Wool Partners International Chair, Theresa Gattung announced today that the company has entered into a Heads of Agreement with Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand Inc. (Wool Research) to purchase the Wools of New Zealand group of companies.

Ms Gattung says “This acquisition is an important milestone for the company. It provides an international network of market relationships and capability which will assist Wool Partners International.”

Wool Research advised its members at its most recent Annual General Meeting its intention to transfer the Wools of NZ group to the integrated marketing company that was proposed as part of the Wool Industry Network’s wool sector strategy. With the recent establishment of Wool Partners International, this has now been made possible.

Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand Chairman, David Douglas says “The sale is a pleasing outcome to the “caretaker” role that Wool Research has been performing over the last two years. Our objective of ensuring that the value of Wools of New Zealand was preserved for the benefit of the New Zealand wool sector is now being realised.”

Meat & Wool NZ Chairman, Mike Petersen was complimentary of the transaction. “The Wools of NZ group has been built from grower investment over the last 13 years and to see it transfer to a commercial entity that New Zealand wool growers will have ownership of is indeed a pleasing outcome.”

Wool Partners International will now comprise the former wool operations of PGG Wrightson and Allied Farmers, wool exporter Bloch and Behrens and the Wools of New Zealand group. This combination of businesses now provides the company with a full farm-to-market capability and is a significant development in the evolution of Wool Partners International.

Ms Gattung advised that the transfer of the business would take place with effect from 1 October 2008.


For further information contact:

David Douglas 027 4361 314
John Draper 021 581 234