Media Release

6 March 2000

Toll Technologies launches e-business Investment

Toll Holdings has announced another significant step in its e-business strategy today with its strategic investment in the Australian Wine Exchange Limited (AWX).  

The AWX is developing an innovative market for the trading of premium wine in a similar manner to the way the stock market operates. It is an innovative combination of exchange, registry and logistics services that has global application, thereby creating an exciting new market for wine producers. 

Toll will provide a business-to-business, e-commerce enabled supply chain system, including specialised warehousing. It will develop a virtual logistics business similar to the model used by Removals Australia to provide specialised fulfilment expertise.  

Toll Technologies CEO, Mark Rowsthorn said “the AWX model allows Toll the opportunity to apply its expertise in understanding, designing and executing complex and innovative logistic solutions in new e-business market positions.  

“This is the first investment of the Toll Technologies Venture Fund and is a part of our strategy to pursue alternative business models and make investments in compelling e-business related entities. At the same time, the AWX investment will provide first hand experience of the potential opportunities created by virtual logistics businesses and for infra-structure development,” he said.  

Recently, Toll has received high levels of inquiry by businesses whose e-business strategies are being constrained by fulfilment capability. Toll will be selective in its involvement in emerging e-business ventures to ensure that they support its core business  

Sun Microsystems have been appointed Lead Technology Partner for the AWX. Mr Rowsthorn said, “the contribution from Sun, a world leader in the provision of e-commerce technology solutions, will ensure that AWX has the technology to deliver an outstanding service proposition.” 

As part of the investment, Toll will receive a 20% equity stake in the AWX, a five-year Lead Logistics contract and will have AWX Board representation.

For further information: 

Mark Rowsthorn
CEO
Toll Technologies 
03 9694 2817    

Paul Little
Managing Director
Toll Holdings
03 9694 2820