Accenture Increases International Access to Office of Biometric Identity Management

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded Accenture Federal Services  (NYS: ACN) a nine-month, $30 million contract to expand international data-sharing capabilities and secure web services for the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM), formerly the US-VISIT program.

The Office of Biometric Identity Management manages biometric and biographic identity management systems that help federal, state and local officials determine if travelers can legally enter or remain in the United States. Work under the contract will decrease the time, cost and personnel required to support data sharing between the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada and Australia.

"OBIM enhances the security of U.S. citizens and visitors, facilitates legitimate travel and trade and helps ensure the integrity of the U.S. immigration system," said Rocky Thurston, who leads Accenture's work with the Department of Homeland Security. "This program has become a model of innovation, collaboration and high performance for DHS and the federal government."

Biometrics are unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, that can be used for automated recognition. Biometrics form the basis of OBIM identification services because they are reliable, convenient and virtually impossible to forge. OBIM currently stores 10-print digital fingerprints in its database.

OBIM provides biometric information to the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration. Upgrades under the contract also will enable biometric information to be shared in real time with the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Defense.

Accenture also will expand the use of secure web services for all stakeholders, making it easier and more cost effective to access existing OBIM data. The development of reusable "services" has allowed OBIM to dramatically decrease the time and cost for new users to access the system - from nine months to three weeks.

The program helps protect America's borders by identifying terrorists, wanted criminals, sex offenders, immigration violators and international criminals at airports and ports of entry around the world.

Accenture began working with US-VISIT in 2004, overseeing operational responsibility for the Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT). Since then, IDENT has become the largest biometric identity solution in the world, processing more than 300,000 encounters a day against a database of more than 150 million stored encounters. The average response time for users is under 10 seconds.

Accenture Federal Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Accenture LLP, a U.S. company, with offices in Arlington, VA. Accenture's federal business serves every cabinet-level department and 20 of the largest federal organizations. The U.S. federal portfolio spans across clients in civilian, defense, intelligence and public safety agencies.

Learn more about Accenture's work with federal agencies, its global public safety practice, from Insights to Outcomes, and its global program, Delivering Public Service for the Future.

About Accenture

Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with approximately 266,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world's most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$27.9 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Its home page is www.accenture.com.

Accenture
Joanne Veto, + 703-947-2590
+ 703-963-4212 (mobile)
joanne.m.veto@accenture.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Virginia

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

Tiffany & Co. Appoints Design Director

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today Tiffany & Co. (NYS: TIF) announced the appointment of Francesca Amfitheatrof as Design Director effective immediately. She will oversee design of all Tiffany product categories.

"Tiffany has a brilliant legacy of legendary style and design. When we combine this legacy with Francesca's passion for jewelry and craftsmanship we have an exciting opportunity to interpret Tiffany in a new way for the modern, global consumer," said Michael J. Kowalski, chairman and CEO, Tiffany & Co.

Ms. Amfitheatrof's background is as a jewelry designer and silversmith. Her designs have been sold internationally, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Colette in Paris. She has also developed jewelry for fashion brands, including Chanel, Fendi and Marni. In addition, she has acted as an art consultant, curator and advisor for major collections and private individuals. Most recently, she served as the founding partner of RS&A, a London-based agency representing contemporary artists. She is a graduate of Royal College of Art, Central Saint Martins and Chelsea Art School.

Tiffany & Co. operates jewelry stores and manufactures products through its subsidiary corporations. Its principal subsidiary is Tiffany and Company. The Company operates TIFFANY & CO. retail stores and boutiques in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Europe and the United Arab Emirates and engages in direct selling through Internet, catalogue and business gift operations. For additional information, please visit Tiffany.com.

Tiffany & Co.
Linda Buckley, 212-277-5900
linda.buckley@tiffany.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

PetSmart's "Pets in the Classroom" Grants Make Lessons Crawl, Chirp & Swim

Applications Now Accepted for Pre-Kindergarten Through 8th-Grade Teachers

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Students can stand eye-to-eye with a bearded dragon or write about a hamster's habitat with help from a Pets in the Classroom grant from PetSmart^® (NAS: PETM) , available now for the 2013 school year in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Administered through the Pet Care Trust, the program helps pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade teachers cover most of the cost of a classroom pet and start-up supplies.

Classroom pets are great for kids because they can be easy to care for and demonstrate unique behaviors that can get everyone excited about learning. (Photo: Business Wire)

Grants are available to help with the introduction of a fish, guinea pig, hamster, bearded dragon, leopard gecko, snake, fancy rat, parakeet or aquatic turtle. Since 2011 PetSmart has provided more than 7,500 grants to teachers, helping hundreds of thousands of students experience the hands-on learning and fun of classroom pets.

"I recently introduced a corn snake to my class with help from a Pets in the Classroom grant, and I've been thrilled with the excitement and engagement the pet brings to my students," said Meryl Davidson, a first-grade teacher at Pinehurst Elementary School in Pinehurst, N.C. "Not only is a reptile a great way to support learning around math, science and reading, but our snake also encourages wonderful exploration and fun in the classroom."

Classroom pets are great for kids because they can be easy to care for and demonstrate unique behaviors that can get everyone excited about learning, according to PetSmart. Additionally, pets can help teach important lessons and support kids' school performance. For example:

• Pets help adults create a welcoming environment in the classroom and more easily relate with their students.
• Bonding with a pet can give students a common ground with each other, and therefore encourage friendships and positive interactions.
• Since kids often view pets as friends, classroom pets can encourage good behavior. For example, a teacher can tell students to use inside-voices because too much noise may scare the pet. In turn, students understand and respond.
• Shy or struggling students may improve skills such as reading when the audience is a pet.

"The Pets in the Classroom program provides more teachers and students the opportunity to experience the joys of a classroom pet and enriching learning environments," said Dr. Kemba Marshall, PetSmart veterinarian. "Fish, small pets, reptiles, and birds can be easily integrated into a teacher's curriculum and provide valuable opportunities to demonstrate responsibility and kindness in the classroom."

Teachers can review information about caring for and choosing a pet at www.mypetsmart.com/care-guides or by talking with a PetSmart store associate.

To apply or obtain more information about Pets in the Classroom grants, public or private-school teachers should visit www.petsmart.com/teachers.

About PetSmart

PetSmart, Inc. (NAS: PETM) is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. The company employs approximately 52,000 associates and operates more than 1,301 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, over 196 in-store PetSmart^® PetsHotel^® dog and cat boarding facilities and is a leading online provider of pet supplies and pet care information (http://www.petsmart.com). PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products; and offers dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp^SM day care services and pet adoption services. Through its in-store pet adoption partnership with PetSmart Charities^®, PetSmart has helped save the lives of more than 5 million pets since 1994. PetSmart Charities, Inc. and PetSmart Charities of Canada, Inc. ("PetSmart Charities") are independent, nonprofit organizations that save the lives of homeless pets and reduce shelter intake through spay/neuter efforts. In 2012, nearly 450,000 dogs and cats found homes through the organization's adoption centers in all PetSmart stores and by sponsoring community adoption events. PetSmart Charities is the leader in granting money to help pets in need, with more than $28 million given in 2012 throughout North America.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130910005128/en/

GolinHarris for PetSmart
Danielle Bickelmann, 972-341-2503
dbickelmann@GolinHarris.com
or
PetSmart Media Line
623-587-2177
pr@ssg.petsmart.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Canada  Caribbean  Arizona  Puerto Rico

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

SSI Investments II Limited Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2014 Results

NASHUA, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SSI Investments II Limited ("SSI II" or the "Company"), a parent company of Skillsoft Limited (formerly Skillsoft PLC), a provider of cloud based learning solutions for customers worldwide, today announced financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2014.

Basis of Presentation

On May 26, 2010, SSI Investments III Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of SSI II, completed its acquisition of Skillsoft PLC (the "Acquisition"), which was subsequently re-registered as a private limited company and whose corporate name changed from Skillsoft PLC to Skillsoft Limited ("Skillsoft").

On October 14, 2011, the Company announced that its indirect subsidiaries, Skillsoft Corporation and Skillsoft Ireland Limited, completed their acquisition of the Element K business from NIIT Ventures, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of NIIT Limited (the "Element K acquisition").

On September 25, 2012, the Company announced that it completed its unconditional cash offer made by its indirect subsidiary, Skillsoft Ireland Limited, for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of ThirdForce Group plc as structured under Irish law (the "ThirdForce acquisition").

The Company's management has furnished in this press release and the accompanying financial information certain financial measurements that are not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States. As used herein, non-GAAP revenue and days sales outstanding ("DSOs") from non-GAAP revenue exclude fair value adjustments to acquired deferred revenue in purchase accounting related to the Acquisition, the Element K acquisition and the ThirdForce acquisition. Additionally, DSOs from non-GAAP revenue include revenues from the business prior to the Element K acquisition and the ThirdForce acquisition. Non-GAAP deferred revenue excludes the unamortized fair value adjustments to acquired deferred revenue from the aforementioned acquisitions.

EBITDA represents net income (loss) plus (i) interest expense, (ii) (benefit) provision for income taxes and (iii) depreciation and amortization, less interest income. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding to EBITDA certain items of expense and deducting from EBITDA certain items of income that the Company's management believes are not indicative of the Company's future operating performance, including share-based compensation expense, merger and integration related expenses, revenue reductions and incremental expenses related to purchase accounting as a result of the Acquisition, the Element K acquisition and the ThirdForce acquisition and business realignment strategy charges.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similar non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures as alternative means for assessing the Company's results of operations and believes that they may also provide useful information to the Company's investors. In addition, certain covenants in the Company's senior credit facilities are based on non-GAAP financial measures, such as non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, or adjusted EBITDA as defined in our senior credit facilities, and evaluating and presenting these measures allows the Company and its investors to assess the Company's compliance with the covenants in the Company's senior credit facilities and the Company's ability to meet its future debt service, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. The Company's management believes that DSOs are useful as a comparison of DSOs from the current period to the prior period in order for the Company's management to adequately assess the Company's collection efforts, taking into account the seasonality of the Company's business.

In the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2013, the Company recognized $14.2 million of share-based compensation expense within research and development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses, which included $8.1 million of share-based compensation attributable to services performed in prior periods, which should have been recognized in those periods. The correction of the cumulative expense that was reported in the Company's fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2013 was not considered material to the Company's consolidated financial statements and had no impact on non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA. For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2014, the Company will continue recognizing share-based compensation expense within research and development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses prospectively on a quarterly basis.

Fiscal 2014 Second Quarter Results

The Company reported revenue of $101.6 million for the second quarter ended July 31, 2013 of the fiscal year ending January 31, 2014 (fiscal 2014), which represented a $7.8 million net increase from the $93.8 million reported in the second quarter ended July 31, 2012 of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2013 (fiscal 2013). The reconciliation from non-GAAP revenue to GAAP revenue is as follows (amounts in millions):

Of the $7.8 million increase in revenue, approximately $4.9 million is related to revenue generated from the ThirdForce business following the ThirdForce acquisition and approximately $1.1 million is related to additional revenue generated from current and prior period bookings, as compared to revenue generated from bookings for the same period in fiscal 2013. In addition, approximately $1.4 million is related to a net reduction in the fair value adjustments to acquired deferred revenue in purchase accounting and approximately $0.4 million of revenue is related to ThirdForce products excluded from non-GAAP revenue as these offerings will not be replaced for customers upon renewal.

The Company's deferred revenue at July 31, 2013 was approximately $203.1 million, which represented a $13.3 million increase from the $189.8 million reported at July 31, 2012. The reconciliation from non-GAAP deferred revenue to deferred revenue on a GAAP basis is as follows (amounts in millions):

Of the $13.3 million increase in deferred revenue, approximately $10.6 million is related to deferred revenue from post-acquisition ThirdForce billings and approximately $2.5 million is related to an increase in current and prior period bookings. In addition, approximately $0.1 million is related to net decrease from the unamortized fair value adjustments to acquired deferred revenue in purchase accounting.

The Company's net loss was $9.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 as compared to a net loss of $20.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2013. The Company's net loss in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 includes the impact of the Acquisition, the Element K acquisition and the ThirdForce acquisition, the significant components of which are as follows (amounts in millions):

Gross margin was 78% for the Company's fiscal 2014 second quarter as compared to 75% for the fiscal 2013 second quarter. The increase in gross margin for the fiscal 2014 second quarter is primarily due to a $7.8 million increase in revenue, a $1.3 million decrease in the amortization of intangible assets, which relates to fully amortized assets from the Acquisition, as well as a $0.1 million decrease in costs associated with transitional employees and outside services pertaining to Element K and ThirdForce content, which are no longer required. This was partially offset by incremental royalties of approximately $0.4 million and additional depreciation expense of approximately $0.3 million.

Research and development expenses increased $1.5 million to $14.3 million in the fiscal 2014 second quarter from $12.8 million in the fiscal 2013 second quarter. This increase is primarily related to increased headcount related costs of $1.0 million and share-based compensation expense of approximately $0.2 million. Research and development expenses were 14% of revenue for both the fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 second quarters, primarily due to the increase in revenues, offset by the aforementioned increase in expenses.

Sales and marketing expenses increased $0.3 million to $33.8 million in the fiscal 2014 second quarter from $33.5 million in the fiscal 2013 second quarter. This increase includes the $0.4 million impact from share-based compensation expense and a $0.7 million increase in commission expense, which were partially offset by a reduction of $0.2 million in consulting fees, $0.4 million in marketing expenses and $0.2 million in compensation and benefits expense. Sales and marketing expenses were 33% of revenue for the fiscal 2014 second quarter as compared to 36% for the fiscal 2013 second quarter, primarily due to the increase in revenues.

General and administrative expenses increased $1.8 million to $10.3 million in the fiscal 2014 second quarter from $8.5 million in the fiscal 2013 second quarter. This increase is related to $0.9 million of share-based compensation expense and $0.8 million of additional professional fees. General and administrative expenses were 10% of revenue for the fiscal 2014 second quarter as compared to 9% for the fiscal 2013 second quarter, primarily due to the aforementioned increase in expenses, partially offset by the increase in revenues.

Merger, integration and related expenses for the fiscal 2014 second quarter were $1.8 million as compared to $7.9 million in the fiscal 2013 second quarter. The fiscal 2014 second quarter expense includes costs associated with exiting vendor obligations, professional fees and headcount costs associated with transition activities and process integration activities from the Element K acquisition and the ThirdForce acquisition, which can be added back to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA under our debt covenants. Merger, integration and related expenses decreased from the fiscal 2013 second quarter as a result of integration efforts in relation to the Element K acquisition being substantially completed in fiscal year 2014 and partially offset by expense related to the integration of the ThirdForce operations with ours.

Interest expense decreased to $15.9 million for the fiscal 2014 second quarter from $16.7 million in the fiscal 2013 second quarter. The decrease in interest expense is primarily due to the reduction of interest rates in connection with the repricing of the Company's borrowing in the fiscal 2013 third quarter, which was partially offset by incremental borrowings under the senior credit facilities incurred in connection with the ThirdForce acquisition.

For the six months ended July 31, 2013, the Company's tax benefit from continuing operations was $6.3 million and consisted of a cash tax provision of $6.3 million and a non-cash tax benefit of $12.6 million. This compares to a $7.9 million tax benefit from continuing operations for the six months ended July 31, 2012, which consisted of a cash tax provision of approximately $2.2 million and a non-cash tax benefit of $10.1 million. The decrease in the current year tax benefit was primarily due to the lower loss from operations.

Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal 2014 second quarter was $40.5 million as compared to $36.6 million for the fiscal 2013 second quarter. The reconciliation of net loss to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is as follows (amounts in millions):

The Company's senior credit facilities require the Company to comply on a quarterly basis with a single financial covenant for the benefit of the revolving credit facility lenders only. The financial covenant requires the Company to maintain a maximum secured leverage ratio tested on the last day of each fiscal quarter (but failure to maintain the required ratio would not result in a default under the revolving credit facility so long as the revolving credit facility is undrawn at such time). The maximum secured leverage ratio will reduce over time, subject to increase in connection with certain material acquisitions. The Company's senior credit facilities and senior notes also include various nonfinancial covenants. As of July 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with this financial covenant and all nonfinancial covenants.

The Company had approximately $75.9 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of July 31, 2013 as compared to $39.2 million as of January 31, 2013. This $36.7 million increase is primarily due to cash provided by operations of $44.9 million, which was partially offset by purchases of property and equipment, net of dispositions, of $5.5 million and principal payments on the senior credit facilities of $2.3 million.

In order to adequately assess the Company's collection efforts, taking into account the seasonality of the Company's business, the Company believes that it is most useful to compare current period DSOs to the prior year period. Given the quarterly seasonality of bookings, the deferral from revenue of subscription billings may increase or decrease the DSOs on sequential quarterly comparisons.

The Company's DSOs from non-GAAP revenue were in the targeted range for the fiscal 2014 second quarter. On a net basis, which considers only receivable balances for which revenue has been recorded, DSOs from non-GAAP revenue were 7 days in the fiscal 2014 second quarter as compared to 6 days in the fiscal 2013 second quarter and 9 days in the fiscal 2014 first quarter. On a gross basis, which considers all items billed as receivables, DSOs from non-GAAP revenue were 85 days in the fiscal 2014 second quarter as compared to 79 days in the fiscal 2013 second quarter and 81 days in the fiscal 2014 first quarter.

Supplemental financial information will be available on Skillsoft's web site www.skillsoft.com at the time of the earnings call.

Conference Call

In conjunction with this release, management will conduct a conference call on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. EDT to discuss the Company's fiscal 2014 second quarter financial and operating results. Chuck Moran, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Tom McDonald, Chief Financial Officer, will host the call.

To participate in the conference call, dial (800) 322-9079 or (973) 582-2717 for international callers and use the following passcode: 45987273. The live conference call will be available via the Internet by accessing the Skillsoft Web site at www.skillsoft.com. Please go to the Web site at least fifteen minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software.

A replay will be available from 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 11, 2013 until 11:59 p.m. EDT on September 18, 2013. The replay number is (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406 for international callers, passcode: 45987273. A webcast replay will also be available on Skillsoft's Web site at www.skillsoft.com.

About SSI II

SSI Investments II Limited is an indirect parent of Skillsoft Limited, a pioneer in the field of learning with a long history of innovation. Skillsoft provides cloud based learning solutions for its customers worldwide, ranging from global enterprises, government, and education to mid-sized and small businesses. Skillsoft's customer support teams draw on a wealth of in-house experience and a comprehensive learning e-library to develop off-the-shelf and custom learning programs tailored to cost-effectively meet customer needs. Skillsoft's courses, books and videos have been developed by industry leading learning experts to ensure that they maximize business skills, performance, and talent development.

Skillsoft currently serves over 6,000 customers and more than 19,000,000 learners around the world. Skillsoft is on the web at www.skillsoft.com.

Skillsoft courseware content described herein is for information purposes only and is subject to change without notice. Skillsoft has no obligation or commitment to develop or deliver any future release, upgrade, feature, enhancement or function described in this press release except as specifically set forth in a written agreement.

Skillsoft, the Skillsoft logo, Skillport, Search & Learn, SkillChoice, Books24x7, ITPro, BusinessPro, OfficeEssentials, GovEssentials, EngineeringPro, FinancePro, AnalystPerspectives, ExecSummaries, ExecBlueprints, Express Guide, Dialogue, Quickskill and inGenius are trademarks or registered trademarks of Skillsoft Ireland Limited in the United States and certain other countries.All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

From time to time, including in this press release, we may make forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements relating to such matters as anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategy, plans, regulatory, market and industry trends, liquidity and similar matters. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They use words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "will," "target" and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. We note that a variety of factors, including known and unknown risks and uncertainties as well as incorrect assumptions, could cause our actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, that we are highly leveraged; that our debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business; that our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly; the effect of past and future acquisitions on our operations; volatility in the global market and economic conditions; that increased competition may result in decreased demand for our products and services; our ability to meet the needs of a rapidly changing, developing market; our ability to introduce new products; that our business is subject to currency fluctuations that could adversely affect our operating results; that we may be unable to protect our proprietary rights and other factors, including those discussed under "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2013, as filed with the SEC on April 30, 2013. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on those statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our expectations as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

###

USA Technologies Announces Conference Call to Discuss Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2013 Results

MALVERN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- USA Technologies, Inc. (NAS: USAT) ("USAT"), a leader of wireless, cashless payment and M2M telemetry solutions for small-ticket, self-serve retailing industries, today announced that its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2013 will be released before the market opens on Friday, September 27, 2013. USAT will hold a conference call and webcast at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time that day to discuss fourth quarter and full year financial results and conduct a question and answer session.

USA Technologies invites all interested parties to listen to the live webcast of the conference call, accessible on the Investor Relations section of USA Technologies' website (under Events & Presentations). The webcast will be archived on the website within two hours of the live call and will remain available for approximately 90 days. Please allow adequate time prior to the webcast for any software downloads that may be required.

Interested parties unable to access the webcast may also participate by calling (866) 393-1608 or, if an international caller, (224) 357-2194. A replay of the call will be available until midnight, September 30, 2013 and can be accessed by calling (855) 859-2056, ID# 41109554.

About USA Technologies:

USA Technologies is a leader of wireless, cashless payment and M2M telemetry solutions for small-ticket, self-serve retailing industries. ePort Connect® is the company's flagship service platform, a PCI-compliant, end-to-end suite of cashless payment and telemetry services specially tailored to fit the needs of small ticket, self-service retailing industries. USA Technologies also provides a broad line of cashless acceptance technologies including its NFC-ready ePort® G8, ePort Mobile™ for customers on the go, and QuickConnect™, an API Web service for developers. USA Technologies has been granted 85 patents; and has agreements with Verizon, Visa, Elavon and customers such as Compass, Crane, AMI Entertainment and others. Visit the website at www.usatech.com.

F-USAT

USA Technologies
Veronica Rosa
VP Corp. Comm. & Investor Relations
484-359-2138
vrosa@usatech.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Pennsylvania

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

Invensas to Showcase xFD, BVA and 3DIC Technology Platforms at Intel Developer Forum

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Invensas Corporation, a leading provider of semiconductor technology solutions and wholly owned subsidiary of Tessera Technologies, Inc. (NAS: TSRA) , will demonstrate recent advancements and customer applications in Multi-Die Face-Down (xFD^TM) products, Bond Via Array (BVA^TM) mobile solutions, and 3DIC technologies at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF), Moscone Center West, San Francisco, Sept. 10-12, 2013.

To be exhibited:

• xFD: the company's latest design wins and product implementations, including tablet and Ultrabook^TM solutions from ASUSTeK Computer Inc. featuring SK hynix DRAM memory, Dell Inc. notebooks fabricated by Compal Electronics, Inc., and Intel Xeon-based servers featuring advanced Registered Dual Inline Memory Modules (R-DIMMs). xFD technology connects memory chips in an upside-down shingle-stack configuration, and then interconnects them with ultra-short wire-bonds. The solution significantly reduces component size, increases product bandwidth, speed and power performance, and reduces total system cost by up to 50%.
• BVA: an ultra-high bandwidth Package-on-Package (PoP) solution, brought to high volume market readiness in collaboration with Universal Instruments Corporation (UIC), Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc. (K&S), and Celestica Inc., all leaders in their respective industries. BVA technology connects Mobile System on Chip (SOC) processors with their associated mobile memory chips, and delivers significantly greater bandwidth (up to 5 times that of competing solutions), and reduces battery drain, while using existing manufacturing infrastructure.
• 3DIC: novel silicon interposer and 3DIC product demonstrators with Through Silicon Via (TSV) interconnection. Invensas develops pioneering 2.5D and 3D solutions, including fine pitch interposers, advanced TSV plating solutions, and cost optimized process technologies for next generation memory, mobile logic, and sensor products.

Invensas will display the technology in its Booth #231 at the 2013 IDF. More details on Invensas xFD, BVA and 3D solutions can be found at www.invensas.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those projected, particularly with respect to the features, characteristics and benefits of Invensas products and technology, the participation by Invensas at the Intel Developer Forum and the subject matter of the presentations by Invensas at the forum. Material factors that may cause results to differ from the statements made include the plans or operations relating to the businesses; market or industry conditions of Tessera Technologies, Inc. (the "Company"); changes in patent laws, regulation or enforcement, or other factors that might affect the Company's ability to protect or realize the value of its intellectual property; the expiration of license agreements and the cessation of related royalty income; the failure, inability or refusal of licensees to pay royalties; initiation, delays, setbacks or losses relating to the Company's intellectual property or intellectual property litigations, or invalidation or limitation of key patents; the timing and results, which are not predictable and may vary in any individual proceeding, of any ICC ruling or award, including in the Amkor arbitration; fluctuations in operating results due to the timing of new license agreements and royalties, or due to legal costs; the risk of a decline in demand for semiconductor and camera module products; failure by the industry to use technologies covered by the Company's patents; the expiration of the Company's patents; the Company's ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions of businesses; the risk of loss of, or decreases in production orders from, customers of acquired businesses; financial and regulatory risks associated with the international nature of the Company's businesses; failure of the Company's products to achieve technological feasibility or profitability; failure to successfully commercialize the Company's products; changes in demand for the products of the Company's customers; limited opportunities to license technologies and sell products due to high concentration in the markets for semiconductors and related products and camera modules; the impact of competing technologies on the demand for the Company's technologies and products; and the reliance on a limited number of suppliers for the components used in the manufacture of DOC products. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2012, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, include more information about factors that could affect the Company's financial results. The Company assumes no obligation to update information contained in this press release. Although this release may remain available on the Company's website or elsewhere, its continued availability does not indicate that the Company is reaffirming or confirming any of the information contained herein.

About Invensas Corporation

Invensas Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tessera Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSRA - News), is a global leader in semiconductor interconnect solutions and intellectual property. Invensas innovates in areas such as mobile computing and communications, memory and data storage, and 3-D Integrated Circuit (3DIC) technologies. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Invensas licenses these solutions to Original Equipment Makers, Original Design Manufacturers, and Integrated Device Manufactures and delivers the products to market through collaborative engineering partnerships and strategic business alliances. Learn more at www.interconnectology.com or www.invensas.com, or contact Invensas PR at +1 408 324 5105.

Invensas, the Invensas logo, xFD and BVA are trademarks or registered trademarks of affiliated companies of Tessera Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other company, brand and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

TSRA-G

Company Contact:
Moriah Shilton, 408-321-6713
Sr. Director, Communications & Investor Relations
or
PR Contact:
Impress Labs
Amy Smith, 401-369-9266
amy@impresslabs.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

Accenture to Host Conference Call Thursday, Sept. 26, to Discuss Fourth-Quarter and Fiscal Year 2013 Results

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Accenture (NYS: ACN) will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Sept. 26, to discuss its fourth-quarter and fiscal year 2013 financial results. A news release containing these results will be issued before the call.

To participate, please dial +1 (800) 230-1059 [+1 (612) 234-9959 outside the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada] approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the call. The conference call will also be accessible live on the Investor Relations section of the Accenture Web site at www.accenture.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available online at www.accenture.com beginning at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Sept. 26, and continuing until Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013. A podcast of the conference call will be available online at www.accenture.com beginning approximately 24 hours after the call and continuing until Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013. The replay will also be available via telephone by dialing +1 (800) 475-6701 [+1 (320) 365-3844 outside the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada] and entering access code 302059 from 7:00 p.m. EDT Thursday, Sept. 26 through Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013.

About Accenture

Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with approximately 266,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world's most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$27.9 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Its home page is www.accenture.com.

Accenture
Alex Pachetti, + 917-452-5519
alex.pachetti@accenture.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

UMeWorld Files US Patent Application for Cloud Based Adaptive Learning Educational Platform

HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- UMeWorld Limited (OTCQB:UMEWF) is pleased to announce that it has filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office entitled "Method and System for Adjusting the Degree of Difficulty of a Question Bank Based on Internet Sampling." The patent application protects the innovative technology used in the Company's cloud-based adaptive learning educational platform to be launched nationally in China shortly.

"I am very pleased with the filing of this platform patent application in the U.S. This represents a significant milestone for the Company and sets us further apart from our competition," said Michael Lee, CEO of UMeWorld Limited. "Our platform technology is unique and far more advanced than our competitors'. Furthermore, our personalized approach is universal and can be applied to other countries. The filing of this U.S. patent application has laid down the foundation for exponential growth of the company, currently in China and in the U.S. education market in the near future."

About UMFun™

The UMFun™ (formerly SmartStar) is a cloud based, adaptive learning educational platform. The Platform name UMFun™ in the Chinese language means 'Full Mark'. It is a cost effective, engaging and fun to use assessment and tutoring platform that can intelligently analyze and adapt to a student's performance and personalizes the delivery of proprietary educational items according to the student's learning needs.

About UMeWorld

UMeWorld's mission is to facilitate the interaction between people -- "You" and "Me," through its digital platforms. Currently, UMeWorld operates UMeLook (www.umelook.com), an online video platform focused on bringing foreign video content to China. UMeLook plans to be a source of foreign video content for the Chinese viewer across any Internet-enabled device in China. UMeWorld intends to focus its future operations on digital media and the digital education market.

Forward Looking Statement

Statements in this press release that relate to the Company's expectations with regard to the future impact on the Company's results from new products in development are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "may," "could," "should," "anticipates," "likely," "believes" and words of similar import also identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current facts and analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determined and assumptions of management. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release, even if new information becomes available in the future. For a more detailed description of the risk and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company's reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Relations
UMeWorld Limited
E-mail: info@UMeWorld.com

Or

Darren Bankston
678-455-6914
E-mail: darren@axiomir.com

Investor Relations
UMeWorld Limited
info@UMeWorld.com
or
Darren Bankston, 678-455-6914
darren@axiomir.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  Asia Pacific  North America  Hong Kong  Washington

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

Foster Wheeler Awarded EPCm Contract by Sasol for Compression Project in Mozambique

ZUG, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Foster Wheeler AG (NAS: FWLT) announced today that a subsidiary of its Global Engineering and Construction Group has been awarded an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCm) contract by Sasol Petroleum International (SPI) for the low pressure compression project at Sasol's Central Processing Facility (CPF) in Temane, Mozambique.

The Foster Wheeler contract value was not disclosed and was included in the company's second-quarter 2013 bookings.

Foster Wheeler's scope of work includes provision/procurement of gas turbine-driven low pressure compressors plus auxiliary equipment, including inlet gas scrubbing equipment and discharge air coolers, a new substation, including high voltage switchgear and transformers, modifications to an existing substation, additional instrument air and nitrogen facilities, and the expansion of the distributed control system to accommodate the new facilities. The objective of the project is to enable the Temane CPF to maintain the design throughput and pressure as the gas field declines. The new facilities are scheduled to be ready for commissioning during the fourth quarter of 2014.

"We first worked with SPI in Mozambique in 2000, when we developed the basic design and engineering package for the original Temane Field Development, the first major upstream development in Mozambique," said Umberto della Sala, President and Chief Operating Officer of Foster Wheeler AG. "We were subsequently awarded the EPCm contract for this project, which project we safely and successfully completed in 2004, with significant development and use of local labour, subcontractors and suppliers. We have gone on to work with SPI on the further development of its gas assets and look forward to adding this latest award to our list of project delivery successes in Africa."

Foster Wheeler AG is a global engineering and construction company and power equipment supplier delivering technically advanced, reliable facilities and equipment. The company employs approximately 13,000 talented professionals with specialized expertise dedicated to serving its clients through one of its two primary business groups. The company's Global Engineering and Construction Group designs and constructs leading-edge processing facilities for the upstream oil and gas, LNG and gas-to-liquids, refining, chemicals and petrochemicals, power, minerals and metals, environmental, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and healthcare industries. The company's Global Power Group is a world leader in combustion and steam generation technology that designs, manufactures and erects steam generating and auxiliary equipment for power stations and industrial facilities and also provides a wide range of aftermarket services. The company is based in Zug, Switzerland, and its operational headquarters office is in Reading, United Kingdom. For more information about Foster Wheeler, please visit our Web site at www.fwc.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Foster Wheeler AG news releases may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management's assumptions, expectations and projections about the Company and the various industries within which the Company operates. These include statements regarding the Company's expectations about revenues (including as expressed by its backlog), its liquidity, the outcome of litigation and legal proceedings and recoveries from customers for claims and the costs of current and future asbestos claims and the amount and timing of related insurance recoveries. Such forward-looking statements by their nature involve a degree of risk and uncertainty. The Company cautions that a variety of factors, including but not limited to the factors described in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and the following, could cause the Company's business conditions and results to differ materially from what is contained in forward-looking statements: benefits, effects or results of the Company's redomestication to Switzerland, benefits, effects or results of the Company's strategic renewal initiative, further deterioration in global economic conditions, changes in investment by the oil and gas, oil refining, chemical/petrochemical and power generation industries, changes in the financial condition of its customers, changes in regulatory environments, changes in project design or schedules, contract cancellations, the changes in estimates made by the Company of costs to complete projects, changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies worldwide, compliance with laws and regulations relating to the Company's global operations, currency fluctuations, war, terrorist attacks and/or natural disasters affecting facilities either owned by the Company or where equipment or services are or may be provided by the Company, interruptions to shipping lanes or other methods of transit, outcomes of pending and future litigation, including litigation regarding the Company's liability for damages and insurance coverage for asbestos exposure, protection and validity of the Company's patents and other intellectual property rights, increasing global competition, compliance with its debt covenants, recoverability of claims against the Company's customers and others by the Company and claims by third parties against the Company, and changes in estimates used in its critical accounting policies. Other factors and assumptions not identified above were also involved in the formation of these forward-looking statements and the failure of such other assumptions to be realized, as well as other factors, may also cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Most of these factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond the Company's control. You should consider the areas of risk described above in connection with any forward-looking statements that may be made by the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any additional disclosures the Company makes in proxy statements, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, annual reports on Form 10-K and current reports on Form 8-K filed or furnished with to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Foster Wheeler AG
Media:
United States
Patti Landsperger, +1 908-713-2944
patti_landsperger@fwc.com
or
UK
Anne Chong, +44 118 913 2106
anne_chong@fwc.com
or
Investor Relations
Scott Lamb, +1 908-730-4155
scott_lamb@fwc.com
or
Other Inquiries
+1 908-730-4000
fw@fwc.com

KEYWORDS:   Europe  Mozambique  Africa  Switzerland

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

Liquidity Services Earns Spot on the 2013 InformationWeek 500 List of Top Technology Innovators Across the U.S.

Company recognized for warehouse technology innovation in support of retail clients

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Liquidity Services, Inc. (NAS: LQDT) , the leader in the surplus goods marketplace, today announced that it made this year's InformationWeek 500 - a list of the top technology innovators in the U.S. - for its innovative use of business technology in the reverse supply chain. The full list can be found at www.informationweek.com/500.

Liquidity Services was listed in the retail and e-commerce industry category for its innovative use of technology to resolve the challenge of cataloging items delivered to its warehouses across the U.S. These items consist of various product SKUs originating from returned and overstock inventory from retailers who utilize different ERP systems.

"In an industry where many have shunned IT innovation over the years, we have embraced it," said Leo Casusol, CIO of Liquidity Services. "By revolutionizing the way surplus consumer products are categorized through technology applications, our product data is now compatible with software typically designed only for the forward supply chain, improving warehouse productivity and controlling labor costs. This efficiency has also led to cross-site listing, providing our global base of buyers with visibility to items on multiple online marketplaces; increasing recovery value for our large, retail clients. With the benefit of our seamless back-end process for returned and overstock inventory, retailers are able to focus on their core mission - serving customers and selling products."

The IT team at Liquidity Services developed a proprietary system to map all product SKUs to one unique product category and corresponding SKU in the system, called LPID (Liquidity Services Product Identification Database).

"The theme of this year's InformationWeek 500 is digital business. It's a movement, rooted in data analytics, mobile computing, social networking and other customer‐focused technologies that are turning companies and industries on their ear," said InformationWeek Editor In Chief Rob Preston. "Every enterprise is now a digital business—or needs to become one fast. The organizations in our ranking are leading the way."

InformationWeek identifies and honors the nation's most innovative users of information technology with its annual InformationWeek 500 listing, and also tracks the technology, strategies, investments, and administrative practices of some of the best‐known organizations in the country. Past overall winners include Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, PACCAR Inc., The Vanguard Group, CME Group, National Semiconductor, Con‐Way, and Principal Financial Group. Unique among corporate rankings, the InformationWeek 500 spotlights the power of innovation in information technology.

About Liquidity Services, Inc.

Liquidity Services, Inc. (NAS: LQDT) provides leading corporations, public sector agencies, and buying customers the world's most transparent, innovative, and effective online marketplaces and integrated services for surplus assets. On behalf of its clients, Liquidity Services has completed the sale of over $4.0 billion of surplus, returned, and end-of-life assets in over 500 product categories, including consumer goods, capital assets, and industrial equipment. The company is based in Washington, D.C. and has approximately 1,400 employees. Additional information can be found at: http://www.liquidityservicesinc.com.

About Information Week

For more than 30 years, InformationWeek has provided millions of IT executives worldwide with the insight and perspective they need to leverage the business value of technology. InformationWeek provides CIOs and IT executives with commentary, analysis and research through its thriving online community, digital issues, webcasts, proprietary research and live, in‐person events. InformationWeek's award‐winning editorial coverage can be found at www.informationweek.com.

InformationWeek is produced by UBM Tech, a global media business that brings together the world's technology industry through live events and online properties. Other UBM Tech's brands include EE Times, Interop, BlackHat, GameDeveloper Conference, CRN, and DesignCon. The company's products include research, education, training, and data services that accelerate decision making for technology buyers. UBM Tech also offers a full range of marketing services based on its content and technology market expertise, including custom events, content marketing solutions, community development and demand generation programs. UBM Tech is a part of UBM (UBM.L), a global provider of media and information services with a market capitalization of more than $2.5 billion.

Liquidity Services, Inc.
Sultana F. Ali, APR, 202-467-5723
Sultana.Ali@liquidityservicesinc.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  District of Columbia

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

D&B Selects Robert Carrigan as Its New President, CEO and Director

Appoints Current Lead Director Christopher Coughlin as Chairman of the Board

SHORT HILLS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- D&B (NYS: DNB) , the world's leading source of commercial information and insight on businesses, today announced the appointment of Robert Carrigan as President, CEO and Director of D&B, effective October 7, 2013. Sara Mathew, the Company's current Chairman and CEO, who had previously announced her intent to retire, will step down from the Board and her executive positions the same day, and will continue with D&B to facilitate a smooth leadership transition through year-end.

Carrigan recently served as CEO of IDG Communications, Inc., where he led the company's media operations, including online, print and events in 90 countries. Under Carrigan's leadership, IDG transformed from a print publisher to a leading digital media company and the worldwide leader in the technology event and media space. In 2009, Carriganwas named the CEO Innovator for large business publishers by Media Business. He is also a member of the Media Industry Newsletter (Min) Digital Hall of Fame and Min Sales Hall of Fame. Carrigan currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of IDG.

"I am very pleased and honored to be joining D&B," said Carrigan. "I look forward to working with D&B team members worldwide to build upon the Company's excellent reputation, and to fuel growth and long-term performance through innovation and relentless customer focus. It's an exciting time to be joining D&B."

"After a thorough and deliberate selection process, the Board of Directors is delighted that Bob will lead D&B," said Christopher Coughlin, the Company's current Lead Director, who will serve as D&B's non-executive Chairman of the Board effective October 7, 2013. "Bob quickly emerged as the candidate who would bring a powerful new perspective to our business. His track record of strategic leadership and innovation, combined with his ability to leverage a company's core strengths and assets, uniquely position him to begin a new chapter in D&B's history."

Prior to becoming CEO of IDG Communications, Inc. in 2008, Carrigan, 47, held senior leadership roles of increasing responsibility at IDG, including President and CEO for its business units in the U.S. Previously, Carrigan spent four years at America Online, Inc., where he was Senior Vice President in the Interactive Marketing Group. He began his career at IDG's Digital News as an intern while a college student at Boston University. Carrigan graduated from Boston University with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

About D&B

D&B (NYS: DNB) is the world's leading source of commercial information and insight on businesses, enabling companies to Decide with Confidence^® for 172 years. D&B's global commercial database contains more than 225 million business records. The database is enhanced by D&B's proprietary DUNSRight^® Quality Process, which provides our customers with quality business information. This quality information is the foundation of our global solutions that customers rely on to make critical business decisions.

D&B provides two solution sets that meet a diverse set of customer needs globally. Customers use D&B Risk Management Solutions™ to mitigate credit and supplier risk, increase cash flow and drive increased profitability, and D&B Sales & Marketing Solutions™ to provide data management capabilities that provide effective and cost efficient marketing solutions and to convert prospects into clients by enabling business professionals to research companies, executives and industries.

D&B
(Media/Investors/Analysts)
Kathy Guinnessey, 973-921-5892
guinnesseyk@dnb.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Canada  New Jersey

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

Octagon 88 Resources Has Received Confirmation Of 1.6 Billion Barrels PIIP

ZUG, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Octagon 88 Resources Inc., (OCTX) is pleased to announce it has received a copy of the CEC North Star Ltd. Annual Report. The report forecasts 1.6 billion barrels PIIP (Petroleum Initially In Place) in the Manning Oil play which has been validated by an industry qualified third party oil and gas engineering firm. In the annual report CEC North Star has provided an in-depth insight to project timelines, deliverables and forecasted cash flows.

CEC North Star Annual Report 2013

A plan of development (POD) has been compiled that proposes a combined phased development of the "Manning Projects" that are located in the Peace River block of northwestern Alberta, Canada. The lands contain a projected 3+ billion barrels of Petroleum Initially in Place (PIIP).

1.6 billion barrels of this forecast has already been validated by a leading third

Party oil and gas engineering firm using conservative NI 51-101 criteria...

The Manning projects comprise the following:

First Project: Elkton Erosional Edge

• 1,050 million barrels PIIP (third-party estimate).
• Primary recovery of oil in the Elkton Erosional Edge with 8% to 14% recovery rate with staged and scalable 5,000 bbl/d to 10,000 bbl/d projects.
• To be followed up with infill drilling and then subsequent pressure maintenance with an additional 8+% recovery rate for an estimated cumulative 200 million barrels.
• Recoverable peak production exceeding 30,000 bbl/d.

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) exploitation targeting an additional 10% to 20% recovery rate with proven EOR technologies.

Second Project: Debolt Erosional Edge

• Debolt erosional edge development with 400 million barrels PIIP (internal estimate).

Third Project: Bluesky Oilsands Channel

• Multiple 5,000 bbl/d to 10,000 bbl/d Bluesky Primary Recovery and Thermal Project(s). Internal estimate of 800 mm barrels PIIP
• Development schemes similar to the Baytex, PennWest, Shell, Husky and Murphy of the Seal and Carmon Creek areas of the Peace River block.

Fourth Project: Down dip Elkton and Debolt

a. Down dip from erosional edge Elkton and Debolt targets.

Potential additional 1+ billion barrels PIIP (internal estimate).

The main focus of the Plan of Development is the primary recovery of approximately 200 million recoverable barrels of 13-15 API heavy oil in the Elkton Member. The various models enclosed in the POD evaluate several capital inputs, which in all cases show positive cash flow, repayment of debt and ability to pay dividends. These models are extrapolated for 25 years, whereas third party engineering reports and internal analysis suggest an economic reserve life of over 35+ years.

The Debolt Erosional Edge, the Bluesky/Gething and the down dip Elkton and Debolt targets are discussed in the POD but not included in the economic models. As additional information is obtained, it will be added to the overall Manning Projects. Details of these projects are discussed in the Operations section of this report. Our company has, in a very short time with minimum capital expenditures, taken a major step down the road to achieving its ultimate goal and we look forward to continued progress in building significant asset value for our shareholders.

-CEC North Star- Annual Report 2013

The Company will file CEC North Star's 2013 Annual Report in an 8K for full shareholder disclosure. The Annual Report can be found by clicking the following link below:

http://cecnorthstar.ch/images/PDF/2013-CEC-North-Star-Annual-Report.pdf

Octagon 88 Resources

Octagon 88 Resources, Inc. has acquired substantial light and conventional heavy oil assets in Northern Alberta. The CEC North Star Ltd project has been substantially de-risked which leads the company to emerge as a development stage oil and gas company. The current program schedule entails working with the operator of these properties to bring on production and cash flow through the company's direct working interests, and indirect investments spread throughout the projects.

Octagon 88 Resources is the largest publicly traded shareholder of CEC North Star currently holding 33 percent of its shares.

Forward-looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future events and the Company's growth and business strategy. Words such as "expects," "will," "intends," "plans," "believes," "anticipates," "hopes," "estimates," and variations on such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Forward looking statements in this press release include statements about our drilling development program. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the timing and results of our 2013 drilling and development plan. Additional factors include increased expenses or unanticipated difficulties in drilling wells, actual production being less than our development tests, changes in the Company's business; competitive factors in the market(s) in which the Company operates; risks associated with oil and gas operations in the United States; and other factors listed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors -- The United States Securities and Exchange Commission permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions. We use certain terms in this press release, such as "probable," "possible," "recoverable" or "potential" reserves among others, that the SEC's guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our filings with the SEC.

Octagon 88 Resources Inc.
Tel:(+41) 79 237 6218
http://www.octagon-88.com
info@octagon-88.com
or
Investor Relations
Helvetic Prime
Alexander Baldi
Tel:(+41)79-256-9534
info@helveticprime.com
http://www.helveticprime.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  Europe  North America  Switzerland

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

Christopher & Banks Corporation Reports Results for the Thirteen Week Period Ended August 3, 2013

- Outlines Three-Year Growth Plan and Outlook for Fiscal 2013 -

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Christopher & Banks Corporation (NYS: CBK) , a specialty women's apparel retailer, today reported results for the thirteen week period ended August 3, 2013.

Results for the Thirteen Week Period Ended August 3, 2013

• Same-store sales increased 7.7%, as compared to the thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2012, during which the Company had an 8.9% same-store sales increase.
• Net sales totaled $104.2 million, as compared to $103.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 28, 2012. During the quarter, the Company operated an average of 8.8% fewer stores than during the comparable period last year, reflecting its store rationalization program.
• Operating loss was seven hundred dollars, compared to an operating loss of $2.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 28, 2012, which included a $4.7 million pre-tax, non-cash restructuring credit, net of other costs.
• Net loss totaled $265,000, or a $0.01 loss per share. Net loss for the thirteen weeks ended July 28, 2012 totaled $2.2 million, or a $0.06 loss per share, which included a $4.5 million, or $0.13 per share, credit related to the above-mentioned non-cash credit related to restructuring charges.

LuAnn Via, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We were pleased that for the quarter we were able to maintain our positive momentum, achieve solid financial results in a difficult retail environment and deliver our fifth consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales comps. We also exceeded our gross margin expectations and achieved our operating objectives. As we look to the second half of the year, we believe we are well positioned in our merchandising and marketing efforts, and our inventory levels remain fresh. We will also continue to build upon our strong foundation and refine our strategies as we gain greater insights into our customer in order to drive sustainable long-term sales and earnings growth."

Balance Sheet Highlights and Capital Expenditures

Cash, cash-equivalents and investments totaled $47.0 million as of August 3, 2013. Inventory per store, excluding in-transit and e-Commerce inventory, increased approximately 1.1% on a per-store basis as of August 3, 2013, as compared to July 28, 2012. For the thirteen week period ended August 3, 2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility and capital expenditures totaled approximately $2.3 million.

Three Year Growth Plan

For the three-year period beginning with fiscal 2014, the Company expects:

• mid-single digit annual comparable store sales growth;
• 2% to 3% annual square footage growth through 20 or more new store openings per year and conversion of existing stores to the MPW (missy, petite, women) store format;
• an additional 300 to 400 basis points of gross margin expansion;
• SG&A leverage in each of the three years of the plan; and
• operating income as a percent of net sales in the high single digits by the third year of the plan.

Ms. Via continued, "One of my key objectives upon joining the Company last fall was to conduct an extensive and in-depth review of the business in order to identify our long-term growth opportunities. As a result of this review, we have developed a long range plan, beginning with fiscal 2014, focused on driving mid-single digit comparable store sales growth and operating margin expansion over the next three fiscal years. We believe that we can achieve these goals as we remain steadfast on the continued execution of our merchandising and marketing initiatives, expand our total square footage and leverage the strong infrastructure we have developed over the last several quarters."

Outlook for the 2013 Third Quarter and Fiscal Year

For the third quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company expects:

• same-store sales to increase in the mid-single digit range for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2013, as compared to the thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2012, during which the Company had a 13.6% same-store sales increase;
• average store count to be down 7.2%, as compared to last year's third fiscal quarter, reflecting its store rationalization program;
• approximately 100 to 150 bps of gross margin improvement, as compared to last year's third fiscal quarter;
• SG&A dollars to grow to between 29.0% to 29.5% as a percent of net sales, as compared to 28.1% in last year's third fiscal quarter, due to increased investments in corporate staff, primarily driven by eCommerce and IT, and in direct mail marketing; and
• inventory levels to be in-line with the Company's anticipated increase in same-store sales.

For the 2013 fiscal year, the Company expects:

• slight positive leverage on SG&A as a percent of net sales;
• capital expenditures to be approximately $10.0 million to $10.6 million;
• to open six outlet stores, two new MPW stores and to convert twenty-four existing stores to twelve MPW stores;
• to recognize a nominal amount of tax expense, as the Company's tax provisions will continue to be affected by the valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets in fiscal 2013;
• average store count to be down 8.2%, as compared to the comparable prior year period; and
• depreciation and amortization to be between $13.5 and $14.0 million.

Conference Call Information

The Company will discuss its second quarter results in a conference call scheduled for today, September 10, 2013, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. The conference call will be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet at http://www.christopherandbanks.com. An online archive of the broadcast will be available within approximately one hour of the completion of the call and will be accessible at http://www.christopherandbanks.com until October 10, 2013. In addition, an audio replay of the call will be available shortly after its conclusion and will be archived until September 17, 2013. This call may be accessed by dialing (888) 765-5546 and using the passcode 3076910.

About Christopher & Banks

Christopher & Banks Corporation is a Minneapolis-based specialty retailer of women's clothing. As of September 10, 2013, the Company operates 597 stores in 44 states consisting of 369 Christopher & Banks stores, 153 stores in its women's plus size clothing division CJ Banks, 45 MPW stores and 30 outlet stores. The Company also operates the www.ChristopherandBanks.com and www.CJBanks.com e-commerce websites.

Keywords: Christopher & Banks, CJ Banks, Women's Clothing, Plus Size Clothing, Petites, Extended Sizes, Outfits.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements, made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements may use the words "expect", "anticipate", "plan", "intend", "project", "believe" and similar expressions and include statements that: (i) that as the Company looks to the second half of the year, the Company believes it is well positioned in its merchandising and marketing efforts, and its inventory levels remain fresh; (ii) the Company expects to continue to build upon its strong foundation and refine its strategies as it gains greater insights into its customer in order to drive sustainable long-term sales and earnings growth; (iii) beginning with fiscal 2014, the Company's three year plan is expected to deliver (a) mid-single digit annual comparable store sales growth; (b) 2% to 3% annual square footage growth through 20 or more new store openings per year and conversion of existing stores to the MPW store format; (c) an additional 300 to 400 bps of gross margin expansion; (d) SG&A leverage in each of the three years of the plan; and (e) operating income as a percent of net sales in the high single digits by the third year of the plan; (iv) that the Company believes it can achieve its three-year growth goals as it remains steadfast on the continued execution of its merchandising and marketing initiatives, expanding its total square footage and leveraging the strong infrastructure it has developed over the last several quarters; (v) for the third quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company expects same-store sales to increase in the mid-single digit range for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2013, as compared to the thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2012; (vi) for the third quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company expects average store count to be down 7.2%, as compared to last year's third fiscal quarter, reflecting the Company's store rationalization program; (vii) for the third quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company expects approximately 100 to 150 bps of gross margin improvement, as compared to last year's third fiscal quarter; (viii) for the third quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company expects SG&A dollars to grow to between 29.0% and 29.5% as a percent of net sales, as compared to 28.1% in last year's third fiscal quarter, due to increased investments in corporate staff, primarily driven by eCommerce and IT, and in direct mail marketing; (ix) for the third quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company expects inventory levels to be in-line with its anticipated increase in same-store sales; (x) for the 2013 fiscal year, the Company expects slight positive leverage on SG&A as a percent of net sales; (xi) for the 2013 fiscal year, the Company expects capital expenditures to be approximately $10.0 million to $10.6 million; (xii) for the 2013 fiscal year, the Company expects to open six outlet stores, two new MPW stores and to convert twenty-four existing stores to twelve MPW stores; (xiii) for the 2013 fiscal year, the Company expects to recognize a nominal amount of tax expense, as its tax provisions will continue to be affected by the valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets in fiscal 2013; (xiv) for the 2013 fiscal year, the Company expects average store count to be down 8.2%, as compared to the comparable prior year; and (xv) for the 2013 fiscal year, the Company expects depreciation and amortization to be between $13.5 and $14.0 million. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks, as well as assumptions that, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the inherent difficulty in forecasting consumer buying and retail traffic patterns which may be affected by factors beyond our control, such as a weakness in overall consumer demand; adverse weather, economic or political conditions; and shifts in consumer tastes or spending habits that result in reduced sales or gross margins; (ii) lack of acceptance of the Company's fashions, including its seasonal fashions; (iii) the ability of the Company's infrastructure and systems to adequately support our operations; (iv) the effectiveness of the Company's brand awareness, marketing programs and efforts to enhance the in-store experience; (v) the possibility that, because of poor customer response to our merchandise, management may determine it is necessary to sell merchandise at lower than expected margins or at a loss; (vi) the failure to successfully implement the Company's strategic and tactical plans; (vii) general economic conditions could lead to a reduction in store traffic and in consumer spending on women's apparel; (viii) fluctuations in the levels of the Company's sales, expenses or earnings; and (ix) risks associated with the performance and operations of the Company's Internet operations.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date of this release. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement at any time for any reason.

Certain other factors that may cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements are included in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on the Company's website under "Investor Relations" and you are urged to carefully consider all such factors.

Kennedy Wilson Announces Pricing of Common Stock Offering

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- International real estate investment and services firm, Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc. (NYS: KW) ("Kennedy Wilson" or the "Company") today announced the pricing of its underwritten public offering of 6,000,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $18.50 per share. The offering is expected to close on September 13, 2013, subject to customary closing conditions. Kennedy Wilson has also granted the underwriter of the offering a 30-day option to purchase up to 900,000 additional shares of common stock.

Deutsche Bank Securities is acting as the sole underwriter for the offering.

The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including future acquisitions and co-investments, and to repay the $50.0 million outstanding balance under its unsecured revolving credit facility. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement (or, when available, the final prospectus supplement) and accompanying prospectus may be obtained by contacting Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, Attention: Prospectus Group, telephone (800) 503-4611 or email at prospectus.cpdg@db.com.

The offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sale of these securities, in any state or other jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful before registration or qualification under the security laws of that state or jurisdiction. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus.

About Kennedy Wilson

Founded in 1977, Kennedy Wilson is an international real estate investment and services company headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA with 24 offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain and Japan. The Company offers a comprehensive array of real estate services, including auction, conventional sales, property services, research and investment management. Through its fund management and separate account businesses, Kennedy Wilson is a strategic investor of real estate investments in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Japan.

Kennedy Wilson
Christina Cha
VP of Corporate Communication
(310) 887-6294
ccha@kennedywilson.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

Tower Group International, Ltd. Provides Update on Timing of Second Quarter 2013 Earnings Release and Conference Call

HAMILTON, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Tower Group International, Ltd. (NAS: TWGP) today announced that it is continuing to work with its independent actuarial consultants to complete the review of selected areas of the Company's loss reserves. The Company is also completing the remaining work necessary to release its financial results and file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2013, and at this time is not providing any projections. The Company currently expects to announce on Tuesday, September 17, 2013, the date for its second quarter earnings release and conference call, and the date on which it expects to file its Form 10-Q.

About Tower Group International, Ltd.

Tower Group International, Ltd. is a Bermuda-based global diversified insurance and reinsurance holding company and is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol TWGP. Through our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries in the U.S. and Bermuda, collectively referred to as Tower Group Companies, we deliver a broad range of commercial, personal and specialty insurance products and services in the U.S. and specialty reinsurance products globally through our distribution and underwriting partners.

For more information, visit Tower's website at http://www.twrgrpintl.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. This press release and any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of Tower may include forward-looking statements that reflect Tower's current views with respect to future events and financial performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe" and "continue" or their negative or variations or similar terminology. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause the actual results of Tower to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. Please refer to Tower's filings with the SEC, including among others Tower's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and subsequent filings on Form 10-Q, for a description of the important factors that could cause the actual results of Tower to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Tower undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Tower Group International, Ltd.
Bernie Kilkelly, 212-655-8943
Managing Vice President, Investor Relations
bkilkelly@twrgrp.com

KEYWORDS:   Bermuda  Caribbean

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