PAMPERS SURPASSES $10 BILLION SALES MARK

Procter & Gamble has announced that its Pampers brand has achieved worldwide annual sales in excess of $10 billion to become the first Procter & Gamble product to reach this mark.  This confirms Pampers’ leadership position as the number one diaper in the world..

Pampers Brand Manager Anthony Nganga said that the achievement reflects the trust and loyalty earned from generations of parents adding that after its invention in 1956 Pampers continues to drive category growth through product and marketing innovation.

“Pampers has earned the trust and loyalty of generations of parents. It’s become one of the world’s most iconic brands by consistently living its purpose to care for babies’ happy, healthy development serving over 25 million babies in more than 100 countries,” said Mr. Nganga.

With regards to Kenya’s sales contribution to the $10 billion sales per year mark, Mr. Nganga said that the success of the Pampers brand has been due to the innovation of the brand whose backbone has been feedback from mums. The Pampers brand is constantly innovating and although market leader in most countries continues to strive to provide a better experience for all babies. In Kenya Pampers market share is 65% making it the leading diaper brand in the country.

He added that Pampers is committed to continuing to educate its consumers on the benefits of uninterrupted overnight sleep for babies and its connection to baby growth and development. Mr Nganga stressed the company’s commitment to assisting mothers’ help their babies have high quality skin protection, adding that, by selecting a good quality diaper that offers high quality skin protection, mothers can nurture a most vital asset essential to babies’ experiences of the world around them and important to their unique and special bond.

Since its innovation in 1956, Pampers has been improving everyday life for generations of parents and babies with over five decades of diaper innovation:

·         In the 1960’s, Pampers introduced Z-pleats for stretch and stay-dry lining.

·         In the 1970’s, fastening tapes replaced pins, providing baby a better fit and less leaks.

·         In the 1980’s super absorbers replaced bulk pulp for better comfort and improved dryness.

·         In the 2000’s Pampers introduced Baby Stages of Development, a complete line of diapers, training pants and wipes designed for every stage of baby’s development.

Today, Pampers are made in 30 manufacturing plants in 25 countries with 25 million babies using them in 100 countries.

In line with P&G’s Live Learn and Thrive corporate social responsibility, Pampers has partnered with UNICEF since 2006 to help eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, a deadly disease that still claims the life of a newborn every 9 minutes. To date, Pampers has raised funds for 300 million vaccines protecting 100 million moms and their babies. The “1 pack = 1 vaccine” program has helped eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus in Uganda and Myanmar.

About P&G

P&G touches and improves the lives of about 4.4 billion people around the world with its portfolio of trusted, quality brands. The Company's leadership brands include Pampers®, Ariel®, Always®, Gillette®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Fairy®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Braun®, Fusion®, Ace®, Febreze®, and Ambi Pur®. With operations in about 80 countries, P&G brands are available in more than 180 countries worldwide. Please visit www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

Gaming Apps coming to your Cinema 3D Smart TVs courtesy of LG Electronics

One of the best features for many people with a smart TV is the ability to surf the Internet and download apps to run on the TV screen. Often some of the most popular apps for smart TVs are games. LG has announced an industry first today with the arrival of 3D-enabled game apps for its line of Cinema 3D Smart TVs.


The best part is that these aren’t second-tier games LG has whipped up, according to LG these are some of the most popular apps that have been available on smartphones and tablets through the Apple App Store and Google Play. The game apps were previously only available in 2D and are available in 3-D for the first time on LG TVs. The first series of five games are available as of today.
Available apps include Air Penguin, Frisbee Forever, Burn The City, Downhill Bowling 2, and Diversion. “We are excited to be able to bring 3D gaming to Smart TVs for the first time so family members can enjoy the immersive fun together,” said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Home Entertainment Company. “With the arrival of established games as well as original titles developed exclusively for LG CINEMA 3D Smart TV, we are fulfilling our commitment to realizing the potential of Smart TV as a genuine 3D gaming platform. LG CINEMA 3D Smart TV owners will be amazed as they become fully engrossed in the large screen, 3D environments of their favorite games, and at how easy it is to be in control with the Magic Remote.”
LG promises that the technology used in its 3D TVs will allow gamers to play for longer periods without eye fatigue thanks to the lightweight 3D glasses and the Flicker-Free technology LG uses. The games take advantage of LG’s Magic Remote as a motion-sensitive game controller. The new game apps are available on LG Smart World in all 13 countries where LG currently offers its Smart TV paid services. Additional games will come in August and pricing for the apps is unannounced.

LG INTRODUCES NEW IPS MONITORS WITH CINEMA SCREEN DESIGN AND MHL CONNECTIVITY

IPS7 Series Features Superb Lifelike Colors, Stylish Design, Smarter Connectivity

for the Ultimate Entertainment Experience That’s Also Comfortable on Eyes

SEOUL, July 20, 2012 – LG Electronics (LG) announced the global roll-out of its premium IPS7 series monitors, launching first in the Asian markets of Korea and China, including Hong Kong. The IPS7 series features LG’s own CINEMA SCREEN Design, with an almost invisible bezel for an unobstructed entertainment experience and a sophisticated, modern appearance. The IPS7 series also delivers lifelike color consistency and representation across a wider viewing angle, thanks to LG’s own IPS technology. The addition of Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) makes it easy to connect external devices, like smartphones, for immersive viewing on a larger screen.

“By combining CINEMA SCREEN Design and MHL functionality with the industry’s leading IPS technology, the IPS7 series is able to offer stunning design and performance,” said J.J. Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of the IT Business Unit of the LG Home Entertainment Company. “With the rapid growth in the number of mobile smart devices such as smartphones and tablets, the availability of content has greatly expanded. LG’s IPS7 expands the user experience, enabling viewers to take full advantage of this content-rich environment.”

Alluring Design with Latest Connective Technology

Incorporation of LG’s CINEMA SCREEN Design results in an impressively thin 1.2mm bezel, practically eliminating any visual distraction and allowing for greater viewing immersion. In addition to the incredibly narrow bezel, the overall depth of LG’s IPS7 monitors has been reduced to a mere 14.1mm. The streamlined metallic stand creates an aesthetically sharp profile and the cable management feature further enhances the visual appeal. What’s more, traditional plastic buttons have been replaced by capacitive touch controls for a sleeker look. CINEMA SCREEN Design delivers in style what LG’s advanced IPS technology provides in stunning picture quality. The clean lines and modern, minimal design add value to any space, while the lifelike colors and crisp tones add up to a visual experience that is second to none.

Addressing the need for easier connectivity, LG has provided the perfect solution with today’s newest technology: MHL. With Mobile High-Definition Link technology, IPS7 series owners can easily connect mobile devices to the monitor with a single cable to the HDMI input port. With MHL, photographs and movies stored on smartphones can be viewed on the larger monitor screen. The IPS7 series even charges connected mobile devices while users enjoy their favorite content.

Full Entertainment Experience with Lifelike Colors and Ultimate Visual Comfort

The IPS7 series uses In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels rather than conventional Twisted Nematic (TN) technology found in most monitors. This brings advantages in picture quality and color consistency, letting users enjoy the most vivid and true-to-life colors around. The IPS7 series produces an incredibly smooth viewing experience, without the blur that often accompanies rapid motion in action scenes, sports and video games. This means less stress on the eyes, even when using the monitor for an extended period of time. With improved response times when viewing motion pictures, users can enjoy the benefit of the smoothest entertainment experience around.

And IPS panels excel under a wider range of viewing angles when compared to their TN counterpart. Users can play games or watch videos while sitting, standing or lying down without experiencing any color shift or distortion.

Color Calibration Ready

A convenient color calibration function is included to help reproduce the most accurate, lifelike colors. The IPS7 series comes with LG’s own software for simplifying the calibration process for professionals, such as photographers and graphic designers.

Specifications

	IPS277L	IPS237L
Screen Size	27-inch	23-inch
Panel Type	LED IPS
Resolution	1920 x 1080
Aspect Ratio	16:9
Brightness	250nit
Contrast Ratio	Mega
Response Time	5ms
Viewing Angle	178/178
Functions	H/W Calibration Ready, Dual Smart Solution, Super Energy Saving, 6 Axis Control, Factory Calibration

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances. With 117 operations around the world, LG achieved global sales of USD 49 billion (KRW 54.26 trillion) in 2011. LG is comprised of four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Com-munications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions – and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.

About LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company

The LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company is a global top player in televisions, monitors, commercial displays, audio video systems, personal computers and security systems. The company constantly pushes technological boundaries to create feature-rich devices with stylish designs that meet global consumer needs. LG's consumer products include CINEMA 3D Smart TVs, OLED TVs, IPS monitors, home theater systems, Blu-ray Disc™ players, mouse scanners and external storage devices. LG’s commercial products include digital signage, video conferencing systems and IP security cameras.

Media Contact:

LG Electronics, Inc.

Ken Hong

+822 3777 3626

LGnews@lge.com

www.LGnewsroom.com

KENYAN SCHOOL RECEIVES OVER 300 DESKS AND CHAIRS FUNDED BY DE LA RUE.

De La Rue Charitable Trust donates 800,000 Ksh to improve the learning experience for children attending Drive-In Primary School located close to its factory in Ruaraka

De La Rue, the world’s largest integrated commercial banknote printer which operates a factory in Ruaraka employing over 260 skilled local Kenyan workers, has responded to the needs of a local school to help fund the desks and chairs that they urgently require through its Charitable Trust which considered and approved the project .

Mr Keith Brown, De La Rue, Managing Director, Currency said, “We have been operating our factory in Ruaraka since 1994 and we are now fully integrated into the local community. We were delighted to be given the opportunity to help fund Drive-In Primary School where many of the children in the area are educated.”

Drive-In Primary School strives to provide a clean and safe learning environment for 1,200 pupils aged between 4 and 17 years, along with 30 teachers. The school’s proximity to areas frequented by drug users and other undesirables means that significant funds have been spent on erecting a perimeter fence. With this in place the focus is now on providing the essential furnishings that will help the children learn.    

Ms Jeddidah Munyiri, Drive-In Primary School Head said, “A significant amount of our resources have been invested in making the school a safe environment in which to learn. We are therefore delighted to now receive funding from De La Rue for over 300 desks and chairs that will help to improve the quality of the learning experience we can provide to all our pupils.”

Mr Steve Craig, Head of Operations in Kenya for De La Rue, presented a cheque worth 800,000 Ksh to Ms Munyiri in a short ceremony held at the school earlier today.     

ENDS

About De La Rue plc:

As the world’s largest integrated commercial banknote printer, De La Rue is a trusted partner of governments, central banks, issuing authorities and commercial organisations around the world.

In the past five years alone, the Group has been involved in the design or production of over 150 national currencies. De La Rue also produces a wide range of security documents including passports, driving licences, authentication labels and tax stamps. In addition, the Group manufactures sophisticated, high speed cash sorting and inspection equipment.

De La Rue also offers a range of specialist services and software solutions including government identity schemes, product authentication systems and cash management processing solutions.

De La Rue employs approximately 4,000 people worldwide and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

STARTIMES MEDIA BRINGS DIGITAL PAY TV SOLUTIONS TO THE KENYAN MARKET

StarTimes Media, a digital Pay TV company has officially launched its services in Kenya, following successful signal testing for the last one month. StarTimes Media, which has a global subscription base of over 7 million viewers in China and Africa, will broadcast on digital platform, with the signal being provided by Pan African Networks.

Speaking at the launch, the chief guest The Right Hon. Prime Minister Raila Odinga congratulated StarTimes Media for investing in the country saying that its entry will help grow the broadcasting industry.

“The entry of StarTimes into this market will serve as a boost to the broadcasting industry, which the government recently reorganized to separate signal distributors from content providers. I am happy to note that StarTimes is broadcasting on digital platform, which the government advocates and is currently educating the public on.” said Hon Raila Odinga.

The Prime Minister also said that the country’s dedicated efforts to meet the global 2015 Digital switchover deadline is real, and it is with the efforts of corporates like StarTimes that will help the country realize this goal. 

StarTimes Media launched its operations globally in 1988, and expanded to Africa in 2008, Rwanda being its first project. Today, StarTimes is in over seven countries across Africa including Guinea, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Central Africa and now Kenya. Other projects have been completed and put into trial operation.

“Our entry into this market is informed by research done over a period of two years, which showed the existence of gap in the broadcasting industry, where the penetration of Pay TV is very low and what is currently available is out of reach for majority of the Kenyans. The research also showed that there is opportunity for the development of Digital broadcasting which is barely available in this market,” said StarTimes Chairman Mr. Pang.

The company will offer home entertainment and portable TV solutions including car TV and mobile TV guaranteeing uninterrupted, crystal clear audio and visual reception thereby guaranteeing content at the comfort of consumers home as well as on the move.

Banking on a strong signal and continued network expansion in the country, StarTimes will provide a competitive edge in the pay TV market as the company targets the mass market with the most affordable decoder and subscription service in the country today.

For just Ksh 2,999, customers will acquire Communication Commission of Kenya approved DVB – T2 technology decoders that are user friendly given that they are plug and play thereby eliminating the hustle of having to install a satellite dish.

In Addition, StarTimes has initiated an exercise to replace any Startimes DVB - T1 decoder bought before May 2012 with the new approved StarTimes DVB - T2 decoder at no extra cost. The customer will only be required to pay subscription thereby ensuring uninterrupted television service.

StarTimes currently boasts of the most affordable subscription service in the market. From as low as Ksh 499 for the basic package, Kenyans will be in a position to enjoy different genres of programming ranging from sports, documentaries, music, movies, kids shows and religious channels not to mention the most comprehensive inclusion of the free to air channels currently available on analogue in Kenya which will now be available on digital in all the StarTimes packages.

In his address, the minister for Information and Communication Hon. Samuel Poghisio observed that “More investors in the broadcasting sector present a positive outlook for the broadcasting industry in the near future, with more players, there will be increased demand for content which will in turn present opportunities to exploit talents and earn a living through production and related engagements”.

StarTimes will be borrowing from its rich history and success in other African markets to further present value for money for its customers by enabling them to watch what they want.

LG REFRIGERATOR STILL WORKING AFTER BEING THROWN THROUGH BRICK WALL BY TORNADO

South African Tornado Fails to Affect LG’s Refrigerator

as it Continues to Function Properly even after Exposure to Powerful Winds.

DENEYSVILLE, July 24, 2012 – LG Electronics (LG) has once again proven the amazing durability of their refrigerators in an incident in South Africa last month. A powerful tornado tore through the region of Deneysville located just 90km from Johannesburg. The natural disaster caused much havoc and the destruction of many homes. Despite this, an LG refrigerator owner managed to find his Side-by-side fridge completely intact and functioning normally.

Last month’s tornado in the Deneysville region caused a great deal of damage to the area with one death, several people injured and many losing their houses.

South Africa has been hit with several tornadoes over the past year causing almost 100 casualties and resulting in around 1000 homes being destroyed.

 

Mark Louw, a local resident, was a victim of this natural disaster, having had most of his property destroyed. After the tornado had swept through, Louw found the roof of his house had been completely torn off and his car badly damaged by the powerful winds. Expecting all his home appliances to have suffered the same result, Louw was naturally taken aback by the condition he found his LG Side-by-side refrigerator in. Despite being swept up by the tornado and hurled through a brick wall, his fridge was found essentially intact. Although there was some damage done to the exterior and the food stuffs inside had inevitably shifted, the LG refrigerator was in perfect working order. Louw was deeply impressed with LG for making such a well built product and claimed he would certainly continue to choose LG appliances in the future.

 “We are obviously not surprised by this news, as we’ve always known our refrigerators had superior durability,” said Jin-moo Lee, President of LG Electronics South Africa. “However, what this case does is further illustrate the sheer brilliance of our propriety technology. We are so confident in our Linear Compressor equipped refrigerators that we offer them with a standard 10 year warranty. South African consumers can always rely on us to provide them with products that are made to withstand the toughest of circumstances.”