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In breaking news promoters’ Garry Van Egmond and Chugg Entertainment have today announced Sydney’s third and Australia’s eighth Prince concert.
Prince will play the Allphones Arena on Tuesday 22 May in addition to his concerts on 11 & 12 May.
Tickets will go on-sale next Monday 7 May at 9AM from www.ticketek.com.au
“The demand for a third Sydney concert was obvious and we’re delighted we’ve been able to juggle the touring schedule and slot in this extra show,” promoter Garry Van Egmond said.
Prince will perform on a symbol-shaped stage; a unique and spectacular production experience.
Its intimate 360-degree composition, in the middle of the arena floor, brings all four corners of the venue closer than a traditional stage-end set up.
Prince’s May 2012 visit will be his third tour of Australia and his first in nine years.
Hot on the heels of his 2010 and 2011 Welcome to America and Welcome to Canada tours, in addition to the 21 nights at The O2 Arena in London (capacity 20,000) Prince’s Welcome to Australia tour in May is his only confirmed tour of 2012.
Friday 11 May 1st Sydney Allphones Arena
Saturday 12 May 2nd Sydney Allphones Arena
Monday 14 May 1st Melbourne Rod Laver Arena
Tuesday 15 May 2nd Melbourne Rod Laver Arena
Friday 18 May 1st Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Tuesday 22 May 3rd Sydney Allphones Arena
Saturday 26 May 2nd Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Wednesday 30 May 3rd Melbourne Rod Laver Arena
All tickets – Ticketek
Tel 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
Tickets from $99 to $179.90
The tour is presented by Van Egmond Group and Chugg Entertainment.
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Welcome to the Media Man Entertainment blog. Media Man Entertainment covers news, reviews, gossip and more from the entertainment industry. Media Man Entertainment is part of the Media Man group of companies, headed up by Media Man International. Media Man was established by Australian based media entrepreneur, Greg Tingle, in 2001.
Friday, May 4, 2012
More porn site ads stir blue-chip brands - 4th May 2012
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EXCLUSIVE: Another group of blue-chip advertisers including Commonwealth Bank, Hyundai, Qantas and Vodafone have been caught in the murky waters of online ad placement on adult sites just as the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is set to release guidelines around online brand safety.
Display ads targeting Australians for brands including Hyundai, World Vision, Qantas and ANZ have appeared alongside soft porn or adult content, while Commonwealth Bank advertising appeared on a site called Kick Ass Torrents, which could facilitate illegal downloading under copyright law in some countries.
However, one ad for Austar on a site called Plunder Girls has been deemed borderline appropriate by the pay TV operator despite appearing alongside several images of a naked woman. Because the ad was promoting Fox Sports to a male audience, Austar and its media agency, Foundation, determined the ‘inappropriate’ level had not been breached.
Austar group director for product, sales and marketing Nikki Warburton told AdNews: “There is a 10% buffer in what is appropriate and what is not, and this probably sits right on the border of okay.”
Meanwhile, a Vodafone ad placed on a site called Lovepanky alongside an article called ‘How to stare at a girl’s cleavage’ also raised the cloudy definition of ‘inappropriate’.
Vodafone said it was moving to ensure no further advertisements appeared on the site. However, a spokesperson for Adconion, the ad network behind the placement, said: “This site is neither inappropriate or immoral in any way.”
But Hyundai, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Qantas and World Vision have all blacklisted the sites in question after being informed by AdNews.
The moves follow an AdNews series last year which uncovered major brands appearing in potentially compromising online environments. The latest developments have again brought to light the role of media agencies, ad networks and demand-side platforms (DSPs) in ensuring ‘brand safety’ in the online sector, particularly when many companies are increasingly demanding cheap online inventory in high volumes through non-premium websites.
A Commonwealth Bank spokesperson said the display ad promoting same-day personal loans on the torrent site, which was placed through the Brandscreen DSP via media agency Ikon’s trading desk, came about because the site identity had been “spoofed”.
Ikon national chief executive Dan Johns told AdNews: “We have strict terms in place to protect against this and we do not tolerate any misrepresentation from any media partner.”
Hyundai’s media agency, Mediabrands-owned Initiative, also moved quickly when AdNews brought the placement of a Hyundai Elantra ad to its attention. Mediabrands commercial director Travis Johnson said: “Initiative was completely unaware that one of our online ads was on a site that could be regarded as inappropriate. The Hyundai ad which appeared [on The Chive website] was not placed with Hyundai’s knowledge and has since been removed.”
A credit card ad for ANZ promoting Qantas Frequent Flyer points also appeared on The Chive, alongside content about bouncing breasts. A Qantas spokesperson said neither the airline nor ANZ were aware of the placement and had removed the ads and blocked the site immediately.
A World Vision display ad promoting child sponsorship appeared above a link for ‘Hot girls with large chests’. A spokesperson said: “Despite our best efforts, we know that an ad can still appear on an unacceptable website and we will continue to monitor this situation closely.”
The issue becomes murky when defining ‘inappropriate’ content. Many of the ads were not placed on illegal or hardcore pornographic websites, but alongside ‘adult’ content.
Jonathan Despinidic, vice president of ad network industry body IASH, told AdNews the display ads in question may not be hardcore porn but are sexually suggestive, and would be classified by IASH as ‘adult’.
“For advertisers, this can be a big issue, but when you’re dealing with ad networks and DSPs, it’s hard to make it 100% safe,” Despinidic said. “When advertisers are buying hundreds of millions of impressions a month, often through third parties, it’s impossible to make it totally safe.”
IAB Australia chief executive Paul Fisher argued the issue is not a major one from a volume point of view, as a minority of ads slip through the cracks. But he also said, from a brand point of view, if an ad does appear on an inappropriate website, it can cause damage. IAB will roll out best-practice guidelines for ad safety in quarter three of 2012, partly in order to address this concern.
“But it comes down to how you define ‘inappropriate’, because it’s up to the advertiser to decide what is an acceptable environment,” Fisher said. (AdNews)
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EXCLUSIVE: Another group of blue-chip advertisers including Commonwealth Bank, Hyundai, Qantas and Vodafone have been caught in the murky waters of online ad placement on adult sites just as the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is set to release guidelines around online brand safety.
Display ads targeting Australians for brands including Hyundai, World Vision, Qantas and ANZ have appeared alongside soft porn or adult content, while Commonwealth Bank advertising appeared on a site called Kick Ass Torrents, which could facilitate illegal downloading under copyright law in some countries.
However, one ad for Austar on a site called Plunder Girls has been deemed borderline appropriate by the pay TV operator despite appearing alongside several images of a naked woman. Because the ad was promoting Fox Sports to a male audience, Austar and its media agency, Foundation, determined the ‘inappropriate’ level had not been breached.
Austar group director for product, sales and marketing Nikki Warburton told AdNews: “There is a 10% buffer in what is appropriate and what is not, and this probably sits right on the border of okay.”
Meanwhile, a Vodafone ad placed on a site called Lovepanky alongside an article called ‘How to stare at a girl’s cleavage’ also raised the cloudy definition of ‘inappropriate’.
Vodafone said it was moving to ensure no further advertisements appeared on the site. However, a spokesperson for Adconion, the ad network behind the placement, said: “This site is neither inappropriate or immoral in any way.”
But Hyundai, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Qantas and World Vision have all blacklisted the sites in question after being informed by AdNews.
The moves follow an AdNews series last year which uncovered major brands appearing in potentially compromising online environments. The latest developments have again brought to light the role of media agencies, ad networks and demand-side platforms (DSPs) in ensuring ‘brand safety’ in the online sector, particularly when many companies are increasingly demanding cheap online inventory in high volumes through non-premium websites.
A Commonwealth Bank spokesperson said the display ad promoting same-day personal loans on the torrent site, which was placed through the Brandscreen DSP via media agency Ikon’s trading desk, came about because the site identity had been “spoofed”.
Ikon national chief executive Dan Johns told AdNews: “We have strict terms in place to protect against this and we do not tolerate any misrepresentation from any media partner.”
Hyundai’s media agency, Mediabrands-owned Initiative, also moved quickly when AdNews brought the placement of a Hyundai Elantra ad to its attention. Mediabrands commercial director Travis Johnson said: “Initiative was completely unaware that one of our online ads was on a site that could be regarded as inappropriate. The Hyundai ad which appeared [on The Chive website] was not placed with Hyundai’s knowledge and has since been removed.”
A credit card ad for ANZ promoting Qantas Frequent Flyer points also appeared on The Chive, alongside content about bouncing breasts. A Qantas spokesperson said neither the airline nor ANZ were aware of the placement and had removed the ads and blocked the site immediately.
A World Vision display ad promoting child sponsorship appeared above a link for ‘Hot girls with large chests’. A spokesperson said: “Despite our best efforts, we know that an ad can still appear on an unacceptable website and we will continue to monitor this situation closely.”
The issue becomes murky when defining ‘inappropriate’ content. Many of the ads were not placed on illegal or hardcore pornographic websites, but alongside ‘adult’ content.
Jonathan Despinidic, vice president of ad network industry body IASH, told AdNews the display ads in question may not be hardcore porn but are sexually suggestive, and would be classified by IASH as ‘adult’.
“For advertisers, this can be a big issue, but when you’re dealing with ad networks and DSPs, it’s hard to make it 100% safe,” Despinidic said. “When advertisers are buying hundreds of millions of impressions a month, often through third parties, it’s impossible to make it totally safe.”
IAB Australia chief executive Paul Fisher argued the issue is not a major one from a volume point of view, as a minority of ads slip through the cracks. But he also said, from a brand point of view, if an ad does appear on an inappropriate website, it can cause damage. IAB will roll out best-practice guidelines for ad safety in quarter three of 2012, partly in order to address this concern.
“But it comes down to how you define ‘inappropriate’, because it’s up to the advertiser to decide what is an acceptable environment,” Fisher said. (AdNews)
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Thursday, May 3, 2012
Packer in talks to exit media sector - 4th May 2012
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Billionaire James Packer's media company says it has had early talks on a possible takeover for the group, which owns a 25 per cent stake in pay TV operator Foxtel, worth about $1 billion.
Consolidated Media Holdings (CMH), which is 50.1 per cent owned by Mr Packer, made the comments in response to media reports that Mr Packer wanted to sell CMH, which holds the Foxtel stake as well as content-provider Fox Sports.
"CMH has had very preliminary discussions concerning a possible control proposal," the media group said, but added: "No control proposal or other form of offer has been made to CMH."
The company said it had hired UBS to act as adviser in case an offer emerges.
CMH shares were down as much as 8 cents, or 2.4 per cent, to $3.22 this morning. Kerry Stokes' Seven Group Holdings fell 18 cents, or 1.8 per cent, to $9.89 while News Corp shares (A-class, or non-voting) gained 5 cents, or 0.3 per cent, to $19.19.
Media reports this morning suggested Mr Packer wanted to sell out of his media interests to raise cash to bid for casino group Echo Entertainment and its prize asset, Sydney's Star casino.
That would add Star to Crown, the Packer-run owner of Melbourne's Crown casino, to create a $10 billion gaming giant.
If Packer sells his half-share in Consolidated Media, his only Australian interests will be in free-to-air Ten Network, and Seek Asia, capping a selldown that started in 2007 when he offloaded the bulk of the family's PBL Media just before the financial crisis.
The sale of Channel Nine's east coast stations, ACP Magazines, Ticketek and 50 per cent of NineMSN to private equity firm CVC in mid-2007 was lauded as a top-of-the-market sale for Mr Packer, and a demonstration of his determination to shift the family fortune from media to gaming.
According to a previous report in The Australian Financial Review, Packer's "dream scenario" for the sale of ConsMedia is bidding tension betwen Nine, Seven and Telstra.
But a report from Macquarie today said UBS's appointment to sell Packer's ConsMedia stake suggests that demand for the media assets "may not be as strong as the market had anticipated" due to capital constraints at prospective buyer Seven and the requirement that all of Foxtel's shareholders - ConsMedia, News Ltd and Telstra - agree to a new ownership structure.
"The prevailing logic has been that corporate activity from one of the joint venture parties in Foxtel (Telstra, News Limited) or Kerry Stokes (Seven) would underpin the stock, with the monopoly Foxtel/Austar pay TV asset the ultimate prize," analysts Alex Pollak and Derryn Chin write.
"However, in our view, the fact that Packer appears open to selling down to institutions (thus sacrificing a control premium from a full takeover bid) implies that 1) liquidity to finance his gaming interests is of more concern to him and 2) he does not feel that a takeover offer is in the works any time soon."
Macquarie has a 'hold' recommendation on the company. Macquarie priced CMH at $3.27 per share, noting that the stock has "had a decent run due to the Austar merger and speculation about M&A activity."
Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, which owns 25 per cent of Foxtel, would likely have first rights to buy the Packer interest, the AFR reports said.
A News Corp newspaper quoted corporate regulator Rod Sims saying a sale of Mr Packer's 50.1 per cent stake in CMH to News Corp would be "less problematic" than a sale to Seven West Media, controlled by billionaire Kerry Stokes, or Foxtel's 50 per cent shareholder Telstra.
The AFR is owned by Fairfax Media, publisher of this website. (Reuters with Madeleine Heffernan)
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Billionaire James Packer's media company says it has had early talks on a possible takeover for the group, which owns a 25 per cent stake in pay TV operator Foxtel, worth about $1 billion.
Consolidated Media Holdings (CMH), which is 50.1 per cent owned by Mr Packer, made the comments in response to media reports that Mr Packer wanted to sell CMH, which holds the Foxtel stake as well as content-provider Fox Sports.
"CMH has had very preliminary discussions concerning a possible control proposal," the media group said, but added: "No control proposal or other form of offer has been made to CMH."
The company said it had hired UBS to act as adviser in case an offer emerges.
CMH shares were down as much as 8 cents, or 2.4 per cent, to $3.22 this morning. Kerry Stokes' Seven Group Holdings fell 18 cents, or 1.8 per cent, to $9.89 while News Corp shares (A-class, or non-voting) gained 5 cents, or 0.3 per cent, to $19.19.
Media reports this morning suggested Mr Packer wanted to sell out of his media interests to raise cash to bid for casino group Echo Entertainment and its prize asset, Sydney's Star casino.
That would add Star to Crown, the Packer-run owner of Melbourne's Crown casino, to create a $10 billion gaming giant.
If Packer sells his half-share in Consolidated Media, his only Australian interests will be in free-to-air Ten Network, and Seek Asia, capping a selldown that started in 2007 when he offloaded the bulk of the family's PBL Media just before the financial crisis.
The sale of Channel Nine's east coast stations, ACP Magazines, Ticketek and 50 per cent of NineMSN to private equity firm CVC in mid-2007 was lauded as a top-of-the-market sale for Mr Packer, and a demonstration of his determination to shift the family fortune from media to gaming.
According to a previous report in The Australian Financial Review, Packer's "dream scenario" for the sale of ConsMedia is bidding tension betwen Nine, Seven and Telstra.
But a report from Macquarie today said UBS's appointment to sell Packer's ConsMedia stake suggests that demand for the media assets "may not be as strong as the market had anticipated" due to capital constraints at prospective buyer Seven and the requirement that all of Foxtel's shareholders - ConsMedia, News Ltd and Telstra - agree to a new ownership structure.
"The prevailing logic has been that corporate activity from one of the joint venture parties in Foxtel (Telstra, News Limited) or Kerry Stokes (Seven) would underpin the stock, with the monopoly Foxtel/Austar pay TV asset the ultimate prize," analysts Alex Pollak and Derryn Chin write.
"However, in our view, the fact that Packer appears open to selling down to institutions (thus sacrificing a control premium from a full takeover bid) implies that 1) liquidity to finance his gaming interests is of more concern to him and 2) he does not feel that a takeover offer is in the works any time soon."
Macquarie has a 'hold' recommendation on the company. Macquarie priced CMH at $3.27 per share, noting that the stock has "had a decent run due to the Austar merger and speculation about M&A activity."
Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, which owns 25 per cent of Foxtel, would likely have first rights to buy the Packer interest, the AFR reports said.
A News Corp newspaper quoted corporate regulator Rod Sims saying a sale of Mr Packer's 50.1 per cent stake in CMH to News Corp would be "less problematic" than a sale to Seven West Media, controlled by billionaire Kerry Stokes, or Foxtel's 50 per cent shareholder Telstra.
The AFR is owned by Fairfax Media, publisher of this website. (Reuters with Madeleine Heffernan)
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Packer eyes Foxtel stake sale; UBS to sell Packer's stake in Foxtel holding company
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Packer eyes Foxtel stake sale...
Billionaire James Packer has hired UBS to sell his 25 per cent stake in pay TV operator Foxtel, worth about $1 billion, raising speculation he may bid for casino group Echo Entertainment and its prize asset, Sydney's Star casino.
Mr Packer, who has stakes in casinos in Australia, London, Macau and Las Vegas, has mandated UBS to sell his 50.1 per cent holding in Consolidated Media Holdings, which holds the Foxtel stake as well as content-provider Fox Sports, a source with direct knowledge of the situation said today.
The move has renewed talk that Mr Packer may look to add Echo, which has a market capitalisation of $3 billion, to Crown, the Packer-run owner of Melbourne's Crown casino and Perth's Burswood casino, to create a $10 billion gaming giant.
Selling the Foxtel stake would allow Mr Packer to hold 40-45 per cent of a merged Crown/Echo entity and would anchor his Asian and global gaming ambitions, maximising growth in the high-roller business from Asia, the Herald-Sun newspaper said today.
Crown has already applied to Australia's gaming authority to raise its stake in Echo above 10 per cent after hitting that limit in February.
"These are monopoly assets, there is only one casino (operator) in each state. They are much better assets (than Foxtel) from that perspective, and the returns are arguably better," said Karara Capital portfolio manager Akshay Chopra.
"If he were to take over Echo it would be a big price," he added, saying Mr Packer could choose to expand further in Asia instead.
Echo was voted Australia's No. 1 contender to be taken over in 2012 by JPMorgan, which said in January that Crown would need to act quickly before recent spending on Star flowed through to its bottom line.
Both CMH and a UBS spokeswoman in Sydney declined to comment.
UBS joint global head of investment banking, Matthew Grounds, sold Mr Packer's Nine Network TV asset in 2006 for $4.5 billion.
CMH shares were flat at $3.30 a share today. Packer wants $3.60 a share, the Herald Sun said.
Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, which owns 25 per cent of Foxtel, would likely have first rights to buy the Packer interest, the paper said, while Seven West Media, controlled by billionaire Kerry Stokes, may also be interested.
Seven could not be reached for comment.
The Herald Sun, owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, said if granted foreign ownership approval "News Corp could move to control literally overnight".
"He has to sell to Murdoch. That's the only way to bring certainty and pretty quick finality," the paper said.
Telecommunications company Telstra, which holds the remaining 50 per cent of Foxtel, has said it wants to up its 50 pe rcent stake but may face competition hurdles.
Shares in Telstra rose 0.3 per cent, Crown fell 0.9 per cent, Echo added 2.2 per cent, News Corp firmed 0.1 per cent and Seven West lost 0.7 per cent. (Reuters)
UBS to sell Packer's stake in Foxtel holding company...
Australian billionaire James Packer has appointed investment bank UBS (UBSN.VX) to sell his 25 percent stake in pay TV operator Foxtel, a source with direct knowledge of the deal said on Thursday.
UBS will negotiate the sale of his 50.1 percent stake in Consolidated Media Holdings (CMJ.AX), which holds the Foxtel pay TV holding, the source confirmed.
The sale, worth about $1 billion, would fund a takeover of casino group Echo Entertainment, the Herald Sun newspaper said on Thursday.
Consolidated Media would not comment on the matter.
Australia's Packer to sell Foxtel stake, buy Echo: report...
Australian billionaire James Packer plans to sell his 25 percent stake in pay TV operator Foxtel, worth about $1 billion, to fund a takeover of casino group Echo Entertainment to form a $10 billion gaming giant, the Herald Sun newspaper said on Thursday.
Packer wants to add Echo (EGP.AX), which owns the Star casino in Sydney as well as the Jupiters and Treasury casinos in Queensland, to his Crown (CWN.AX) casino group, the newspaper said, without naming any sources.
Crown, which owns Crown casino in Melbourne and the Burswood casino in Perth, doubled its stake in smaller rival Echo in February to 10 percent.
Echo has a market capitalization of A$3.1 billion.
Packer has appointed UBS joint global head of investment banking, Matthew Grounds, to negotiate the sale of his 50.1 percent stake in Consolidated Media Holdings (CMJ.AX), which holds the Foxtel stake, and Packer wants A$3.60 a share, the paper said. The stock closed at A$3.30 Wednesday.
Selling the Foxtel stake would allow Packer to hold 40-45 percent of the merged entity and would anchor his Asian and global gaming ambitions, maximizing growth in the high-roller business from Asia, the newspaper said.
Rupert Murdoch's News Corp (NWS.AX), which owns 25 percent of Foxtel, would get first rights to buy the Packer interest. Seven West Media (SWM.AX) would also be interested, the paper said.
Telstra, which holds 50 per cent of Foxtel, may face regulatory hurdles.
Echo was voted Australia's No. 1 contender to be taken over in 2012 by JP Morgan's hedge fund sales desk. (Reuters)
Australia's Packer to sell Foxtel stake: reports...
SYDNEY — Australian tycoon James Packer is set to sell his 25 percent stake in pay-TV operator Foxtel for Aus$1 billion (US$1.03 billion) with News Corp. the likely buyer, reports said Thursday.
If the sale goes ahead, it will be the first time in a century that the Packer family will have no media interests in Australia, apart from a small stake in the Ten Network.
News Limited newspapers said Packer wants the cash to pursue a full merger of his Crown Casino in Melbourne and Sydney's Star Casino to create an Aus$10 billion gaming giant.
A sale of the Foxtel stake will add to the Aus$4.5 billion he received in 2006 from selling the family's long-held controlling stake in the Nine Network, an empire founded by his grandfather Frank Packer.
Communications giant Telstra Corp. owns 50 percent of Foxtel and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. the other quarter.
News Limited newspapers said News Corp., their parent company, would likely get first rights to buy the Packer interests, just days after a British parliamentary committee said Murdoch was not fit to run a major operation.
Australian billionaire Kerry Stokes's Seven Network could also be interested, the reports said.
Packer is the son of the late mogul Kerry Packer but since his death has moved away from the family's traditional media business and focused on creating a worldwide gaming empire.
As well as Australia, he has casino interests in Macau, the world's biggest gaming hub. (AFP)
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Packer eyes Foxtel stake sale...
Billionaire James Packer has hired UBS to sell his 25 per cent stake in pay TV operator Foxtel, worth about $1 billion, raising speculation he may bid for casino group Echo Entertainment and its prize asset, Sydney's Star casino.
Mr Packer, who has stakes in casinos in Australia, London, Macau and Las Vegas, has mandated UBS to sell his 50.1 per cent holding in Consolidated Media Holdings, which holds the Foxtel stake as well as content-provider Fox Sports, a source with direct knowledge of the situation said today.
The move has renewed talk that Mr Packer may look to add Echo, which has a market capitalisation of $3 billion, to Crown, the Packer-run owner of Melbourne's Crown casino and Perth's Burswood casino, to create a $10 billion gaming giant.
Selling the Foxtel stake would allow Mr Packer to hold 40-45 per cent of a merged Crown/Echo entity and would anchor his Asian and global gaming ambitions, maximising growth in the high-roller business from Asia, the Herald-Sun newspaper said today.
Crown has already applied to Australia's gaming authority to raise its stake in Echo above 10 per cent after hitting that limit in February.
"These are monopoly assets, there is only one casino (operator) in each state. They are much better assets (than Foxtel) from that perspective, and the returns are arguably better," said Karara Capital portfolio manager Akshay Chopra.
"If he were to take over Echo it would be a big price," he added, saying Mr Packer could choose to expand further in Asia instead.
Echo was voted Australia's No. 1 contender to be taken over in 2012 by JPMorgan, which said in January that Crown would need to act quickly before recent spending on Star flowed through to its bottom line.
Both CMH and a UBS spokeswoman in Sydney declined to comment.
UBS joint global head of investment banking, Matthew Grounds, sold Mr Packer's Nine Network TV asset in 2006 for $4.5 billion.
CMH shares were flat at $3.30 a share today. Packer wants $3.60 a share, the Herald Sun said.
Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, which owns 25 per cent of Foxtel, would likely have first rights to buy the Packer interest, the paper said, while Seven West Media, controlled by billionaire Kerry Stokes, may also be interested.
Seven could not be reached for comment.
The Herald Sun, owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, said if granted foreign ownership approval "News Corp could move to control literally overnight".
"He has to sell to Murdoch. That's the only way to bring certainty and pretty quick finality," the paper said.
Telecommunications company Telstra, which holds the remaining 50 per cent of Foxtel, has said it wants to up its 50 pe rcent stake but may face competition hurdles.
Shares in Telstra rose 0.3 per cent, Crown fell 0.9 per cent, Echo added 2.2 per cent, News Corp firmed 0.1 per cent and Seven West lost 0.7 per cent. (Reuters)
UBS to sell Packer's stake in Foxtel holding company...
Australian billionaire James Packer has appointed investment bank UBS (UBSN.VX) to sell his 25 percent stake in pay TV operator Foxtel, a source with direct knowledge of the deal said on Thursday.
UBS will negotiate the sale of his 50.1 percent stake in Consolidated Media Holdings (CMJ.AX), which holds the Foxtel pay TV holding, the source confirmed.
The sale, worth about $1 billion, would fund a takeover of casino group Echo Entertainment, the Herald Sun newspaper said on Thursday.
Consolidated Media would not comment on the matter.
Australia's Packer to sell Foxtel stake, buy Echo: report...
Australian billionaire James Packer plans to sell his 25 percent stake in pay TV operator Foxtel, worth about $1 billion, to fund a takeover of casino group Echo Entertainment to form a $10 billion gaming giant, the Herald Sun newspaper said on Thursday.
Packer wants to add Echo (EGP.AX), which owns the Star casino in Sydney as well as the Jupiters and Treasury casinos in Queensland, to his Crown (CWN.AX) casino group, the newspaper said, without naming any sources.
Crown, which owns Crown casino in Melbourne and the Burswood casino in Perth, doubled its stake in smaller rival Echo in February to 10 percent.
Echo has a market capitalization of A$3.1 billion.
Packer has appointed UBS joint global head of investment banking, Matthew Grounds, to negotiate the sale of his 50.1 percent stake in Consolidated Media Holdings (CMJ.AX), which holds the Foxtel stake, and Packer wants A$3.60 a share, the paper said. The stock closed at A$3.30 Wednesday.
Selling the Foxtel stake would allow Packer to hold 40-45 percent of the merged entity and would anchor his Asian and global gaming ambitions, maximizing growth in the high-roller business from Asia, the newspaper said.
Rupert Murdoch's News Corp (NWS.AX), which owns 25 percent of Foxtel, would get first rights to buy the Packer interest. Seven West Media (SWM.AX) would also be interested, the paper said.
Telstra, which holds 50 per cent of Foxtel, may face regulatory hurdles.
Echo was voted Australia's No. 1 contender to be taken over in 2012 by JP Morgan's hedge fund sales desk. (Reuters)
Australia's Packer to sell Foxtel stake: reports...
SYDNEY — Australian tycoon James Packer is set to sell his 25 percent stake in pay-TV operator Foxtel for Aus$1 billion (US$1.03 billion) with News Corp. the likely buyer, reports said Thursday.
If the sale goes ahead, it will be the first time in a century that the Packer family will have no media interests in Australia, apart from a small stake in the Ten Network.
News Limited newspapers said Packer wants the cash to pursue a full merger of his Crown Casino in Melbourne and Sydney's Star Casino to create an Aus$10 billion gaming giant.
A sale of the Foxtel stake will add to the Aus$4.5 billion he received in 2006 from selling the family's long-held controlling stake in the Nine Network, an empire founded by his grandfather Frank Packer.
Communications giant Telstra Corp. owns 50 percent of Foxtel and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. the other quarter.
News Limited newspapers said News Corp., their parent company, would likely get first rights to buy the Packer interests, just days after a British parliamentary committee said Murdoch was not fit to run a major operation.
Australian billionaire Kerry Stokes's Seven Network could also be interested, the reports said.
Packer is the son of the late mogul Kerry Packer but since his death has moved away from the family's traditional media business and focused on creating a worldwide gaming empire.
As well as Australia, he has casino interests in Macau, the world's biggest gaming hub. (AFP)
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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia: Day 4
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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia today officially enjoyed day 4 in Sydney, Australia.
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Carl Kapp
Born in South Africa, Carl Kapp graduated in Clothing Design from the Natal Technikon in Durban in 1990. His first job as a pattern maker created an invaluable understanding of the importance of excellence in cut, innovative garment construction and finish, all vital elements of the CARL KAPP brand 15 years later. Worldwide experience included projects for Kenzo (Paris), Donna Karan (New York) and Design room (Milan).
An obsession with luxurious fabrics is apparent in each new collection – every garment is soft and tactile, seducing the customer into trying it on only to notice the perfect cut and detailing. Carl loves natural fibres like wool, silk, cotton and cashmere. Each collection is a juxtaposition of colour, texture and clever detailing; soft draping vs. structured tailoring is a play on masculine vs. feminine.
Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Rose Byrne, Rachael Taylor, Miranda Otto all talented beautiful women with CARL KAPP in their wardrobes. The first Carl Kapp store opened in Paddington, Sydney at the end of 2009.
An absolute inspiring creative space is the perfect environment to enjoy the full Carl Kapp experience. The ever-changing window displays have already become a tourist attraction in itself with a vast number of passersby stopping to admire the spectacular displays of colour. Each piece designed by Carl is made at the studio behind the shop, which allow us to exclusively offer made to order/made to measure services that cater to each individual customer’s needs, making shopping an unique and personal experience. Shoppers unanimously declare “its breath of fresh air in Sydney”. (Credit: MBFWA)
Christopher Esber
Recently anointed as the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival National Designer Award Winner, Christopher Esber continues to deliver the industry with his brand of ‘obsessive perfection’.
Esber’s creations embody a modernised take on feminine dressing through the marriage of textile and cut; continuously working alongside specialists with a concise vision to create unique fabrics and shapes, which have become Esber’s signature.
His presence at RAFW in both 2010 and 2011 was highly acclaimed with premium stockists including The Corner Shop, Diletton and Alice Euphemia snapping up the collection in minutes. The label’s first appearance, however, was via Sydney TAFE’s group show titled; 4boys, and where each designer was hand selected by industry stalwart, Nicholas Huxley. Also in 2012, Esber represented Australia at the G’Day USA ‘Australians in New York’ initiative as one of the 5 pre-eminent Australian brands. Esber has also been selected as a finalist of the 2012 Australian Wool Innovators, Woolmark Prize.
Esber enjoys strong media interest from leading Australian print titles including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR (Credit: MBFWA)
*full details on the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia website.
Media Release
2012 AUSTRALIAN FASHION LAUREATE COLLETTE DINNIGAN
Sydney, Australia (May 3rd, 2012)
Initiated by the New South Wales Government and IMG Fashion, the 5th Annual Australian Fashion Laureate, presented by The Weekend Australian Magazine, was today awarded to Collette Dinnigan in recognition of her outstanding creative and intellectual achievement in the Australian fashion industry, and for her significant contribution to the growth, development and promotion of the Australian fashion industry.
“I’m delighted to acknowledge this year’s Australian Fashion Laureate, Collette Dinnigan, a true Australian fashion icon who has made an undeniable impact both here and around the world for over 20 years. On behalf of the NSW Government, congratulations Collette!” said Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner
South African born, New Zealand raised, Collette Dinnigan is an inspiration force in the Australian fashion industry and has been selected by a panel of industry peers as the deserved recipient of this prestigious award, in recognition of her ongoing commitment to the fashion industry.
Collette Dinnigan’s design journey began with her beautiful lingerie line in her flagship store in Paddington, Sydney, but in the blink of an eye she was presenting as the first Australian designer to be invited by the Chambre Syndicale du Pret-a-Porter des Couturiers et des Creatures de Mode to show on the prestigious Paris schedule. In 2008, Collette Dinnigan was also invited to join the Committee of the Chambre Syndicale.
In 2010 to mark 20years in business, collette by collette dinnigan was launched, a diffusion collection. Along with stores in Sydney, Melbourne and London and stockists in over 100 retailers globally Dinnigan is applauded as an inspiration being a prime contributor to Australian fashion, in both business and creative aspects on an International scale.
Previous recipients of the esteemed Laureate award have comprised Carla Zampatti, Akira Isogawa, Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson of Easton Pearson, all acclaimed designers and Simon Lock, Australian Fashion Week founder and industry identity.
The official presentation of the Jan Logan created trophy to Collette Dinnigan takes place on-site at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia tonight, in an exclusive invitation only event.
All official images will be available from Getty Images, official photographer of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.
Websites
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (Australia)
IMG Worldwide
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Music News Australia
Media Man News
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Events Fashion Celebrities Mercedes-Benz Sydney
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia today officially enjoyed day 4 in Sydney, Australia.
Profiles...
Carl Kapp
Born in South Africa, Carl Kapp graduated in Clothing Design from the Natal Technikon in Durban in 1990. His first job as a pattern maker created an invaluable understanding of the importance of excellence in cut, innovative garment construction and finish, all vital elements of the CARL KAPP brand 15 years later. Worldwide experience included projects for Kenzo (Paris), Donna Karan (New York) and Design room (Milan).
An obsession with luxurious fabrics is apparent in each new collection – every garment is soft and tactile, seducing the customer into trying it on only to notice the perfect cut and detailing. Carl loves natural fibres like wool, silk, cotton and cashmere. Each collection is a juxtaposition of colour, texture and clever detailing; soft draping vs. structured tailoring is a play on masculine vs. feminine.
Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Rose Byrne, Rachael Taylor, Miranda Otto all talented beautiful women with CARL KAPP in their wardrobes. The first Carl Kapp store opened in Paddington, Sydney at the end of 2009.
An absolute inspiring creative space is the perfect environment to enjoy the full Carl Kapp experience. The ever-changing window displays have already become a tourist attraction in itself with a vast number of passersby stopping to admire the spectacular displays of colour. Each piece designed by Carl is made at the studio behind the shop, which allow us to exclusively offer made to order/made to measure services that cater to each individual customer’s needs, making shopping an unique and personal experience. Shoppers unanimously declare “its breath of fresh air in Sydney”. (Credit: MBFWA)
Christopher Esber
Recently anointed as the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival National Designer Award Winner, Christopher Esber continues to deliver the industry with his brand of ‘obsessive perfection’.
Esber’s creations embody a modernised take on feminine dressing through the marriage of textile and cut; continuously working alongside specialists with a concise vision to create unique fabrics and shapes, which have become Esber’s signature.
His presence at RAFW in both 2010 and 2011 was highly acclaimed with premium stockists including The Corner Shop, Diletton and Alice Euphemia snapping up the collection in minutes. The label’s first appearance, however, was via Sydney TAFE’s group show titled; 4boys, and where each designer was hand selected by industry stalwart, Nicholas Huxley. Also in 2012, Esber represented Australia at the G’Day USA ‘Australians in New York’ initiative as one of the 5 pre-eminent Australian brands. Esber has also been selected as a finalist of the 2012 Australian Wool Innovators, Woolmark Prize.
Esber enjoys strong media interest from leading Australian print titles including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR (Credit: MBFWA)
*full details on the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia website.
Media Release
2012 AUSTRALIAN FASHION LAUREATE COLLETTE DINNIGAN
Sydney, Australia (May 3rd, 2012)
Initiated by the New South Wales Government and IMG Fashion, the 5th Annual Australian Fashion Laureate, presented by The Weekend Australian Magazine, was today awarded to Collette Dinnigan in recognition of her outstanding creative and intellectual achievement in the Australian fashion industry, and for her significant contribution to the growth, development and promotion of the Australian fashion industry.
“I’m delighted to acknowledge this year’s Australian Fashion Laureate, Collette Dinnigan, a true Australian fashion icon who has made an undeniable impact both here and around the world for over 20 years. On behalf of the NSW Government, congratulations Collette!” said Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner
South African born, New Zealand raised, Collette Dinnigan is an inspiration force in the Australian fashion industry and has been selected by a panel of industry peers as the deserved recipient of this prestigious award, in recognition of her ongoing commitment to the fashion industry.
Collette Dinnigan’s design journey began with her beautiful lingerie line in her flagship store in Paddington, Sydney, but in the blink of an eye she was presenting as the first Australian designer to be invited by the Chambre Syndicale du Pret-a-Porter des Couturiers et des Creatures de Mode to show on the prestigious Paris schedule. In 2008, Collette Dinnigan was also invited to join the Committee of the Chambre Syndicale.
In 2010 to mark 20years in business, collette by collette dinnigan was launched, a diffusion collection. Along with stores in Sydney, Melbourne and London and stockists in over 100 retailers globally Dinnigan is applauded as an inspiration being a prime contributor to Australian fashion, in both business and creative aspects on an International scale.
Previous recipients of the esteemed Laureate award have comprised Carla Zampatti, Akira Isogawa, Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson of Easton Pearson, all acclaimed designers and Simon Lock, Australian Fashion Week founder and industry identity.
The official presentation of the Jan Logan created trophy to Collette Dinnigan takes place on-site at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia tonight, in an exclusive invitation only event.
All official images will be available from Getty Images, official photographer of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.
Websites
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (Australia)
IMG Worldwide
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Music News Australia
Media Man News
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
World Series Of Poker Announces Partnership With Crown For Major Poker Series Debuting In Melbourne, Australia In 2013
Profiles
Crown Melbourne Crown Limited James Packer World Series of Poker Poker Melbourne
WSOP ASIA-PACIFIC (WSOP APAC) TO FEATURE MULTIPLE BRACELET EVENTS APRIL 4-15, 2013
Melbourne, Australia. Tuesday 1 May 2012. With poker’s popularity exploding across the AsiaPacific, the World Series of Poker (WSOP), in partnership with Australia’s Crown Melbourne, have today reached a multi-year agreement to bring the major poker tournament series to the region commencing in April 2013.
World Series of Poker Asia-Pacific (WSOP APAC) will take place April 4-15, 2013, at Crown
Melbourne, and feature five WSOP gold bracelet events.
“Our goal is to establish the worldwide grand slam of poker and use our platform to elevate the game through a series of major championships,” said WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart. “With WSOP Las Vegas growing annually and WSOP Europe poised for long-term success after five years, the time is right to turn our attention to the dynamic poker scene in Asia and Australia. Given Crown’s success with the ‘Aussie Millions Poker Championship’, we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Crown to establish the Asia-Pacific’s definitive poker festival.”
Crown Melbourne is Australia’s leading integrated entertainment resort attracting approximately 18 million local, interstate and international visitors each year. It is one of the largest entertainment complexes in the world showcasing world-class gaming facilities and is the home of the renowned and most prestigious ‘Aussie Millions Poker Championship’ along with the largest poker room outside North America. The world-class complex also boasts Australia’s best restaurant precinct, international designer brand shopping and award winning hotels - Crown Towers, Crown Promenade and Crown Metropol.
“This exciting partnership brings together two industry leaders, and two strong brands, to create a premier poker event in this region,” said Crown Melbourne’s Chief Executive Officer, Greg Hawkins.
“Our agreement firmly aligns with our objective of attracting the very best local and international players, all vying for a coveted WSOP bracelet. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved with the Aussie Millions and look forward to featuring WSOP Asia Pacific on our poker calendar in April 2013.”
The agreement marks the first time the WSOP is exporting its prestigious tournament series to
Australia, and marks just the second expansion of the 42-year-old brand, after the advent of WSOP Europe in 2007. To date, WSOP gold bracelets have only been awarded in Las Vegas (1970-2011), London (2007-2010) and France (2011).
Crown’s agreement with the WSOP includes provisions for international television production of the event and is expected to be shown globally on ESPN.
Legions of locals have been swept up in the Australian poker boom that was ignited when Melbournian and Crown ambassador Joe Hachem became the 2005 World Series of Poker Champion, scooping up $7.5 million in prize money for his efforts.
“It’s thrilling to think the World Series of Poker is coming to Australian soil,” said Joe Hachem. “I know first-hand what a life-changing moment winning the WSOP gold bracelet was and how it served as a catalyst for the growth of poker in Australia and Asia. It will be a dream come true to host a worldwide poker event such as this at Crown. I can’t wait.”
Crown’s CEO Greg Hawkins further added, “This initiative will provide Crown with significant exposure in Asia, Europe and America, and forms an integral part of Crown’s global marketing strategy to attract further international visitors to Australia and Crown Melbourne.”
The complete schedule and dates are expected to be announced later this year.
ABOUT THE WSOP
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the largest, richest and most prestigious gaming event in the world awarding millions of dollars in prize money and the prestigious gold bracelet, globally recognized as the sport’s top prize. Featuring a comprehensive slate of tournaments in every major poker variation, the WSOP is poker’s longest running tournament in the world, dating back to 1970. In 2011, the event attracted 75,672 entrants from 105 different countries to the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and awarded over $192 million in prize money. In addition, the WSOP has experienced groundbreaking alliances in broadcasting, digital media and
corporate sponsorships, while successfully expanding the brand internationally with the advent in 2007 of the World Series of Poker Europe.
ABOUT CROWN MELBOURNE
Crown Melbourne is Australia’s leading integrated entertainment resort attracting approximately 18 million local, interstate and international visitors each year to its 560,000 square metre entertainment complex. The property features 1,600 guest rooms across the complex’s three hotels - Crown Towers, Crown Metropol and Crown Promenade Hotel – in addition to the Palladium, which is Australia’s largest ballroom, a world-class convention centre, more than 70 restaurants and bars reside in the complex, including many of Melbourne’s finest , international designer boutiques, 14 cinemas, two nightclubs and a live entertainment theatre. Crown Melbourne
was built at a cost of $2 billion in 1997 and in the period 1997 to 2014 a further $2 billion will have been spent to further enhance Crown Melbourne including building Promenade and Metropol hotels, expanding the Mahogany Room and further enhancing the restaurant precinct in Crown Melbourne. Crown Melbourne is one of Victoria’s leading tourism icons.
Website Network
Media Man Int
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Poker News Media
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man Entertainment
Crown Melbourne Crown Limited James Packer World Series of Poker Poker Melbourne
WSOP ASIA-PACIFIC (WSOP APAC) TO FEATURE MULTIPLE BRACELET EVENTS APRIL 4-15, 2013
Melbourne, Australia. Tuesday 1 May 2012. With poker’s popularity exploding across the AsiaPacific, the World Series of Poker (WSOP), in partnership with Australia’s Crown Melbourne, have today reached a multi-year agreement to bring the major poker tournament series to the region commencing in April 2013.
World Series of Poker Asia-Pacific (WSOP APAC) will take place April 4-15, 2013, at Crown
Melbourne, and feature five WSOP gold bracelet events.
“Our goal is to establish the worldwide grand slam of poker and use our platform to elevate the game through a series of major championships,” said WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart. “With WSOP Las Vegas growing annually and WSOP Europe poised for long-term success after five years, the time is right to turn our attention to the dynamic poker scene in Asia and Australia. Given Crown’s success with the ‘Aussie Millions Poker Championship’, we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Crown to establish the Asia-Pacific’s definitive poker festival.”
Crown Melbourne is Australia’s leading integrated entertainment resort attracting approximately 18 million local, interstate and international visitors each year. It is one of the largest entertainment complexes in the world showcasing world-class gaming facilities and is the home of the renowned and most prestigious ‘Aussie Millions Poker Championship’ along with the largest poker room outside North America. The world-class complex also boasts Australia’s best restaurant precinct, international designer brand shopping and award winning hotels - Crown Towers, Crown Promenade and Crown Metropol.
“This exciting partnership brings together two industry leaders, and two strong brands, to create a premier poker event in this region,” said Crown Melbourne’s Chief Executive Officer, Greg Hawkins.
“Our agreement firmly aligns with our objective of attracting the very best local and international players, all vying for a coveted WSOP bracelet. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved with the Aussie Millions and look forward to featuring WSOP Asia Pacific on our poker calendar in April 2013.”
The agreement marks the first time the WSOP is exporting its prestigious tournament series to
Australia, and marks just the second expansion of the 42-year-old brand, after the advent of WSOP Europe in 2007. To date, WSOP gold bracelets have only been awarded in Las Vegas (1970-2011), London (2007-2010) and France (2011).
Crown’s agreement with the WSOP includes provisions for international television production of the event and is expected to be shown globally on ESPN.
Legions of locals have been swept up in the Australian poker boom that was ignited when Melbournian and Crown ambassador Joe Hachem became the 2005 World Series of Poker Champion, scooping up $7.5 million in prize money for his efforts.
“It’s thrilling to think the World Series of Poker is coming to Australian soil,” said Joe Hachem. “I know first-hand what a life-changing moment winning the WSOP gold bracelet was and how it served as a catalyst for the growth of poker in Australia and Asia. It will be a dream come true to host a worldwide poker event such as this at Crown. I can’t wait.”
Crown’s CEO Greg Hawkins further added, “This initiative will provide Crown with significant exposure in Asia, Europe and America, and forms an integral part of Crown’s global marketing strategy to attract further international visitors to Australia and Crown Melbourne.”
The complete schedule and dates are expected to be announced later this year.
ABOUT THE WSOP
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the largest, richest and most prestigious gaming event in the world awarding millions of dollars in prize money and the prestigious gold bracelet, globally recognized as the sport’s top prize. Featuring a comprehensive slate of tournaments in every major poker variation, the WSOP is poker’s longest running tournament in the world, dating back to 1970. In 2011, the event attracted 75,672 entrants from 105 different countries to the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and awarded over $192 million in prize money. In addition, the WSOP has experienced groundbreaking alliances in broadcasting, digital media and
corporate sponsorships, while successfully expanding the brand internationally with the advent in 2007 of the World Series of Poker Europe.
ABOUT CROWN MELBOURNE
Crown Melbourne is Australia’s leading integrated entertainment resort attracting approximately 18 million local, interstate and international visitors each year to its 560,000 square metre entertainment complex. The property features 1,600 guest rooms across the complex’s three hotels - Crown Towers, Crown Metropol and Crown Promenade Hotel – in addition to the Palladium, which is Australia’s largest ballroom, a world-class convention centre, more than 70 restaurants and bars reside in the complex, including many of Melbourne’s finest , international designer boutiques, 14 cinemas, two nightclubs and a live entertainment theatre. Crown Melbourne
was built at a cost of $2 billion in 1997 and in the period 1997 to 2014 a further $2 billion will have been spent to further enhance Crown Melbourne including building Promenade and Metropol hotels, expanding the Mahogany Room and further enhancing the restaurant precinct in Crown Melbourne. Crown Melbourne is one of Victoria’s leading tourism icons.
Website Network
Media Man Int
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Poker News Media
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man Entertainment
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia: Day 2; News, gossip, celebs - 1st May 2012
Profiles
Events Fashion Celebrities Mercedes-Benz Marvel Entertainment Marvel Comics Sydney
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia today officially enjoyed day 2 in Sydney, Australia.
Yesterday it was Marvel Comics - Marvel Entertainment themed garments from Romance Was Born' that attracted a lot of talk, traffic, eyeballs, media attention and chequebooks we understand, but today the buzz was more evenly spread around.
First some goss and background...
Fashion luminaries, buyers, celebs and bloggers all descended upon the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay yesterday for the commencement of annual rag trade mega event, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.
Unusual garments, a swag of celebs and strong buzz helped ensure it was the biggest day of the entire festival, with at least eight of our most prominent designers up against each other in the race for best guest list and media coverage.
For swimwear label Lisa Maree it meant putting on a parade in a venue that was only half-full, while Gail Sorronda can expect tough reviews from international blogging delegates Bryanboy and Tim Blanks who were both whisked away by security. OMG.
More News...
Lone Wolf Male model in Mantan at Fashion Week...
A kaftan for men aka mantan, did the trick for this young man to get the eye of the ladies, press and just about everyone else.
Strutting down the Sydney catwalk for Camilla Franks' "Gypset" parade...which was pitched as the biggest of the week, featuring 45 models - male model Simon Nicholas debuted the overdress that reminded me of native American Indian wear.
As far fetched as it may seem attempting to flog it to average Australian men, Franks swears they might justbecome the next big thing around BBQ's and the like.
"I've lived in India for half my life almost so it's not out of the ordinary for me to see men dress like this," said Franks, who has built an empire designing loud and intricately detailed kaftans.
"They could really take off here. Guys could wear them to the beach, a barbecue ... wherever they want. I sold a lot at Mardi Gras this year, that's for sure."
Gypset is all about “fusing the wild and inconventional ethos of a gypsy with the sophistication and speed of the jet setter,” states the press release. We're not going to argue about it - totally agree with the description Camilla.
The megaevent - running through to Friday and including a massive 52 fashion spectacles - was kicked off by cool, funky and futuristic pulp duo Romance Was Born, who exchanged their usual wears with a more consumer-friendly range, as we understand it.
Sponsored by Marvel comics, their show drew inspiration from 1960s superheroes.
Today we witnessed collections of Zimmerman, Matcevski, Jayson Brundson and Bowie, with Ellery, Oroton, Carl Kapp and Akira coming later in the week.
Aussie Finch Wins Award!...
Rachael Finch took out our most happening heels award yesterday, thanks to her seriously spiky Christian Louboutins.
Human Statue Models Catch Eye Of Nightclub Tsar Justin Hemmes...
Not to anyone's real surprise, Hemmes enjoys eyeing models as much as the next guy. We also hear that he has quite a fetish for human statue models and effects, so he must have been in heaven today with the statue like models and exhibits that designers whipped up. Hemmes is understood to be once again considering using some human statues for more of his outstanding nightclub promotions. Guess he will be scouting talent aka models who enjoy the statue thing as well as a good dash of bodypaint.
Well done MBFWA... more great days like this one please - substance, style, unique and world class all round.
Press Release...
NSW fashion ambassadors announced for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2012
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner today joined some of Australia’s most glamorous fashion industry identities to announce an exciting new Fashion Ambassador initiative for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2012, which runs from 30 April to 4 May.
“Today I’m very pleased to announce that we have hand-picked five local fashion icons to act as Fashion Ambassadors for Sydney and New South Wales during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia,” Mr Stoner said.
“Our Fashion Ambassadors are local fashion designers Camilla Franks, Camilla Freeman-Topper, Dion Lee and Rachel Gilbert, and shoe designer Terry Biviano.
“These designers are all well-known throughout Australia and the world for their signature designs – Camilla Franks for her colourful graphic prints, Camilla Freeman-Topper for modern silhouettes with her brother Marc, Dion Lee for his structured tailoring, Rachel Gilbert for her luxury embellishments, and Terry Biviano for her highly coveted shoe designs.
“I am also pleased to announce the NSW Government, through Destination NSW, has secured some of the world’s most influential fashion media to attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.
“Our international media guests include Rumi Neely from Los Angeles, Natalie Joos from New York, Bryan Boy from Manila, and Candice Lake and Kirsty Hathaway from London.
“This week our Fashion Ambassadors will provide our guests with a personal tour of Sydney. They will help tell the Sydney fashion story and position this city as a global fashion and design hub.
“The Fashion Ambassadors will introduce them to their favourite places to shop, eat, drink and play, as well as give them a sneak peek inside their studios.
“With hot spots like Icebergs at Bondi Beach, The Winery on Crown Street and Australian designer precinct The Intersection in Paddington on the itinerary, Sydney is sure to shine as the place to be for world-class fashion, entertainment and lifestyle.”
The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, is a major supporter of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, which is a major highlight on the NSW Events Calendar.
“Fashion is an important industry for NSW, employing some 66,000 people across design, manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing, and generating income of around $7.4 billion each year,” Mr Stoner said.
“Thirty-seven per cent of Australia’s creative industries are based in NSW with around 150,000 people in NSW directly employed in this sector, whether in film, music, design or fashion.”
Peter Levy, Senior Vice President & Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide, said, "Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is excited to partner with Destination NSW to bring such an incredible line up of international guests and to present to them a world-class program of designer shows and unique Sydney experiences to showcase true Sydney style, both on and off the catwalk."
Camilla Franks said, “There’s not many places in the world like Bondi, where you can step straight from the beach into small bars, world class restaurants and boutiques. Sydney is an amazing city full of colour and inspiration for all that I design. I’m really excited about becoming a NSW Fashion Ambassador to spread the word on how beautiful it is to live and work here.”
Camilla Freeman-Topper said, "The Sydney Fashion Ambassador initiative is an exciting opportunity to promote the wealth of labels that Australia has to offer. I'm looking forward to taking Rumi Neely around Sydney and sharing my favourite places and quintessential Sydney experiences with her."
Dion Lee said, "Sydney’s relaxed environment and outdoor lifestyle encourages a unique creative scene. I feel that this individual point of view is what makes Sydney based labels of such interest to international markets such as Europe."
Rachel Gilbert said, “These days many international celebrities head straight to The Intersection in Paddington after touching down in Sydney, snapping up the latest offering from Sydney-based designers. Sydney has an exciting fashion, dining and arts culture, making our city the perfect stop for the stylish traveller.”
Terry Biviano said, “It’s great to see the NSW Government put the spotlight on the fashion industry here in Sydney by bringing out some of the world’s most high profile fashion bloggers for Fashion Week.”
During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, NSW Trade & Investment will for the first time, in partnership with IMG, the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) and Austrade, actively match export-ready fashion designers with national and international fashion buyers and media representatives in a purpose-built business lounge on-site at the Overseas Passenger terminal.
MEDIA: Office of the Deputy Premier (02) 9228 5209
Websites
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (Australia)
IMG Worldwide
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Music News Australia
Media Man News
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Events Fashion Celebrities Mercedes-Benz Marvel Entertainment Marvel Comics Sydney
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia today officially enjoyed day 2 in Sydney, Australia.
Yesterday it was Marvel Comics - Marvel Entertainment themed garments from Romance Was Born' that attracted a lot of talk, traffic, eyeballs, media attention and chequebooks we understand, but today the buzz was more evenly spread around.
First some goss and background...
Fashion luminaries, buyers, celebs and bloggers all descended upon the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay yesterday for the commencement of annual rag trade mega event, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.
Unusual garments, a swag of celebs and strong buzz helped ensure it was the biggest day of the entire festival, with at least eight of our most prominent designers up against each other in the race for best guest list and media coverage.
For swimwear label Lisa Maree it meant putting on a parade in a venue that was only half-full, while Gail Sorronda can expect tough reviews from international blogging delegates Bryanboy and Tim Blanks who were both whisked away by security. OMG.
More News...
Lone Wolf Male model in Mantan at Fashion Week...
A kaftan for men aka mantan, did the trick for this young man to get the eye of the ladies, press and just about everyone else.
Strutting down the Sydney catwalk for Camilla Franks' "Gypset" parade...which was pitched as the biggest of the week, featuring 45 models - male model Simon Nicholas debuted the overdress that reminded me of native American Indian wear.
As far fetched as it may seem attempting to flog it to average Australian men, Franks swears they might justbecome the next big thing around BBQ's and the like.
"I've lived in India for half my life almost so it's not out of the ordinary for me to see men dress like this," said Franks, who has built an empire designing loud and intricately detailed kaftans.
"They could really take off here. Guys could wear them to the beach, a barbecue ... wherever they want. I sold a lot at Mardi Gras this year, that's for sure."
Gypset is all about “fusing the wild and inconventional ethos of a gypsy with the sophistication and speed of the jet setter,” states the press release. We're not going to argue about it - totally agree with the description Camilla.
The megaevent - running through to Friday and including a massive 52 fashion spectacles - was kicked off by cool, funky and futuristic pulp duo Romance Was Born, who exchanged their usual wears with a more consumer-friendly range, as we understand it.
Sponsored by Marvel comics, their show drew inspiration from 1960s superheroes.
Today we witnessed collections of Zimmerman, Matcevski, Jayson Brundson and Bowie, with Ellery, Oroton, Carl Kapp and Akira coming later in the week.
Aussie Finch Wins Award!...
Rachael Finch took out our most happening heels award yesterday, thanks to her seriously spiky Christian Louboutins.
Human Statue Models Catch Eye Of Nightclub Tsar Justin Hemmes...
Not to anyone's real surprise, Hemmes enjoys eyeing models as much as the next guy. We also hear that he has quite a fetish for human statue models and effects, so he must have been in heaven today with the statue like models and exhibits that designers whipped up. Hemmes is understood to be once again considering using some human statues for more of his outstanding nightclub promotions. Guess he will be scouting talent aka models who enjoy the statue thing as well as a good dash of bodypaint.
Well done MBFWA... more great days like this one please - substance, style, unique and world class all round.
Press Release...
NSW fashion ambassadors announced for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2012
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner today joined some of Australia’s most glamorous fashion industry identities to announce an exciting new Fashion Ambassador initiative for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2012, which runs from 30 April to 4 May.
“Today I’m very pleased to announce that we have hand-picked five local fashion icons to act as Fashion Ambassadors for Sydney and New South Wales during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia,” Mr Stoner said.
“Our Fashion Ambassadors are local fashion designers Camilla Franks, Camilla Freeman-Topper, Dion Lee and Rachel Gilbert, and shoe designer Terry Biviano.
“These designers are all well-known throughout Australia and the world for their signature designs – Camilla Franks for her colourful graphic prints, Camilla Freeman-Topper for modern silhouettes with her brother Marc, Dion Lee for his structured tailoring, Rachel Gilbert for her luxury embellishments, and Terry Biviano for her highly coveted shoe designs.
“I am also pleased to announce the NSW Government, through Destination NSW, has secured some of the world’s most influential fashion media to attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.
“Our international media guests include Rumi Neely from Los Angeles, Natalie Joos from New York, Bryan Boy from Manila, and Candice Lake and Kirsty Hathaway from London.
“This week our Fashion Ambassadors will provide our guests with a personal tour of Sydney. They will help tell the Sydney fashion story and position this city as a global fashion and design hub.
“The Fashion Ambassadors will introduce them to their favourite places to shop, eat, drink and play, as well as give them a sneak peek inside their studios.
“With hot spots like Icebergs at Bondi Beach, The Winery on Crown Street and Australian designer precinct The Intersection in Paddington on the itinerary, Sydney is sure to shine as the place to be for world-class fashion, entertainment and lifestyle.”
The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, is a major supporter of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, which is a major highlight on the NSW Events Calendar.
“Fashion is an important industry for NSW, employing some 66,000 people across design, manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing, and generating income of around $7.4 billion each year,” Mr Stoner said.
“Thirty-seven per cent of Australia’s creative industries are based in NSW with around 150,000 people in NSW directly employed in this sector, whether in film, music, design or fashion.”
Peter Levy, Senior Vice President & Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide, said, "Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is excited to partner with Destination NSW to bring such an incredible line up of international guests and to present to them a world-class program of designer shows and unique Sydney experiences to showcase true Sydney style, both on and off the catwalk."
Camilla Franks said, “There’s not many places in the world like Bondi, where you can step straight from the beach into small bars, world class restaurants and boutiques. Sydney is an amazing city full of colour and inspiration for all that I design. I’m really excited about becoming a NSW Fashion Ambassador to spread the word on how beautiful it is to live and work here.”
Camilla Freeman-Topper said, "The Sydney Fashion Ambassador initiative is an exciting opportunity to promote the wealth of labels that Australia has to offer. I'm looking forward to taking Rumi Neely around Sydney and sharing my favourite places and quintessential Sydney experiences with her."
Dion Lee said, "Sydney’s relaxed environment and outdoor lifestyle encourages a unique creative scene. I feel that this individual point of view is what makes Sydney based labels of such interest to international markets such as Europe."
Rachel Gilbert said, “These days many international celebrities head straight to The Intersection in Paddington after touching down in Sydney, snapping up the latest offering from Sydney-based designers. Sydney has an exciting fashion, dining and arts culture, making our city the perfect stop for the stylish traveller.”
Terry Biviano said, “It’s great to see the NSW Government put the spotlight on the fashion industry here in Sydney by bringing out some of the world’s most high profile fashion bloggers for Fashion Week.”
During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, NSW Trade & Investment will for the first time, in partnership with IMG, the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) and Austrade, actively match export-ready fashion designers with national and international fashion buyers and media representatives in a purpose-built business lounge on-site at the Overseas Passenger terminal.
MEDIA: Office of the Deputy Premier (02) 9228 5209
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