Press Release

NSX CALLS, eNewsletter, Number 8.

Wednesday, May 2, 2001

Toll Re-Invests in Australian Wine Exchange

Toll Holdings Ltd has announced today that it had participated in the second round of funding of the Australian Wine Exchange Pty Ltd (AWX). Through its participation, Toll will retain its 20% equity stake.

The AWX is creating a capital market for the wine industry by being the Issuer of tradeable securities for premium wine labels proposed to be listed on the Stock Exchange of Newcastle.

The market will enable premium wine producers to access capital presently tied up in inventory working capital and to build brand visibility by offering initial public offers (IPO's) of pre-release premium wine to the client bases of stockbrokers. The IPO will be in the form a wine security.

Toll Technologies CEO, Mark Rowsthorn said, "Through the AWX, Toll has built relationships with other leading organisations, including Commonwealth Securities, and has validated its strategy of selective investment in businesses that leverageToll's ability to offer specialised solutions."

"Providing innovative fulfilment services to the AWX is part of our plan to enhance our position as the leading supplier of logistics services in the Beverages sector", Mark Rowsthorn said.

Toll will perform the AWX services within its Logistics Division's newly created Wine Services business.

For further information:

Mark Rowsthorn, CEO Toll Technologies
03 9694 2807 or 0418 364 270

Paul Little, Managing Director, Toll Holdings
03 9694 2820 or 0418 335 053

 

ComSec to Distribute AWX Wine Securities

The Australian Wine Exchange Pty Ltd (AWX) today announced that it had signed an agreement with Commonwealth Securities Limited (ComSec), Australia's largest on-line broker, for it to be a key distributor of AWX wine securities.

Wine Securities will be redeemable preference shares that provide the holder with the right to take delivery of premium wine brands at a specified future date.

AWX CEO, Stephen Thompson, said the agreement would significantly strengthen AWX's distribution capability.

"This will provide AWX with invaluable exposure to the retail market place through ComSec's 625,000 clients."

"ComSec has agreed to promote AWX wine security offers and sponsored research on their site, which will raise our marketing profile and enhance investor interest.

"The agreement will enable investors to apply for wine securities on-line, using ComSec's convenient and accessible web site."

As part of the agreement ComSec will receive a firm allocation of all wine security issues for the next two years.

"ComSec is a leading provider of retail broking services and we're delighted that they have given the AWX this vote of confidence," Mr Thompson said.

"The agreement also brings AWX another step closer to becoming reality."

Mr Thompson said he expected to launch the AWX in September this year.

Further information:

Stephen Thompson, CEO, AWX +61 3 9694 2888 or 0407 515 821

About Australian Wine Exchange Pty Ltd
http://www.awx.com.au 

The Australian Wine Exchange (the AWX) is creating a new capital market for the Australian premium wine industry. It willoffer wine securities through a wine exchange market similar to the Australian Stock Exchange.

Prior to the retail release of a premium label, wine producers will apply to 'list' a proportion of that label in the form of a wine security with the AWX. The listing will form part of an Initial Public Offer, similar to a

public company float, which will be made available to investors through a range of channels including stockbrokers and on-line brokers.

Wine Securities will be redeemable preference shares that provide the holder with the right to take delivery of premium wine brands at a specified future date. Holdings in Wine Securities are intended to be represented by CHESS*

or Issuer-sponsored statements. Listed Wine Securities will trade on the Stock Exchange of Newcastle (NSX). The wine will be kept in a climate-controlled warehouse for the duration of the listing period.

At maturity the security holder may either take delivery of the wine, keep it at the AWX warehouse, or sell it at auction through an AWX partner.


 

ISSUED FOR : NSX LIMITED

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION : MR STEVEN PRITCHARD, CHAIRMAN, NSX LIMITED

TEL: +61 2 4969 2877

http://https://www.nsx.com.au 

 

Source: AWX, Toll Holdings, NSX