13 November 2006
AAV LIMITED ASX ANNOUNCEMENT
AAV SEEKS SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL TO CHANGE NAME TO ‘STAGING CONNECTIONS GROUP LIMITED’
Australian based global events services group, AAV Limited, has announced that a General Meeting of Shareholders will be held on 14 December 2006 for the purpose of seeking shareholder approval to change the name of the Company to Staging Connections Group Limited, to better reflect the core focus and strategic direction of the business. AAV Chief Executive Officer, Michael Gardner, commented: “Our strategic focus and future direction, both in Australia and overseas, is in the events and exhibition services business. As part of some recent analysis of our position in the events industry, we recognised that the name AAV is more synonymous with our former digital media services and media manufacturing businesses, which we sold in August 2005 and June 2006 respectively, triggering the need for a name change. “Changing the name of the Company will ensure that the listed entity is inextricably linked with the Staging Connections brand and business operations, and draws on more than 20 years of brand equity associated with the Staging Connections name.” Michael Gardner said that the change of name was also an important step in the successful consolidation of recent strategic acquisitions made by the Company, under one recognised brand. “We have been extremely active in the last year making seven strategic investments in strong, profitable businesses that either extend or complement our business operations, in Australia and overseas. The new name consolidates our commitment to the worldwide events and exhibitions industry and will support the integration and growth of our business for employees, clients and shareholders. “These seven strategic investments made over the last eight months, in businesses operating in Australia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and China, will add A$50m revenue in the 06/07 financial year. “As part of the integration of these new businesses, we are introducing a new and flatter management structure to bring greater focus on the event business. With the introduction of this structure and consolidation, the current Managing Director of Staging Connections, Bill Davidson, has decided that he no longer wishes to continue in that role and has tendered his resignation with immediate effect. On behalf of the Board I thank Bill for his dedication and commitment and wish him well for the future” said Mr Gardner. AAV will despatch the Notice of General Meeting of Shareholders on Tuesday 14 November 2006, for a meeting to be held on Thursday 14 December at 2.00pm.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Michael Gardner / AAV Limited (02) 9556 8882 / michael.gardner@aav.com.au Investors David Lindsay / Channel Financial Communication (02) 9221 0008 / dlindsay@channel.net.au Media John Gardner / Savage & Partners (02) 8281 3232 / john@sandp.com.au
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