NZ high growth companies build shareholder value

PRESS RELEASE

Christchurch, 28 July 2005

NZ high growth companies focus on building shareholder value

Around 100 executives from some of New Zealand’s smartest companies will gather in Taupo to attend a conference on Building Shareholder Value on 5-6 August. MORGO 2005, the annual recharge for executives from high growth companies, is the third such gathering initiated by investment bank Morel & Co.

"MORGO is not just about inspiration. It is also about learning real life solutions to everyday business issues, all delivered first hand from some of our most exciting business leaders” says Bill Day, Managing Director, Seaworks, a regular MORGO attendee.

Bell Gully and IBM have added their sponsorship support to the event this year which has grown in popularity and reputation since the first event in 2003.

The speaker line up includes a compelling mix of successful onshore and offshore entrepreneurs and includes a number of expat Kiwis.

Guy Haddleton will share his knowledge on strategy for building shareholder value. Guy founded software business, Adaytum, which he sold for US $160 million in 2003. Guy is currently the CEO of Ascadia, a start-up that creates revolutionary products that bring fun and entertainment to the world - its first product will be launched in Q4 2005.

Dr. Jana Matthews of Boulder Quantum Ventures will talk about leadership in high growth companies and the role of the CEO and the board. Jana works with CEOs, entrepreneurs, corporate executives and their top teams to unlock their company's growth potential. She also consults on how to create better entrepreneurial leaders.

Serial entrepreneur Linda Jenkinson, CEO of Les Concierges in the US, will talk on building a Nasdaq listed company and share her story on courier company Dispatch Management Services Corporation.

Andy Lark, an award-winning, global communications and marketing professional based in Silicon Valley will talk about the evolution of the New Internet and will run a workshop on bootstrap marketing.

Terrie Lloyd, of Linc Media in Japan, will give an update on business in Japan. Terrie joins Guy Haddleton as the returning offshore speakers from MORGO 2004. Both were very keen to be a part of this year’s event.

Len Brandt, of biotech company CNS Response, previously a partner of US venture capital firm, Norwest Partners will share his lessons learned and John Villiger will present a case study on The Medicines Company.

The Great Industry Panel hosted by economic commentator Rod Oram is a programme favourite. The panel has a great tradition of lively debate amongst industry leaders. Panelists include JADE Software Corporation CEO Dr Rod Carr, Zeacom Group CEO Miles Valentine, Seaworks chief Bill Day, HumanWare CEO Dr Russell Smith and Selwyn Pellett.

A recent addition to the programme is Selwyn Pellett who will talk on Endace’s successful AIM listing in June. The accelerated network security company is the first New Zealand-registered firm to list on the London stock exchange's alternative investment market.

MORGO 2005 – Building Shareholder Value:

Friday 5 & Saturday 6 August, 2005
Wairakei Resort, Taupo

For programme and speaker information see http://www.morel.co.nz/events.html

Morel & Co Limited:

Morel & Co is an independent transaction-focused investment banking firm. Morel & Co provides mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance advisory services to the New Zealand market. They provide their clients, which include New Zealand firms as well as companies looking to expand into the New Zealand market, with advice on mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, corporate finance, capital raising, and strategic issues.

Morel & Co is dedicated to helping their clients achieve their financial and strategic objectives. Their team of professionals is among the most seasoned in the New Zealand market, having advised on dozens of New Zealand and international transactions.

ENDS

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