Vincent Bollore says has met with Havas CEO Pouzilhac; board mtg June 21 UPDATE - Forbes.com

Vincent Bollore says has met with Havas CEO Pouzilhac; board mtg June 21 UPDATE - Forbes.com: "AFX News Limited
Vincent Bollore says has met with Havas CEO Pouzilhac; board mtg June 21 UPDATE
06.16.2005, 08:48 AM

(updates with details of conversation between Pouzilhac and Bollore)

PARIS (AFX) - Vincent Bollore said he met with Havas CEO Alain de Pouzilhac today and that the group will hold its first board meeting since's Bollore's arrival on Tuesday.

Bollore told Agence-France Presse in a written deposition that 'changes to the managerial situation at Havas were brought up' in the course of the meeting.

'Alain de Pouzilhac and Vincent Bollore went over the various possible scenarios (and) both made clear their wish for Havas to move forward in a calm ambience,' the deposition read.

Pouzilhac's pledge to remain as CEO despite Bollore Group's success in capturing four board seats against his will led Bollore to say he was 'a bit surprised'.

At today's meeting, Bollore said he 'indicated that as soon as a clear, positive and common position has been decided', he is in favour of introducing a stock options package for Havas managers.

paris@afxnews.com

mrg/har "

Mark Lucas, CEO of Altec Lansing Technologies, Named Finalist For Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2005 Award

Mark Lucas, CEO of Altec Lansing Technologies, Named Finalist For Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2005 Award: "June 16, 2005 09:00 AM US Eastern Timezone

Mark Lucas, CEO of Altec Lansing Technologies, Named Finalist For Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2005 Award

MILFORD, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 2005--Mark E. Lucas, CEO of Altec Lansing Technologies, has been named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2005 Awards in the contest region covering greater Philadelphia, central Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware. Lucas was selected from 75 regional nominations by a panel of independent judges comprised of area leaders from business, academic, and civic organizations. Finalists will be selected in one of eight award categories announced at an awards banquet this evening at the Philadelphia Marriott Hotel.


Under Lucas' leadership, Altec Lansing has become the market's leading supplier of powered and portable speaker systems for today's consumer electronics. His most recognized accomplishment at the 1,500-employee company was to engineer a comprehensive shift in Altec Lansing's business model from selling speaker systems to computer manufacturers toward the current model of selling products directly to the consumer through retail channels. The result has been dramatic and sustained company growth as well as carefully crafted global expansion.
Lucas has also led the introduction of the inMotion(TM) brand of portable audio products, including the market's best-selling portable speaker for the Apple iPod; launched a variety of new computer and home entertainment sound systems; and relaunched the company's Professional Division.
Regional winners will be eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2005 national program. Winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif. in November 2005.

About The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) Program

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Program was created and is produced by professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP. As the first award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses. The program honors entrepreneurs through regional, national and global award programs in over 100 cities and 35 countries.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young, a global leader in professional services, is committed to restoring the public's trust in professional services firms and in the quality of financial reporting. Its 100,000 people in more than 140 countries around the globe pursue the highest levels of integrity, quality, and professionalism to provide clients with solutions based on financial, transactional, and risk-management knowledge in Ernst & Young's core services of Audit, Tax, and Transaction Advisory Services. Ernst & Young practices also provide legal services in some parts of the world where permitted. Further information about Ernst & Young and its approach to a variety of business issues can be found at www.ey.com/perspectives. Ernst & Young refers to all the members of the global Ernst & Young organization.

About Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc.

Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc., has a rich legacy of blending art and science to stir the soul with high quality consumer and professional speaker systems. The market leader in Powered Audio(TM) Systems, Altec Lansing designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of computer and home entertainment sound systems and a line of headsets and headphones. The company's Professional division, re-launched in 2002, builds on the storied Altec Lansing name among sound system specifiers, contractors and installers in the fixed installation market. Headquartered in Milford, PA USA and privately held, Altec Lansing also has offices in Oklahoma City OK, Luxembourg, and Hong Kong. In addition, Altec Lansing has an ISO 9002 and SA8000 certified manufacturing facility in The People's Republic of China. The company employs about 1,500 people worldwide.

Arizona Technology Council President and CEO Todd Bankofier Takes Executive Post at Arizona-Based Technology Services Company

Arizona Technology Council President and CEO Todd Bankofier Takes Executive Post at Arizona-Based Technology Services Company: "June 16, 2005 09:01 AM US Eastern Timezone

Arizona Technology Council President and CEO Todd Bankofier Takes Executive Post at Arizona-Based Technology Services Company

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 2005--
Joins Ensynch as Vice President and General Manager, Arizona; Pledges to Ensure a Successful Transition and Continued Involvement in Council




The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona's leading technology membership-based association, today announced that President and CEO Todd Bankofier will be stepping down from his position effective Aug. 26, 2005. Bankofier will be moving to the position of vice president and general manager, Arizona for Tempe-based information technology services and solutions consulting company, Ensynch Inc. The recruiting firm, DHR International, will begin immediately conducting a search for Bankofier's successor.
'I am so very proud of the accomplishments of this Technology Council,' said Bankofier. 'In these competitive and critical times, Arizona's community of business leaders and policymakers have come to work together as a united front and it's been my pleasure to represent their interests. I will always be grateful for the great privilege the board of directors has given me to lead this organization.'
'Todd has done an exceptional job leading this organization,' said Paul Johnson, Arizona Technology Council chairman. 'When first taking the position, at a time when the future of the organization was uncertain due to the passing of the previous CEO, Todd rose to the challenge and built a Council that is unmatched, and has been success at becoming the voice for technology in Arizona. His impact has affected the state and its future in profound ways."

Added Johnson, "It will be my recommendation that Todd become the nominee for the next chairman of the board of the Technology Council upon completion of my term in September. This would create a strong transition plan for the Council and its future plans." The board of directors of the Technology Council will need to approve the appointment at an upcoming board meeting.

"We have built a well-respected and talented organization with a mission vital to the state's future," said Bankofier. "I am strongly committed to the work of the Council and will continue my involvement in the Council after my departure."

Under Bankofier's leadership the Council became the definitive voice in technology for the state; nearly tripled its membership; raised awareness to the needs of the technology community; launched TechConnect magazine, Arizona's first statewide science and technology publication; built collaborative agreements with many of the state's like-minded organizations like the High Tech Industry Cluster, the Southern Arizona Technology Council, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona Department of Commerce, and the Arizona Bio-Industry Association and successfully lobbied for key pieces of legislation directly impacting the tech community, including the recently enacted Angel Investment Tax Credit.

Bankofier is currently serving as a member of the Governor's Council on Innovation and Technology. Prior to his role at the Arizona Technology Council, he served as the VP of national sales for XO Communications and as the senior vice president of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, where he oversaw all economic development and public policy initiatives.

About The Arizona Technology Council

Since its inception in 2002, the Arizona Technology Council has stood as the largest association of technology companies in Arizona, whose shared vision is for the state to be recognized as a top-tier center for technology-based businesses. The Council works to carry out this vision by driving partnerships, policies and programs that advance the business climate for Arizona's technology community and by representing, supporting and advocating for member companies through initiatives, advocacy, networking and effective communications. The Arizona Technology Council represents 35,000-plus employees at more than 475 of the leading technology and service companies across Arizona. Represented industries include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, biotechnology, e-learning, environmental technology, software, Internet applications, semiconductors, and telecommunications. For more information, visit http://www.aztechcouncil.org.

CRN | Breaking News | Intel CEO Expects 'Very Seasonal' Chip Demand

CRN | Breaking News | Intel CEO Expects 'Very Seasonal' Chip Demand: "Intel CEO Expects 'Very Seasonal' Chip Demand"

SEOUL, South Korea -- Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini said Thursday he expects "very seasonal" second-half demand for computer chips, suggesting end-of-year purchases of personal computers and other electronic devices utilizing the key component won't falter.

"Given the growth that we've already seen in the first quarter and the guidance for the second quarter, that would imply a very seasonal second half," he said at a press conference in the South Korean capital. He didn't elaborate.

Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel is the world's largest semiconductor maker.

Demand for chips typically rises in last six months of the year as consumers increase purchases of personal computers and other high-tech products for academic use and during the end-of-year holiday shopping season.

Otellini assumed the twin posts in May, succeeding Craig Barrett.

Intel, a bellwether for the technology industry, last week raised its revenue forecast for the second quarter ending July 2, saying it now expects sales of $9.1 billion to $9.3 billion, above the prior expectation of $8.6 billion to $9.2 billion.

During Otellini's visit, Intel signed a memorandum of understanding with KT Corp., South Korea's largest fixed-line telephone operator, to collaborate on accelerating delivery of wireless broadband services. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

Reuters | Latest Financial News / Full News Coverage

Reuters | Latest Financial News / Full News Coverage: "Old Mutual under no pressure for Skandia deal - CEO

Thu June 16, 2005 1:45 PM GMT+02:00
By Carmel Crimmins
LONDON (Reuters) - Old Mutual is under no pressure to buy Skandia in a possible $14 billion tie-up and takeover talks with the Swedish insurer are still at an early stage, the CEO of South Africa's largest insurer said.
'They are serious talks, but I do not want to leave the impression that it is something that we are required to do,' Jim Sutcliffe told reporters on the sidelines of a conference on Thursday.
'It's got to be at the right price. It's got to be value creating. We are not at that point yet.'
After signalling a preference to go it alone, London-listed Old Mutual surprised investors in mid-May when it announced it was in talks with Scandinavia's second-largest listed insurer, valued at around $5.5 billion.
Sutcliffe said Old Mutual, valued at around $8.5 billion, would have to raise 'some debt and some equity' to pay for Skandia and Old Mutual shares have so far fallen around 11 percent on the prospect.
Sutcliffe said Old Mutual and Skandia had similar styles of business and a merger would give them a strong reach and enable Skandia, whose reputation at home has been hit by scandals, to concentrate on regaining its domestic market share.
'The Swedish company is very similar in broad outline to our South African company. The UK is a fine operation. They have got very interesting growth prospects in continental Europe.'
Old Mutual is keen to reduce its reliance on South Africa and expand in the UK, where Skandia has a fast growing high-margin business which would complement Old Mutual's small UK mutual fund operation. The UK accounted for around 60 percent of Skandia's group profit last year.

Sutcliffe said he did not know if there would be counterbidders.

Sources familiar with the matter have told Reuters that Skandia's Swedish operations and its fast-growing UK business have attracted attention from other companies such as the Nordic region's leading bank, Nordea, and European players active in the UK, such as AXA, Aegon and Zurich Financial.

NO PRESSURE

Some Old Mutual shareholders have spoken out against a bid but analysts have warned that if the talks with Skandia fail Old Mutual's strategy and leadership would be in question and the company could itself be at risk from a takeover bid.

Sutcliffe said he did not think his position or Old Mutual's would be weakened if talks ended.

"We would just carry on as we were. Old Mutual is not made up of doing deals," Sutcliffe said, adding that the takeover talks were in line with the group's strategy.

Sutcliffe said he had decided to probe a Skandia deal after the Swedish insurer said it was considering its options.

"They fired the gun. They (gave) a press interview in December saying they were thinking about their options."

Skandia has stayed silent on the Old Mutual talks and its Chief Executive Hans-Erik Andersson has repeatedly said the company can go it alone if a bid does not emerge.

At 1130 GMT, Old Mutual shares were up 0.4 percent at 115-3/4 pence. Skandia was down nearly 1 percent at 40.30 Swedish crowns.

Enel CEO sees no antitrust problem with sale of 29.9 pct of Terna to CDP - Forbes.com

Enel CEO sees no antitrust problem with sale of 29.9 pct of Terna to CDP - Forbes.com: "Enel CEO sees no antitrust problem with sale of 29.9 pct of Terna to CDP
06.16.2005, 09:56 AM

MILAN (AFX) - Enel SpA CEO Fulvio Conti said he does not see any antitrust problems with the sale by Enel of a 29.9 pct stake in Terna SpA to 70 pct state-controlled Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA (CDP).

Italy's antitrust authority is concerned about the deal because CDP owns 10 pct of Enel, and the aim of Enel's divestment of most of its remaining Terna stake is to liberalise the electricity sector.

'I don't expect antitrust problems on the authorisation of the sale to CDP of 29.9 pct in Terna,' Conti said.

The acquisition will not concentrate market power in CDP, he said.

He added that the antitrust authority is also required to clear Terna's planned merger with the state-owned grid manager, the GRTN.

Last week, Italy's antitrust authority said it has asked other electricity operators for their opinion on the Terna sale but has not opened an inquiry.

In other comments, Conti repeated that a government announcement of a public offer of a 10 pct stake in Enel is waiting for stock market regulator Consob's clearance of the offer details.

The treasury had been expected two days ago to announce the timetable for its planned sale of the stake, which reportedly will run June 27-July 1.

nt/tc "