News Round Up

Wine float remains uncorked, NPT goes shopping, Where have the markets been?

Monday, August 13th 2001, 7:10AM

Wine float remains uncorked
The Waipara Hills Wine Estate has been extended by another three weeks as it has raised insufficient funds.

Waipara is aiming to raise $3 million to establish a wine business in Canterbury, but was about $1 million short of its target on Friday.

Chairman Syd Bradley says about 280 people have subscribed for more than 2 million of the $1 shares.

Bradley says that the average investment is for 7,100 shares, however he would like to see more larger retail investors on the company's share register.

Waipara Hills Wine Estate Ltd has been established for the purpose of producing premium quality, award winning wine.

Some of the funds will be used to buy certain assets from the Langdale Wine Company.

NPT goes shopping

National Property Trust says its acquisition of the Eastgate shopping centre in Christchurch will make a significant contribution to its profit performance in the current year.

Executive chairman Paul Dallimore says increasing the retail exposure of the fund is positive.

"The expansion is an evolutionary step for National, increasing our exposure to retail property at a time when consumer spending trends are showing positive signs," he says.

NPT says its net profit was up 8.8% to $3.3 million in the year to June 30. Despite improving cash flows, dividend distributions were down and the fund is carrying the maximum debt its trust deed allows.

NPT has just completed concept plans and a feasibility study for redeveloping Eastgate and it is now looking for funding.

Dallimore said the $29m redevelopment will increase the trust's exposure to retail property to between 50% and 60% of the overall portfolio.

Where have the markets been?
Wondered what's happened in the markets over the past month, quarter or year, but don't know where to easily find all the information? Then head for the Markets section of the site.

One of the latest features in Markets is the Monthly Market Review of international markets. (To see the new page click here).

The table includes percentage changes and closing numbers for all the major world sharemarkets, along with what's happened in bond and currency markets.

The Monthly Market Review is a great snapshot of what's been happening around the world.

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