Ogawa listing by end of Q1

January 24 2007

HOME-GROWN provider of healthcare and lifestyle equipment, Ogawa World Bhd, expects to complete its listing exercise before the end of first quarter 2007.

The group has received approval from the Securities Commission (SC) to be listed on the Main Board of Bursa Securities Malaysia Bhd.

"Prospects in the healthcare and lifestyle market remain very promising, driven by growing middle income populations and rising health awareness among general consumers," Ogawa chairman Richard Wong said in a statement.

He said the listing will further enhance Ogawa's brands and provide the group with a stronger platform for growth.

Co-founded by Wong and his business partner, Lim Poh Khian in 1986, Ogawa has successfully grown from the trading of household and electrical products to a dominant retailer of healthcare and lifestyle equipment through its retail outlets in Malaysia.

Its range of equipment and supplementary appliances, including its top selling massage chairs, are marketed under its own brand names, OGAWA and DEKI.

The group's listing exercise is advised by Public Investment Bank Bhd (formerly known as PB Securities Sdn Bhd).