Chairman of Australian Wool Services (AWS), Mr Barry Walker, remains 'as committed as ever' to a possible integration with Australian Wool Innovation (AWI).
AWS received strong support at the IWTO Congress for integration and the value of AWS services.
“AWS finds itself at the crossroads and we need resolution,” he explained.
“The current requirement of funding a multi million dollar liability for the UK pension scheme are impeding our flexibility to reinvest in the Woolmark and our other assets.
Resolution would also clear the way for integration between AWS and AWI – a move which has always had the full support of the AWS and management.”
Mr Walker delivered a keynote speech on the last day of the conference, outlining the value of AWS' assets and capabilities.
He updated the audience of global textile industry representatives on the current worth and attributes of the AWS-owned Woolmark brand.
“A recent analysis by international brand experts, Interbrand, valued the Woolmark at up to $28 million, and described its attributes as being highly sought after by both the industry and consumers around the world,” he said.
Mr Walker described other AWS assets such as the Woolmark Market Intelligence group, the ANDAR business and Sportwool as 'part of a world class portfolio.'
“But, in order to maintain these assets into the future, we need to resolve our current financial impasse,” he said. Mr Walker will join a group of Australia's key woolgrower representatives to seek
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