LONDON - Tuesday, October 18th 2016 [ME NewsWire] (BUSINESS WIRE)-- Embracing technology can strengthen democracy and empower voters, according to a number of renowned elections experts who have contributed to a report released today by International Elections Advisory Council (IEAC). The Future of Elections Report comprises seven essays written by people who have experience running some of the most complex elections around the world. As well as championing the use of technology to solve challenges faced by global democracies, a number of the essays demonstrate how digital voting and registration tools have already revolutionised the electoral process in countries including the Philippines, India, Nigeria and South Africa. In his essay, Pioneering Digital Democracy Worldwide, Richard Soudriette draws upon his experience as founding president of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems to explain why democracies around the world should be investing more to modernize their v ... Read more »

Prestige Cosmetics Brand Offers Innovative Complexion Products for a Wide Range of Skin Tones NEW YORK - Saturday, October 22nd 2016 [ME NewsWire] (BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire BECCA Cosmetics, a high-growth makeup brand offering complexion and color products that flatter a wide range of skin tones and enhance women’s features. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close in November 2016. Launched in 2001, BECCA Cosmetics has experienced exceptional growth over the last several years, with a curated product line that includes primers, concealers, foundations, blushes and highlighters that use the beauty of light to enhance the complexion. Most of the brand’s foundations are available in up to twenty shades, with half designed for medium to deep tones and half designed for light to medium tones. This commitment to developing premium, luxurious products in a balance ... Read more »

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates - Monday, October 17th 2016 [ME NewsWire] The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s (TRA) ICT Fund. The agreement was signed at the GITEX technology exhibition currently being hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, by the AURAK president, Professor Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim and H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, director general of the TRA. The partnership will see the ICT Fund supporting AURAK’s School of Engineering through the funding of infrastructure development and state-of-the-art equipment. The fund will also provide financial support towards the university’s research within the field of technology. Commenting on the agreement, Prof. Al Alkim stated, “The relationship is very logical, especially considering that we’ve worked closely with the ICT Fund in the past. AURAK, and particularly our School of Engineering, is highly active in terms of rese ... Read more »

VIENNE, Autriche et SOFIA, Bulgarie - Samedi 22 Octobre 2016 [ME NewsWire] (BUSINESS WIRE)--UniCredit Bank Austria AG et UniCredit Bulbank AD ont augmenté et modifié l'actuelle facilité de crédit de premier rang accordée à Business Park Sofia (BPS), le premier parc de bureaux d'Europe centrale et orientale, afin de faire une place à un nouveau partenaire de syndication, Raiffeisen Bank International AG (WBAG : RBI). Le montant du prêt atteint donc le total de 112,9 millions EUR. La transaction a été finalisée en septembre 2016. La nouvelle facilité conjointe est fournie par UniCredit Bank Austria AG, Raiffeisen Bank International AG et UniCredit Bulbank AD. UniCredit Bank Austria AG et UniCredit Bulbank AD agissent en tant qualité de chefs de file, d'agents de syndication et d'assureurs. UniCredit Bulbank AD agit en qualité d'agent de facilité et de sécurité, banque de compte, et prestataire de fonds spéculatifs pour la transaction. Par ailleurs, Arco Capital a mandaté UniCredit Bank ... Read more »

VIENNA, Austria & SOFIA, Bulgaria - Saturday, October 22nd 2016 [ME NewsWire] (BUSINESS WIRE)-- UniCredit Bank Austria AG and UniCredit Bulbank AD increased and amended its current senior facility with Business Park Sofia (BPS), the largest office park in Central and Eastern Europe, in order to accommodate a new syndication partner, Raiffeisen Bank International AG (WBAG: RBI), reaching now a total volume of € 112.9 million. The transaction closed in September 2016. The new joint facility is being provided by UniCredit Bank Austria AG, Raiffeisen Bank International AG and UniCredit Bulbank AD. UniCredit Bank Austria AG and UniCredit Bulbank AD acted as mandated lead arrangers, syndication agents and underwriters. UniCredit Bulbank AD is acting as facility and security agent, account bank, and hedge provider of this transaction. Also, Arco Capital has mandated UniCredit Bank Austria AG, Raiffeisen Bank International AG and UniCredit Bulbank AD to provide a construction facility for a ne ... Read more »