Article by Sophie Foster
Despite a lacklustre response from the market, Queensland rich-lister Stephen Baxter was happy yesterday with the first day’s trade in an indoor skydiving initiative backed by his family trust. Indoor Skydive Australia Group (listed on the Australian stock market under IDZ) opened its first day’s trade at 21.5¢, but closed down 1.5¢ at its 20¢ issue price.
Mr Baxter, who family trust Birkdale Holdings held 27 per cent of shares in the lead-up to listing, said “it was a great day”. “It was a great result for shareholders and the persistence of Wayne (Jones) and Danny (Hogan) has really paid off,” he said.
Mr Jones who is ISA Group chief executive, is a 21-year defence force veteran, serving 14 years with the Special Air Service, while Mr Hogan, chief operating officer, had 15 years with the Special Air Service Regiment.
Mr Baxter, a non-executive director of ISA Group, said preparatory work on the Penrith site was expected to begin in the last week of this month. The company’s first indoor skydiving tunnel sits on a plot next to the Penrith Panthers Rugby League Club. “It will all kick off the day after Australian Day.” Mr Baxter said. “We are planning a breaking of the ground ceremony in mid to late February. We’ve activated the contract with the American supplier for the manufacture of their equipment in the US.”
