KPMG Study: U.S. companies dominate field as acquirers of emerging market companies in second half of 2009
Acquisitions by Emerging Market Companies Increase, with U.S. and Australia Leading Targets
China Remains Top Acquirer among Emerging Market Countries
U.S.-based companies led the world in completing merger-and-acquisition (M&A) deals with emerging or high-growth market companies in the second half of 2009, nearly tripling the number of acquisitions made by the second-ranked country, according to KPMG International’s latest Emerging Markets International Acquisition Tracker (EMIAT) study.
The KPMG study revealed that in the second half of 2009, U.S.-based companies completed 71 emerging and high-growth market acquisitions, while UK-based companies acquired 25 companies during the same period. U.S. and Australian companies were the most popular targets for emerging and high-growth market companies, with 16 acquisitions made in each country.
“The study results underscore that U.S. companies continue their drive for expanding into new markets, products and services, and that emerging and high-growth market acquisitions are clearly a part of their strategy,” said Mark Barnes, principal-in-charge of KPMG LLP’s U.S.-High Growth Markets practice. “They are seizing opportunities to improve their supply chains and expand their customer base as the global economy moves from recession to recovery.”
Emerging and high-growth market companies made 102 acquisitions in the second half of 2009, up from 78 during the first half of the year, according to the KPMG study, which tracks completed deals in which an acquirer took at least a 10 percent shareholding interest. China maintained its position as the top acquirer among emerging market countries with 30 acquisitions during the period.
“Overall, emerging market companies seem to be rebounding from the downturn more quickly than their developed counterparts,” KPMG’s Barnes said. “Their strength is evidenced by their renewed energy and confidence around pursuing acquisitions in developed economies.”
Emerging Markets Bounce Back
While the KPMG study found that developed-to-emerging (D2E) deals declined overall in the second half of 2009 — down to 216 versus 259 registered in the previous six-month period — emerging-to-developed (E2D) deals increased.
China (30) was the leading emerging market acquirer of companies in developed economies in the second half of 2009, followed by the Middle East (17), India (13), Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) (13), and Korea (12).
“In the emerging and high-growth markets, the study suggests that Chinese companies have weathered the recent economic crisis well and have the cash on hand to hit the acquisition trail the hardest,” said KPMG’s Barnes. “We saw a particular focus on commodity and natural resource acquisitions in the second half of 2009, reflecting China’s need to satisfy its growing domestic energy demand.”
After the United States and Australia (16 each), the most popular targets for E2D deals in the second half of 2009 included the United Kingdom (15), Canada (12), and Germany (10), according to the KPMG study.
In the first half of 2009, the top high-growth market acquirers of companies in developed economies were China (20), Central and Eastern Europe (13), India (12), Russia and CIS (11), and South Africa (10), according to the KPMG study.
U.S. Companies Hone in on India
As reported by the KPMG study, Indian companies were the leading emerging and high-growth market targets for U.S. companies. In addition to India (19), U.S.-based companies made the majority of their high-growth market acquisitions in Central and Eastern Europe (12), China (10), Korea (8), and Brazil (7) in the second half of 2009.
Dan Tiemann, U.S. lead partner for the Transaction and Restructuring Services group at KPMG LLP, said the survey findings are consistent with what he is seeing in the United States. “Companies with strong balance sheets are beginning to dip their toes back into the M&A pool now that the free-fall has stopped and there’s more stability in the market. Savvy investors are finding there are some very attractive deals, which should drive increased deal volume throughout the year.”
In the first half of 2009, the top emerging and high-growth market targets for U.S. companies were located in China (19), Brazil (13), India (13), and Central and Eastern Europe (11), according to the KPMG study.
For D2E deals globally in the second half of 2009, Central and Eastern European companies were the most targeted, with 47 total acquisitions. Other popular targets overall for D2E deals included China (40), India (38), Korea (26), and Brazil (20), the KPMG study indicates.
“Brazil has faired well during the economic downturn and is still an important market for investment,” added Barnes. “Going forward, the country’s natural resources will continue to be an attractive asset.”
According to EMIAT study findings for the previous six-month period, the most popular emerging and high-growth market targets overall for D2E deals included Central and Eastern Europe (49), China (46), India (35), Russia and CIS (32), and Brazil (31), the KPMG study indicates.
Source: KPMG LLP
Revolutionary invention allows planting without irrigation
The Groasis waterboxx invented by science award winning Dutch innovator Pieter Hoff is about to change the course of history.
On March 16 at the Green California Summit in Sacramento, Mr. Hoff. will announce global planting experiments without irrigation. Four projects to be conducted in California’s high and low deserts of Palm Springs, in the Napa Valley with the Robert Mondavi Winery and USA’s first sustainable city, Sonoma will join twenty other global experiments in seven countries spanning four continents.
Mr. Hoff completed a four-year treeplanting test in Morocco’s Sahara desert with 88.2% survival rate. Monitored results of the worldwide tests will prove that mankind can plant trees on bushes, rocks, mountains, in deserts or any other difficult place, without irrigation. California along with the rest of the world eagerly looks forward to the results of these tests as a way to solve deforestation, food shortage and water conservation.
The Groasis waterboxx is the size of a motorcycle tyre with an opening in the center, that surrounds a sapling or seed that is planted in the soil. This ‘intelligent water incubator’ produces and captures water from the air through condensation and rain, without using energy. Additionally it prevents water evaporation from the soil and protects the roots against sun, wind, weeds and rodents. After a year, the tree is strong enough to grow by itself and the box can be easily removed and reused.
Hoff, one of the largest flowerbulb exporters of Holland, sold his business five years ago with one thought in mind, to find a way to reforest the planet and feed the world. He expects the waterboxx to reforest 2 billion hectares (5 billion acres) of desert, eroded by mankind, in the next 40 years. CO2 molecules can be unbound through trees, which produce fruit, medicines, oils, etcetera while transplanting the C atoms from fossil fuels into wood. Let’s make money with trees while unbinding the CO2 molecules instead of continuously talking about climate change, he explains in his book ‘CO2, a gift from heaven’.
What’s Hoff’s motivation? He states: “I want to leave a better world for our children.” Launching the Groasis waterboxx at the largest environmental US Summit makes that a reality.
http://www.groasis.com/page/uk/animation.php
Source: AquaPro Holland BV
U.S. Government to unveil new $100 note on April 21
The new design for the $100 note will make its debut on Wednesday, April 21 during a ceremony at the Department of the Treasury’s Cash Room.
The U.S. government redesigns currency in order to stay ahead of counterfeiters and protect the public. Decisions about the redesign of each denomination are guided by the government’s close evaluation of the range of ongoing counterfeit threats, whether from digital technology or traditional printing presses.
The unveiling of the $100 note is the first step in a global multi-government agency public education program implemented by the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Secret Service, to educate those who use the $100 note about its changes before it begins circulating. The $100 note is the highest value denomination of U.S. currency in general circulation, and it circulates broadly around the world. Public education is an important component of the government’s redesigned currency program because a well informed public is our first and best line of defense against counterfeiting. Free training materials for cash-handlers as well as other public education resources will be available in 25 languages at www.newmoney.gov beginning at 10:30 a.m. EDT on April 21.
WHO:
Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner
Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Ben Bernanke
Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios
Director of the United States Secret Service Mark Sullivan
WHEN:
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Program begins at 10:00 a.m. EDT
*Please allow ample time for security screening. All attendees must present government issued photo identification to gain admittance.
WHERE:
The Department of the Treasury’s Cash Room
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
Source: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Study reveals Californians need to increase earthquake preparedness efforts
Less Than 20 Percent Have Prepared Their Homes; Only 40 Percent Have Sufficient Water State and Local Agencies are Better Prepared Today, but Weakest Link is Citizen Preparedness
A majority of Californians have taken initial steps toward earthquake preparedness but more than 60 percent of Californians have not done enough to make their homes safer and guard their personal finances in preparation for an inevitable, large-scale earthquake, according to a recent California Earthquake Preparedness Survey.
Although state and local public safety and emergency management agencies are better prepared than ever before, California residents have focused on easy preparedness activities such as collecting supplies and making back-up copies of important documents but they have not done more difficult and expensive activities such as securing the contents of their home or purchasing earthquake insurance, according to the survey.
Key findings of the survey were:
- Fewer than 20 percent of households have structurally reinforced their homes or had their homes inspected for earthquake resistance.
- Only 40 percent keep the recommended minimum of three gallons of water stored per person.
- Fewer than 20 percent of California households have purchased earthquake insurance.
- More than 80 percent of households have first aid kits, flashlights and batteries in their house but only 40 percent of Californians have made family disaster plans.
The California Earthquake Preparedness Survey was conducted by the UCLA School of Public Health for the State of California on behalf of California Emergency Management Agency, California Seismic Safety Commission and CaliforniaVolunteers to learn how prepared California households are for earthquakes and where they get their information about preparedness and mitigation.
“The recent earthquakes in Chile and Haiti are unwelcome reminders of the devastating impact earthquakes can have on people and communities,” said Secretary Matthew Bettenhausen of the California Emergency Management Agency. “It calls attention to the need for Californians to do even more to prepare for the big one. This study confirms that Californians need constant reminders and a steady stream of earthquake preparedness information to motivate people to act. We continue to urge Californians to prepare now.”
Additional Survey Highlights
- Residents of high-risk areas were more likely to have learned about how to be safe during an earthquake; however, they are not getting ready in proportion to the differential risk they face.
- Hispanic respondents were the least likely among all racial/ethnic groups to prepare.
- Less than 20 percent have participated in neighborhood disaster planning. Northern California residents were more likely than others to have participated in neighborhood disaster planning.
- More than 65 percent of Californians reported being trained in first aid, less than 50 percent had participated in disaster trainings at work, and less than 20 percent have received specific disaster trainings. Hispanic respondents were the least likely to have received these types of training.
- Fewer than 50 percent have dust masks, tools to rescue trapped people, or an extra set of emergency supplies in the car.
- Some Californians believe earthquake myths that could lead to loss of life and injuries in an earthquake.
“It is important for Californians to prepare for all types of disasters by having a plan and being ready to take care of ourselves, our families and our communities,” said Karen Baker, Secretary of Service and Volunteering. “Personal preparedness allows disaster workers to focus on critical areas to protect our state. Everyone can take steps to prepare.”
Observations from the earthquakes in Chile and Haiti reinforce the importance of being self-sufficient immediately following a disaster such as stockpiling food, water and supplies; training and practicing skills that are critical during disasters; and protecting the structures of buildings.
In absence of an actual disaster, “information received” and “information observed” are most likely to increase investment in earthquake preparedness and mitigation. The amount of information people hear, read and see determines whether they prepare. Other factors, including the increased probability of a future event, risk of future event and demographics like income, education and age, which may constrain what people can afford, have little effect on motivating people to prepare.
A variety of free online disaster preparedness resources such as a customized family plan, personalized children’s book and disaster preparedness tips are available on www.CaliforniaVolunteers.org.
Student teams ready to battle Lunar Terrain at NASA’s 17th Annual Great Moonbuggy Race
More than 100 student teams from around the globe will drive their specially crafted lunar rovers through a challenging course of rugged, moon-like terrain at NASA’s 17th annual Great Moonbuggy Race in Huntsville, Ala., April 9-10.
Some 1,088 high school, college and university students from 20 states and Puerto Rico, Canada, Germany, Bangladesh, Serbia, India and Romania are expected to participate in the race at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
Students begin to prepare for the event each year during the fall semester. They must design, build and test a sturdy, collapsible, lightweight vehicle that addresses engineering problems similar to those overcome by the original Apollo-era lunar rover development team at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville in the late 1960s.
The buggies are based on the design of those classic rovers, which American astronauts drove across the moon’s surface during the Apollo 15, 16 and 17 missions in the early 1970s. Teams of students build their vehicles using trail bike tires, aluminum or composite-metal struts and parts. The best teams drive trains, gears, suspension, steering and braking systems they find or construct.
Top prizes are awarded to the three teams in both the high school and college/university divisions that post the fastest race times, which include assembly and penalty times. A variety of other prizes are given by race corporate sponsors. These include “rookie of the year” and the “featherweight” award, presented to the team with the lightest, fastest buggy.
NASA’s Great Moonbuggy Race is one of many educational projects and initiatives the agency conducts each year to attract and engage America’s next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers. They will carry on the nation’s mission of exploration to unchartered destinations in our solar system.
“NASA is committed to inspiring young people in science, technology, engineering and math, and the Great Moonbuggy Race is an excellent way for us to reach out to young people and get them excited and involved in technical opportunities available to them,” said Mike Selby, an avionics technical assistant in the Marshall Center’s Engineering Directorate. While completing his engineering degree at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Selby was a member of the school’s moonbuggy teams, helping them to a second-place finish in 1995 and to first place in 1996. Since 2001, he has served each year as a volunteer scorekeeper.
The race is hosted by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, and is sponsored by Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and Jacobs Engineering ESTS Group, all of Huntsville.
For more information about the competition, visit: http://moonbuggy.msfc.nasa.gov
Mercedes-Benz Financial expands mobile platform to include smartphones
“Coolest way to pay” now includes users of BlackBerry, Droid and more
Mercedes-Benz Financial is now the first automotive financial services company to expand personalized and convenient account management features to all of its customers using smartphones like BlackBerry®, Droid ®, and other mobile devices with internet capability.
Mercedes-Benz Financial last Fall became the first auto finance company to offer account management features with the launch of its iPhone® App free download.
Account holders must first register online at www.Mercedes-BenzFinancial.com to access secure account management features. Detailed instructions for smartphone users are available at www.Mercedes-BenzFinancial.com/mobile.
All smartphone users, even those who are not customers of Mercedes-Benz Financial, will be able to locate the nearest Mercedes-Benz authorized dealer, contact a customer service representative and see what’s new from Mercedes-Benz Financial.
Account holders of Mercedes-Benz Financial will be able to make a payment, view their account summary and request a payoff quote.
“We are closing in on 10,000 downloads of our iPhone App which validates our decision to expand our mobile capabilities to all customers who are smartphone users,” said Andreas Hinrichs, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Financial. “By expanding our mobile services to smartphone users, more of our customers will enjoy the conveniences of connecting with us from the palm of their hand.”
Michael J. Fox Foundation commits up to $5.75 million in funding for 2010 Critical Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research announced up to $5.75 million in total funding available under its three 2010 Critical Challenges.
Each year the Foundation tailors specific Challenges to advance one or more of its key research priorities in PD drug development: forging new strategies to define Parkinson’s disease and its progression, alter disease course, reduce symptoms and complications of treatment to increase quality of life, and develop pre-clinical and clinical research tools to broadly accelerate Parkinson’s research. Including the Critical Challenges announced today, the Foundation expects about $25 million of its total 2010 funding to drive research focused on these priorities.
Two of the 2010 Challenges aim to streamline field-wide efforts focused on alpha-synuclein and LRRK2, respectively, two leading genetic targets for PD drug development. The third Challenge will drive scientific collaborations that can speed progress by taking advantage of the unique repository of well-characterized biological samples collected through the Brain and Body Donation Program at the Arizona Parkinson’s Disease Consortium.
Alpha-synuclein Therapeutics seeks pre-clinical projects to accelerate therapeutic development of the PD-implicated gene alpha-synuclein, which many researchers believe holds potential to lead to a new treatment that could slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease (something no currently available treatment has been proven to do). Applicants should outline critical next steps to develop and optimize treatment strategies that can change levels of alpha-synuclein production in the brain, reduce alpha-synuclein toxicity, or break up Lewy bodies (clumps formed by the alpha-synuclein protein that are the pathological hallmark of PD). The Foundation will prioritize funding for applications that describe a clear path to the clinic.
Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers of LRRK2 Activity will drive efforts to develop drug-activity biomarkers that can improve outcomes from future clinical trials of treatments targeting the PD-implicated gene LRRK2. The Foundation will give preference to proposals seeking to verify and validate promising, pre-defined candidate LRRK2-associated biomarkers. This Challenge is part of MJFF’s integrated strategy to drive LRRK2 therapeutic development forward at every stage of the drug development pipeline in order to lay the groundwork for clear outcomes from future clinical trials testing LRRK2-associated drug candidates. This program has been made possible through the generous support of The Brin Wojcicki Foundation.
Novel Hypotheses in Parkinson’s Disease: Investigating Clinical Data and Human Tissue offers scientists around the globe the opportunity to collaborate with the Arizona Parkinson’s Disease Consortium (APDC). Funded investigators should propose drug development projects that can benefit from access to APDC’s exceptional bank of well-characterized biologics, postmortem tissue and associated clinical data. Applicants should outline their plans for experiments that will take maximum advantage of these resources to speed therapeutic development.
Critical Challenges complement the Foundation’s annually recurring Pipeline Programs, which provide opportunities for projects at various stages of development, ensuring that new ideas continue flowing into Parkinson’s research. Last September, MJFF announced $12 million in 2010 Pipeline Program funding.
Abbreviated timeline information on the 2010 Critical Challenges follows. Full details are available at www.michaeljfox.org/research.
Alpha-synuclein Therapeutics
Total available funding: $3 million
Deadline: 6 p.m. ET, Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Funding Anticipated: November 2010
Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers of LRRK2 Activity
Total available funding: $2 million
Deadline: 6 p.m. ET, Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Funding Anticipated: November 2010
Novel Hypotheses in PD: Investigating Clinical Data and Human Tissue
Total available funding: $750,000
Deadline: 6 p.m. ET, Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Funding Anticipated: November 2010
The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to ensuring the development of better treatments, and ultimately a cure, for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda. MJFF has funded over $175 million in research to date.
Lexus and Scholastic announce Lexus Eco Challenge #2 winners
All Winning Teams Invited to Participate in the Final Challenge for $270,000 in Grants and Scholarships
Creating rain gardens, building a biodiesel processor, and promoting the use of solar chimneys were some of the actions taken by the winning teams in the second round of the Lexus Eco Challenge, an educational program and contest that empowers young people to make a positive difference for the environment. The 15 winning middle and high schools teams in Challenge #2 were awarded $10,000 each and are now qualified to participate in the Final Challenge for a chance at one of two $30,000 grand prizes and 14 $15,000 first-place awards. In all, Lexus will award a total of $500,000 in grants and scholarships throughout this year’s program. All award money is shared among the students, teacher advisor and school.
“Since launching the Lexus Eco Challenge three years ago, we’ve enjoyed watching as thousands of students have stepped up to protect our environment, and this latest round of entries did not disappoint us,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “We’ve been impressed, humbled, and most of all, inspired by the dedication of the teams and their teacher advisors.”
For each of the challenges, teams are required to define an environmental issue that is important to them, develop an action plan to address the issue, implement the plan, and report on the results. The Challenge #2 winning teams that best addressed environmental challenges associated with air and climate were (winners listed in alphabetical order by state along with city, team name. school name, and each project’s subject).
High School Winners:
– Florida (Newberry) – “P.A.N.T.H.E.R. – Providing a New Way to Help Environmental Restoration” – Newberry High School – “Green” Christmas initiative
– Georgia (Atlanta) – “Westminster Greencats” – The Westminster Schools – Reducing greenhouse gases and investing in renewable energy sources
– Hawaii (Honolulu) – “LEXgo” – W.R. Farrington High School – Preservation and recycling
– Illinois (Chicago) – “McAuley EcoMacs: Operation Haiti” – Mother McAuley High School – Built a biodiesel processor and solar-thermal heating system
– Missouri (St. Louis) – “Team Neon” – Parkway North High School -Addressed destruction of natural prairies
– New Jersey (Manalapan) – “Project Blue Sky” – Manalapan High School – Educated about renewable energy sources
– Pennsylvania (Souderton) – “SAVE – Students Against Violating the Earth” – Souderton Area High School – Encouraged use of solar chimneys
– Utah (Orem) – “R.A.W.R. – Rocky-Mountain Area Wildlife Research” – Timpanogos High School – Environmental research and education about effects of climate change
Middle School Winners:
– Florida (Boca Raton) – “Tap In Too” – Logger’s Run Middle School – Recycling plastic water bottles and switching to reusable water bottles
– Kentucky (Lexington) – “E.F.B.S. – Eco-Friendly Bag Savers” – SCAPA Bluegrass – Impact of plastic and paper bags on the environment
– New York (East Greenbush) – “Goff Gone Green” – Howard L. Goff Middle School – Conservation of fossil fuels
– New York (Rosedale) – “The Eco Team” – PS 270 – Air pollution reduction
– South Carolina (Hanahan) – “HMS Hawks” – Hanahan Middle School – Conserving fossil fuels by reducing energy use.
– Utah (Holladay) – “Unplug the Thug” – Olympus Junior High – Energy conservation by unplugging cell phone chargers
– Wisconsin (Milwaukee) – “Bayside Pollution Revolution” – Bayside Middle School – Energy conservation by reducing use of electricity
This year’s Lexus Eco Challenge launched on Sept. 28, 2009, and concludes with the announcement of the first place and grand-prize-winning teams during Earth Month in April 2010. All winners from Challenges #1 and #2 have been invited to participate in the Final Challenge with an entry deadline of March 16, 2010.
In addition to the ongoing contest, the Lexus Eco Challenge also includes educational materials developed by Scholastic to encourage teachers to integrate creative lesson plans into their classrooms to help teach students about the environment. For each challenge, the Web site (www.scholastic.com/lexus) has lesson plans and teacher instructions including questions to help guide a discussion about the current challenge, facts about the topic, and guidelines for a specific classroom project.
The Lexus Eco Challenge is part of The Lexus Pursuit of Potential, a philanthropic initiative that generates up to $3 million in donations each year for organizations that help build, shape and improve children’s lives.
Early College founding and future
Early college – leaving high school before the traditional age in order to enroll in higher education – is likely called that because “offering the option of college at the right time for intellectually curious and capable students” lacks pith. But the point is valid: for many students the age of fifteen, sixteen, or seventeen is not early, it is simply time to attend college.
This is not necessarily a critique of high school, although the challenges of our high schools are well documented. It is a recognition that, despite the standardization of educational progress, young people mature at different social and intellectual rates. For those curious and capable, the right time for an engaged college experience may well arrive prior to the age of eighteen.
We should provide that opportunity. This is why the new initiative put forth by the National Center for Economics and Education has promise. The NCEE is leading an effort in eight states to assess the progress of high school sophomores. Those who pass the assessment will have the chance to attend early college.
The proposal is not based on a theoretical argument. For decades, some students attended college when they were intellectually ready; the University of Chicago offered an early college experience in1939. And since 1966, Bard College at Simon’s Rock has been dedicated solely to providing a rigorous liberal arts college education to bright, motivated students. For the vast majority of early entrants, this has been a good decision. A recent national survey, published in the New York Times, found that 88% of Bard College at Simon’s Rock alumni would choose this education again.
The NCEE effort is a significant step forward in expanding the success of this model. In launching this initiative, it will be important to shatter, rather than duplicate, the problems of our school system. Students must be challenged, and offered the opportunity for social and personal advancement. They should not be prematurely tracked into a profession, but offered a genuine liberal education – the chance for an education that liberates. If we succeed in doing this, we will not only provide individual opportunity for students, we will prove, yet again, that education is a significant path to supporting both our democracy and our economy.
Playboy celebrates 50th Anniversary of the world-famous Playboy Club and iconic Playboy Bunny
Year-long Festivities to Include the Largest Playboy Party of All Time in the Form of 50 Playboy Club-Themed Events Around the World, All on the Same Night; Limited Edition Products; Retail Partners; an Art Exhibition; and More
Playboy announced the launch of a global, year-long 50th anniversary celebration in honor of its iconic Playboy Bunny and world-famous Playboy Clubs. The company is marking this momentous occasion with commemorative merchandise and exclusive events around the world, including: 50 Playboy Club parties in 50 cities, all held on one night; a uniquely-commissioned Playboy art exhibition at The Andy Warhol Museum; and newly designed Playboy apparel featured in some of the world’s top retailers.
Originally opening to the public on February 29, 1960 in Chicago, the Playboy Clubs quickly became the embodiment of sexy sophistication and one of the world’s most successful night club chains. The famous venues, which were home to the iconic Playboy Bunnies, allowed key holders to enjoy performances by some of the era’s biggest names in entertainment. Each club featured cocktail Bunnies, a camera Bunny, a checkroom Bunny, a cabaret Bunny, a gift shop Bunny, a bumper pool Bunny, a customer service Bunny, and floor Bunnies. In 2006 the Bunnies returned, and Playboy reopened its famous Club at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, and plans to open two additional multi-faceted entertainment venues in 2010 in both Miami and Cancun.
In its June 2010 issue, Playboy magazine will celebrate the Playboy Clubs’ legacy while providing a sneak peek at the future of the famous nightclubs. Special features will also appear on Playboy.com and Playboy Radio. Additional anniversary celebrations will include:
The World’s Sexiest Party: June 10, 2010
On June 10, Playboy will be hosting a global celebration–50 Playboy Club parties in 50 cities, all held on the same night. Fifty select nightlife venues–in domestic and international cities including Las Vegas, Miami, Cancun, London, Hong Kong, San Diego, Chicago and Johannesburg–will open their doors as “Playboy Clubs” for one night only to celebrate the momentous occasion. For updates, and venue and ticket information, visit www.PlayboyClub50.com.
50th Anniversary Commemorative Products
In collaboration with its retail partners and licensees across the globe, Playboy will launch a collection of specially-created 50th anniversary merchandise both in-store and online. Products include a line of vintage-inspired Bunny tee shirts, special edition glassware, Bunny-inspired lingerie, and “The Hef” loveseat. Merchandise will be available online at www.playboyclubstore.com and at retail outlets across the globe including Ann Summers (UK), Urban Outfitters (US), and Top Man (UK).
Playboy Redux Art Exhibition
In collaboration with The Andy Warhol Museum, Playboy has invited more than 20 emerging and established artists to reinterpret the iconic Playboy Bunny in mediums ranging from painting to video. Playboy Redux: Contemporary Artists Interpret the Iconic Playboy Bunny will be on display at the Pittsburgh museum from March 27 through June 19, 2010, and will feature works by artists including Gary Baseman, Scott Anderson, Jeremy Kost, Tara McPherson, Kalup Linzy and LaToya Ruby Frazier, among others. For additional information, visit www.Playboy.com/Bunny50.
Historical Background
In their more than two decades of operation, Playboy Clubs sold nearly 2.5 million membership keys and became one of the most successful nightclub chains in history. The Playboy Clubs, together with the hotel, casino and resort facilities, eventually included 40 properties in 25 states and seven countries. Entertainers performing at the Clubs included Steve Allen, Ann Margaret, the Count Basie Orchestra, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, George Carlin, Ray Charles, Bill Cosby, Dizzy Gillespie, Bob Hope, Peggy Lee, Steve Martin, Bette Midler, Ginger Rogers, the Smothers Brothers, Mel Torme and Muddy Waters. The privileged Playboy Club key holders of today include some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, including P. Diddy, Kim Kardashian, Usher, Paris Hilton, Dennis Hopper, Dave Navarro, Jamie Presley and Michael Phelps.
The original Bunny Costume, worn over the years by more than 25,000 working Playboy Bunnies, was created for female staff at the first Playboy Club in Chicago and started as a modified one-piece swimsuit. It went on to become the first uniform to be issued a trademark registration by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Before they launched their careers, actresses Lauren Hutton, Julie Cobb, Lynne Moody, Sherilyn Fenn, Susan Sullivan, Jackie Zeman, Maria Richwine and Barbara Bosson all worked as Bunnies, as did rock star Deborah Harry. As one of the world’s most recognized uniforms, the Playboy Bunny Costume was redesigned in 2006 by Roberto Cavalli for the Playboy Club Las Vegas Bunnies and Playboy Club Celebrity Dealers, including Jenny McCarthy and Carmen Electra.