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Franciacorta, Italy’s Premium Sparkling Wine

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By Liz Palmer

What and Where is Franciacorta?

Franciacorta is a sparkling wine from the Province of Brescia, Northern Italy with DOCG status. It was first referenced as Franzacurta in the Eighth Book of Brescia in 1277. Guido Berlucchi produced the first Franciacorta in 1961, and during 1995 the sparkling wines of Franciacorta were awarded DOCG status. This tells you that Franciacorta has some history but it’s is a very young wine appellation and it has some serious merit.

Franciacorta’s layered geological formations boast complex microclimates. The wines are defined by both a sub-Alpine and Mediterranean-type climate due to the proximity of Lake Iseo.

The wines are produced using the Méthode Champenoise, or ‘Traditional Method’, in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, using a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Bianco grapes This gives the wine more yeast contact, and results in a drier wine with biscuit and brioche notes creating a long finish.

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful wine region and here is an overview.

I visited Ca’ del Bosco and was fortunate to see the harvest and quality control taking place.

Founded in 1969, is an icon of Italy’s Franciacorta region. The winery’s state-of-the-art cellar, unique in Franciacorta, has allowed the winemaking team to produce the best wines possible and with the highest quality. Their wines have collectively earned 41 “Tre Bicchieri” awards by Italy’s Gambero Rosso, since 1998, the second-highest awarded winery in history by the publication.

Here is my video of what we saw on our tour.

Wines Tasted:

Vintage Collection Saten
Tasting Notes: silky smooth, soft, and well-rounded

Cuvee Prestige
Tasting Notes:  a well-balanced wine, fresh and crisp

Vintage Collection Brut
Tasting Notes: structured, full-bodied, intense and persistent.  

Other Wines In The Region

On my second day, I visited the co-op of  Cantine La Pergola. This winery is certified organic and uses a small percentage of sulfite.

Founded in 1979, Cantine La Pergola is made up of 45 members, 30 of which confer grapes, and control 80 hectares of vineyards, 90% of which are organic: with the annual production reaching 300,000 bottles (50% certified organic).

Wines Tasted:

VALTÈNESI DOC CHIARETTO – SELENE (2016)
Note: This wine is known as the “wine of the first night” because it is literally produced in one night.
Tasting Notes: beautiful floral notes; well balanced; light elegant wine

La Pergola Lugana
Tasting Notes: soft floral notes, excellent balance some hints of jasmine

La Pergola – Eos (2012)
Note: autochthonous grape varietal Groppello (cultivated 1300) with small percentages of Marzemino, Barbera and Sangiovese.
Tasting Notes:  bright ruby red; aroma and taste recall spices, herbaceous notes, and minerals and persistent almond aftertaste

La Pergola – Brol (2010)
Notes: Aged 18 month in second-hand oak barrels; limited production (5000 liters per year)
Tasting Notes: Red fruits with some spice notes; high acidity

In addition to producing delicious local wines, Cantine La Pergola also produces olive oil and organizes bike tours.

 Azienda Agricola Ricci Curbastro. This winery is quite historical with a history of 17 generations. The owner, Mr Cubastro introduced me to the soon-to-be 18th generation, his eldest son.

The most impressive aspect of this vineyard is that it is one of the few family-owned in the region. I also toured their museum which incorporated historic winemaking tools. Cubastro winery owns 32 hectares of vineyards and has created solar energy panels that help run and maintain the winery. The next step for this winery is to convert all of their production to organic.

Wines Tasted:

Franciacorta Brut
Note: blend of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Blanc, 10% Pinot Nero
Tasting Notes: Light, easy to drink, hints of floral notes

Franciacorta Rose Brut
Note: This salmon pink wine is perfect for the nice warm summer day
Tasting Notes: Light; refreshing, hints of floral note

Sebino IGT Bianco ZeroNote: No preservatives or chemical treatment
Tasting Notes: Nice minerality and freshness; good balance

I also visited Azienda Barone Pizzini, the first organic winery in the Franciacorta region. Silvano Brescianini, General Manager and Vice President of the Consortium provided us with a tour and details about the winery.

We started our session watching a video about the historical aspect of the winery. The video can be viewed here. The most impressive aspect of this winery is how organized it is and how the facilities are arranged. Is it no surprise that this winery is a Biodiversity award winner! They produce 70-80 different types of wines.

Wines Tasted:

Golf 1927 Franciacorta Docg
Tasting Notes:  Nice mineral and floral notes with delicate notes of honey; elegant,
creamy and fresh – well-balanced

 Satèn Franciacorta DOCG Edition 2014
Note: name familiar to the word “silk”
Tasting Notes: Some nice citrus notes, with pressing minerality

Rosé Franciacorta DOCG 2013 Edition
Tasting Notes: Pinot Noir is transformed into hints of rose petals in the glass; The structure and balance of this wine are interwoven in a lingering tension between its rich flavor and acidity.

I had lunch at Agriturismo Corte Lantieri with a menu dedicated to Franciacorta Festival and the area’s traditional food.

Thereafter I went to Azienda Guido Berlucchi , a beautiful medieval-looking vineyard. Berlucchi has been producing certified organic wine since 2016. It took the winery about four years to fully convert to organic wine. And today, it is known as the largest producer of wine in the region I was happy to learn that the sparkling Berlucchi 61 Brut Franciacorta wine that I tried can be found at LCBO / Vintages (Ontario, Canada).

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo/product/berlucchi-61-brut-franciacorta/514323#.WsK1ErYrIWo

VINTAGES#: 514323

Wines Tasted:

Palazzo Lana Saten (2008)
Tasting Notes: refined notes of apple and pear, with an appealing acidity and firm structure, along with delicious, crisp notes of fruit.

Berlucchi ‘61 Brut
Tasting Notes: fragrant notes, crisp with hints of apple and pear and citrus, with a long finish

Berlucchi ‘61 Saten
Note: 100% Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: hints of citrus fruit, some tangy acidity, full and firm structure

The last winery I visited was Azienda Agricola Mosnel which was located in the open and fresh area of Franciacorta where the grapes are exposed to a lot of breezes coming off of the alps. The grapes will ripen a week earlier here than other areas. In this vineyard, 20% pinot blanc is harvest more than other regions and wineries due to climate region.

If you are ever in the Franciacorta region, visit the vineyards mentioned and also check out theFranciacorta Festival September 2018.

Shadi Yazdan and Liz Palmer

First Global Participates in TenCent Chinese New Year Event

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TSX Venture Exchange: FGD
Frankfurt Stock Exchange: 1G5

TORONTO, March 6, 2018 /CNW/ – First Global Data Limited (the “Corporation” or “First Global”) is pleased to announce that it was invited by Tencent USA, a subsidiary of Tencent Holdings (collectively “Tencent“) to take part in a marketing event at Quicken Loans Arena on February 27, 2018 during a basketball game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets in celebration of Chinese New Year.

First Global worked with Tencent to host a number of executives from North American retail and a variety of other strategic organizations. The event was well attended and enjoyed by all.

As set out in the Corporation’s press releases of February 1, 2018, the Corporation has entered into a strategic relationship with Tencent whereby the two companies will work closely together to expand merchant acquiring, processing and settlement services in the USA. The service is designed to enable existing WeChat users traveling from China to make payments from their WeChat mobile wallet at retailers and merchants located in the USA.

“We are very pleased to have been invited by Tencent to participate in the celebration of Chinese New Year at the Cleveland Cavaliers Brooklyn Nets game on February 27. In addition to enjoying the game and festivities, we were happy to have hosted a number of key executives representing a variety of strategic business sectors”, commented Andre Itwaru, First Global’s Chairman and CEO.

About Tencent (www.tencent.com)

Founded in November, 1998, Tencent is a leading provider of Internet value added services in China. Since its establishment, Tencent has maintained steady growth under its user-oriented operating strategies. On June 16, 2004, Tencent Holdings Limited (SEHK 700) went public on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. It is Tencent’s mission to enhance the quality of human life through Internet services. Presently, Tencent provides social platforms and digital content services under the “Connection” Strategy. Tencent’s leading Internet platforms in China – QQ (QQ Instant Messenger), Weixin/WeChat, QQ.com, QQ Games, Qzone, and Tenpay – have brought together China’s largest Internet community, to meet the various needs of Internet users including communication, information, entertainment, financial services and others.

About First Global Data Ltd. (www.firstglobaldata.com)

First Global is an international financial services technology (“FINTECH”) company. The Company’s two main lines of business are mobile payments and cross border payments. First Global’s proprietary leading edge technology enables the convergence of compliant domestic and cross border payments, shopping, Peer to Peer (“P2P”), Business to Consumer (“B2C”), and Business to Business (“B2B”) payments. First Global enables its strategic partners and clients around the world with our leading edge financial services technology platform.

Caution:
Neither TSX Venture Exchange Inc. (“TSXV”) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities offered in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Forward Looking Information:
This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Although First Global believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because First Global can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. First Global undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of First Global, its securities, or financial or operating results (as applicable). First Global disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE First Global Data Limited

For further information: Andre Itwaru, Chairman and CEO, First Global Data Limited, email: ir@firstglobaldata.com

Related Links

www.firstglobaldata.com

Ontario Residents Rant About Election

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From this morning’s impromptu coffee chat with some local residents at Tim Horton’s. These are some comments I gathered from a small group of coffee sippers this morning and tried to get it as close to what I heard as possible. So don’t attack me please, just give your thoughts to what has been aired.
 
Doug Ford was on CP24 this morning talking about Patrick Brown cutting a deal with Christine Elliott to endorse her in return for keeping his seat. If that is true, there are now three things that are of concern about Elliott;
 
1) That she is playing the same old backroom deals that have tainted the Ontario Liberal government’s reputation over the last few years,
 
2) Her lack of loyalty to the party as expressed through her accepting a job from Kathleen Wynn, and
 
3) Her philosophy and approach as shown through the debate last week showing her unwillingness to take out the brook and clean out the waste, dust and nonsense from Kathleen’s attack on Ontario’s traditional lifestyle and family structure.
 
If the Conservatives are to win the next election, they need to elect a leader who is capable of representing the people with a clear focus on every Ontarian and break lose from the corrupt relationships with special interest groups for the sake of looking good among ill-informed voters. Then they need to campaign hard to make sure that they get as many Ontarians out as possible to vote!
 
Then they need to have a clear plan to:
 
1. Help average taxpayers with being able to earn a living and afford their own house. Unless you’re a government employee or union worker in Ontario, it’s almost impossible to buy your first home without family help. This has to change. With homes costing over $1M and the new mortgage rules/stress test, banks unwillingness to lend, even someone earning $250,000 can’t afford to buy a home without a significant down payment. At $244,000 individuals have to give the government 55% of each additional dollar they earn and they only get to keep 45%. How is this ‘regressive tax system’ fair or even good for everyone when the best and brightest leave once they get to those income levels?
 
2. Support small business (which accounts for 90% of job creation in Canada) through
a) reducing red tape and regulations. The Liberal’s have shown their dislike of small business with statements like ‘if you can’t afford to pay more for wages you shouldn’t be in business’. This philosophical attack on small business has to be reversed. They should be saying, ‘how can we help you hire more people and give them the opportunity to earn more as they add more value to your business’.
b) the redundancy of unions and the Ontario labour act has to be addressed. We don’t need both. So, decide on which way you want to go and focus on it. Once the government started dictating wages and other terms of employment it basically has replaced what unions were originally meant to do…stop the exploitation of workers and provide them with security. Well the government is doing that directly now. So why are companies forced to double regulation?
 
3. Electricity expenses. If you want to have union jobs that result in higher wages than other jurisdictions we compete with, then you have to reduce other expenses. Why are we paying so much more for electricity than we should? We can’t even compete with mass production or automation because we’re competing with countries with much lower energy costs. Find a way to drop electricity expenses for manufacturers in Ontario.
 
4. Housing availability and traffic congestion. Wynn has thrown money at the same old things that have created these problems to begin with. The underlying issue with traffic and affordability is supply and demand combined with the NECESSITY FOR DAILY TRAVEL. In Europe they got it right when they have people living where they work. Why are we having people commute 30-40 kms to get to work? Create the incentive and support to have people work closer to home. Adjust zoning to include commercial in residential neighbourhoods. Make it more affordable to build houses in different areas on non-fertile farm land. Why are we paying an upwards of $25,000 per unit for building/development permits, t hen paying double land transfer taxes in Toronto? The government is taking as much as $100,000 in these and related taxes just to build a home. Why? This money goes to general expenses (bureaucracy?).
 
5. Quality of education. The quality of education in Ontario has dropped significantly over the last 25 years! I’ve come across some really bad teachers in the school system who shouldn’t be allowed near children, let alone teach them. Why is it so hard to get rid of these bad teachers, but more importantly, WHY IS THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION PUTTING TEACHER JOB SECURITY AHEAD OF THE EDUCATION, DEVELOPMENT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH OF THE CHILDREN? Wynn was so interested in sex education, but she did nothing for addressing the quality of education issue or how to deal with the Teacher’s Union which is allowing some teachers to destroy the self-confidence, motivation and future potential of young children. What is your plan?
 
Your thoughts? 

First Global Data Director Buys 159,500 Shares

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A First Global Data Ltd (traded on the CVE as FGD) Director Peter Alan Lacey bought 159,500 shares of the company at an average price of C$0.22 per share (Total of C$35,090,00) in a transaction dated Thursday, March 1st.

Recently, director Peter Alan Lacey also made the following trade(s):

  • On Wednesday, December 13th, bought 139,000 shares of First Global Data stock  at an average price of C$0.22 per share, for a total of C$30,580.00.
  • On Friday, January 12th, bought 698,000 shares of First Global Data stock at an average price of C$0.22 per share, for a total of C$153,560.00.

 

Shares of First Global Data were up C$0.01 on Friday, hitting C$0.21 with 151,650 shares of the stock traded (compared to its average volume of 848,684.

 

First Global Data Ltd is a small-cap stock with a twelve month low of C$0.19 and a twelve month high of C$1.00.

 

About First Global Data Ltd. (www.firstglobaldata.com)

First Global is an international financial services technology (“FINTECH”) company. The Company’s two main lines of business are mobile payments and cross border payments. First Global’s proprietary leading edge technology enables the convergence of compliant domestic and cross border payments, shopping, Peer to Peer (“P2P”), Business to Consumer (“B2C”), and Business to Business (“B2B”) payments. First Global enables its strategic partners and clients around the world with our leading edge financial services technology platform.

First Global Data Closes First Tranche of Private Placement

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Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – February 28, 2018) – First Global Data Limited (TSXV: FGD) (FSE: 1G5) (the “Corporation“) is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche (“First Tranche“) of a non-brokered private placement (the “Private Placement“) previously announced in its press release of February 8, 2018. In this First Tranche, the Company issued an aggregate of 7,272,000 units (the “Units“) at a price of $0.25 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,818,000.00.

Each unit in the Private Placement consists of one (1) common share and one (1) common share purchase warrant (“Warrant“). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) common share for a period of two (2) years from date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.40 per Warrant.

The Private Placement remains open and subject to all necessary final regulatory approvals. The securities being issued in the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Corporation intends to use net proceeds for general working capital and the retirement of debt.

About First Global Data Ltd. (www.firstglobaldata.com)

First Global is an international financial services technology (“FINTECH”) company. The Company’s two main lines of business are mobile payments and cross border payments. First Global’s proprietary leading edge technology enables the convergence of compliant domestic and cross border payments, shopping, Peer to Peer (“P2P”), Business to Consumer (“B2C”), and Business to Business (“B2B”) payments. First Global enables its strategic partners and clients around the world with our leading edge financial services technology platform.

For further information please contact:
Andre Itwaru, Chairman and CEO
(416) 504-3813 ext. 204
First Global Data Limited
email: ir@firstglobaldata.com

Caution:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange Inc. (“TSXV“) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities offered in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Forward Looking Information:
This news release contains “forward-looking information“ within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Although First Global believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because First Global can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. First Global undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of First Global, its securities, or financial or operating results (as applicable). First Global disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

Read more at http://www.stockhouse.com/news/press-releases/2018/02/28/first-global-announces-private-placement#hM2BQQ1dxfzKKJsf.99

Pain Management Focus Group For Practitioners, Coaches, Trainers, Athletes and Chronic Pain Sufferers

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Pain management focus group being conducted in Toronto (near highway 401/404). Practitioners, Athletes, Coaches, Trainers, Elderly and chronic pain sufferers will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the product.

What is required is 2 hours of your time plus post group feedback.

For your time and effort, you get to keep one of these units. The units are not yet on the market.

Two sessions are available:

  1. Tuesday, March 6th (6:30-8:30), or
  2. Saturday, March 10th (1:00-3:00)

Only a few spaces available so don’t hesitate. Send email with your name and telephone number to info@metroactive.org with subject: ‘Focus Group’.

First Global Data Details Agreement with Tencent

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NEWS PROVIDED BY

First Global Data Limited

Feb 01, 2018, 16:45 ET

TSX Venture Exchange: FGD
Frankfurt Stock Exchange: 1G5

TORONTO, Feb. 1, 2018 /CNW/ – Pursuant to the press release issued earlier this morning, the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (“IIROC”) has requested that First Global Data Limited (“First Global” or the “Company”) issue this press release to elaborate on and clarify the business model and agreement it has entered into with Tenpay Payment Technology Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of Tencent Holdings (collectively “Tencent“).

First Global Data Limited (CNW Group/First Global Data Limited)
First Global Data Limited (CNW Group/First Global Data Limited)

The objective of the agreement between First Global and Tencent is to facilitate the acceptance of the WeChat mobile wallet by US retailers and merchants. First Global, with the assistance of Tencent and China Smartpay, will source US retailers and merchants willing to accept the WeChat mobile wallet as a method of payment. Once a retailer has agreed to accept this method of payment, First Global will be responsible for the onboarding of such retailers and merchants including the performance of all necessary due diligence on these parties.

The agreement represents a new line of business for the Company. The costs to the Company associated with this new line of business will be (i) the cost of integrating the company’s technology with that of Tencent and (ii) the cost of sourcing and onboarding the US retailers. With respect to the cost of integrating the Company’s technology with that of Tencent, the Company anticipates that the costs will be nominal as the Company has extensive experience with integrating its software with that of third parties. The Company does have the adequate resources to integrate the technologies and once integrated there will be no additional costs.

With respect to the sourcing and onboarding of retailers, the costs to the Company will primarily be adding additional sales associates to source and sign up merchants. As these individuals typically work on a commission pay structure, there will be minimal to no cost to the Company until such time that a retailer is signed up. The cost of installing equipment in each location will vary depending on the equipment currently held by the retailer and whether the retailer will require any equipment. The Company will not be responsible for any of the equipment cost.

First Global will always maintain a direct relationship with each retailer and merchant. The Company will be responsible for the implementation and integration of the WeChat mobile wallet using a variety of technical integration options at the merchant location. The Company will connect to the Tencent payment infrastructure by way of technical integration. These technical integrations will allow for the seamless debiting of funds from the consumer’s WeChat mobile wallet, the conversion of currency from RMB to USD, and the settlement to the merchant’s bank accounts.

Revenues will be generated on a per transaction basis. Each merchant will be charged a fee for each transaction that utilizes the WeChat mobile wallet as the payment method. The fees to be charged will be similar to that which exists for the processing of credit cards. Merchants will pay the Company a percentage based on the gross dollar value of the goods or services being purchased. The Company will determine what these rates will be on a case by case basis and based on industry standards. The Company will share these revenues with Tencent and China Smartpay. There can be no assurance or guarantee that any revenue will be generated from this agreement with Tencent as it is dependent on merchants in the US agreeing to accept the WeChat mobile wallet as a payment method.

The term of the agreement with Tencent is for one (1) year and shall automatically renew for subsequent one-year periods unless terminated by either party having provided one month’s prior notice.

About First Global Data Ltd. (www.firstglobaldata.com)

First Global is an international financial services technology (“FINTECH”) company. The Company’s two main lines of business are mobile payments and cross border payments. First Global’s proprietary leading edge technology enables the convergence of compliant domestic and cross border payments, shopping, Peer to Peer (“P2P”), Business to Consumer (“B2C”), and Business to Business (“B2B”) payments. First Global enables its strategic partners and clients around the world with our leading edge financial services technology platform.

Caution:
Neither TSX Venture Exchange Inc. (“TSXV”) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities offered in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Forward Looking Information:
This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Although First Global believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because First Global can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. First Global undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of First Global, its securities, or financial or operating results (as applicable). First Global disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE First Global Data Limited

For further information: Andre Itwaru, Chairman and CEO, First Global Data Limited, email: ir@firstglobaldata.com

First Global Signs Agreement with Tencent Payment Company

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NEWS PROVIDED BY

First Global Data Limited

06:00 ET

TSX Venture Exchange: FGD
Frankfurt Stock Exchange: 1G5

TORONTO, Feb. 1, 2018 /CNW/ – First Global Data Limited is pleased to announce that its wholly owned US subsidiary, First Global Money Inc. (collectively “First Global” or the “Company”) has entered into an agreement with Tenpay Payment Technology Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of Tencent Holdings (collectively “Tencent“).

First Global Data, First Global Money, PayQwik (CNW Group/First Global Data Limited)
First Global Data, First Global Money, PayQwik (CNW Group/First Global Data Limited)

Tenpay is a leading payment platform owned by Tencent. The platform is dedicated to providing efficient and professional cross-border online and offline payment service to global users. Tencent also owns WeChat, a social messaging platform which has close to 1 billion users registered globally, and WeChat Pay which is the mobile payment service embedded in the WeChat social messaging service which Tenpay operates.

On November 21, 2017, Fortune reported that: “Tencent (TCTZF, +1.21%) has become the first Chinese tech firm valued over $500 billion. Shares of the 19-year-old company, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, hit record numbers on Tuesday, rallying to close at HK$430 to give it a market capitalization of some $522 billion—about $3 billion above Facebook’s closing valuation of $519 billion Monday.” The article can be found at:

http://fortune.com/2017/11/21/tencent-market-capitalization-500-billion-facebook/

As part of this “Cross Border Payment Acquiring Service Agreement”, First Global will work closely with Tencent to expand merchant processing and settlement services in the USA. The service will enable existing WeChat users to make payments from their WeChat mobile wallet at retailers and merchants located in the USA.

In China, mobile wallets are the predominant method used for payments. WeChat users load local Chinese funds (“RMB”) into their WeChat mobile wallets and make payments across China using WeChat Pay. WeChat Pay is one of the leading payment services widely accepted. The service provided under this agreement will enable WeChat users to travel to the USA and make purchases at retailers and merchants seamlessly. First Global, working together with Tencent will facilitate the conversion from RMB to US dollars and the settlement of payments with the retailers and merchants in the USA. First Global announced on January 16, 2018 that it entered into a definitive agreement with China Smartpay. China Smartpay works closely with Tencent for the processing of WeChat Pay transactions in China. The companies will work together to ensure that all requisite compliance controls are in place and regulatory guidelines are followed in both countries. The companies will also share transactional revenues.

“This is a significant milestone for First Global. We are very pleased to have been chosen as a partner by Tencent. In discussions leading up to this agreement, among other things, First Global’s strength and focus on technology and compliance were key determining factors. We believe that this collaboration will bring an incredible opportunity to the US retail sector which is open to embracing new technologies that help to drive incremental business. We are already working closely with our partners toward the deployment of services. It is gratifying to see that the assets and value we have built in First Global over the past few years are now being recognized by large and successful companies such as Tencent“, commented Andre Itwaru, Chairman and CEO of First Global Data Limited.

About First Global Data Ltd. (www.firstglobaldata.com)

First Global is an international financial services technology (“FINTECH”) company. The Company’s two main lines of business are mobile payments and cross border payments. First Global’s proprietary leading edge technology enables the convergence of compliant domestic and cross border payments, shopping, Peer to Peer (“P2P”), Business to Consumer (“B2C”), and Business to Business (“B2B”) payments. First Global enables its strategic partners and clients around the world with our leading edge financial services technology platform.

Caution:
Neither TSX Venture Exchange Inc. (“TSXV”) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities offered in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Forward Looking Information:
This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Although First Global believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because First Global can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. First Global undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of First Global, its securities, or financial or operating results (as applicable). First Global disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE First Global Data Limited

For further information: Andre Itwaru, Chairman and CEO, First Global Data Limited, email: ir@firstglobaldata.com

First Global Data (CVE:FGD) Director Continues Acquisition of Shares

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Director Peter Alan Lacey of First Global Data (CVE:FGD), acquired 698,000 FGD shares on Friday, January 12th at an average price of C$0.22 each. Total value of the transaction was C$153,560.00, according to dispatch tribunal.com.

 

Previously, on December 13th, Peter Alan Lacey also acquired 139,000 shares of First Global Data stock at an average price of C$0.22 per share.

Shares of First Global Data Ltd (CVE:FGD) closed at C$0.24 on Monday, June 23rd, 2018 with trading volume of 2,212,467 (about double its recent average daily trading volume).

First Global Data Ltd has a 1-year low of C$0.19 and a 1-year high of C$1.00.

First Global Data Company Profile

First Global Data Ltd is a Canada-based financial services technology company which operates in the payments sector and focuses on domestic and cross border payments. Services include consumer-to-consumer money transfer, which are provided under the First Global Money brand and Mobile Payments which are generally provided under the PayQwik brand.

Bank Of Canada Admits Economy More Sensitive To Hikes

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Bank of Canada increases overnight rate target to 1 1/4 per cent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Relations
Ottawa, Ontario
January 17, 2018

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 1 1/4 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1 1/2 per cent and the deposit rate is 1 per cent. Recent data have been strong, inflation is close to target, and the economy is operating roughly at capacity. However, uncertainty surrounding the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is clouding the economic outlook.

The global economy continues to strengthen, with growth expected to average 3 1/2 per cent over the projection horizon. Growth in advanced economies is projected to be stronger than in the Bank’s October Monetary Policy Report(MPR). In particular, there are signs of increasing momentum in the US economy, which will be boosted further by recent tax changes. Global commodity prices are higher, although the benefits to Canada are being diluted by wider spreads between benchmark world and Canadian oil prices.

In Canada, real GDP growth is expected to slow to 2.2 per cent in 2018 and 1.6 per cent in 2019, following an estimated 3.0 per cent in 2017. Growth is expected to remain above potential through the first quarter of 2018 and then slow to a rate close to potential for the rest of the projection horizon.

Consumption and residential investment have been stronger than anticipated, reflecting strong employment growth. Business investment has been increasing at a solid pace, and investment intentions remain positive. Exports have been weaker than expected although, apart from cross-border shifts in automotive production, there have been positive signs in most other categories.

Looking forward, consumption and residential investment are expected to contribute less to growth, given higher interest rates and new mortgage guidelines, while business investment and exports are expected to contribute more. The Bank’s outlook takes into account a small benefit to Canada’s economy from stronger US demand arising from recent tax changes. However, as uncertainty about the future of NAFTA is weighing increasingly on the outlook, the Bank has incorporated into its projection additional negative judgement on business investment and trade.

The Bank continues to monitor the extent to which strong demand is boosting potential, creating room for more non-inflationary expansion. In this respect, capital investment, firm creation, labour force participation, and hours worked are all showing promising signs. Recent data show that labour market slack is being absorbed more quickly than anticipated. Wages have picked up but are rising by less than would be typical in the absence of labour market slack.

In this context, inflation is close to 2 per cent and core measures of inflation have edged up, consistent with diminishing slack in the economy. The Bank expects CPI inflation to fluctuate in the months ahead as various temporary factors (including gasoline and electricity prices) unwind. Looking through these temporary factors, inflation is expected to remain close to 2 per cent over the projection horizon.

While the economic outlook is expected to warrant higher interest rates over time, some continued monetary policy accommodation will likely be needed to keep the economy operating close to potential and inflation on target. Governing Council will remain cautious in considering future policy adjustments, guided by incoming data in assessing the economy’s sensitivity to interest rates, the evolution of economic capacity, and the dynamics of both wage growth and inflation.

Information note

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is March 7, 2018. The next full update of the Bank’s outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, will be published in the MPR on April 18, 2018.