NZ Post takes 16 per cent stake in Viatx

For immediate release 4 February 2002

NEW ZEALAND POST TAKES 16 PER CENT STAKE IN VIATX

New Zealand Post has purchased a 16 per cent stake in Viatx Limited for an undisclosed sum.

Viatx has developed a rented software service that allows small and medium sized businesses to build e-business websites that can be managed and updated on a daily basis by businesspeople rather than technical specialists. TelstraClear uses Viatx technology for its dotShop e-commerce website for small businesses (www.dotshop.co.nz).

Paul Robinson from New Zealand Post's Letters and Enterprises Group said Viatx's content management system would be an important component of New Zealand Post's offering to small businesses.

"We will also investigate creating synergies between Viatx and New Zealand Post's other e-commerce companies, extending the service to small businesses by offering it with services from our e-mail marketing leader, MessageMedia, and document management expert Silent One."

Mr Robinson said New Zealand Post was impressed not only with Viatx's XML-based technology but also by the quality of the company's senior management team.

Viatx CEO Nigel Little said the New Zealand Post investment would open up a number of new opportunities.

"E-business isn't just about selling product over the Internet anymore - increasingly it's about providing information to drive additional sales through traditional channels. It's part of the total mix of customer communication strategies, including everything from direct mail and e-mail to e-commerce."

New Zealand Post has an option to increase its shareholding to 50 per cent. The company recently sold its shareholding in rural online supply company RD1.com to Fonterra, realising a seventy-five per cent gain on its investment in October 2000.

ENDS

For further information, please contact: Nigel Little, CEO, Viatx Limited Tel: 021 428 877

Simon Taylor, Acting National Communications Manager 04 496 4015 or 025 248 6715 simon.taylor@nzpost.co.nz

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