‘2010 capital raising rally!’ - Stepping Stone Equity
ASSOB Accredited Sponsor, Stepping Stone Equity says 2010 is shaping up as an exceptionally good year to raise capital, with strong investor sentiment and a steady stream of enquiries from companies looking to list on ASSOB.
Stepping Stone CEO, Terry Richards, says the Company has already listed four matters on ASSOB this year, with another four currently in the advanced stages of listing and many more being assessed for a possible ASSOB listing. In addition, there are also another three existing Issuers currently compiling new Offer Documents for listing.
“We’re now experiencing significant demand from companies wanting to list on ASSOB and raise capital and based on our current running rate we expect to list a record number of companies this year,” Mr Richards says.
“The feedback we are getting is that while many businesses held-off listing in 2009, they are now very bullish about rapidly moving forward this year. The listings and enquiries are also coming from some extremely high quality ventures, which says to us that the equity capital market has well and truly found its feet again. Just one recent example of the calibre of company approaching us is a condensate refinery - Darwin Clean Fuels (ASSOB:DCF), this is a $600 million project (with $300 million in place) that will reduce Australia’s dependence on foreign oil.”
Mr Richards says a significant number of enquiries are coming from well established companies, who have become aware of the continued success of the ASSOB platform and require expansion capital to fund equipment purchases for growth or to franchise their proven business model.
Following are just some of the current and forthcoming ASSOB listings Stepping Stone Equity is managing:
Darwin Clean Fuels Ltd – www.assob.com.au/dcf
Exhibitek Displays Limited – www.assob.com.au/exd
Sunland Australia RV Limited – www.assob.com.au/sal
Rapid Nutrition Limited – www.assob.com.au/rnl
Shared Vision Group Limited – www.assob.com.au/svg |
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High-Profile Accounting Firm Partners With ASSOB
Well-known Chartered Accounting firm, Duncan Dovico, has been granted ASSOB Accredited Sponsor status.
Duncan Dovico Senior Manager, Mr Tony Camphin said “we are very excited to now be an Accredited ASSOB Sponsor. Our experience and latent potential for ASSOB deal-flow within our client base in conjunction with the ASSOB structure, transparency and proven capital raising process will significantly improve access to venture capital for high-growth Australian companies. The extreme difficulty growing Australian companies are experiencing in obtaining debt financing as a result of the credit squeeze is a very serious issue and one that is addressed by private equity capital raisings conducted via the ASSOB platform.”
ASSOB National Business Development Manager, Joe Olejnik, said “we are pleased to have Duncan Dovico partner with ASSOB. They featured prominently in the recent BRW Top 100 Accounting Firms and their experience and professionalism will be of considerable value to high-calibre companies seeking to gain admission to ASSOB in order to raise growth capital via high-net worth individuals and sophisticated investors.”
The next 2-day Sponsor Accreditation will occur next month in Sydney - April 14 & 15 (within business hours) or Sydney - April 16 & 17 (after hours). The session is interactive and therefore seating is strictly limited.
To request a Sponsor Application pack contact Joe Olejnik today on 0429 050 475. |
Fighting pollution and waste one disc at a time
EcoDisc Limited (ASSOB: EDL), who have nearly closed out Round 1 of their ASSOB capital raise, is paving the way for environmentally friendly CD’s and DVDs with their product the EcoDisc.
Peter Scicluna, Executive Director of EcoDisc Limited, says he believes that green initiatives should start at any level.
“People may ask why we decided to “green” the DVD when, individually, they might seem fairly insignificant when compared to the environmental problems created by cars or power stations,” he says.
“Collectively, there are billions of DVDs and CD’s in the world and eventually they will all get thrown out. Their manufacture creates more waste, both from a carbon and a chemical usage point-of-view. If we can improve industries and products, one at a time, with new methods and techniques that are environmentally friendly, we’ll be well on our way to repairing many of the problems we’re experiencing with the planet at the moment.”
“Green thinking perpetuates green actions – and I believe EcoDisc can serve as a catalyst for this,” states Mr Scicluna.
For more information on Ecodisc, visit www.assob.com.au/edl |
Billie Goat Brands Limited (BGB) – Investor Meeting Dates:
NSW Central Coast 5th May – 6pm to 8pm
Sydney 6th May – 6pm to 8pm
To find out more information and register to attend one of these meetings, please contact Tony Pittorino at tony@nexttrack.com.au or phone 0439 039 001
Triptych Concepts Limited (TCL) – Investor Meeting Dates:
Brisbane 8th April – 6.30pm
To find out more information and register to attend this meeting, please contact Ian Coombe at ian.coombe@know1.com or phone 0416 156 691
EasyFood Limited (EFD) - Investor Meeting Dates:
Melbourne 31st March – 5pm
Sydney 7th April – 5pm
To find out more information and register to attend one of these meetings, please contact Tauro Capital Partners on 03 8602 8888.
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 Established 10 years, Profitable, Green, pays Dividend
Many businesses in the environmental space are new.
However ASSOB has “Green” businesses that are operational, market leaders in their segment, profitable and pay dividends.
Consider Aware Environmental Limited (AWA). If you check their “Issuer Page” you find that …
- The Company recently acquired a number of green brands to complement their current business activities.
- Orange Power is still Australia’s “Greener Cleaner” 10 years on.
- They declared a dividend after achieving profits ahead of forecasts.
- Just watch their video - you will feel inspired even if you don’t yet own shares in the Company.
- Aware still have some share parcels available at Round 2 prices.
I am focusing on the "in profit" topic this month, because ASSOB has secured our first major “Compliance” listing. Compliance listings are profitable businesses that are not presently raising funds, but have decided to offer their shareholders the benefits of ASSOB’s Secondary Sales Platform. That means that their shareholders are “matched” with interested "buyers" so that share sales can take place.
Until next month, happy investing!
Paul Niederer
Chief Executive Officer |
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Stone Movie Limited (ASSOB: STO) is funding the development of an international fast action feature film, based on the iconic 1974 Australian movie “Stone”.
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 Jetstar Pacific in software trial with Aviation Safety Management
Aviation Safety Management Limited (ASSOB: ASM) is a software technology company who have developed an innovative web-based system called “SERA”, which has been designed for the global aviation safety industry.
The Company states that existing software systems in the aviation industry no longer meet best practice standards, while SERA is designed to exceed industry requirements. The software has been designed by industry expert Mr Andrew Macqueen, Managing Director of ASM, who has over 25 years experience in the aviation industry. Over the last 10 years, Andrew has worked as Senior Safety Manager for the QANTAS group.
The Company reports that significant interest for SERA has arisen from the aviation industry and is engaged in discussions with a number of major international airlines. This month, Jetstar Pacific, a subsidiary of the QANTAS Group, is scheduled to trial the SERA software.
For more information on Aviation Safety Management, visit www.assob.com.au/asm
 Round 1 fills in 24 hours - Billie Goat Brands
The award winning company Billie Goat Brands Limited (ASSOB: BGB), who recently opened to Early-bird and VIP investors, have filled Round 1 of the $2 million capital raise fully subscribed, having been filled within the first 24 hours. Round 2 is now open and the Company states they are experiencing significant interest. The Company is holding an Early-bird and VIP Investor Presentation Evening this Thursday the 25th in Sydney. There are a few places left, so to reserve your spot please email tony@nexttrack.com.au
Billie Goat Brands will also be holding Investor Presentation evenings in Sydney and at the Central Coast, to outline its growth strategies and plans, and to announce some recent exciting developments for the business. The Company states that attendees can meet and hear first hand from key management and directors and discuss the Company’s future, its development plans in Australia and planned improvements in production capacity and international expansion.
For booking information, please visit the Upcoming Events section of this newsletter.
For more information on Billie Goat Brands, visit www.assob.com.au/bgb
 Build your own eco-sustainable house in 3 days
Ecotuitive Limited (ASSOB: ECT) aim to be a world leader in eco-sustainable housing solutions and related technologies. The Company has two major sources of revenue derived from the “SelfBuildPOD” sustainable housing unit, which they have developed and own; and the “WaterCell” Rainwater Harvesting Technology, for which they have licensed exclusive rights throughout Australia and internationally.
The Company reports that they have recently secured high profile board member Mr Ed Blakely, who has significant contacts in the industry, having been the Executive Director of the New Orleans Recovery and who currently holds an honorary professor position in Urban Policy at Sydney University’s United States centre.
For more information on Ecotuitive, visit www.assob.com.au/ect
 Exciting new product range announced - Exhibitek
Exhibitek Displays Limited (ASSOB: EXD) has just announced that they have completed the design of two new aluminium profiles. The castings of both are now nearing completion and the first samples are expected within 5-6 weeks.
Exhibitek are a Queensland based Company that designs, manufactures and distributes high quality display products, such as: trade show displays, retail merchandising products and large-scale printed banners.
For more information on Exhibitek, visit www.assob.com.au/exd
 Sunland Caravans features prominently
Sunland Australia RV Limited (Sunland Caravans) was recently featured in the QLD Courier Mail’s Business Owner. The article, which appeared on March 1st, outlined the Company’s expansion plans, including doubling staff numbers and opening new factories to meet demand.
Sunland Caravans CEO Roy Wyss said the manufacturer was in a major growth phase and it would be a "matter of months" before the additional factories were opened near to its Caboolture base.
"We've lost two major competitors in Boroma and Golf who didn't meet the changing demands, so now the top end of the market is almost un-serviced except for a couple of manufacturers," he said. "We're expecting an increase in the market out there that could be 400 per cent of what we have right now, and we're in a place where we believe we can reach that." The full article can be read here.
For more information on Sunland Australia RV, visit www.assob.com.au/sal.
 IBM Super Seller and CRN Fast 50 – Software Traction
Software Traction is a software company that specialises in the implementation and support of IBM products, used by corporate and government clients. Following its formation almost 3 years ago, the Company reports they are on track to achieve sales this financial year of over $9.5 million and profits of $340,000 and have already signed up 110 high-profile corporate and government clients.
Software Traction states that they have won a number of major awards, including IBM Super Seller for Software 2009 and 9th place on the CRN Fast 50.
Software Traction will be listing on the Primary Board soon. |
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 BRW fast franchises - Chocolateria San Churro places 5th
BRW has released its annual Top 50 list of fastest growing franchises in Australia, with ASSOB-listed Chocolateria San Churro Limited (ASSOB: CSC) listed 5th, up from 22nd position last year. This is a rapid acceleration to near the top position.
The Company states that they now have 21 cafés operating in four states in Australia and another 5 stores pre-sold.
This week, San Churro announced that their first café will open in Seoul, South Korea. This will be the flagship operation for South Korea, with negotiations already well underway in a number of other countries.
For more information on Chocolateria San Churro, visit www.assob.com.au/csc
 L’Oreal meeting to discuss Microskin technology expansion
Award winning Queensland Company, Microskin Holdings Limited (ASSOB: MSK), will be travelling to the UK and Europe next month to finalise the grant they are receiving from the Welsh Government, to set up their first UK clinic in Cardiff.
The Company states that this is yet another major step forward on top of the recent, high-profile US clinic opening as well as continued talks with a major UK chemist chain as a distributor of the Microskin product range.
While in Europe, the Company reports they are also meeting with L’Oreal in Paris to look at expanding the capacities of their technology.
For more information on Microskin, visit www.assob.com.au/msk
 Empire of the Sun goes “live” with Because Group
A number of exciting initiatives are taking place with online content distribution company Because Group International Limited.
The Company reports that the activation of Stage 1 of their service will result in a go 'live' with EMI's Empire of the Sun in just under a week. The group is a high-profile, multi ARIA award-winning Australian band.
Following on from this project will include the building of a Chinese Portal with EMI Hong Kong, followed by a Korean, Thai and Japanese portal, the latter working closely with EMI Japan.
Suggestions from EMI Australia point toward activating Billy Birmingham (the 12th Man), John Williamson and many more artists on the platform in the near future.
The Sony Pictures USA retail portal build will also commence in June this year, which will include Australian and international retailers.
British news service ITN Source/Reuters, is also in discussions with Because Group regarding building an online global news archive (portal). The portal will enable them to increase their licensing activities into international Governments and education providers.
For more information on Because Group, visit www.assob.com.au/bgi
 Aware acquisition expands green product range
Aware Environmental Limited (ASSOB: AWA) is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of a number of well-respected green brands. The best known of these brands is ACTIZYME - an enzyme based product that eliminates odours and prevents blockages in drains. Other brands purchased are PLUMBERS MATE, ECOZYME B+, and COMPOST ACCELERATOR.
Iain Chaney, Managing Director said, “this purchase adds $2 million to our turnover and further diversifies our business income streams”.
Mr Chaney also stated that he was excited by the fact that these brands gave Aware another distribution channel into most hardware stores around Australia and New Zealand.
For more information on Aware Environmental, visit www.assob.com.au/awa
 International expansion continues for Rapid Nutrition
Rapid Nutrition Limited (ASSOB: RNL) continues its expansion programme, with the launch of its new online marketing portal that has attracted over 1600 new customers within a two-week period.
As a direct result, Rapid Nutrition reports that they have secured online distribution in the UK with a leading Internet marketing Company who specialises in weight loss products.
Following the earlier success of launching in Europe, other international growth continues for the Company. According to the Company, talks are progressing well with a Vietnam-based company keen to offer Leisa’s Secret into Asian markets. In addition, Rapid Nutrition is also set to take on the South African market, as talks with a large direct marketing Company in Johannesburg are finalised.
For more information on Rapid Nutrition, visit www.assob.com.au/rnl
 Cricket academy developing new sports stars
Power Education Limited (ASSOB: PEL) is an international sports education company specialising in cricket. Power Education organises international cricket tours, tournaments, clinics, camps and education seminars.
The Company is a major sponsor of Cricket NSW and has an agreement in place with Cricket ACT. They are also currently working with 6 state cricket associations in India and have organised international junior cricket tours in Australia.
The Board of Directors and the Advisory Board include prominent cricket figures such as Mr Barry Knight, Mr Doug Walters, Mr Peter Philpott and Sir Garfield Sobers.
For more information on Power Education, visit www.assob.com.au/pel
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 EasyFood UK trial successful – products to be rolled out through 1700 pharmacies
EasyFood Limited (ASSOB: EFD) reports that the UK based Lloyds Pharmacy chain wish to distribute EasyFood’s ready meals (through the OptiSlim brand) in 1700 Lloyds Pharmacies in the UK.
This latest agreement follows a trial of the EasyFood ready meals and other OptiSlim products, through the Lloyds Pharmacy Group in January 2010. The trial was conducted in 20 pharmacies and was extremely successful. Subsequently, Lloyds has requested that the OptiSlim program be rolled out to all of the 1700 Lloyds Pharmacies in the UK.
The value of the initial order will be approximately $300,000, with expected sales of $1 million per annum. The OptiSlim program will launch through the entire Lloyds Pharmacy Chain in the UK from May 2010. As a result of this success, OptiPharm and Lloyds expect finalisation of their contract in the coming week. The order and subsequent sales from this client are as per the EasyFood Limited Offer Document and budget.
In commenting on the Company’s exciting expansion into the UK Pharmacy chain, Mr Paul Grogan, Managing Director of EasyFood said, “We are thrilled to have achieved this outcome, which will see our products establishing a firm foothold and presence in the Indian and now UK diet meal markets. This agreement demonstrates confidence in EasyFood’s products and also qualifies the Company’s strategic focus on designer ready meals for international markets”.
For more information on EasyFood, visit www.assob.com.au/efd
 Triptych success in Cannes with major interest in “The Verge”
ASSOB-listed Triptych Concepts Limited (ASSOB: TCL) has had some recent advancements, with Cannes red carpet veteran, Vikki Loh‐Berri, CEO and Executive Producer at Prime Cut Productions (based in Los Angeles and Paris) arranging to meet with Triptych Producer and Managing Director, Adam Lomsargis. Loh‐Berri's Company has shot for major networks and studios such as CNN!, E! Entertainment, G4, HBO and the Discovery Networks.
Loh‐Berri has attended the Cannes Film Festival for the past 20 years and has personally interviewed, on camera, celebrities including the likes of Danny Glover, and Mike Myers. She states, "I have been following Adam's progress for quite some months now. I saw the extended trailer to his current production, “The Verge” and think that it has the potential to be the next big cult hit."
ASSOB Sponsor Ian Coombe, assisting Triptych with investor funding, says that interest has been high in the new digital media entertainment Company. "The challenge many investors have is trying to understand the new media. But when they see the potential of transferring screen success to the highly leveraged interaction and financial models of the Internet, it seems an obvious choice for decisive investors looking for the next big thing."
"Because of the Internet, distribution and profit margins are highly leveraged. Triptych's Offer includes dividends paid as a percentage of revenues ‐ something very few businesses can offer." Coombe said.
For more information on Triptych, visit www.assob.com.au/tcl
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