Companies on the NCM list include those in the technology-based sector

Friday 7th September 2001

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Companies currently on the NCM list cover many activities, even those within the broadly defined technology sector.

Cabletalk Group is involved in telecommunications network servicing and, according to the company, was founded to take advantage of opportunities in that business in New Zealand and Australia. Its key transaction was the acquisition of CANS (Cabletalk Astute Network Services) described as "a telecommunications network services company formed by the amalgamation of four telecommunications network building and maintenance companies." CANS was bought for $15.35 million, comprising $4.48 million in cash and $10.87 million in new shares at an issue price of 50c a share.

The CACI group was listed as an NCM company last November. Its key transaction was the purchase of Micromode Medical (NZ) and its subsidiaries. The group franchises clinics and distributors medical equipment and cosmetic products to them and to other providers of "appearance medicine." The company's report for the six months ended March 31 said appearance medicine was experiencing rapid growth as a less invasive and less expensive alternative to cosmetic surgery. Consideration for Micromode Medical (NZ) was $125,000 in cash and 4.75 million CACI shares at 50c each. CACI's share price is holding reasonably well.

Compass Communications was listed in November and is involved in telecommunications and internet service provision. Shares were issued to the public at 50c each, they rose to 60c but like many stocks associated with technology, were at 32c on August 24, the lowest price since listing.

Finzsoft Solutions was listed in November and completed its key transaction in April. It involved an investment in Systems Support Group, to develop and market Sovereign finance and banking software on an international basis.

Mooring Systems was listed in December, identifying a key transaction as the acquisition of the ship mooring business of Mooring International, including associated intellectual property.

The company acknowledges automatic docking of ships has existed since the 1950s but believes its systems have some innovative features.

Mowbray Collectables was the first company to list under the NCM procedure, in April last year. Shareholders approved the acquisition of stamp, rare book and associated businesses from John Mowbray in December, 2000 for $2.1 million. The company recently acquired Stanley Gibbons Australia, making it the largest stamp-dealing company in Australasia.

NZIJ Co NZ acquired the Reuham Group of businesses in December, including stockbroking, general merchant/ investment banking activities and ancillary activities. The stock has been quiet since listing.

Retailx is an e-commerce company, listed in September last year.

Submarines Australasia was formed to acquire tourism company Submarine Adventures, which will specialise in deep-dives in Milford Sound for tourists.

* The NCM website is at www.ncm.co.nz

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