Current News

The Beverage Company: Choice at an Affordable Price

Whether it be through the company’s product range, its sustainable business practices or its contributions to social causes, The Beverage Company’s CEO, Michael Benjamin, is determined to have a positive impact on society.

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Consortium confirms firm intention to acquire and delist Torre Industries

A Consortium comprising ‘EMMF’ and Apex confirms that it has made a firm intention to acquire and delist Torre Industries Limited from the Main Board of the JSE. At a maximum price of R1.50 per share, the offer represents a (44.67%) premium to the 30 day VWAP on the day prior to the offer being made.

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Ethos launches AI Fund to focus on Digital Industrial Revolution

Ethos announced the first close and first two investments by its maiden AI fund, Ethos AI Fund I today. The Fund is targeting R1 billion and already has R600 million from first close investors, including Ethos Capital and Standard Bank. The Fund has been established in partnership with Nic Kohler and Roger Grobler, both former insurance industry CEOs. It is the first Fund of its kind in South Africa.

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Ethos achieves first investment and first close for new large buyout Fund

Today, Ethos announced a R700 million investment into Channel VAS, a global Fintech provider. This is the first investment from the Firm’s new large-buyout fund, Ethos Fund VII. The Fund is targeting R8 billion in capital commitments from local and international institutional investors; a first close of R2 billion was achieved from South African-based investors with a view to having a second close of c. R4 billion from additional local investors by calendar Q1 2019.

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Echo Service Provider expands its reach into 8 African countries following merger with Gondwana International Networks

Today, Echo Service Provider (Echo) is pleased to announce the conclusion of a deal that will merge the ISP operations of Gondwana International Networks (GIN) across Africa with South African-based Echo. The combined entity will operate in nine markets with its own networks and leverage off the pan-regional reach of its more than 35 partner networks across the continent.

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Ethos Mid Market Fund I invests into Gammatek

Ethos Mid Market Fund I (‘EMMF I’), today announced the closing of a c.60% investment into South African-based consumer technology distributor, Gammatek. The transaction marks the Fund’s seventh investment in 18 months.

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Mandela Day: Ethos Staff Challenge

Each year, on Mandela Day, Ethos challenges our staff to think of others, donate our time and support initiatives with financial contributions. This year, we supported 26 families in the Alexander township with hampers made up of household cleaning and sanitation products - all donate by our staff. Thank you Ethos!

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Deputy Minister Mathale unveils The Twinsaver Group's R500m tissue manufacturing facility

The Twinsaver Group (TSG), South African manufacturer of branded tissue, hygiene and disposable household products, unveiled its R500 million tissue production machine at Kliprivier in Gauteng on Friday. Launched at an event attended by key stakeholders and dignitaries - including the Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Mr Cassel Mathale - the new tissue machine is expected to provide an annual output in excess of 25,000 tons.

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Twinsaver CEO Garth Towell speaks on the R500m investment in Kliprivier

Garth Towell, CEO of Twinsaver, joins us to talk about their R500m investment in their Kliprivier tissue plant. This investment is said to position Twinsaver as the largest tissue manufacturer in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Classic FM - Classic Business - Michael Avery interviews SAVCA CEO Tanya van Lill

Michael Avery interviews SAVCA CEO Tanya van Lill about the SAVCA Industry Awards, sentiment in the PE & VC sector, together with celebrating SAVCA's 20th Anniversary.

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The Beverage Company accelerates growth and product range through SoftBev acquisition

The Beverage Company, parent of Gauteng and Eastern Cape-based beverage producer Little Green Beverages, has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of SoftBev from JSE-listed Bowler Metcalf and the original founders. The acquisition - which is subject to a number of key conditions including confirmatory due diligence, regulatory and Competition Commission approval - will strengthen The Beverage Company’s objective of building a truly African business of home-grown beverage brands.

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South Africa's Private Equity Sector should Embrace, Rather Than Fear Disruption

Investors currently face a number of uncertainties when financing organisations and initiatives in Southern Africa.

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Ethos Mid Market Fund I invests into Echo

Ethos Mid Market Fund I (‘EMMF I’), today announced the closing of a c.31% investment into South African-based corporate Internet Service Provider (‘ISP’), Echo.

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Sanitech: Striving to meet the customers needs

A recent acquisition by Sanitech, a division of Waco Africa, has increased its ability to meet customer needs as well as expand its footprint further into Africa.

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THE ROYAL TREATMENT

Royal Investment Managers (RIM) is supporting and developing the best-in-class investment teams

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Business Venture’s buy-out of Waco gets the nod

The Competition Tribunal yesterday approved the sale of Waco to Business Venture Investments, a special purpose company established specifically for the proposed transaction.

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Kevro snapped up by private equity consortium

Kevro, Africa largest supplier of corporate-branded clothing and promotional products, got snapped up by a private equity consortium yesterday. The consortium comprising of RMB Corvest, RMB Ventures and Ethos Mid Market Fund, alongside management.

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Private equity consortium invests into supplier of corporate and promotional apparel

A private equity consortium comprising RMB Corvest, RMB Ventures and Ethos Mid Market Fund have, alongside management, acquired 100% of Kevro, Africa’s largest value-add supplier of corporate and promotional apparel, and other brandable products.

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The plus points of PE

As alternative assets go, private equity (PE) is proving a lot more successful than hedge funds. With

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Ethos eyes final close on mid-market fund

South Africa-based Ethos Private Equity is looking to hold a final close on just over 2 billion rand ($151 million; €126 million) for its debut mid-market fund in the second half of this year, Private Equity International has learned.

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RMI looks beyond insurance

Rand Merchant Investment Holdings, which owns stakes in Discovery, MMI and Outsurance, continues to diversify beyond insurance, announcing on Tuesday the acquisition of a 30% stake in Ethos Private Equity and a small share in bitcoin exchange platform Luno.

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RMI & RIM invest behind Ethos’ alternative asset growth strategy

Ethos Private Equity (‘Ethos’ or the ‘Firm’) is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement with RMI Investment Managers (‘RMI’) and Royal Investment Managers (‘RIM’) — together the ‘RMI & RIM Consortium’ — in terms of which, the RMI & RIM Consortium will invest behind Ethos’ growth strategy in a series of transactions that will result in them acquiring a combined stake of up to 30% in the Firm.

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Africa special: Find a happy medium with Ethos Mezzanine

Mezzanine finance provides investors with a less risky way to access sub-Saharan Africa and offers business owners a flexible alternative to diluting their equity holding, says Ethos Mezzanine Partners’ Phillip Myburgh.

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Local is lekker again for House of Busby

Most of the group's 21 brands are international, but CEO Mark Sardi says the group will not acquire any more licensing rights for international brands

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How private equity offers big returns

Survey shows investors pocketed R18.3bn, or a whopping 123.2%, more than in 2015

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Private equity continues to meet evolving market needs

The recent increased volatility in the global market has influenced an uptick in changes to the way many financial sectors operate - and private equity is no exclusion.

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SA lagging in women at level of executives

The Gender Disparity in SA report shows that at 10% the percentage of female CEOs in SA is behind the global average of 12%

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EDITORIAL: Business still ignores women

Women remain under-represented and the picture has changed very little

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Twinsaver Group accelerates growth streak through Sylko acquisition

The Twinsaver Group (Twinsaver), manufacturer of branded tissue products in South Africa, has announced the acquisition of Sylko, a leading supplier of quality disposable and recyclable household products. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory and Competition Commission approval, further entrenches Twinsaver’s commitment to extending its footprint and expanding its offering as a large-scale FMCG business.

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Through its investment in The Beverage Company, Ethos Acquires South African Carbonated Drinks Business - Little Green Beverages

Ethos confirms that Ethos Fund VI has acquired a majority shareholding in Little Green Beverages (‘LGB’), in partnership with management and Nedbank Private Equity.

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Ethos targets $150mln for Mezzanine Partners 3

South African investment firm Ethos has launched the capital raise for Ethos Mezzanine Partners 3, targeting $150 million at final close. The generalist fund will invest in mezzanine and quasi-equity growth, acquisition and replacement financing opportunities in companies in southern and sub-Saharan Africa.

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Ethos finds an Eazi margin of safety

Globally the importance of safety compliance in several high-risk industries is no longer in question. Numerous accident and incident investigations identify the lack of compliance with regulations, rules, and governing procedures as a central contributing factor to accidents and fatalities. Most recently in South Africa the Lily Mine disaster and Grayston Bridge collapse are high profile examples of the inherent safety risk in these two industries. And the drive towards zero-harm is part of the reason that Ethos announced a R1,6bn investment into the Eazi Group, Africa’s market leader in the rental, sale and servicing of work-at-height and material handling solutions, including access platforms, telehandlers and accessories.

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Private equity in SA: fruitful partnerships

A key consensus in the private equity community is that significant scope exists for private equity and venture capital managers to partner with businesses for growth, expansion and value creation in Southern Africa. This was a central theme of discussion amongst delegates who attended the annual Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) Private Equity in Southern Africa Conference in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

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Insights from Private Equity in Southern Africa Conference

The Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) recently held the annual Private Equity in Southern Africa Conference. The event was centred around “Fruitful Partnerships,” which looks at private equity and venture capital managers partnering with businesses for growth.

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Twinsaver Group diversifies through acquisition of Validus Medical

The Twinsaver Group (Twinsaver), manufacturer of branded tissue products in South Africa, today announced its acquisition of Validus Medical (Validus), a leading manufacturer of hygienic disposable products.

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Born Free: Ethos Mid Market Fund I successfully closes first three investments

Ethos Mid Market Fund I successfully closes first three investments. Within a month of our first closing, Ethos Mid Market Fund I concluded investments into three leading South African businesses.

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Our Ethos | Our Impact | Our Future

While Ethos' primary objective is to maximise stakeholder value by generating superior returns, we unequivocally recognise our role in the broader South African community.

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Ethos: Partnerships in PE define difference between success and failure

Steadfast partnerships in African private equity often define the difference between success and failure, according to Ethos Private Equity.

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First Close: Ethos Mid Market Fund I

First close for Ethos Mid Market Fund I. This critical milestone means that we are now ‘open for business’ and able to deploy capital.

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Minister Rob Davies Welcomes Investment and Expansion of Twinsaver Manufacturing Plant in Kliprivier

Minister Rob Davies Welcomes Investment and Expansion of Twinsaver Manufacturing Plant in Kliprivier

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The Changemakers

More than 30 years after it was founded, Ethos Private Equity is still a pioneering force in the industry in South Africa. CEO Stuart MacKenzie discusses the firm’s latest endeavours.

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Twinsaver Group set to become largest tissue manufacturer in sub-Saharan Africa

The Twinsaver Group (Twinsaver), manufacturer of branded tissue products in South Africa, has committed R580 million to the country’s local manufacturing sector; investing in state-of-the-art production equipment at its Bellville and Kliprivier operations.

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Ethos Capital debuts on JSE following R1.8 billion oversubscribed private placement

Mauritian-based Ethos Capital, an investment entity offering capital market investors a unique, liquid platform to gain exposure to a diversified pool of unlisted private equity type investments, today successfully listed in the “Financials – Speciality Finance” sector of the main board of the securities exchange operated by the JSE.

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EPE CAPITAL PARTNERS LIMITED – Results announcement

With reference to the pre-listing statement dated 18 July 2016 and the announcements released on SENS on 18 July 2016, regarding the offer for subscription by private placement by Ethos Capital for A ordinary shares, subject to certain conditions, Ethos Capital has successfully placed 180 000 000 A ordinary shares, at a price of R10.00 per A ordinary share raising R1 800 million. The bookbuild was oversubscribed and closed on Friday, 29 July 2016.

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Ethos Private Equity

Ethos Private Equity made headlines this month with its announcement that it would be listing Ethos Capital Partners on the JSE. Interest in the listing of the permanent capital raising vehicle saw investors committing R1.1bn ahead of its IPO early next month. SAVCA speaks to Ethos Private Equity CEO Stuart MacKenzie ("SM", pictured) about the move.

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Listed private equity in Africa: a potential goldmine

As well as turbo-charging various new fund launches, Ethos’s new listed vehicle could open an untapped seam of African capital.

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Investors commit R1bn to Ethos IPO

Ethos Capital Partners to list, allowing shareholders to buy and sell at any point

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Ethos Capital to list shares on JSE

Ethos Private Equity (EPE) was intending to list Ethos Capital on the JSE next month with an intention to raise as much as R2 billion in a stock placement, it said yesterday. The move will allow shareholders to invest in a portfolio run by sub-Saharan Africa’s largest private equity firm in an initial public offering (IPO).

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Ethos heads to the JSE

And brings investors more choice in alternative investment space. Thirty year old private equity company, Ethos, intends to list on the main board of the JSE in August.

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Ethos plans JSE listing

Stuart MacKenzie Ethos Private Equity CEO & Peter Hayward-Butt CEO of Ethos Capital, speak to Guilietta Talevi about the planned listing of Ethos Capital on the JSE;

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Ethos Capital Partners to list, allowing shareholders to buy and sell at any point

INVESTING in private equity ”” which offers returns much higher than those of conventional investments ”” will no longer remain the preserve of institutional and wealthy investors, after Ethos Private Equity on Monday announced its intention to list Ethos Capital Partners.

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Ethos Capital to float on the JSE main board

Ethos Capital has announced its intention to list it's issued A ordinary share capital on the main board of the securities exchange operated by the JSE Limited. Joining CNBC Africa to provide some clarity on the company's strategic vision is Stuart MacKenzie CEO, Ethos Private Equity, and Peter Hayward-Butt CEO, Ethos Capital.

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Ethos Capital - Intention to Float Announcement

Ethos Capital has today announced its intention to list its issued A ordinary share capital on the main board of the securities exchange operated by the JSE Limited, subject to market conditions and the requisite approvals by the JSE.

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Ethos aims for R2bn from JSE listing

Ethos Private Equity will list Ethos Capital on the JSE next month with the aim of raising R2-billion from the initial public offering.

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Ethos confirms planned exit of Brandcorp to Bidvest Group

Ethos confirms that following a competitive sales process it has entered into an agreement with The Bidvest Group Limited which, subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions precedent, will result in the sale of Brandcorp Holdings (Proprietary) Limited for an undisclosed sum.

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Eaton Towers announces sale of tower portfolio in South Africa to ATC South Africa

Eaton Towers Group, a leading independent African tower company announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its South African towers to ATC South Africa for an undisclosed sum.

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SA Private Equity Records a Decade of Market Outperformance

The performance of this alternative asset class justifies its role in a diversified, institutional portfolio, says SAVCA.

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The still-limited exposure to private equity a missed opportunity for Southern African Pension funds

A recently released survey report by the Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA), titled New Frontiers, has established that the allocation by pension funds in Southern Africa to private equity remains limited.

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Private equity route vs JSE

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) remains the largest and undisputed gateway for investors seeking to capitalise on the growing consumer market and mineral resources’ endowment on the continent.

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SAVCA comments on South Africa’s Budget 2016

Budget speech commentary by the Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA)

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Private equity in Southern Africa: Dealing in abundance

Private equity in Southern Africa experienced steady deal flow and exit activity in 2015 and, with a number of private equity houses having announced successful fundraising programmes, the industry is well positioned to back new deals in the coming years.

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EMPEA Appoints André Roux as Senior Advisor and Africa Council Chair

EMPEA, the global industry association for private capital in emerging markets, announces today that it has appointed André Roux to serve as a Senior Advisor to the organization and Chair of its Africa Council. Mr. Roux previously served on EMPEA’s Board of Directors from the association’s inception in 2004 to 31 December 2013 and he was a Founding Member representing the South Africa-based firm Ethos Private Equity (“Ethos”). EMPEA’s Africa Council represents one of its longest-running leadership Councils and was previously chaired by Henri Obi, Chief Operating Officer of Helios Investment Partners.

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Private equity investors continue to add value in Africa

According to the African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, there were 823 private equity deals worth 21.6 billion US dollars in Africa between 2010 and 2015. Despite the macroeconomic headwinds, private equity investors in Africa continue to invest, grow and add value to portfolio companies. Dr. Ponmile Osibo, Research Analyst, African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association joins CNBC Africa for more.

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Ethos exits CQS to JSE-listed Adapt IT

Ethos, a leading South African private equity investor, has announced the sale of its investment in leading, niche technology company, CQS Investment Holdings (CQS) to JSE-listed Adapt IT. This follows the fulfilment of all conditions precedent giving effect to the transaction.

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Ethos acquires majority stake in The Eazi Group

Ethos, a leading South African private equity investor, today announced an investment into The Eazi Group, Africa's market leader in the rental, sale and servicing of work-at-height and material handling solutions, including access platforms, telehandlers and accessories, in a deal valued at R1.6bn.

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VIDEO: Private equity industry in SA

The South African private equity industry has delivered healthy returns for investors, according to the Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. CEO, Erika van der Merwe joins Moneyline for a broad discussion on this.

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Ethos sells out of Transaction Capital at new high

Ethos Private Equity launched today the sale of its last shares in Transaction Capital, the Johannesburg-listed commercial finance company, as an accelerated bookbuild.

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Alternative Assets - Healthy Performance

Now a well-developed and sophisticated industry, Erika van der Merwe* believes that private equity provides rewarding returns for a range of investors and benefits for the broader economy.

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SA Taxi plans to build its own panel beater

With plans to build the largest panel beater in South Africa and enter the metred taxi environment, taxi financier Transaction Capital says its defensive businesses are well positioned to grow even in tough economic conditions.

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Waco - postponement of private placement and listing

Further to the pre-listing statement dated 5 October 2015, interested investors are advised that Waco has decided to postpone its proposed private placement and listing on the JSE.

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SAVCA appoints five new directors to its board

The Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) has announced the appointment of five directors to its board, with immediate effect.

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Waco International to list on the JSE on or about 23 October 2015 - Total offer size of approximately R3.5 billion*

Waco International Holdings Limited (”˜Waco’ or ”˜Company’) has confirmed today that it will list on the main board of the securities exchange operated by the JSE Limited (”˜JSE’). The expected listing date is 23 October 2015. The company will be listed in the General Industrials – Diversified Industrials sector of the JSE, under the symbol ”˜WIH’.

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CNBC: Waco International to list on JSE main board

Waco International Holdings has announced its intention to list its issued ordinary share capital on the main board of the JSE. Waco is a diversified equipment hire and industrial services business operating in South Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, Australasia, the United Kingdom and Chile. Joining CNBC Africa is Stephen Goodburn, CEO of Waco International.

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Waco International Announces Its Intention To Float On The Jse Main Board

Waco International Holdings Limited (the “Company”, the “Group” or “Waco”) has today announced its intention to list its issued ordinary share capital on the main board of the securities exchange operated by the JSE Limited (the “JSE”), subject to market conditions and the requisite approvals by the JSE (the “Listing”).

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Ethos Private Equity Confirms Planned IPO of Waco International

Ethos Private Equity confirms the intention to list Waco International on the JSE later this year. The listing will facilitate a partial realisation of the interests of an Ethos-led private equity consortium, which included RMB Ventures and Standard Bank. The consortium acquired Waco in 2012.

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TwinCare transforms into TWINSAVER

TwinCare Group, a national manufacturer and distributor of branded tissue products, announced today that it will be trading as the TWINSAVER Group going forward.

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Ethos confirms planned sale of Plumblink

Ethos Private Equity confirms that it has entered into an agreement with The Bidvest Group Limited (“Bidvest”) to dispose of Plumblink, for an undisclosed sum. The transaction is subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions.

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PRIVATE EQUITY: More deals

ETHOS, the blue-chip Illovo-based private equity firm, has announced its fourth transaction in five months. ETHOS, the blue-chip Illovo-based private equity firm, has announced its fourth transaction in five months. It has invested in Eaton Towers, a pan-African provider of shared telecom towers. Ethos is leading a consortium which includes two large US equity firms, Hamilton Lane and HarbourVest. The consortium is contributing US$150m in new equity. Ethos partner Ngalaah Chuphi says this is the first pan-African investment in Ethos Fund VI.

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Ethos announces pan-African investment - Eaton Towers

Ethos Private Equity today confirmed an investment into Eaton Towers – a leading independent provider of shared telecoms towers across Africa.

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Africa private equity debate: Realising Africa’s potential through private equity

Realising Africa’s potential through private equity

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SAVCA-EY "Excellence in Exits" Video Four | Anthonie de Beer, Ethos Private Equity

SAVCA-EY "Excellence in Exits" Video Four | Anthonie de Beer, Ethos Private Equity

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African PE executives: Collaborate to boost deal-flow

Private equity investment has reached pre-financial crisis levels in Africa. However, more deals could be executed if there was more collaboration between funds, private equity managers say, against the backdrop of a more challenging commodity-driven economic cycle.

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CNBC Africa: Ethos acquires tissue & corrugate divisions from Nampak

Ethos today confirmed that it has acquired the Tissue and Corrugate divisions from Nampak. Joining CNBC Africa is Shaun Zagnoev the Ethos partner who led the transaction and Garth Towell the new CEO of TwinCare.

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Ethos acquires, rebrands Nampak divisions & appoints new leadership

Ethos today confirms that it has acquired the Tissue and Corrugate divisions from Nampak. All conditions precedent have been met; both transactions conclude on the 1st April.

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Private-equity exits touch a high of $450bn

PRIVATE-equity exits globally reached a historical record of $450bn last year as companies looking for growth acquired businesses from private-equity firms, research by management consulting firm Bain has showed.

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South African Losing Private Equity Allure to Fast-Growing Rivals

South Africa is no longer the destination of choice for private equity investors seeking to tap returns on the continent.

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Ethos looks north as SA private equity shifts focus

Shift from SA to rest of continent 'has been monumental'.

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PRIVATE EQUITY: Holding its own

THE headline return from SA private equity stands up well against the listed markets. Over 10 years to September 30 2014 the internal rate of return has been 18.5%, almost matching the JSE all share index’s 18.8% in what has been an extraordinary decade for equity returns.

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Ethos of South Africa Adds AutoZone Stake in Private Equity Deal

Ethos Private Equity Ltd. bought a controlling stake in South African closely held automotive-parts retailer AutoZone, the fourth investment through its 7.9 billion rand ($682 million) Fund VI.

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Ethos Invests into Leading South African, Independent Automotive-Parts Retailer and Wholesaler

Ethos today announced an investment into AutoZone, the largest and fast growing, privately-owned automotive parts aftermarket retailer and wholesaler in Southern Africa.

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