FirstRand and Sanlam released strong financial services sector numbers. Lighthouse is acquiring a property in Madrid and Lesaka completed the Recharger acquisition. MTN Uganda released terrific numbers. Grindrod had a tough year. I still don't know why Novus wants Mustek.

Weekly summary of corporate finance activity by South African exchange listed companies

Aspen, MTN Ghana, PPC, RCL Foods and Santam all had particularly good stories to tell, with Clientele, JSE and MAS in the green as well. Bidvest was a mixed bag in 2024. Italtile pulled off a resilient performance in the end. AfroCentric released very poor numbers, with Metrofile and Mustek also deep in the red.

African Rainbow Minerals is a victim of the cycle. Anglo American has locked in a long-term deal with the Botswana government for De Beers. Curro is struggling to fill its schools. Grindrod, NEPI Rockcastle and Redefine all delivered financial updates.

Attacq saw the two-pot benefit at the end of 2024. Woolworths didn't, with another poor apparel performance. Shoprite remains a growth juggernaut. AVI extracted profit growth from muted revenue growth. Rainbow Chicken's profits are much higher. Tiger sold out of Chile. Renergen issued shares at depressed prices.

Weekly summary of Merger & Acquisition activity by South African companies

Barloworld is struggling and the CEO might be taking it private alongside a major Saudi investor. Novus has triggered a mandatory offer for Mustek. Trematon's INAV is down but we need full details.

Weekly summary of Merger & Acquisition activity by South African companies