Keenan pushes Southern listing

Friday 27th August 2004

Former Qantas New Zealand managing director Ross Keenan is behind the latest company intending to list on the AX Exchange.

Auckland-based inbound tour operator Southern Travel hopes to raise $5-7 million from investors to help it expand overseas.

Keenan, who was appointed chairman in June, said steady growth in tourism had driven the move. The company expected to register a prospectus in the next few days.

Former Japanese Society of Auckland president Kiyomi Gunji founded the company in 1978 as Silver Fern Holidays.

It has since grown into a $50 million business, creating itineraries for Japanese tourists.

Other owners include retired accountant Malcolm Birchfield, senior staff and members of Gunji's family.

Keenan said the business had recovered from the Sars outbreak, which battered the company last year, and was ready for expansion in Australia.

He previously held executive positions at Air New Zealand, Ansett New Zealand and Air Pacific and is a director of Cabletalk.

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