ATM
31/03/2015 12:19
GENERAL
PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 1219 HRS The a2 Milk Company Limited
GENERAL: ATM: The a2 Milk Company lists on ASX ahead of US milk launch
31 March, 2015
NZX/ASX Market Release
The a2 Milk Company lists on ASX ahead of US milk launch
The a2 Milk Company(TM) (a2MC or the Company) is pleased to announce that it
has been admitted to the Official List of the Australian Securities Exchange
(ASX) and that its ordinary shares will commence trading on the ASX today.
This is another significant milestone after seven years of strong growth in
the Australian market.
The ASX listing coincides with a major strategic initiative by the Company -
the launch of a2 Milk(TM) in the United States, with a range of half-gallon
fresh milk cartons launching into supermarkets and natural products grocers
in California from mid-April.
Managing Director Geoffrey Babidge says the market reception from pre-launch
activity in the United States has been positive, with a successful showing in
March at the world's largest natural, organic and healthy product expo in
Anaheim, California.
The Company has appointed Jeffrey O'Neill as Chief Executive of its
wholly-owned business in the USA. Mr O'Neill has an extensive senior
leadership background with over 30 years' experience in brand marketing,
sales and strategic planning in Canada and the United States. Jeff's prior
roles include President and CEO for Pepsi-Cola Canada, President and CEO for
Priszm/YUM brands Canada and more recently President and CEO for The Einstein
Noah Restaurant Group, a publically traded restaurant chain with over 800
restaurants throughout the USA.
Mr Babidge says "The a2 Milk Company(TM) is in the business of pioneering a2
Milk(TM) and making its unique premium milk products available in a number of
attractive international markets. Today's ASX listing is another step in our
strategic journey to achieve this goal."
Mr Babidge says the ASX listing will provide a number of benefits to the
Company and its shareholders. "Our Australian operations are the most
significant component of our current business, continuing to deliver strong
profit and revenue growth. The ASX listing, in conjunction with the listing
on the Main Board of the New Zealand Securities Exchange, provides a closer
alignment between our capital markets profile and our current business. It
should also provide for broader investor participation and improved access to
capital markets over time."
As previously announced, the ASX listing also coincides with changes in the
Company's Board which took effect from 30 March 2015. These changes involved
Cliff Cook and David Mair stepping down as directors, David Hearn replacing
Mr Cook as Chairman and Julia Hoare being appointed Deputy Chairman. The
Board has expressed its appreciation for the substantial contribution made by
the retiring directors in leading the evolution and growth of the Company, in
particular Mr Cook who has been a driving force as Chairman since 2004.
Mr Hearn brings a wealth of experience in a broad spectrum of grocery goods
businesses in Australasia, the UK and the USA. Mr Hearn says "In my opinion,
The a2 Milk Company is not like any other dairy company in the world and I am
delighted to partner with the Board and executive team to continue to develop
the business to realise its potential."
The a2 Milk Company will trade on the ASX under the ticker code "A2M". The
ticker code for trading in a2MC shares on the NZX remains "ATM".
The ASX listing does not affect the NZX listing and has not involved the
raising of any new capital.
Official quotation of a2MC's securities on the ASX will commence at 2:15pm
New Zealand time (12:15pm A.E.D.T) on 31 March 2015.
About:
About the a2 Milk(TM) brand?
- a2 Milk(TM) is naturally occurring cows' milk that comes from cows selected
to produce only the A2 beta-casein protein and not the A1 protein. It is an
entirely natural and pure cows' milk and not a product of technological
process or genetic engineering
- Originally all domesticated cows produced only the A2 beta-casein type
protein. Owing to a genetic mutation in European herds, another milk protein
emerged (A1 protein) and through modern farming practices spread throughout
the world
- The a2 Milk(TM) brand is the only cows' milk in Australia that is
completely free from the A1 protein
About The a2 Milk Company(TM)
- The a2 Milk Company(TM) is building a global business based on a
differentiated, premium and branded portfolio of dairy and infant formula
products supported by an integrated portfolio of intellectual property and a
developing body of scientific evidence
- The a2 Milk Company(TM) believes as many people as possible should be able
to enjoy the benefits of fresh and natural dairy and are providing a positive
alternative to those who find consumption of regular cows' milk challenging
- Since the acceleration of growth for the a2 Milk(TM) brand in the
Australian market, milk consumption has been growing steadily in both volume
and value. In other western countries (such as the UK and the USA) the
reverse has been occurring with cows' milk consumption declining rapidly
- The a2 Milk Company(TM) has long-standing commercial relationships with
Australian farmers, large and small and a number of independent dairy
processors across Australia
- The a2 Milk Company(TM) has a significant and differentiated premium dairy
business in Australia and more recently has established operations in China,
the UK and soon to launch into the USA
- The a2 Milk Company Limited is dual listed on the NZX and ASX and trades
under the codes ATM and A2M respectively.
For further information contact:
New Zealand
Barry Akers
Senescall Akers Limited
+64 21 571 234
e: [email protected]
Australia
Rick Willis
Network Four Pty Ltd
+61 411 839 344
e: [email protected]
The a2 Milk Company
Geoff Babidge
Managing Director
+61 2 9697 7000
End CA:00262538 For:ATM Type:GENERAL Time:2015-03-31 12:19:32
