SAI SEEKS CLARIFICATION OF PUBLISHING RIGHTS IN RELATION TO AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS PRODUCED BY ORGANISATIONS OTHER THAN STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Sydney, Australia: 22 July 2008 - SAI Global Limited (ASX: SAI) has initiated arbitration proceedings involving Standards Australia Limited concerning the commercial-in-confidence Publishing Licence Agreement between the parties, dated November 2003, (“the PLA”) as it applies to “Australian Standards” developed by bodies that have been accredited by Standards Australia, known as accredited Standards Development Organizations (“SDOs”).
The issue concerns the publication and distribution rights for Australian Standards developed by SDOs in connection with which they have been licensed by Standards Australia to use its ‘Australian Standard’ trade mark or brand.
Revenues derived from accredited SDOs currently represent a small proportion of SAI’s total revenue. For the financial year ended June 08, this revenue amounted to less than A$100,000 out of total Group revenue in excess of A$240M. Further, this matter does not affect any aspect of the guidance note for financial year 08/09 issued by SAI on Monday 21 July 2008.
Nevertheless, SAI considers that the exclusive publishing rights to publish all Australian Standards as represented to prospective investors in the SAI Prospectus of 2003 (including those developed by accredited SDOs) must be protected. Consequently, in the interests of shareholders, SAI has initiated the arbitration to seek clarification in respect of the rights granted to it under the PLA.
For further information:
Mr Tony Scotton
Chief Executive Officer
SAI Global Limited
Tel: +61 2 8206 6182
Mobile: +61 2 419 527 592
Email: tony.scotton@saiglobal.com
