By Ian Neubauer
Evans & Tate — the former darling of the Australian wine industry that went belly up in August last year — has been re-listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, albeit as a shadow of its former self.
ETW Corporation’s equity was reconstructed last month in an operation that saw $2.6 million pumped into the shell of the public vehicle — $1.4 million of which was used to release it from administration.
ETW will not follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, which owned and managed some of Western Australia’s most prominent wineries and wine brands. It will instead market and distribute a number of low profile brands, including Stringy Bark Creek, Foley’s Corner, Leefton Downs, Koora Valley and Pepper Ridge.
ETW will purchase grapes and outsource the production and bottling of its wine. The company will also examine opportunities to out-licence the use of its brands to other winemakers and distribute other international wine brands within Australia.
ETW shares debuted on the Australian Stock Exchange on June 30 at 2.3 cents. Friday’s opening saw the shares trading at 2.4 cents.