AUCKLAND, 18th October 2005.
XO Limited today announced the sale of the New Zealand franchise for the Ozone Barter Exchange - the fastest-growing
business trade-exchange in New Zealand.
The local franchise has been successfully purchased by two Auckland-based entrepreneurs, Josh Webb and Seeby Woodhouse,
who plan to take Ozone to the 'next level', in terms of membership numbers, trade volume and public awareness - where
they say it belongs.
The Ozone Barter Exchange is a network of businesses throughout the country that trade goods and services between
one-another in the 'closed currency' of Trade Dollars, which is used to pay for various items that they would otherwise
have paid cash for. This gives members the benefits of:
- Reduced cash costs
- Clearance of surplus products & inventory
- Increased turnover
- Free marketing
- Interest free financing
- Enhanced lifestyle opportunities
Barter-trade has been around for a long time, but is clearly growing exponentially worldwide at present, with recent
statistics from the US indicating the total barter trade turnover will increase by more than 33% in 2005.
New Zealand is no exception and in many ways is now ahead of the rest of the world, particularly since the software
system used to operate 'Ozone' is the most advanced available anywhere, and the culmination of 5 years of intensive
development.
Prior to the recent sale, Ozone had been administered as a subsidiary of 'XO Software Limited', an innovative New
Zealand based software-company, and the brains behind the software that powers the exchange.
Now with new ownership comes a dedicated management team who plan to ensure the ongoing growth and success of Ozone.
Over the coming weeks the Ozone Barter Exchange will be restructured in numerous ways - all adding up to better, more
efficient service for its clients without affecting the way they already trade. Ozone has also experienced such rapid
growth recently, with approximately 50 new members joining every week at present, that additional account managers are
also being recruited.
Another bonus for Ozone customers in New Zealand is the recent opening of an Australian Ozone franchise, where 1500
customers have also started trading, and the two exchanges can now do business between one another as though they were
one and the same.
Members will also be able to make reciprocal trades with other exchanges internationally, meaning that international
barter (and therefore international business development) is a distinct possibility for some to look forward to.
All things considered, it seems Ozone Barter Exchange has found the right recipe for a very bright future indeed. For
further general information about the Ozone Barter Exchange, visit: http://www.ozone.net.nz or call 0800 4 OZONE.
ENDS