Exchange Listed Companies
Gold Fields has announced an all share offer to acquire Canada-based miner Yamana Gold. The share-for-share exchange transaction, with an exchange ratio of 0.6 Gold Fields consideration shares for each Yamana share, values Yamana Gold at c. US$6,7 billion (R103 billion). The market reacted sharply to the deal and its dilutive nature, with the share price tanking 23%. It may be worth remembering that in 2016 Sibanye Gold acquired US Stillwater Mining for R30 billion and at the time Sibanye’s market capitalisation was R26 billion – a case of the minnow swallowing the whale. Gold Fields’ market capitalisation on the other hand was R170 billion on the day prior to the announcement of its proposed R103 billion deal. Gold Fields shareholders will own 61% and Yamana shareholders 39%. The combined group will be headquartered in Johannesburg with operations across Canada, Australia, South America, Ghana and South Africa, creating a diversified top-4 gold global major.
Naspers’ venture capital unit Naspers Foundry has invested R40 million in fintech startup LifeCheq. The startup uses artificial intelligence to lower the cost of financial advice previously accessible only to higher-income earners. This marks the fifth fintech investment and its 11th technology-based transaction.
Huge Telecom, a subsidiary of Huge Group, has concluded an agreement to acquire the remaining 49.97% interest in Huge Networks from Otel Communications for a purchase consideration of R15 million. In addition, Huge acquired a 5% stake in Glovent Solutions, a company specialising in innovative system design and development for R3 million.
Kibo Energy is to take a 51% stake in National Broadband Solutions (NBS), following a deal with Hasta Trust. NBS holds a portfolio of long duration energy storage projects with an initial target of c.36,320 MWh capacity. In exchange for the stake, Kibo will grant NBS access to its strategic capabilities and capacity in respect of long duration storage solutions for specific market sectors covered by NBS’ project portfolio.
Capital & Counties Properties plc is in talks with Shaftesbury plc on a possible all-share merger. Capco has until June 17 to announce a firm intention to make an offer or announce it does not intend to do so as per the regulatory laws governing such actions in the UK.
Libstar announced in February 2021 the sale of a 70% stake in its household and personal care businesses for R174,6 million to PAPE Fund Managers and Kanaka Chemicals following an offer from the acquirers. This week the company advised that although the businesses had delivered improved an operating profit result despite the volatility of the current economic environment the parties had been unable to conclude the definite agreements relating to the transaction.
Unlisted Companies
Wasaa, the Johannesburg-based, black women-owned petrochemicals company has acquired the East London liquid fuel import terminal from BP Southern Africa (bpSA). The deal, the financial details of which were undisclosed, sees Wasaa Terminals take full operational control of the terminal, the movable assets and a 20% stake in the berth to terminal pipeline. bpSA has retained operation of its transport business.
Enko Education, a network of African international schools headquartered in Johannesburg, has closed its US$5,8 million series B round led by Adiwale Partners with participation from the Steyn Capital family office among others. Funds will be used to increase the number of students in the network.
West Wits Mining, which is listed on the ASX, is to increase its ownership in the Witwatersrand Basin Project to 74% with the acquisition of a 7.4% stake from Lilitha Resources, its BEE partner for US$50,000 in cash and 96 million West Wits Mining shares.
South African international calling app startup, Talk360, has secured US$4 million in funding led by HAVAIC with participation from Cape-based 4Di Capital and angel investors. Funds will be used to launch a new pan-African payment platform that will integrate all available payment options across Africa and to expand its international calling operations across the continent.
Local e-commerce platform Shopstar has secured an undisclosed sum in its third-round funding from Launch Africa Ventures, a pan-African fund headquartered in Mauritius. The platform enables local entrepreneurs to build online stores and grow businesses by offering easy to use professional services. The funds will be used to scale its platform.
DealMakers is SA’s M&A publication
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