. In addition, IT Revolution has announced the next round of confirmed speakers for London, including technology leaders from adidas, IBM, Lufthansa, Maersk, Microsoft, Nationwide Insurance, Standard Bank, Swiss Re, and Verizon.

Learn more about the virtual DevOps Enterprise Summit in Gene Kim’s community letter: (https://itrevolution.com/devops-enterprise-summit-london-is-going-virtual-a-letter-from-gene)

Amidst growing concern surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, IT Revolution has updated registration deadlines and cancellation policies accordingly. Registration ($480) will be limited to 3,000 attendees to ensure the Slack channels for the event do not become overwhelmed. Those who register within the first two weeks will receive a 50 percent discount, bringing the price down to $240.

To secure the best registration price for the three-day, immersive learning virtual event for technology and business leaders practicing DevOps transformation, visit: (https://events.itrevolution.com/virtual/)

Newly confirmed speakers for DevOps Enterprise Summit London 2020 include:

  • John Allspaw, Principal/Founder, Adaptive Capacity Labs
  • Kolton Andrus, CEO and Co-Founder, Gremlin
  • Kira Barclay, Director, Analytics, John Deere
  • Jill Campbell, Principal Group Program Manager, Edge, Microsoft
  • Craig Cook, DevOps Coach, IBM
  • Fernando Cornago, Senior Director, Vice President, Platform Engineering, adidas
  • Tim Dempsey, Delivery Director, Coats PLC
  • Daniel Eichten, Head of Enterprise Architecture, adidas
  • Bryan Finster, Delivery Systems Engineer, Walmart
  • Ann Marie Fred, DevOps and Security Lead, IBM
  • Sam Guckenheimer, Product Owner, Azure DevOps, Microsoft
  • Rasmus Hald, Head of Cloud Center of Excellence, Maersk
  • James Head, Founder, Rebellion Consulting
  • Suzette Johnson, Northrop Grumman Fellow, Northrop Grumman
  • Christopher Kistasamy, IT Executive Head, Engineering Practices, Standard Bank
  • Rusty Lewis, IT Auditor, Nationwide Insurance
  • Thomas Limoncelli, SRE Manager, Stack Overflow
  • Rene Lippert, DevOps Evangelist, Lufthansa Systems GmbH & Co
  • Clarissa Lucas, Audit Director, Nationwide Insurance
  • Stephen Magill, CEO, MuseDev
  • Guillermo Martinez, Head of DevOps, Accenture
  • Victoria Mayo, Head of Compliance- iptiQ EMEA P&C, Swiss Re
  • Jeff McAffer, Senior Director of Product, GitHub
  • Paul McMahon, Global Director of Technology and Innovation, Coats PLC
  • Stacie Peterson, Vice President, US Bank
  • Corey Quinn, Cloud Economist, The Duckbill Group
  • Rosalind Radcliffe, Distinguished Engineer, Chief Architect for DevOps for Enterprise Systems, IBM
  • Mark Schwartz, Author, War and Peace and IT: Business Leadership, Technology, and Success in the Digital Age
  • Roger Servey, Senior Manager, Systems Engineering, Verizon
  • Richard Vodden, Platform Infrastructure Lead, Babylon Health
  • Nate Vogel, VP Data Platforms, Charter Communications
  • Robin Yeman, LM Fellow, Lockheed Martin

“The DevOps Enterprise community has demonstrated over and over its skills of overcoming unforeseen challenges. They will certainly continue to be a force for good in helping organizations cope with the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19. We are excited to further the work of this amazing community, whose mission goes on,” said Gene Kim, founder of IT Revolution, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Unicorn Project, and co-author of The Phoenix Project, The DevOps Handbook and Accelerate.

“In response to COVID-19, to serve the best interest of our attendees, speakers, and the greater DevOps community, we will be moving the London summit to a virtual setting and remain focused on carrying out the mission of our amazing community. I am fully aware that achieving the type of magic that occurs at a physical conference is difficult to do in a virtual format, but I’d like to set your expectations that this event will be, if not the best, as close to as awesome of an experience as the previous DevOps Enterprise Summits we’ve run.”

DevOps Enterprise Summit is a conference for technology leaders and practitioners at large, complex organizations implementing DevOps principles and practices. The event programming emphasizes the next-generation operations and infrastructure needed to lead widespread change efforts in large organizations.

The virtual London event features keynotes, panels, breakouts, a community space for spontaneous gatherings, and other networking and collaborative activities to enhance the virtual learning experience for attendees. Sessions will be led by leaders who are pioneering these practices in large and complex organizations across a wide range of industries.

About IT Revolution
IT Revolution (https://itrevolution.com/) assembles technology leaders and practitioners through publishing, events, and research. Our goal is to elevate the state of technology work, quantify the economic and human costs associated with suboptimal IT performance, and to improve the lives of technology professionals.

Contact:
Jeremy Douglas
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760, ext. 16
jdouglas@catapultpr-ir.com

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Tencent Music Entertainment Group to Report First Quarter 2020 Financial Results on May 11, 2020 Eastern Time

SHENZHEN, China, April 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Music Entertainment Group (“Tencent Music”, “TME”, or the “Company”) (NYSE: TME), the leading online music entertainment platform in China, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2020 after the U.S. market closes on Monday, May 11, 2020.

Tencent Music’s management will hold a conference call on Monday, May 11, 2020, at 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time or 8:00 A.M. Beijing Time on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

United States Toll Free: 

+1-888-317-6003

International:

+1-412-317-6061

Mainland China Toll Free:

400-120-6115

Hong Kong Toll Free: 

800-963-976

Access Code:

4624371

The replay will be accessible through May 18, 2020, by dialing the following numbers:

United States Toll Free:

+1-877-344-7529

International:

+1-412-317-0088

Access Code:

10142408

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.tencentmusic.com/.

About Tencent Music Entertainment

Tencent Music Entertainment Group (NYSE: TME) is the leading online music entertainment platform in China, operating the country’s highly popular and innovative music apps: QQ Music, Kugou Music, Kuwo Music and WeSing. Tencent Music’s mission is to use technology to elevate the role of music in people’s lives by enabling them to create, enjoy, share and interact with music. Tencent Music’s platform comprises online music, online karaoke and music-centric live streaming services, enabling music fans to discover, listen, sing, watch, perform and socialize around music.

For more information, please visit ir.tencentmusic.com.

Investor Relations Contact

Tencent Music Entertainment Group
ir@tencentmusic.com
+86 (755) 8601-3388 ext.871720

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Vestiaire Collective Raises €59 Million to Support Its Community in Changing the Fashion Industry for a Better Tomorrow

PARIS, April 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —

  • The new round brings on board Korelya Capital, funds managed by Fidelity International, Vaultier7 and Cuir Invest
  • Existing shareholders Eurazeo (Eurazeo Growth & Idinvest Venture funds), Bpifrance, Vitruvian Partners, Conde Nast, Luxury Tech Fund and Vestiaire Collective’s CEO, Max Bittner also reinvest
  •  The round will be used to:
    Continue transforming the fashion system while offering a smart, circular and responsible alternative to throw-away fashion
    Jointly explore the expansion of the global business into Japan and Korea through Korelya Capital, backed by Naver
    Expand the launch of Direct Shipping service in the US

Ahead of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary and in this unprecedented period of uncertainty, Vestiaire Collective, the leading global platform for desirable pre-owned fashion today announces the completion of a €59 million round of financing, existing shareholders reinvest alongside new investors Korelya Capital, which is backed by Korean technology conglomerate Naver, funds managed by Fidelity International,  Vaultier7, a specialist female-led consumer fund, and Cuir Invest, which is backed by the French Leather industry.

The current economic and ecological crisis are accelerating an existing shift in consumer mindset, driven by growing criticism of waste-producing business models, and increased desire for purpose-driven brand action. As a company, Vestiaire Collective is committed to limiting the waste produced by the fashion industry, by keeping clothes out of landfill and increasing the number of times they are worn today, for a better tomorrow.

As the leading global resale platform, this round demonstrates that the Vestiaire Collective model embodies the future of the fashion industry and unifies growing consumer sentiments. Following the COVID-19 crisis, we expect:

  • Further adoption of online shopping, but more importantly an increased focus on social values and communities, with more people supporting each other.
  • Consumers are set to become increasingly resourceful as they look to resale as an additional way to raise funds and find unexpected value in their wardrobe.
  • Environmental concerns will further drive a more conscious approach to consumption, as 20% of consumers expect to reduce their clothing consumption following the crisis*.

Vestiaire Collective has seen deposits and orders quickly rebound to the pre-COVID 19 baseline or above. During this challenging period this clearly demonstrates customer demand for circular business models, both now and looking ahead to the future of the rapidly evolving retail landscape.  

Vestiaire Collective encourages a move away from throwaway fashion towards quality that lasts and holds value. We believe that today, our community of over 9 million fashion activists will be proud to lead by example and spread the word converting more consumers to the cause. Because in the end, it’s not the big, impressive statements that will make the most impact, but the meaningful change taken every day by individuals, no matter how small or large. We trust Vaultier7 as members and ambassadors of the Vestiaire Collective community to help us build on this momentum by expanding in the most thoughtful way. We are also excited by their extraordinary network which will  support us in further unlocking underutilized personal luxury goods to meet the demand of buyers globally.

This new round of funding will also allow for further acceleration of Vestiaire Collective international business beyond the countries where the company’s community is already well established. Currently, over 80% of the French headquartered company’s transactions are already generated cross-border.

Thanks to Korelya Capital, which is backed by Korean technology conglomerate Naver, Vestiaire Collective will jointly explore the expansion towards Japan, the biggest resale market in the world, and Korea in 2020 and beyond.

Finally, this round will help us continue to drive ambitious growth in the US market and further develop our successful Direct Shipping model. Launched in Europe in September 2019 the service is increasingly popular with a growing number of customers. Currently already over 50% of orders in the EU are fulfilled through the new service, which is also growing at a rate of +60% MoM. The model will be launched in the United States in early summer followed by Asia before the end of 2020.

Max Bittner, CEO of Vestiaire Collective - Investment Announcement
Max Bittner, CEO of Vestiaire Collective – Investment Announcement

Max Bittner, Vestiaire Collective’s CEO comments:

“I am personally convinced that this unprecedented period of disruption will not only challenge where we shop but how we shop. Vestiaire Collective was built during the 2008 crisis, and proves today how it can help people in their daily life to make the most out of their belongings, but also to access fashion in a sustainable and conscious way. Everyday, I feel proud and amazed by our global community of fashion activists who are leading the way towards a brighter future.”

Paul Degueuse, General Partner of Korelya Capital says,

“As we all take a step back and contemplate the way we live, we believe consumption patterns are on the verge of a deep structural evolution, and C2C platforms have a strong role to play here. We see in Vestiaire Collective an emerging leader and catalyst of this upcoming disruption. We are extremely enthusiastic to support Vestiaire Collective and its founders in its expansion. There are tremendous opportunities for growth in Asia, and we look forward to helping the company accelerate its expansion in this part of the globe.”

Vaultier7 comments:

“Vestiaire Collective has transformed the way people consume desirable and luxury fashion with its trusted and inspirational resale model and we are truly proud to be there at this time to support them in their mission, and support buyers and sellers across the globe on their path to cautious, minded consumption, values which are more important than ever and which are at the core of Vaultier7.”

Frank Boehly, Président of SIC SA investor Cuir Invest, says,

“Cuir Invest is happy to support Vestiaire Collective, as it is a company with an impressive management team, and huge growth potential. We have been impressed by the technological quality of the solution, by the quality and the dynamism of the management team, and by their intelligent and sustainable approach to fashion. We truly believe that Vestiaire Collective can become the world leader in their sector.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:
*McKinsey Covid-19 response in Apparel and fashion study 

About

About Vestiairecollective.com Vestiaire Collective is the leading global platform for desirable pre-owned fashion. Curated by its trusted community of fashion lovers, members inspire one another whilst selling and buying unique pieces from each other’s wardrobes. Encouraging consumers to join the circular economy as a sustainable alternative to throw-away fashion, the platform is unique due to its highly engaged community, its rare desirable inventory and its authenticity and quality control process. Launched in Paris in October 2009, Vestiairecollective.com has over 9 million members across 90 countries worldwide with offices in Paris, London, New York, Milan, Berlin and Hong Kong. Over 60,000 new items are submitted by its community of sellers every week, which enables buyers to search amongst highly coveted and sold out fashion pieces whilst participating in the circular fashion movement. @vestiaireco

ABOUT VAULTIER7

Founded by experienced dealmakers Montse Suarez and Anna Sweeting, and backed by elite investors, Vaultier7 is the UK’s first specialist investment fund dedicated to partnering high growth category creators and disrupters in the converging sectors of Beauty & Personal Care, Health & Wellness and Lifestyle.

Vestiaire Collective - Investment Announcement
Vestiaire Collective – Investment Announcement

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TCEB Launches Campaign to Strengthen MICE Entrepreneurs in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

BANGKOK, April 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB has announced two projects focusing on digital-based MICE services and health safety standard.

TCEB Launches Campaign to Strengthen MICE Entrepreneurs in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak
TCEB Launches Campaign to Strengthen MICE Entrepreneurs in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

The first called “Virtual Meeting Space” (VMS) will help MICE entrepreneurs run business events online and re-skill their employees via virtual platforms. The second, called “Simple Ways to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Your Meetings and Events”, offers MICE venue owners and operators an incentive to upgrade their safety and health standards. The two projects are in response to the business disruptions brought about by COVID-19 and lockdown measures worldwide.

According to Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, TCEB President, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the postponement and cancellation of MICE events worldwide. Amidst the tough times, online or virtual platforms have become an alternative for events that can ensure business continuity. Thai entrepreneurs need to adapt to such business platforms. In this respect, TCEB has designed two key projects. The first — “Virtual Meeting Space” (VMS) – is aimed at enabling Thai MICE entrepreneurs to continue operating their business and to re-skill their employees.

Under VMS, TCEB will support three categories of virtual meetings:

  • Webinar — TCEB will provide support in the preparation and management of this online platform, including the preparation and set-up of a studio for live streaming, as well as technical co-ordination and system monitoring during live streaming. Organisers can run slide presentations during the session, enable interaction between participants and speakers, or conduct a Q&A or poll. Such sessions can cater up to 10,000 attendees at a time.     
  • O2O (Offline to Online) — This platform is for trade exhibitions. TCEB will support the arrangement and management of O2O platforms for exhibitors, as well as live streaming” from either a studio or the organiser’s venue. This includes sequencing, production, controlling, system monitoring during live streaming and technical preparation. Exhibitors can showcase their activities, products and services as needed. An online payment system can also be installed to boost sales.
  • E-Learning Platform — This is a platform for MICE entrepreneurs to re-skill or up-skill their employees through six learning courses conducted by Southeast Asia Center (SEAC) on its YourNextU platform: 1. Project Management 2. Inter-personal Skills 3. Management 4. Communication 5. Entrepreneurship and 6. Digital. These courses are available to 250 users from May to October 2020. Learners will receive a certificate from TCEB if they complete the course requisites. TCEB welcomes application from all MICE entrepreneurs.

For the second project, “Simple Ways to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Your Meetings and Events”, aims to assist MICE venue operators to upgrade the safety standard of their facilities”. TCEB will provide a 30,000-baht subsidy for each MICE venue to formulate and implement COVID-19 screening and prevention measures as stipulated by the Ministry of Public Health. Examples of these measures include the screening of body temperature before participation, the screening of a delegate’s travel history, the preparation of hand-washing guidelines and supply of alcohol-based sanitisers, and the practice of social distancing. This project aims to equip venues with the enhanced health and safety standards that clients will be demanding.

To be eligible for “Simple Ways to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Your Meetings and Events”, a venue must hold a Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS) certification. Hotel applicants must be members of Thai Hotel Association (THA). With an allocation of 6,480,000 baht, the project run from April to June 2020 and will benefit up to 216 MICE venues nationwide.

“Apart from the two projects, TCEB has set up the TCEB COVID-19 Information Centre to serve the MICE community during this critical period. The centre’s primary role is to monitor, compile and assess information on the pandemic, especially those that impact our MICE industry, and produce the necessary recommendations. The centre’s secondary role is to update industry members on the COVID-19 situation, such as government rules, regulations and announcements, so that they are kept abreast of the latest developments,” said Mr. Chiruit. 

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Sohu.com Announces Completion of Changyou Going-Private Transaction

BEIJING, April 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Sohu.com Limited (NASDAQ: SOHU) (“Sohu”), China’s leading online media, video, search and gaming business group, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Changyou.com Limited (“Changyou”) that it did not already beneficially own, through the merger (the “Changyou Merger”) of an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary (“Changyou Merger Co.”) of Sohu with and into Changyou, with Changyou being the company surviving the Changyou Merger. As a result of the Changyou Merger, Changyou has become a private company wholly owned directly and indirectly by Sohu and the American depositary shares of Changyou (the “Changyou ADSs”), each of which represented two Changyou Class A ordinary shares (“Changyou Class A Ordinary Shares”), are no longer traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

Pursuant to the plan of merger for the Changyou Merger, each Changyou Class A Ordinary Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Changyou Merger, other than Changyou Class A ordinary shares owned beneficially by Sohu, was cancelled in exchange for the right to receive $5.40 in cash without interest, and each outstanding Changyou ADS was cancelled in exchange for the right to receive $10.80 in cash without interest (less $0.05 per ADS cancellation fees and other fees as applicable). Because Changyou Merger Co. owned over 90% of the voting power represented by all issued and outstanding shares of Changyou prior to the effectiveness of the Changyou Merger and the Changyou Merger was in the form of a short-form merger in accordance with section 233(7) of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands, the Changyou Merger was not subject to a vote of the shareholders of Changyou.

In connection with the Changyou Merger, each outstanding and fully‑vested option (each, a “Vested Option”) to purchase Changyou Class A Ordinary Shares under Changyou’s share incentive plans was cancelled, and each holder of a Vested Option has the right to receive an amount in cash determined by multiplying (x) the excess, if any, of $5.40 over the applicable exercise price of such Vested Option by (y) the number of Changyou Class A Ordinary Shares underlying such Vested Option; and each outstanding but unvested option (each, an “Unvested Option”) to purchase Changyou Class A Ordinary Shares under Changyou’s share incentive plans will remain outstanding and continue to vest following the effectiveness of the Changyou Merger in accordance with the applicable Changyou share incentive plan and award agreement governing such Unvested Option in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Changyou Merger.

Changyou has requested that trading of Changyou ADSs on the Nasdaq Global Select Market be suspended, and that the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Form 25 notifying the SEC of Nasdaq’s withdrawal of the Changyou ADSs from listing on Nasdaq and intention to withdraw the Changyou Class A Ordinary Shares from registration under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Changyou has informed Sohu that it intends to file with the SEC, ten days after Nasdaq files the Form 25, a Form 15 suspending Changyou’s reporting obligations under the Exchange Act and withdrawing the registration of Changyou Class A Ordinary Shares under the Exchange Act. Changyou’s obligations to file with or furnish to the SEC certain reports and forms, including Form 20-F and Form 6-K, will be suspended immediately as of the filing date of the Form 15 and will terminate once the deregistration of Changyou Class A Ordinary Shares becomes effective.

China Renaissance, through its subsidiary CRP-Fanya Investment Consultants (Beijing) Limited, has served as financial advisor to Sohu in connection with the Changyou Merger; Goulston & Storrs PC has served as U.S. legal counsel to Sohu; and Han Kun Law Offices has served as PRC legal counsel to Sohu.

Houlihan Lokey (China) Limited has served as financial advisor to the committee of independent and disinterested directors established by Changyou’s board of directors (the “Changyou Special Committee”) to review and evaluate the Changyou Merger; and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has served as U.S. legal counsel to the Changyou Special Committee.

Conyers Dill & Pearman has advised as to Cayman Islands legal matters with respect to the Changyou Merger.

About Sohu

Sohu is China’s premier online brand and indispensable to the daily life of millions of Chinese, providing a network of web properties and community based/web 2.0 products which offer the vast Sohu user community a broad array of choices regarding information, entertainment and communication. Sohu has built one of the most comprehensive matrices of Chinese language web properties and proprietary search engines, consisting of the mass portal and leading online media destination www.sohu.com; interactive search engine www.sogou.com; developer and operator of online games www.changyou.com and the online video website tv.sohu.com.

Sohu’s corporate services consist of online brand advertising on Sohu’s matrix of websites as well as bid listing and home page on its in-house developed search directory and engine. Sohu also provides multiple news and information services on mobile platforms, including Sohu News App and the mobile news portal m.sohu.com. Sohu’s online game subsidiary Changyou develops and operates a diverse portfolio of PC and mobile games, such as Tian Long Ba Bu (“TLBB”), one of the most popular PC games in China. Changyou also owns and operates the 17173.com Website, a game information portal in China. Sohu’s online search subsidiary Sogou (NYSE: SOGO) has grown to become the second largest search engine by mobile queries in China. It also owns and operates Sogou Input Method, the largest Chinese language input software. Sohu, established by Dr. Charles Zhang, one of China’s internet pioneers, is in its twenty-fourth year of operation.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

In the United States:

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Source: Sohu.com Ltd.

Changyou.com Announces Completion of Going-Private Transaction

BEIJING, April 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Changyou.com Limited (“Changyou”) (NASDAQ: CYOU), a leading online game developer and operator in China, today announced the completion of the merger (the “Changyou Merger”) contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated January 24, 2020, by and among Changyou; Sohu.com (Game) Limited (“Sohu Game”), an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Sohu.com Limited (“Sohu”) (NASDAQ: SOHU); and Changyou Merger Co. Limited (“Changyou Merger Co.”), a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Sohu Game, in which Changyou Merger Co. merged with and into Changyou effective April 17, 2020 (the “Effective Time”), with Changyou being the surviving company. As a result of the Changyou Merger, Changyou has become a private company wholly owned directly and indirectly by Sohu and the American depositary shares of Changyou (the “ADSs”), each of which represented two Changyou Class A ordinary shares (“Class A Ordinary Shares”), are no longer traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

Pursuant to the plan of merger for the Changyou Merger, (i) each Class A Ordinary Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than shares held beneficially by Sohu (the “Excluded Shares”), was cancelled in exchange for the right to receive $5.40 in cash without interest, and (ii) each outstanding ADS, other than the ADSs representing the Excluded Shares, was cancelled in exchange for the right to receive $10.80 in cash without interest (less $0.05 per ADS cancellation fees and other fees as applicable). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, (i) each outstanding and fully‑vested option (each, a “Vested Option”) to purchase Class A Ordinary Shares under Changyou’s share incentive plans was cancelled, and each holder of a Vested Option has the right to receive an amount in cash determined by multiplying (x) the excess, if any, of $5.40 over the applicable exercise price of such Vested Option by (y)  the number of Class A Ordinary Shares underlying such Vested Option, and (ii) each outstanding but unvested option (each, an “Unvested Option”) to purchase Class A Ordinary Shares under Changyou’s share incentive plans will remain outstanding and continue to vest following the Effective Time in accordance with the applicable Changyou share incentive plan and award agreement governing such Unvested Option in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time.

Because Changyou Merger Co. owned over 90% of the voting power represented by all issued and outstanding shares of Changyou prior to the effectiveness of the Changyou Merger and the Changyou Merger was in the form of a short-form merger in accordance with section 233(7) of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands, the Changyou Merger was not subject to a vote of the shareholders of Changyou.

Changyou has requested that trading of Changyou ADSs on the Nasdaq Global Select Market be suspended, and that the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Form 25 notifying the SEC of Nasdaq’s withdrawal of the Changyou ADSs from listing on Nasdaq and intention to withdraw the Class A Ordinary Shares from registration under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Changyou has informed Sohu that it intends to file with the SEC, ten days after Nasdaq files the Form 25, a Form 15 suspending Changyou’s reporting obligations under the Exchange Act and withdrawing the registration of the Class A Ordinary Shares under the Exchange Act. Changyou’s obligations to file with or furnish to the SEC certain reports and forms, including Form 20-F and Form 6-K, will be suspended immediately as of the filing date of the Form 15 and will terminate once the deregistration of the Class A Ordinary Shares becomes effective.

Houlihan Lokey (China) Limited has served as financial advisor to the committee of independent and disinterested directors established by Changyou’s board of directors (the “Changyou Special Committee”) to review and evaluate the Changyou Merger; and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has served as U.S. legal counsel to the Changyou Special Committee.

China Renaissance, through its subsidiary CRP-Fanya Investment Consultants (Beijing) Limited, has served as financial advisor to Sohu in connection with the Changyou Merger; Goulston & Storrs PC has served as U.S. legal counsel to Sohu; and Han Kun Law Offices has served as PRC legal counsel to Sohu.

Conyers Dill & Pearman has advised as to Cayman Islands legal matters with respect to the Changyou Merger.

About Changyou

Changyou is a leading developer and operator of online games in China with a diverse portfolio of popular online games, such as Tian Long Ba Bu (“TLBB”), one of the most popular PC games in China, as well as a number of mobile games. Changyou also owns and operates the 17173.com Website, a leading game information portal in China. Changyou began operations as a business unit within Sohu in 2003, and was carved out as a separate, stand-alone company in December 2007. Changyou has an advanced technology platform that includes advanced 2.5D and 3D graphics engines, a uniform game development platform, effective anti-cheating and anti-hacking technologies, proprietary cross-networking technology and advanced data protection technology. For more information, please visit http://ir.changyou.com/.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:
Mr. Yujia Zhao
Investor Relations
Tel: +86 (10) 6192-0800
E-mail: ir@cyou-inc.com

In the United States:
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Christensen
Phone: +1 (480) 614-3004
E-mail: lbergkamp@ChristensenIR.com

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Charoen Pokphand Group Launches Surgical Mask Factory along with Multi-Pronged Initiatives against COVID-19

  • Production starts today at surgical mask factory in Bangkok, producing 100,000 masks per day
  • Pledged to save jobs across the Group, along with medical, food and education support for employees
  • Donated USD 29.14 Million in Thailand to tackle COVID-19

BANGKOK, April 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — To tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, Charoen Pokphand Group (C.P. Group) announces a series of measures focused on supporting its employees, consumers, and the local community, especially healthcare workers. The multi-pronged initiatives include building a surgical mask factory to provide essential medical supplies, preserving jobs across the Group, delivering food and essential supplies to frontline healthcare workers and enhancing digital infrastructure to enable more efficient e-learning and remote working. To date, the Group has contributed donations worldwide to tackle COVID-19, with donations to Thailand totaling USD 29.14 Million, including for the procurement of medical supplies and protective equipment for hospitals.

The Group’s initiatives include the following key areas in Thailand:

  • Launched Surgical Mask Factory: C.P. Group invested USD 3 million (100 million baht) to build a factory just outside Bangkok to produce medical-grade surgical masks in Thailand. The factory was built in 5 weeks during COVID-19 and has obtained regulatory approval from Thai authorities to start producing surgical masks today, with production reaching 100,000 masks per day which totals to 3 million masks per month. The masks will be donated for free to medical professionals and healthcare workers throughout Thailand’s hospitals. When the COVID-19 crisis subsides, the ownership of the factory will be transferred to one of Bangkok’s public hospitals.
  • Support to employees: Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, the CEO of C.P. Group announced on April 8th, 2020 to staff that the Group is committed to not making layoffs as a result of COVID-19 across the Group worldwide, and will work together with its subsidiaries in accordance with local laws and regulations. In addition, the Group will cover medical expenses to treat COVID-19, provide education loans for their employees’ children, and provide food to quarantined employees who are negatively impacted by COVID-19 in Thailand. The Group also announced plans to create new jobs, including hiring 20,000 new employees for food delivery services across Thailand.
  • Free delivery of food and essentials supplies to hospitals: In response to COVID-19, Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) has provided free food delivery to 88 hospitals across Thailand. To cope with rising demand for food supply throughout Thailand, CPF has increased production capacity of certain essential food such as eggs and will ensure sufficient supplies without an increase in food prices.
  • Upgrade digital infrastructure for remote working and e-learning: C.P. Group’s telecommunications arm, True Corporation Public Company Limited (True Corporation), tripled domestic and international bandwidth capacity to provide customers with enhanced services on digital platforms for e-learning, remote working and e-payment services. To provide digital solutions that help with social distancing, True Corporation has offered free access to a cloud-based integrated solutions platform – “True Virtual World”- that was developed in less than a month during COVID-19 to support work from home arrangements and e-learning for students. True Corporation, in collaboration with CPF, is also providing free mobile phone SIM cards to suspected COVID-19 patients who register to receive free food delivery from CPF. In addition, through the Digital Council of Thailand (DCT), of which C.P. Group’s CEO Suphachai Chearavanont is President, True Corporation announced that they will work alongside other Council members to launch digital platforms and applications to help source medical supply donations as well as track, trace and contain the spread of COVID-19.

Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group, said, “During these dark times, we must unite and tackle COVID-19 together. Critical to our fight against this pandemic is to make sure our frontline medical workers have the essential medical equipment they need, and surgical masks are critical for them at this time. At this moment, we are also very focused on keeping people employed and do what we can to help our employees and their families, our customers and our local communities. With the mask factory now open along with all our other COVID-19 initiatives, we are using the best of our capability throughout the areas and sectors our Group operates in to contribute to the fight against COVID-19. Our Group was founded on the Three-Benefit Principle, which places the countries and communities in which we operate as well as our people before the company’s interest. This remains central to everything that we do, especially during difficult and challenging times.”

Mr. Soopakij Chearavanont, Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group, said, “We are committed to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic alongside Thailand until the very end. We strongly believe that through the global partnerships we have with our network of suppliers and most importantly employees, we can pool together skills and resources as we continue our joint efforts to tackle COVID-19. We recognize that this is a challenging time for us all, and as a Group, we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to help our local communities and to support all our stakeholders. This is the right thing to do at this time and I believe by working together, we can get through this unprecedented challenge that COVID-19 has presented to all of us both locally and globally.”

Suphachai Chearavanont (center), CEO of C.P. Group, visiting the production line inside the surgical face mask factory
Suphachai Chearavanont (center), CEO of C.P. Group, visiting the production line inside the surgical face mask factory
C.P. Group Senior Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont (sixth from left), Chairman Soopakij Chearavanont (fourth from left), and CEO Suphachai Chearavanont (third from left), handed 100,000 masks to the Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross
C.P. Group Senior Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont (sixth from left), Chairman Soopakij Chearavanont (fourth from left), and CEO Suphachai Chearavanont (third from left), handed 100,000 masks to the Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross

About Charoen Pokphand Group:

The Charoen Pokphand Group (C.P. Group) is a leading Thai multi-national conglomerate that operates 3 core businesses in agro-industry and food, marketing and distribution, and telecommunications. C.P. Group invests in 21 countries with over 200 companies and 300,000 employees located around the world. The organization operates under the ‘3-Benefits’ principle of ‘Benefiting the Country, the Society and then the Company’ where ever we operate, thereby enabling C.P. Group to play a role in the development of Thailand’s economic and social development as well as all countries we have invested in. Since September 2017, three of C.P. Group’s listed businesses have been admitted to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) Emerging Markets, signalling C.P. Group’s long-term commitment to ensuring a sustainable future.

For more information, please visit: www.cpgroupglobal.com/en/

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‘One World: Together At Home’ Global Special to Air on JOOX Music on April 19

BANGKOK, April 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — JOOX Music, a leading music streaming platform, today announced that One World: Together At Home — a globally televised and streamed special in support of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, will air on JOOX Music in Thailand, Hong Kong and Macau SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and South Africa on April 19.

‘One World: Together At Home’ Global Special to Air on JOOX Music on April 19
‘One World: Together At Home’ Global Special to Air on JOOX Music on April 19

‘One World: Together At Home’ — 6-hour Digital Broadcast Special:

Thailand: 1am – 7am, April 19

Hong Kong and Macau SAR: 2am – 8am, April 19

Indonesia: 1am – 7am, April 19

Malaysia: 2am – 8am, April 19

Myanmar: 12.30am – 6.30am, April 19

South Africa: 8pm – 2am, April 18

‘One World: Together At Home’ — 2-hour Broadcast Special:

Thailand: 7am, April 19

Hong Kong and Macau SAR: 8am, April 19

Indonesia: 7am, April 19

Malaysia: 8am, April 19

Myanmar: 6.30am, April 19

South Africa: 2am, April 19

Launched by international advocacy organization Global Citizen, and the World Health Organization (WHO), One World: Together At Home will show unity among all people who are affected by COVID-19 and will also celebrate and support brave healthcare workers doing life-saving work on the front lines.

Curated in collaboration with Lady Gaga, One World: Together At Home will include performances and appearances by:

Adam Lambert, Alicia Keys, Amy Poehler, Andra Day, Andrea Bocelli, Angèle, Anitta, Annie Lennox, Awkwafina, Becky G, Ben Platt, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Billy Ray Cyrus, Black Coffee, Bridget Moynahan, Burna Boy, Camila Cabello, Cassper Nyovest, Céline Dion, Charlie Puth, Chris Martin, Christine and the Queens, Common, Connie Britton, Danai Gurira, David & Victoria Beckham, Delta Goodrem, Don Cheadle, Eason Chan, Eddie Vedder, Ellen DeGeneres, Elton John, Erin Richards, FINNEAS, Heidi Klum, Hozier, Hussain Al Jassmi, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, Jack Black, Jack Johnson, Jacky Cheung, Jameela Jamil, James McAvoy, Jason Segel, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Jess Glynne, Jessie J, Jessie Reyez, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, John Legend, Juanes, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Kesha, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Lang Lang, Leslie Odom Jr., Lewis Hamilton, Liam Payne, Lili Reinhart, Lilly Singh, Lily Tomlin, Lindsey Vonn, Lisa Mishra, Lizzo, LL Cool J, Lola Lennox, Luis Fonsi, Lupita Nyong‘o, Maluma, Maren Morris, Matt Bomer, Matthew McConaughey, Megan Rapinoe, Michael Bublé, Milky Chance, Naomi Osaka, Natti Natasha, Niall Horan, Nomzamo Mbatha, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Pharrell Williams, P.K. Subban, Picture This, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rita Ora, Sam Heughan, Sam Smith, Samuel L Jackson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sebastián Yatra, Shah Rukh Khan, Shawn Mendes, Sheryl Crow, Sho Madjozi, Sofi Tukker, Stephen Colbert, Stevie Wonder, Superm, Taylor Swift, The Killers, Tim Gunn, Usher, Vishal Mishra and Zucchero.

Poshu Yeung, Vice President, International Business Group, Tencent said, “As a leading music streaming platform, JOOX Music is proud to be a part of this global initiative that unites performers, music fans and all citizens around the world in a collaborative effort to beat coronavirus, supporting frontline healthcare workers and the WHO. We stand together, gathering our hearts while staying at home, with all music lovers in Thailand, Hong Kong and Macau SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and South Africa in using music as a universal tool in our fight against the further spread of COVID-19.”

One World: Together At Home is not a telethon — it is a historic, first-of-its kind global broadcast event to celebrate the heroic efforts of community health workers, and to support the World Health Organization in the global fight to end COVID-19. The broadcast will feature stories from frontline healthcare workers on the COVID response, commitments from philanthropists, governments and corporations to support and equip frontline healthcare workers around the world, with masks, gowns and other vital equipment, and to local charities that provide food, shelter, and healthcare to those that need it most.

For more information about Global Citizen and its campaign to support the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO, powered by the UN Foundation, please visit globalcitizen.org and follow @GlblCtzn on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #GlobalCitizen. 

To learn more about WHO’s response to the pandemic and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, please go to www.who.int/COVID-19 and follow @WHO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

For information about how to tune in and take action, visit www.globalcitizen.org/togetherathome.

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111 Files Annual Report on Form 20-F for Fiscal Year Ended 2019

SHANGHAI, April 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — 111, Inc. (“111” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: YI), a leading integrated online and offline healthcare platform in China, today announced it has filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 16, 2020.

The annual report is available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.111.com.cn/ as well as the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon request. Requests should be directed to Investor Relations Department 3-5/F, No. 295 ZuChongZhi Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, The People’s Republic of China.

About 111, Inc.

111, Inc. (NASDAQ: YI) (“111” or the “Company”) is a leading integrated online and offline healthcare platform in China. The Company provides hundreds of millions of consumers with better access to pharmaceutical products and healthcare services directly through its online retail pharmacy and indirectly through its offline pharmacy network. 111 also offers online healthcare services through its internet hospital, 1 Clinic, which provides consumers with cost-effective and convenient online consultation and electronic prescription services. In addition to providing direct services to consumers through its online retail pharmacy, 111 also enables offline pharmacies to better serve their customers. The Company’s online wholesale pharmacy, 1 Drug Mall, serves as a one-stop shop for pharmacies to source a vast selection of pharmaceutical products. The Company’s new retail platform, by integrating the front and back ends of the pharmaceutical supply chain, has formed a smart supply chain, which transforms the flow of pharmaceutical products to pharmacies and modernizes how they serve their customers.

For more information on 111, please visit ir@111.com.cn

For more information, please contact:

111, Inc
IR Director
Ms. Monica Mu
ir@111.com.cn

Christensen
In China
Mr. Christian Arnell
Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
E-mail: carnell@christensenir.com

In U.S.
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Phone: +1-480-614-3004
Email: lbergkamp@ChristensenIR.com

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Source: 111, Inc.