Sydney Has International Travellers Feeling Good as Borders Reopen

Destination NSW welcome first arrivals after two years

SYDNEY, Feb. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Destination NSW proved today why Sydney city is still the number one Australian destination for international visitors, providing the first international arrivals in almost two years with a memorable and energising welcome back to the Harbour City.

An entourage of drag queens and surf lifesavers, iconic characters synonymous with Sydney and NSW, were the ultimate welcoming committee for all travellers arriving from destinations including Los Angeles, Tokyo, Singapore, San Francisco, London and Vancouver on the first day of international borders reopening.

Complimentary coffees and fresh juices were also part of the welcome activity, together with a musical rendition of Feeling Good by Phat Brass, the track recently recorded for the New South Wales Government’s state marketing and promotional campaign, Feel New South Wales, and ensured all arriving travellers were feeling good on their return into Sydney.

The welcome activity was a collaboration between Destination NSW and Sydney Airport and coincides with the second phase of Destination NSW’s Feel New marketing campaign to send the message to all travellers that Sydney and NSW are open and will excite, energise and inspire travellers through their unique and diverse natural and cultural experiences.

For information on Sydney, check out sydney.com.
#feelnew #feelnsw #feelnewsydney

Media Assets 

Images and video assets can be accessed here

Media Contact

Wayne Mitcham, Amio Limited – wayne@amio.nz

About Destination NSW 

Destination NSW is the lead NSW Government agency for the State’s tourism and major events industry and is responsible for devising and implementing strategies to grow the State’s visitor economy. Our particular focus is driving tourism and acquiring and developing major sporting and cultural events for Sydney and regional NSW. In addition, Destination NSW is the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) with the aim of securing more international conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.

Related Images

Image 1: Destination NSW welcome first arrivals after two years

Iconic Sydney characters welcome passengers back to Sydney, Australia

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Attachment

Universities: 3 Universities From the US, China and Italy Launch ACE, a Triple Degree in Business Administration

Initiative of Luiss Guido Carli, Renmin University of China and George Washington University

Luiss Guido Carli University launch “ACE”, which stands for “America, China & Europe”, a brand new triple degree in Business Administration

Luiss Guido Carli University (Rome), Renmin University of China (Beijing) and George Washington University (Washington, DC) are launching “ACE”, which stands for “America, China & Europe”, a brand new triple degree in Business Administration which – by bringing together three different countries, with their managerial and institutional cultures – represents an absolute new entry.

ROME, Feb. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Luiss Guido Carli University (Rome), Renmin University of China (Beijing) and George Washington University (Washington, DC) are launching “ACE”, which stands for “America, China & Europe”, a brand new triple degree in Business Administration which – by bringing together three different countries, with their managerial and institutional cultures – represents an absolute new entry.

The highly innovative and geographically itinerant four-year ACE degree programme will give students the opportunity to obtain three degrees, one for each University, valid and recognised in the United States, China and Europe, and to aspire to positions of responsibility in multinational and global institutions. This international learning experience will allow students to immerse themselves in the economic, social and managerial culture of the three continents.

Enrolled students will spend the first year at their respective Universities learning the fundamentals of economics and management.

They will then jointly attend the second, third and fourth years in the three capitals, starting from Luiss University in Rome, moving on to Renmin University in Beijing, and concluding their studies in the United States, at George Washington University. The enrolment fees for ACE are in line with the university fees of the student’s home university for the entire duration of the course.

“The ACE degree programme, the result of a partnership between Luiss, Renmin and George Washington University, places Italy at the centre of the international higher education scene and aims to respond to the need to train ‘future-ready’ global managers capable of working and interacting in increasingly multicultural contexts,” said Luiss University Rector Andrea Prencipe. “Drawing an ideal read thread between the capitals of Rome, Beijing and Washington, in line with our Strategic Plan and an innovative educational model, means for us training professionals with a cosmopolitan character and encouraging the international mobility of talents,” he added.

“Renmin University of China, one of China’s top universities, is the first institution to introduce business education programmes in the People’s Republic of China. Our university also benefits from close industrial ties and a large alumni network,” said Liu Wei, President of Renmin University of China.

“In 2019,” he continued, “Renmin University of China and Luiss Guido Carli University jointly launched the Social Sciences Universities Network (SSUN), the first university network in the humanities and social sciences worldwide that contributes to the growth of future global leaders. This new “ACE” Global BA is a significant milestone for SSUN in exploring innovative models of talent development. What makes this triple degree programme unique is its ability to integrate the strengths of three world-class universities in the social sciences, giving graduates a strong competitive advantage in the labour market.”

For more information:
LaPresse SpA Communication and Press Office Director
Barbara Sanicola – barbara.sanicola@lapresse.it
+39 02 26305578 M +39 333 3905243

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/774bf4c9-c88f-4cf2-9cef-f9ae51366480

The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.

Vista accelerates industry consolidation with the acquisition of AIR HAMBURG

Thomas Flohr

Vista Founder & Chairman

VISTA ACCELERATES INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF AIR HAMBURG, EUROPE’S LEADING CHARTER OPERATOR

  • Acquisition of AIR HAMBURG strengthens Vista’s position across European and Middle Eastern markets;
  • On a combined basis, the transaction would see Vista increase flight hours by ~30% globally, and have a ~15% market share of the global charter market;
  • 44 additional aircraft available to Members across VistaJet and XO fleets, bringing Vista’s total global group fleet to over 240 aircraft, including owned and managed;
  • Experienced AIR HAMBURG management team remaining in positions;
  • Transaction expected to be completed in the first half of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals;
  • Follows the recent successful integrations of Red Wing Aviation, Apollo Jets and Talon Air into Vista’s global infrastructure.

Dubai, February 21, 2022: Vista Global Holding (Vista), the world’s leading private aviation group, announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire AIR HAMBURG’s operating platform and maintenance services.

Founded in 2006, AIR HAMBURG has become one of the most well-established full-service private aviation companies, flying to over 1,000 destinations in Europe alone. It is the largest private jet operator by number of flights across Europe, organizing over 18,800 flights for its clients in 2021, and it is second only to Vista in terms of hours flown, recording over 35,000 hours in 2021. As a result, Vista expects an increase of around 30% in flight hours (on a combined basis) globally following the completion of the transaction.

Thomas Flohr, Vista’s Founder and Chairman said: “Today’s announcement brings a renowned institution of the European private aviation market into the Vista group and complements our growth and service offering across Europe and the Middle East. AIR HAMBURG is an impressive, well-established and profitable business with a long-standing track record in best-in-class client service — like Vista, it is known for its reliability and consistency throughout a scaling fleet and high utilization.

“Vista’s leading flying solutions, with a business model based on a floating fleet, allows us to implement a quick, seamless integration. This is yet another demonstration of Vista’s unrivaled commitment to ensuring all our Members have access to the best value flying solutions across the world at any given moment.

Aircraft

AIR HAMBURG Embraer Lineage 1000E

It is incredibly exciting to welcome over 650 highly-skilled new colleagues to become part of the Vista family of experts at one of the most exciting times for our industry. It has been an absolute pleasure to work closely with the leadership team to ensure both companies capitalize fully on the global opportunities within the expanding private aviation market.”

The acquisition will augment Vista’s scale and fleet offering across key strategic regions and brings together two long-established reputable companies with the shared vision of delivering the most reliable and consistent flying solutions and best experiences to their Members. The merger is the latest step in Vista’s relentless transformation of the highly fragmented business aviation ecosystem. Following strong global demand for private aviation services from new and existing clients, the move builds on the recent integrations of Apollo Jets, Talon Air and Red Wing Aviation.

In addition to a thriving charter business, Vista will integrate AIR HAMBURG’s world-class EASA Part 145 maintenance hub at Baden Baden Airpark, along with its Executive Handling division and VIP lounge at Hamburg Airport which will be available for Vista Members to use.

Aircraft

AIR HAMBURG interior

Floris Helmers, AIR HAMBURG’s CEO and Managing Director said: “This is an incredible opportunity to remain at the top of the growing business aviation market. Over the last three years we have experienced strong growth, significantly increasing our market share across Europe and beyond. This cooperation between two of the largest operators means increasing our stability and securing further growth for our business, while allowing our team to showcase their strength and competencies to the most sophisticated clientele. We are looking forward to this next chapter in joining the Vista group.”

AIR HAMBURG’s growing private jet operation complements Vista’s owned fleet services, and its 44 contracted aircraft, including Lineage 1000E, Dassault Falcon 7X, and Embraer Legacy models, will be available to all Vista Members.

— Ends —

About Vista
Vista Global Holding’s (Vista) subsidiaries provide worldwide business flight services. A global group headquartered at the DIFC in Dubai, Vista integrates a unique portfolio of companies offering asset-free services to cover all key aspects of business aviation: guaranteed and on demand global flight coverage; subscription and Membership solutions; and cutting-edge mobility technology. The Group’s mission is to lead the change to provide clients with the most advanced flying services at the very best value, anytime, anywhere around the world. Vista’s knowledge and understanding of all facets of the industry deliver the best end-to-end offering and technology to all business aviation clients, through its VistaJet and XO branded services and duly licensed carriers. Vista is not a direct air carrier and does not operate or charter flights.
More Vista information and news at www.vistaglobal.com

About AIR HAMBURG
Since April 2006, the AIR HAMBURG Group has been a full-service aviation provider based in Hamburg, Germany, employing more than 650 people and consists of:

AIR HAMBURG PRIVATE JETS
AIR HAMBURG Private Jets is the main group and the largest European charter airline. Its fleet of 44 jets consists of: Lineage 1000E, Falcon 7X, Legacy 600/650/650E, Legacy 500, Praetor 600, Cessna Citation XLS+, Phenom 300/300E as well as Cessna Citation CJ3.
Over the past three years, the company has experienced strong growth, welcoming around 10 new jets per year, and significantly increasing market share. Its exceptional service has been recognized by industry bodies including the ACA Excellence Award for “best executive passenger charter operator”, and IS-BAO and Wyvern-Wingman certifications.
With a floating fleet business model, its private jets are strategically positioned around the world to provide the most streamlined service possible. Regardless of where clients are in the world, AIR HAMBURG Private Jets can have a jet with them in no time, ready to fly to any destination, even at short notice, and in hard-to-reach areas. Its Operations Control Center takes care of everything while passengers relax or plan their next meeting.
More information and news at www.air-hamburg.de

AIR HAMBURG TECHNIK
Where the ultimate efficiency and the highest standards meet. When it comes to the Embraer Lineage 1000E, Legacy 600/650/650E, Praetor 600, Legacy 500/450, the Cessna Citation XLS+ aircraft and the Embraer Phenom 300/300E — AIR HAMBURG TECHNIK are the team to call. Private aviation is a 24/7 business that requires speed and flexibility. Maintaining AIR HAMBURG Private Jets’ fleet of more than 40 aircraft has bolstered experience in highly responsive support.
The EASA Part 145 maintenance organization is based at Karlsruhe/Baden EDSB airport. Located in the heart of Europe, the base has hangarage, line and heavy maintenance, aircraft special tooling, testing equipment, and a parts logistics centre.
More information and news at www.ahtechnik.de

Contacts
press@vistaglobal.com

Vista Global Holding Limited (“Vista”) does not own or operate any aircraft. All flights are performed by FAA-licensed/DOT-registered EASA or U.S. certified Vista group direct air carriers and/or partner operators. Vista holds non-controlling minority stakes in XOJET Aviation, GMJ Air Shuttle, Red Wing Aviation and Talon Air.

Attachments

Statement Regarding Possible Offer for Clipper Logistics plc

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF THAT JURISDICTION

THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT FALLING UNDER RULE 2.4 OF THE CITY CODE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS (THE “TAKEOVER CODE”) AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF A FIRM INTENTION TO MAKE AN OFFER UNDER RULE 2.7 OF THE TAKEOVER CODE AND THERE CAN BE NO CERTAINTY THAT ANY FIRM OFFER WILL BE MADE

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION

GREENWICH, Conn., and LONDON, Feb. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Boards of Clipper Logistics plc (“Clipper”) and GXO Logistics, Inc. (“GXO”) are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement on the key terms of a possible cash and share offer for Clipper by GXO (the “Possible Offer”).

The Board of Clipper has confirmed to GXO that, should a firm offer be made on the financial terms of the Possible Offer, it is minded to recommend it unanimously to Clipper shareholders, subject to the agreement of other customary terms and conditions.

Any announcement by GXO of a firm intention to make an offer for Clipper remains subject to the satisfaction or waiver (by GXO) of a number of customary pre-conditions, including, inter alia, completion of confirmatory due diligence, agreement of the detailed terms of the Possible Offer and finalising the securing of debt financing.

Terms of the Possible Offer

The Possible Offer is to acquire each Clipper ordinary share for a combination of cash and new GXO shares (to be issued on the basis of the Exchange Ratio as defined below) as follows:

  • 690 pence in cash; and
  • such number of new GXO shares as would imply a valuation of 230 pence based on the trailing GXO 3-month volume weighted average price and a trailing 3-month average USD/GBP exchange rate (the “Exchange Ratio”) in each case calculated for the period ending on the last practicable date prior to any firm offer announcement,

(the “Possible Offer Terms”).

Accordingly, on the basis of the Exchange Ratio set out above, the Possible Offer will imply a total valuation of 920 pence per Clipper ordinary share.

Clipper shareholders should note that the total value of the Possible Offer at the point of announcement of a firm offer may be different from that implied by the Exchange Ratio. For example, if the Exchange Ratio were to be determined on the day of this announcement the Possible Offer would, using the price of a GXO share at the close of business on 18 February 2022, value each Clipper ordinary share at 901 pence.

GXO is intending to offer a mix and match facility to Clipper shareholders under which Clipper shareholders may elect, subject to availability, to vary the proportions in which they receive new GXO shares and cash in respect of their holdings in Clipper shares.

GXO has received irrevocable undertakings to vote in favour of an offer (and to elect to receive 50 per cent of their consideration in shares) made on the financial terms of the Possible Offer from, in aggregate, the holders of 23,889,180 Clipper shares, representing approximately 23.31 per cent. of Clipper’s issued share capital, including from Steve Parkin, Executive Chairman, Tony Mannix, CEO, and David Hodkin, CFO, in respect of their entire holdings of Clipper shares.

The irrevocable undertakings remain binding in the event of a competing offer. Full details of the irrevocable undertakings are set out below.

A compelling strategic combination which significantly increases the opportunities for both businesses in the high-growth e-commerce/e-fulfilment areas, creating significant value for all stakeholders:

  • Enhances GXO’s position as a successful, innovative and well-capitalised pure-play logistics leader;
  • Combines highly complementary service offerings, customer portfolios, and footprints in the UK and Europe, enabling significant cross selling of capabilities across a large combined customer base;
  • Brings together two natural partners with a very strong cultural fit; GXO is committed to protect and build on Clipper’s entrepreneurial approach for the benefit of both businesses and their employees and intends to safeguard the existing employment rights, including pension rights of Clipper employees;
  • Offers significant productivity opportunities, taking advantage of technology and infrastructure overlap in the joint enterprise.

Benefits for GXO shareholders:

  • Enables enhanced offerings by combining GXO’s complementary capabilities with Clipper’s, including its technology returns and repairs expertise, enabling GXO to strengthen its offering to an expanded universe of clients in the fast-growing e-commerce/e-fulfilment area;
  • Adds customers in the e-commerce/fulfilment space where GXO can leverage its existing platform to further diversify and expand its customer base;
  • Significant cost synergies based on procurement, and other operational overlap that can be realised within two years from transaction close;
  • Adds geographic presence in Germany and Poland as well as vertical presence in life sciences, which are key growth areas;
  • Enhances GXO’s ESG leadership position given Clipper’s reverse logistics and circular economy offerings and its robust internal targets to minimise carbon emissions and waste;
  • GXO believes the structure of the Possible Offer will allow GXO to maintain its investment grade credit rating.

Benefits for Clipper shareholders:

  • A highly attractive valuation, providing a material cash component, plus the opportunity for all Clipper shareholders to participate in the significant future potential upside of the combination through the ownership of GXO shares;
  • Possible Offer represents a premium of approximately:
    • 49% to the closing price of Clipper shares on 27 January 2022, the day before the Possible Offer was made;
    • 28% to the Clipper share price of 720 pence on 10 February 2022;
    • 32% to the Clipper 3 month volume weighted average price on 18 February 2022;
    • 18% to the Clipper share price of 777 pence on 18 February 2022; being the last business day before this announcement.

This announcement is released by Clipper Logistics plc and contains inside information for the purposes of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (“MAR”). Upon the publication of this announcement, this information is considered to be in the public domain. For the purposes of MAR, this announcement is being made on behalf of Clipper Logistics plc by David Hodkin, Chief Financial Officer.

About Clipper

Clipper, which is premium listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, is an omni-channel retail logistics specialist, which provides value-added, consultancy-led services to its blue-chip client base. Clipper is a UK leader in its areas, with a long-standing customer base in e-fulfilment, fashion and high-value logistics.

For the six months ended 31 October 2021, 68% of Clipper’s logistics revenue was generated from e-fulfilment and returns management activities and for the year ended 30 April 2021 93% of revenue within UK logistics was derived from open book or minimum volume guarantee contracts, giving the business a high level of contractual certainty.

Clipper has developed specialist services to support its customers in their ever-complex supply chains and to ensure that product is ready for sale in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. It has developed a high value-add electronic product repair capability, which Clipper complemented with the acquisition of Netherlands-based CE Repair as announced on 29 November 2021.

In addition to its presence in the UK, Clipper has an increasing presence in mainland Europe, with operations in Poland, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium.

For the year ended 30 April 2021, Clipper generated revenue of £696 million, underlying EBITDA of £43 million on an IAS 17 basis and £82 million on an IFRS 16 basis, underlying EBIT of £31 million on an IAS 17 basis and £40 million on an IFRS 16 basis. As at 31 October 2021, Clipper had net debt of £11 million on an IAS 17 basis.

About GXO

GXO is the largest pure-play contract logistics provider in the world and a foremost innovator in the logistics industry. It was a spin-off from XPO Logistics, Inc in August 2021 and is now separately listed on the New York Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of $9.3 billion as at close of business on 18 February 2022.

GXO provides high-value-add warehousing and distribution, order fulfilment, ecommerce, reverse logistics, and other supply chain services differentiated by its ability to deliver technology-enabled, customised solutions at scale. GXO’s revenue is diversified across numerous verticals and customers, including many multinational corporations.

GXO’s customers rely on it to move their goods with high efficiency through their supply chains – from the moment inbound goods arrive at its logistics sites, through fulfilment and distribution and, in an increasing number of cases, the management of returned products. GXO’s customer base includes many blue-chip leaders in sectors that demonstrate high growth or durable demand over time, with significant growth potential through customer outsourcing of logistics services.

As part of its growth strategy, GXO intends to develop additional business in consumer and other verticals where it already has deep expertise, prominent customer relationships and a strong track record of successful performance. GXO also intends to expand into new verticals by leveraging its capacity and technological strengths, and by marketing the benefits of its proprietary platform for warehouse operations. GXO uses this technology to manage advanced automation, labour productivity, safety and the complex flow of goods within sophisticated logistics environments.

For the year ended 31 December 2021, GXO generated revenue of US$7.9 billion and net income attributable to common shareholders of US$153 million. Additional information on GXO’s latest financial results can be found at https://investors.gxo.com/.

Important Takeover Code notes

There is no certainty any offer will be made even if the pre-conditions are satisfied or waived.

This announcement has been made with the consent of GXO.

In accordance with Rule 2.6(a) of the Takeover Code, GXO is required, by not later than 5.00 p.m. on 20 March 2022, to either announce a firm intention to make an offer for Clipper in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Takeover Code or announce that it does not intend to make an offer, in which case the announcement will be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Takeover Code applies. This deadline can be extended with the consent of the Panel in accordance with Rule 2.6(c) of the Takeover Code.

GXO reserves the right to make an offer for Clipper on less favourable terms than those set out in this announcement: (i) with the agreement or recommendation of the Clipper Board; or (ii) if a third party announces a firm intention to make an offer for Clipper which, at that date, is of a value less than the value implied by the Possible Offer. GXO reserves the right to introduce other forms of consideration and/or vary the mix or composition of consideration of any offer. GXO reserves the right to implement the transaction through or together with a subsidiary of GXO or a company which will become a subsidiary of GXO. GXO reserves the right to adjust the terms of the Possible Offer to take account of the value of any dividend or other distribution which is announced, declared, made or paid by Clipper after the date of this announcement.

Enquiries
GXO Media
Matthew Schmidt (US) +1 (203) 307 2809
matt.schmidt@gxo.com
Kat Kalinina (UK) 07974 594 467
ekaterina.kalinina@gxo.com
Rothschild & Co (Financial adviser to GXO) 020 7280 5000
Neil Thwaites
Alexander Mitteregger
Numis (Financial adviser and Corporate Broker to Clipper) 020 7260 1000
Stuart Skinner
Stuart Ord
Kevin Cruickshank
William Wickham
Buchanan (Public Relations Advisers to Clipper) 07798 646 021
07754 941 250
David Rydell
Stephanie Whitmore
Hannah Ratcliff

Sources and bases

In this announcement:

  • the closing price of Clipper shares on 27 January 2022, the day before the Possible Offer was made was 617 pence;
  • the Clipper 3 month volume weighted average price as at 18 February 2022 is 698.58 pence;
  • on 18 February 2022 GXO’s closing share price was US$81.21 and the USD/GBP exchange rate was 0.7359;
  • the trailing GXO 3-month volume weighted average price for the period up to 18 February 2022 is US$87.42 and the trailing 3-month average USD/GBP exchange rate is 0.7436;
  • Clipper’s underlying EBITDA of £82 million on an IFRS 16 basis for the year ended 30 April 2021 is calculated as underlying EBIT of £40 million plus depreciation of property, plant and equipment of £5 million plus depreciation of right-of use-assets of £36 million plus amortisation and impairment of computer software of £1 million (all on an IFRS 16 basis).

The trailing GXO 3-month volume weighted average price and the trailing 3-month average USD/GBP exchange rate used to determine the Exchange Ratio will be derived from Bloomberg based on the period of 3 calendar months up to the last practicable date prior to any firm offer announcement.

Important notice related to financial advisers

N.M. Rothschild & Sons Limited (“Rothschild & Co”), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for GXO and for no one else in connection with the subject matter of this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than GXO for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in connection with the subject matter of this announcement.

Numis Securities Limited (“Numis”), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting as Financial Adviser exclusively for Clipper and no one else in connection with the matters set out in this announcement and will not regard any other person as its client in relation to the matters in this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Clipper for providing the protections afforded to clients of Numis, nor for providing advice in relation to any matter referred to herein.

Disclosure requirements of the Code

Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Takeover Code, any person who is interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of an offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any offeror other than an offeror in respect of which it has been announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash) must make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement of the offer period and, if later, following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. An Opening Position Disclosure must contain details of the person’s interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the commencement of the offer period and, if appropriate, by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. Relevant persons who deal in the relevant securities of the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to the deadline for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead make a Dealing Disclosure.

Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Takeover Code, any person who is, or becomes, interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror must make a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the dealing concerned and of the person’s interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror, save to the extent that these details have previously been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the business day following the date of the relevant dealing.

If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.

Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company and by any offeror and Dealing Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and 8.4).

Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose relevant securities Opening Position Disclosures and Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on the Takeover Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk, including details of the number of relevant securities in issue, when the offer period commenced and when any offeror was first identified. You should contact the Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit on +44 (0)20 7638 0129 if you are in any doubt as to whether you are required to make an Opening Position disclosure or a dealing disclosure.

Rule 26.1 disclosure

In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Takeover Code, a copy of this announcement will be available (subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in restricted jurisdictions) at www.clippergroup.co.uk by no later than 12 noon (London time) on the business day following the date of this announcement. The content of the website referred to in this announcement is not incorporated into and does not form part of this announcement.

In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Takeover Code, a copy of this announcement will be available (subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in restricted jurisdictions) at www.GXO.com by no later than 12 noon (London time) on the business day following the date of this announcement. The content of the website referred to in this announcement is not incorporated into and does not form part of this announcement.

Rule 2.9 information

In accordance with Rule 2.9 of the Takeover Code, as at the close of business on 18 February Clipper’s issued share capital consisted of 102,463,083 ordinary shares of 0.05 pence each (and Clipper does not hold any shares in treasury). The International Securities Identification Number for Clipper’s ordinary shares is GB00BMMV6B79.

Additional Information

This announcement is not intended to, and does not, constitute or form part of any offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, pursuant to this announcement or otherwise. Any offer, if made, will be made solely by certain offer documentation which will contain the full terms and conditions of any offer, including details of how it may be accepted. The distribution of this announcement in jurisdictions other than the United Kingdom and the availability of any offer to shareholders of Clipper who are not resident in the United Kingdom may be affected by the laws of relevant jurisdictions. Therefore any persons who are subject to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United Kingdom or shareholders of Clipper who are not resident in the United Kingdom will need to inform themselves about, and observe any applicable requirements.

Notice to US Clipper Shareholders

In accordance with normal UK practice and pursuant to Rule 14e-5(b) of the US Exchange Act, Offeror or its nominees, or its brokers (acting as agents), may from time to time make certain purchases of, or arrangements to purchase, Offeree Shares outside the United States, other than pursuant to the Offer, before or during the period in which the Offer, if made, remains open for acceptance. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Any information about such purchases will be disclosed as required in the United Kingdom, will be reported to a Regulatory Information Service and will be available on the London Stock Exchange website, www.londonstockexchange.com.

This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. No offer of securities shall be made in the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended the “‘Securities Act”), or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, such registration requirements. Any securities issued as part of a transaction are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act. Any transaction will be made solely by means of a scheme document published by Clipper, or (if applicable) pursuant to an offer document to be published by GXO, which (as applicable) would contain the full terms and conditions of the transaction. Any decision in respect of, or other response to, the transaction, should be made only on the basis of the information contained in such document(s). If GXO ultimately seeks to implement the transaction by way of a takeover offer, that offer will be made in compliance with applicable US laws and regulations.

Forward looking statements

This document contains “forward-looking statements”. These statements are based on the current expectations of the management of GXO and/or Clipper and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. The forward-looking statements contained in this document include statements relating to the expected effects of the Offer on Clipper and/or GXO, the expected timing and scope of the Offer, and other statements other than historical facts. Forward-looking statements include statements typically containing words such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “believe”, “intends”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “targets”, “estimates” and words of similar import. Although Clipper and/or GXO believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, Clipper and/or GXO can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These factors include: local and global political, business and economic conditions, including changes in the financial markets; significant price discounting by competitors; changes in consumer habits and preferences; foreign exchange rate fluctuations and interest rate fluctuations (including those from any potential credit rating decline); legal or regulatory developments and changes; the outcome of any litigation; the impact of any acquisitions or similar transactions; competitive product and pricing pressures; success of business and operating initiatives; changes in the level of capital investment; market related risks and developments pertaining to the industry in which Clipper operates; the impact of external events, such as pandemics or natural disasters, including the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and changes to current expectations as to the rate of economic recovery therefrom; and the impact of a cyber security breach. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Neither Clipper and/or GXO nor any of its affiliated companies undertakes any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required.

Details of irrevocable undertakings

The following Clipper shareholders have given irrevocable undertakings to GXO to (i) vote in favour of the Possible Offer at any court meeting (or, in the event that the Possible Offer is implemented by way of a takeover offer rather than a scheme of arrangement, accept the takeover offer); and (ii) elect to receive 50 per cent. of their consideration in new GXO shares, in relation to the following Clipper shares:

Name Number of Clipper shares held directly or beneficially Percentage of issued ordinary share capital of Clipper
Steve Parkin 15,128,000 14.76%
Sean Fahey 4,070,000 3.97%
Gurnaik Chima 3,000,000 2.93%
George Turner 650,428 0.63%
David Hodkin 600,376 0.59%
Tony Mannix 440,376 0.43%

The obligations of the relevant Clipper Shareholders under the irrevocable undertakings shall remain binding in the event of a competing offer for Clipper and shall only cease to be binding if:

  • an announcement by GXO of a firm intention to make an offer for Clipper is not released by 7 a.m. on 15 April 2022 or such later date as GXO and Clipper may agree;
  • GXO announces that it does not intend to make or proceed with the Possible Offer and no new, revised or replacement offer is announced in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Code at the same time;
  • if the Possible Offer lapses or is withdrawn and no new, revised or replacement offer has been announced, in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Code, in its place or is announced, in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Code, at the same time; or
  • any competing offer for the entire issued and to be issue share capital of Clipper becomes or is declared wholly unconditional or, if proceeding by way of a scheme of arrangement, becomes effective.

The irrevocable undertakings shall apply to:

  • the Possible Offer only if it is made (i) on the Possible Offer Terms; (ii) with the recommendation of the board of directors of Clipper; or (iii) as otherwise agreed in writing; and
  • any new, increased, renewed or revised firm offer (under Rule 2.7 of the Code) made by GXO provided that its terms are: (i) in the reasonable opinion of Clipper’s financial adviser, at least as favourable to Clipper’s shareholders as the Possible Offer Terms and/or the terms described in the announcement by GXO of a firm intention to make an offer for Clipper (as applicable); or (ii) recommended by the board of directors of Clipper.

Machine tool industry, other sectors will benefit if Taiwan joins CPTPP: Tsai

President Tsai Ing-wen (???) said Monday that the machine tool industry is one of the domestic sectors that will be able to overcome tariff and trade barriers if Taiwan succeeds in its bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Speaking at the opening of a machine tool trade show in Taipei, Tsai said the machine tool industry has a complete self-sustaining industry chain and is one of the main drivers of Taiwan’s economic growth.

The sector comprises mainly small and medium-sized enterprises that have a great spirit of innovation and have achieved major breakthroughs, Tsai at the joint Taipei International Machine Tool Show (TIMTOS) and Taiwan International Machine Tool Show (TMTS).

She noted that in 2020, the machinery and machine tools industry was part of a national team that was assembled to quickly boost Taiwan’s face mask production capacity during a shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, the output value of Taiwan’s machinery sector climbed to NT$1.3 trillion (US$46.71 billion), and its exports have been growing steadily over the past 17 months, she said, adding that the industry provides more than 300,000 jobs.

Noting that several of the CPTPP’s 11 member nations currently buy Taiwan-made machinery and machine tools, Tsai said her administration will do its best to seek Taiwan’s admission to the Asia-Pacific trading bloc that represents 495 million consumers and 13.5 percent of the global economy.

If Taiwan succeeds in joining the CPTPP, the machinery and machine tools industry, along with other domestic sectors, will benefit, as they will be well positioned to overcome tariff and trade barriers, which will boost their international competitiveness, Tsai said.

She also said Taiwan should be moving in the direction of developing smart manufacturing solutions to cope with geopolitical changes and achieve its goal of becoming a carbon neutral country by 2050.

To that end, Tsai said, Taiwan should assemble a national team that will incorporate information and communication technology, smart manufacturing technology, and the machinery industries.

The government will help domestic industries explore new opportunities, she said, pointing to existing possibilities as a result of Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia’s current aggressive development of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications.

Meanwhile, Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry Chairman Larry Wei (???) said at the opening of the trade show that purchase orders of about US$1.2 billion-US$1.7 billion are expected during the six-day event.

The show, staged jointly by TIMTOS and TMTS for the first time, is being held onsite, with some virtual exchanges.

At the physical site, 5,100 booths by 950 exhibitors opened at the Taipei Nangang exhibition center Monday. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 international buyers in 62 countries have registered for the online procurement sessions for global machinery.

According to Wei, the output value of Taiwan’s machine tools is expected to reach NT$108.2 billion this year, and the machinery industry is aiming for an annual output of NT$2 trillion in the future.

In 2021, Taiwan’s machinery industry’s output was NT$1.3 trillion, while its exports grew by an annual 27 percent to a record US$33.14 billion.

Exports of machine tools alone totaled US$2.78 billion in 2021, up 29.1 percent from a year earlier, and they are expected to exceed US$3 billion this year.

Taiwan’s major machinery exports include machine tools, power transmission equipment and key components for machinery equipment, including ball screws and linear guides.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel

Japanese food imports officially allowed into Taiwan

Taiwan will now allow imports of Japanese food and agricultural products from areas affected by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, according to an official notice issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday.

The opening came after the Cabinet announced in early February that it would lift the 10-year ban by the end of this month, meaning that food imports from five prefectures in Japan — Fukushima and neighboring Gunma, Chiba, Ibaraki, and Tochigi — would be permitted to enter Taiwan.

Despite the removal of the blanket ban, some restrictions will remain in place, such as mushrooms, the meat of wild birds and other wild animals, and “koshiabura,” or foraged mountain vegetables, from the five prefectures.

Specific items from certain areas that are not sold in other parts of Japan will continue to be prohibited from entering the local market, according to the FDA’s notice.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), which oversees the FDA’s operations, reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the health of people in the nation by ensuring food safety.

Pledging the government will adopt stricter food safety standards than those upheld by other foreign countries, the MOHW said that instead of “banning food products from certain areas,” it will now prohibit the import of “certain items,” regarding the controversy surrounding food from nuclear disaster-affected Japanese prefectures.

Three auxiliary measures — batch-by-batch border inspections, as well as the attachment of certificates of origin and radiation inspection certificates — will be carried out on the import of potentially risky products, the ministry said.

According to the MOHW, it had received 36 opinion responses from members of the public during the two-week stipulated period starting on Feb. 8 for the collection of public opinions on its latest adjustment of control measures on Japanese food products.

Of the 36 opinions it collected, 17, or 47.2 percent of the total, backed the policy change, while only four were against it, the ministry said, noting that the result showed that more people supported the lifting of the ban than opposed.

The other 15 opinions were related questions about the proposed control measures or suggestions on them, which the ministry said had been replied to.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel

Taiwan to punish Olympian skater over ‘repeated inappropriate remarks’

The Taiwan government will soon discipline Olympian speed skater Huang Yu-ting (???) for her “repeated inappropriate remarks” during the recent Beijing Winter Olympics, Education Minister Pan Wen-chung (???) said Monday.

“Athletes representing Taiwan at international events receive subsidies from taxpayers’ money,” Pan said. “They need to realize that they are representing the country and should act and speak in accordance with the people’s expectations instead of hurting their feelings.”

The controversy over Huang’s actions and comments at the Winter Olympics has escalated since Jan. 23 when she posted a training video on Instagram, in which she was seen wearing a Chinese national team skinsuit.

The post began attracting wide attention on Feb. 3, after which Huang, one of four athletes on the Taiwan Olympic team, removed it.

The 33-year-old skater later apologized, and while the national Sports Administration (SA) chided her for being insensitive to the subtleties of cross-Taiwan Strait politics, it did not penalize her. Huang served as one of her country’s two flag-bearers at the Olympics’ opening ceremony and was allowed to compete as planned.

During the Games, however, some of Huang’s comments again gave rise to controversy in Taiwan.

After finishing 26th in the women’s 1,500-meter race on Feb. 19, Huang was quoted in the Beijing Daily as saying that she felt warmly welcomed by the crowds in Beijing and was deeply moved by such strong support.

“I felt as if I was competing on home turf,” she was quoted as saying in the news report.

When asked in another interview whether she was competing for China or Taiwan at the Beijing Games, Huang told DW News that she was representing “Chinese Taipei,” the name Taiwan uses in the Olympics due to pressure from China.

After the Games ended, Huang on Feb. 17 thanked her supporters in a Facebook post, in which she also invited all “haters, internet trolls” to leave her a message. The post drew a wave of online attacks, after which Huang close down the page.

On Feb. 19, Premier Su Tseng-chang (???) called for investigation into Huang’s behavior, which he said was unbecoming of a national team member.

Meanwhile, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) has accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government of overreacting to Huang’s remarks, due to its anti-China stance.

Asked to comment, Pan said Monday that the government did not discipline Huang when she was seen posing in a Chinese skinsuit, because the ministry believed it was an honest mistake.

After apologizing to the public, however, Huang proceeded to make controversial comments at the Olympics and intentionally antagonize Taiwanese netizens, when she completed her event, Pan said.

“This is no longer a one-time thing,” he added.

Pan said the Sports Administration will meet with members of Taiwan’s Olympics committee and skating association in two weeks time to discuss how Huang should be disciplined.

The Olympics committee had said earlier that Huang, who announced her retirement after the Beijing Games, would not be returning to Taiwan anytime soon and instead would be heading to the United States to prepare for upcoming skating events.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel

INTERVIEW/Hong Kong protest documentary director optimistic effort not in vain

“If you ask me whether I have thought about leaving, of course, I have … [but] I didn’t want to cave in to fear. If I am to fear God, I shall not fear the regime.”

Despite running the risk of breaching Hong Kong’s national security law, director Kiwi Chow (???) does not shy away when discussing his new documentary “Revolution of Our Times,” which takes its name from the second half of a slogan that at least one man has been jailed for using.

The film, which chronicles the 2019 anti-government protests in the former British colony, is set to begin a theatrical run in more than 30 theaters across Taiwan starting Feb. 25.

During a virtual interview with CNA, Chow, still based in Hong Kong, is keen to stress he has not been targeted by the authorities for his work. “At the moment my life is safe. I intend to cherish the freedom I have now and continue working on things I think are right.”

Filmed and directed in collaboration with a group of anonymous cameramen, “Revolution of Our Times” covers the demonstrations’ evolution from protests against a proposed extradition law that would have allowed individuals from Hong Kong to be tried in Chinese courts, to a wider call for universal suffrage and a probe into alleged police brutality.

An inside look at the protesters

Chow said the film’s inclusion of everyday Hong Kongers alongside the voices of pro-democracy campaigners and political commentators allows the audience to better understand the motives and the emotional toll of the protests.

The months-long unrest was swiftly curtailed in 2020 with a COVID-19-induced ban on public gatherings. This was followed by the imposition of the catch-all national security law the same year, which made anything considered by Beijing as supporting secession, subversion, or collusion with foreign forces punishable with a potential life sentence.

Wary of facing charges for rioting and the possibility of up to 10 years in prison, many of Chow’s interview subjects chose to keep their identities a secret. Chow never really knew who the masked interviewees were and has refrained from contacting them since the project’s completion. Of the crew, all but Chow remain anonymous.

Chow became known to Taiwanese audiences after “Beyond the Dream,” his film about a romantic relationship between a schizophrenic patient and his therapist, won Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2020 Golden Horse Awards.

“Revolution of Our Times” took home two more honors at the same awards in Taipei in 2021, winning Best Documentary and the Audience Choice award.

Repeating the past

In his native Hong Kong, 42-year-old Chow first came to prominence in 2015 when he directed the short film “Self-immolator” for the Ng Ka-leung’s (???) anthology “Ten Years.”

Released two years after Chow received his master’s degree in cinema production at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, “Ten Years” resonated with many of those disenchanted by the end of the Umbrella Movement, a series of pro-democracy protests that sprang up in Hong Kong’s central business district in 2014.

Under the tagline “the future we don’t want to see,” the anthology offered a fictionalized vision of Hong Kong in 2025 under China’s tightening rule.

Shot as if a documentary, “Self-immolator” involves staged protests and a brutal police crackdown in Hong Kong’s streets, as well as interviews of people reacting either sympathetically or disdainfully to the death of a young activist.

Many of the scenes acted out in “Self-immolator” ended up bearing a striking resemblance to those in “Revolution of Our Times.”

“That violence became part of the daily life in 2019,” Chow said, adding that browsing footage of protesters facing tear gas and rubber bullets had been a nightmarish but ultimately cathartic experience.

For the director, making the documentary became essential to the healing process. “I had to spend long hours on a daily basis in checking clips and texts, and I used to cry a lot,” he said.

Navigating tough environment

While “Ten Years” won Best Film at the Hong Kong Film Awards a year after its release, “Revolution of Our Times,” a work made just six years after, is unlikely to ever be screened theatrically in Hong Kong.

“There is no need to even try, because they [the authorities] will never give the green light to the film,” Chow said. “The whole thing would have become much more dangerous [for me] if I tried to get a screening permit from the government.”

Chow has taken precautions to keep the film out of reach of the Hong Kong legal system. Officially, “Revolution of Our Times” is a foreign production, with the director having sold the copyright to overseas interests prior to its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in July 2021.

The premiere itself was not without controversy. “Revolution of Our Times” debuted at short notice on the penultimate day of the festival, reportedly to avoid creating a political incident.

Chow’s concerns are not baseless. In September 2020, the Hong Kong distributor of “Inside the Red Brick Wall,” another documentary on the city’s 2019 anti-government protests, said it had faced tremendous difficulty in trying to obtain a screening certificate, which was eventually granted with certain conditions.

Before the pandemic, Chow made a trip to Taiwan to follow two protesters who had fled Hong Kong for fear of prosecution. While not planned in advance, this ended up becoming the final part of the documentary.

The resulting epilogue juxtaposes Taiwan’s presidential race in early 2020 with Hong Kong’s pursuit of democracy a year prior, and Chow hoped that this arrangement would spur some reflection and even sow a sense of hope among those who support Hong Kong’s democratic movements.

Noting that Taiwan required decades of activism to reach its current democratic state, Chow retains a sense of optimism for progress in his home city. “It’s the same for Hong Kong. It takes time … Maybe all our efforts will not be in vain.”

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel

CORONAVIRUS/Taiwan reports 4 new domestic cases, identifies origins of 3 others

Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) reported four new domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases on Monday and said three previously recorded cases thought to be imported or spread by close contacts actually originated in quarantine hotels.

The four new domestic cases are all linked to existing clusters, Health and Welfare Minister Chen Shih-chung (???) said at a press briefing.

Domestic COVID-19 cases

One of the new individuals infected was a family member of a Taoyuan International Airport security guard who tested positive on Feb. 15 after coming into contact with a traveler infected with COVID-19, Chen said.

Three other family members of the security guard had previously been confirmed with COVID-19.

Two other cases were linked to a cluster of unknown origin, in which the first reported cases involved a family in Kaohsiung. The cluster also includes three employees at the Dalin Refinery Plant in the southern city and now totals 12 cases, according to Chen.

The remaining domestic case Monday involved a woman who dined at the same restaurant in New Taipei on Feb. 9 as an interior designer who tested positive for COVID-19 four days later, Chen said.

The woman’s husband, who was with her at the restaurant, has been reclassified as a domestic case, as the CECC has concluded that it is most likely he was infected at the restaurant, Chen said.

The man was initially listed as an imported case when he first tested positive on Feb. 20, as he had returned to Taiwan from China on Jan. 18, CECC data showed.

The source of the cluster, which totals 38 cases to date, is still unknown, according to the CECC.

Three of the individuals whose infections were reported Monday had received two or three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, while the fourth, a boy under 10 years old, had not been vaccinated, the CECC said.

Currently, there are eight clusters or individual cases with unknown origins in Taiwan that the CECC is monitoring.

Omicron variant

Genome sequencing has been performed on samples from patients in seven of the clusters, which show they were infected with two different versions of the Omicron variant.

Also on Monday, the CECC said that based on genome sequencing results, three previously reported COVID-19 cases were found to have originated in quarantine hotels.

One of the cases involved a traveler from China who was infected during his stay at a quarantine hotel in New Taipei by a traveler staying in an adjacent room, Chen said. The case had originally been listed as originating abroad.

In another case, an individual who later tested positive was asked to quarantine at a hotel in Taipei after coming into contact with a person who had COVID-19.

Genome sequencing results showed that he was not infected by the person he came in contact with, as had been suspected, but by someone staying on the same floor in the quarantine hotel, Chen said.

The remaining case involved a man who tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 11 after a family member had been confirmed with the disease.

Genome sequencing results indicated, however, that he was infected during his stay at a quarantine hotel after returning from China on Jan. 10 by family members of an employee at the Port of Kaohsiung who were quarantined on the same floor of the hotel, Chen said.

Based on these results, the CECC has determined that the man was the first in his family to contract the disease, which then spread to the workplace of two his family members — a gravel supplier in Kaohsiung — and contacts of employees at the gravel company, Chen said.

The CECC did not provide information on how the virus spread within the three hotels.

Taiwan has reported 22 cases originating in a total of 14 quarantine hotels since the beginning of December. Six of the hotels are in Taipei, two are in New Taipei, and three each are in Taoyuan and Kaohsiung.

Imported COVID-19 cases

In addition to the domestic cases, Taiwan also reported 45 people with infections that originated abroad, 24 of whom tested positive upon arrival in Taiwan. The CECC did not release any information regarding the vaccination status of the imported cases.

To date, Taiwan has confirmed 20,056 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began in early 2020, including 15,387 domestically transmitted infections.

With no deaths reported Monday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 fatalities in the country remained at 852.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel

Low temperatures, first sleet in 18 years, seen in Matsu

The Taiwan-held Matsu Islands recorded their first sleet in 18 years and the lowest temperature for any low-lying area in the country Sunday at 2.7 degrees Celsius, according to the Central Weather Bureau (CWB).

As of Sunday noon, the lowest temperature across Taiwan and its offshore islands was recorded at 6:13 a.m. at the Matsu weather station on Nangan Island, which lies much closer to the coast of China’s Fujian province than it does to the island of Taiwan.

The cold spell plus the heavy rain also resulted in sleet falling in the Matsu Islands, starting at 1:37 p.m. It was the first time sleet was recorded there since the launch of the Matsu Weather Station in 2004, CWB forecaster Hsu Chung-yi (???) told CNA.

The lowest temperature in a low-lying area of Taiwan proper on Sunday was 7.2 degrees in Taichung’s Dajia District at 2:30 p.m., Hsu said.

The mercury is expected to drop further on Sunday night, which is forecast to be the coldest time of the ongoing cold snap, he said.

The weather should turn slightly warmer starting Monday morning but will likely remain cold, with the bureau forecasting temperatures of 11 degrees Celsius in northern and central Taiwan, 12 degrees in the south, and 13 to 15 degrees in the east.

On Wednesday, another cold wave could send the mercury down again, though not by as much as the current cold spell, before temperatures bounce back starting Friday.

Meanwhile, the heavy rains seen in most parts of Taiwan will continue for a few days before easing starting Thursday, Hsu said.

The cold spell has been preliminarily linked to the sudden deaths of 41 people across Taiwan, who were among 382 people sent to hospitals with ailments resulting from the chilly temperatures, according an ETTODAY report.

Health authorities said, however, that more work needs to be done to determine if there was in fact a direct link between the 41 deaths and the cold weather.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel