Computershare buys shareholding in Marketing Data Services (MDS)
Computershare New Zealand has purchased a 50 per cent shareholding in data processing company (MDS) for an undisclosed
price.
In announcing the move today, the Director of Sales and Marketing for MDS, Craig Pellett and General Manager for
Computershare Registry Services, Mike Smith, said it was compatible with the business plans of both companies and would
offer a considerable range of benefits to clients.
MDS provides comprehensive mailhouse, high-speed laser printing, data entry and data processing services. Craig Pellett
said having Computershare as a major shareholder would enable the company to continue to expand to meet the demands of
the market.
“MDS is a market leader in its field and I believe we have the entrepreneurial skills that will complement the
considerable management skills that Computershare will bring,” he said.
“We have worked alongside Computershare for some time now through our jointly owned company, Security Mailing Services,
and this expansion of the relationship will see us better placed to offer highly competitive services in the
increasingly globally focused marketplace.”
Craig Pellett and fellow founding Director of MDS, David Thornber, will each retain a 25 per cent interest in MDS. The
third founding director Julie Clements will leave the company to pursue other interests.
Mike Smith said Computershare’s interest in MDS was a logical step in the company’s desire to integrate and expand its
business base.
“Computershare is well known in New Zealand through its operation of Computershare Registry Services. The alliance with
MDS will enable the company to further consolidate its links with shareholders and investors throughout the country,”
Mike Smith said.
“With our trans-Tasman and global capabilities and the local experience and expertise of MDS, we will be positioned to
offer our clients services that are at the very leading edge of modern technology and business practice.”
Computershare New Zealand is a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian based, publicly listed company Computershare Ltd
which offers share registry services, stock exchange systems and integrated broker systems. Its business includes the
operation of share registries in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Computershare and MDS have worked together on a number of significant projects in New Zealand including the recent
public share offer in Contact Energy and the float of WestpacTrust.
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