ERG

Shares / Stock Code

ERG

Stock Exchange / Sharemarket

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ERG (ERG) is an Australian company engaged in the development and supply of the software systems and automated fare collection equipment of the technologically advanced smart card systems and transit industry services. ERG was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange on the 18th of April 1991. Its average annual revenue reaches approximately $195 million out of its issued capital of $361 million. Its headquarters is located in Balcatta, Australia and to date; around 350 people are employed in the company. ERG operates mainly in four business segments: large project segment, small project segment, ERG Transit System segment and ERG Card System segment. ERG is in the "Information Technology" sector, "Technology Hardware & Equipment" industry group and in the "Electronic Equipment & Instruments" industry.

The large project segment of ERG is engaged in supplying and installing automated fare collection systems to municipalities and operators with multiple transit modes while the small project segment is engaged in supplying and installing automated fair collection systems to single operators and small transit municipalities.

The ERG Transit System segment of ERG provides globally the automated fare collection products and systems for all transport modes. The products and services this segment provides utilise different types of ticket technology such as magnetic stripe, contactless as well as the contact and contactless or the dual interface smart cards. Fully integrated systems such as depot computer software, back-end processing, on-station equipment or on-vehicle equipment are also provided by ERG for the transit operators. The ERG Card System segment on the other hand, is engaged in the provision of smart card solutions and systems tailored and designed to incorporate loyalty schemes, membership programs, biometric data, security access as well as social security information. These products and services may also be used for electronic purse functions like public transport ticketing, retail, telephony, vending, road tolling, and parking. Integration expertise, project management services as well as smart card system design for any type of smart card project are also provided by the company.

ERG Company History

Energy Research Group Australia was founded in 1984. In 1988, the Associated Electronic Services became part of the company and Radiolab telecommunications business followed in 1989. During 1990, the company got the assets of Transmo City card in UK and continued to gain contract for the next few years for it to be well-known. In 1993, ERG was able to have contracts in Belgium, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Australia, and Argentina.

Australian Power Industries was acquired in 1998 by ERG. ERG, Telstra, ANZ established Ecard, a joint company providing standard infrastructure for Australia’s smart cards.

Belgian Proton World was finally obtained by ERG in 2002. An agreement was done in 2003 with STMicroelectronics in exchange of the ERG’s 100% interest in Belgian Proton World. Fare collection system in Las Vegas Monorail was established in 2004.

Becton Industrial Property Trust was sold in 2005 for $14.7 million and then rented it for 10 years. Mr. Henson became the company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. In March 2006, the company’s secretary was Mr. Gethin. In November 2006, AUD$60 million worth of two projects was signed by the company.

In January 2007, ERG had its smart card deal with website entrepreneur James Mackay. Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sullivan and Head of Small Projects Mr. Donnelly resigned in June 2007.