3D print firm in Australia's latest tech takeover bid

We've had mining companies, wine makers and now a beer brewer is also involved in a reverse listing bid with an Australian technology company.

Melbourne 3D printer manufacturer 3D Group is planning the float via an acquisition by ASX-listed beer brewing company Oz Brewing Limited.

Oz Brewing announced it had entered into a heads of agreement to acquire 3D Group in July, with a share sale agreement to be executed within 60 days.

The Melbourne company is the manufacturer of the largest 3D printer on the market to use fused filament fabrication technology.

The printer weighs approximately 500kg and has a maximum print volume of 2 cubic metres. Online videos show the printer is about the height of a standing adult.

The company was registered in March this year and is described as "emerging" in a statement from Oz Brewing.

Revenues could come from sale of large envelope printers as well as a print bureau service and schools, the architecture and healthcare sectors, according to the acquisition announcement. An online 3D file marketplace, school initiatives and a retail kiosk are also mentioned.

The company's public goal is to "empower every child throughout Australia by providing them with tomorrow’s technology today. By furnishing every classroom with access to their own 3D printer and software, we can give our students the power to challenge the world."

3D Group also has an agreement to establish an R&D company with Kibaran Resources Ltd, an ASX-listed exploration company with graphite projects in Tanzania. Kibaran describes the material as suited to the production of graphene - a thin sheet of graphite with properties described as suitable for 3D printing.

Oz Brewing licenses the brewing of Mad Monk beer to Ironbark Brewery in the Swan Valley and will explore investment opportunities in and out of hospitality and beverages.

If the buyout goes ahead Oz Brewing shares could be reinstated to trading on the ASX on 12 December, subject to due diligence, shareholder approval and various conditions. A prospectus is expected to be lodged with ASIC on 31 October.

After settlement of the acquisition, Oz Brewing directors will retire and will be replaced by directors nominated by 3D Group.

Funds raised by the capital raising will be used to purchase equipment, commence marketing and operation of the 3D Group business, as well as covering administration costs, according to the ASX announcement.

A string of announcements show that 3D printing is starting to come of age in Australia. In May, Synnex signed up to distribute the 3D Systems range of devices, Leading Edge has started to stock 3D printers, while a new franchise hopes to open 30 stores in the next two years.

It also comes amid a flurry of reverse listings among tech companies in Australia.

In July, Cloud Central's plan for a backdoor listing via wine maker Dromana Estate fell apart. Other reverse listings this year have included data security vendor Covata via a deal with Prime Minerals, and the potential float of Cloud Lands Digital Fortress through an M&A deal with a publicly listed mining exploration company.