Bill Ashmore

Partner and Debt Specialist

BA

Bruce A. Baisley

Partner

Anthonie de Beer

Managing Partner

Ngalaah Chuphi

Partner

FC

Frances Cronje

Senior Associate

KD

Keitumetse Dikeledi

Associate

Craig Dreyer

CFO

Rohan Dyer

Partner

Arshad Essa

Partner

RF

Rod Fehrsen

Partner

Richard Fienberg

Partner

KG

Kishan Govan

Associate

RG

Roger Grobler

Partner

RH

Rolf Hartmann

Partner

Peter Hayward-Butt

CEO

Walter Hirzebruch

Partner

Michael Jensen

Partner

NK

Nic Kohler

Partner

Stuart MacKenzie

CEO

Jonathan Matthews

Managing Partner

PM

Paula Mokwena

Senior Associate

TM

Tshepo Motlhetlhi

Associate

KA

Kelly A. Moylan

Non-Executive Director

Phillip Myburgh

Managing Partner

Edward Pitsi

Managing Partner

JR

Joao Rodrigues

Partner

Christo Roos

Partner

TS

Titi Sekhukhune

Partner

Tim Souter

Partner

CV

Colin Vallis

Partner

Shaun Zagnoev

Partner

Jos Van Zyl

Partner and COO

31 past transactions

Eaton Towers

Private Equity Round in 2015
Eaton Towers Limited, a telecom tower company, acquires, builds, and leases shared infrastructure services to mobile and data network operators. It offers build-to-suit towers, co-location services, in-building solutions, small cells, sale and leaseback, and managed services. Eaton Towers Limited was formerly known as ETW Africa Holdings UK Limited and changed its name to Eaton Towers Limited in May 2012. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in London, United Kingdom. It has operations in Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Waco International is a focused equipment rental and industrial services business with operations in Africa (South Africa and other sub-Saharan African countries), Australasia (Australia and New Zealand), the United Kingdom and Chile.

Idwala Industrial Holdings Limited

Private Equity Round in 2009
Idwala is an environmentally and socially responsible company, focused on industrial minerals and lime niche markets. The company consists of a corporate Head Office based in Honeydew and two divisions comprising Lime and Industrial Minerals which are located as follows : Idwala Lime in Danielskuil, Northern Cape Idwala Lime in Powerville, Vereeniging Idwala Industrial Minerals based in Benoni Idwala Magnetite based in Phalaborwa Idwala Carbonates in Port Shepstone, Natal Idwala Sales and Marketing, the marketing arm of the company has four operations- Benoni, Durban, Port Shepstone and Cape Town.

Izenda, Inc.

Series A in 2014
Izenda, L.L.C., a software company, provides self-service custom reporting solutions for ASP.NET applications in financial services, media, biotech, real estate, and non-profit sectors. Its products include Izenda Reports, a reporting tool that enables users to create, customize, and distribute reports from SQL databases on a self-service/ad hoc basis without support from programmers or database experts. It offers its products through independent software vendors and services providers in the United States and internationally. Izenda, L.L.C. was founded in 2002 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

SAVCIO

Private Equity Round in 2005
SAVCIO is a privately-owned provider of maintenance and repair services for rotating electrical equipment and transformers in Africa.

UNIVERSAL INDUSTRIES

Acquisition in 2011
The group supplies equipment mainly to the food retail, wholesale, hospitality, manufacturing and related industries, i.e. supermarkets, bakeries, petrol station convenience stores, fast food outlets, restaurants, hotels, wholesalers, institutional, industrial and government kitchens, bottlers and brewers, refrigeration and catering contractors. Although Universal was only incorporated in 1996, the underlying businesses are all well established businesses (some with a history of more than 100 years) supplying a diverse range of blue chip clients in the local and international markets. The group has a number of production facilities and offices nationwide and employs 1400 people.

Holdsport Limited

Acquisition in 2006
Holdsport specializes in sports and outdoor goods retailer, trading countrywide through Sportsmans Warehouse and Outdoor Warehouse brands. The growth of Holdsport has been underpinned by its retail model which ensures that all the stores cover a large area and offer scale, diverse brands and technical expertise. Holdsport pioneered the concept of dedicating a retail environment to the active sporting and outdoor enthusiast, providing customers with quality branded merchandise at competitive prices. Group stores house private in-house labels as well as local and international brands.

Atio

Private Equity Round in 2006
Atio offers specialized information communication and technology (ICT) services & assurance and network performance management solutions. The company specializes in managed IT services to a broad customer profile together with the provision of technology management and business process services associated with telephony and call centers. Its remote support is cloud based to all clients anywhere, anytime, everywhere with the focus on immediacy. It also provide service assurance and network performance management solutions to telecoms operators, service providers, technology vendors and regulatory authorities.

Voxa

Seed Round in 2014
Voxa Inc. develops and delivers Voxa, a messaging intelligence platform that accelerates response time and unleashes the power of business email. Its platform allows users to synchronize their contacts and leads between Salesforce.com and mail server, and log conversations with customers in their CRM. The company is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

TWINSAVER

Acquisition in 2015
The Twinsaver Group (based in South Africa) is a national manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded tissue products. We are a market leader across the majority of industry categories and segments in which we operate – supplying both consumer households and businesses nationwide. Twinsaver is a legendary South African brand and forms the bedrock of the business, providing households with quality, trusted and innovative products and businesses with workplace, washroom and associated solutions. The company was a recent acquisition of what was formerly known as Nampak Tissue – a business that has serviced South African consumer and business needs for over 50 years. Ethos Private Equity Group recognised the opportunity to grow the business further through a combination of new leadership and a new strategic direction: the shift from a packaging, manufacturing-led company to a consumer-led, fast moving consumer goods brand powerhouse.

Little Green Beverages

Acquisition in 2017
Little Green Beverages (LGB), a proudly South African company, was founded in 2006,when the founding shareholders purchased a bottling plant located in Robertville, Western Johannesburg. After acquiring the necessary skills, resources and supplementary equipment, the founders brought the plant online and began producing a limited range of carbonated soft drinks in early 2006. The much loved Refreshhh! brand was born and the rest is history. Specialist flavourant providers were engaged to help create the delicious taste that the Refreshhh! range of soft drinks are known for. Over the next 7 years, LGB grew into a thriving company with a national footprint by establishing new production facilities 3 in East London and Bloemfontein, as well as depots in KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape The Refreshhh! product range currently comprises of 16 carbonated soft drink flavours (Apple, Coco Pine, Cola, Cream Soda, Ginger Beer, Granadilla, Grape, Iron Brew, Lemon, Lemonade, Litchi, Mango, Orange, Peach, Pineapple and Raspberry) with five additional Sugar Free flavours . The Refreshhh! product range is available in 2 litre, 1.5 litre, 500 ml and 330 ml PET bottles. The brand also has its own Energy Drink which is available in 440ml can, a range of Mixers and Still Mineral Water. Refreshhh! through its valued retail partners, is available throughout South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Namibia and Lesotho. Little Green Beverages strives to deliver the best in affordable, quality soft drinks to a large segment of the Southern African market.

Defy

Acquisition in 1997
Defy Appliances (Pty) Ltd manufactures and distributes major domestic appliances under the Defy and Ocean brand names. The company manufactures and develops a range of large appliances from gas stoves, refrigerators, washing machines and tumble dryers to continuous clean ovens and convection ovens. Defy Appliances was founded in the 1920s and manufactured its first product -electric stoves- in 1932.

Brandcorp

Acquisition in 2007
Brandcorp is a value added distributor of niche Industrial and Consumer products . Brandcorp's divisions are managed on a decentralised autonomous basis. Brandcorp's success arises from a combination of innovative and desirable products, ownership of sought after brands, high service levels to its customers and strategic relationships with its suppliers.

Eazi Access

Acquisition in 2016
As a 100% South African owned company, Eazi Access is Africa's market leader in the rental, sale and servicing of work-at-height solutions, including access platforms, telehandlers and accessories, and has the largest and most diverse fleet of boom lifts, scissor lifts, telehandlers and vertical personnel lifts on the continent. Eazi Access provides these products and services to all sectors of the construction, shipping, manufacturing, FMCG, transport, entertainment and mining industries. The Eazi Access work-at-height offering now spans all disciplines, including application solutions, machine training, and on site project management elements. Founded in 2003, Eazi Access was born from a vision to make working at height safer and more efficient in the workplace.

TIGER AUTOMOTIVE

Acquisition in 2008
TiAuto Investments (PTY) LTD is the holding company of South Africa’s best-loved brands in the retail and wholesale wheels, tyres, automotive related products and services categories. The TiAuto Investments stable comprises of 7 divisions and 14 brands, all of which share the distinction of being trusted by customers and emulated by their competitors. The divisions place a high value on the loyalty accorded to them by customers and strive continuously to remain deserving of their high regard. This plays out in the form of constant innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence in all aspects of business. TiAuto Investments aims to enhance the values of the sectors in which we operate while ensuring that the industry as a whole continues to grow and develop further.

NEOPAK

Acquisition in 2015
Neopak believes that there’s more to any box than just four corners, 90 degree angles and corrugated cardboard walls. Look inside the box and you’ll find the heart of a company with its focus set on the future. As the big new name in the South African corrugated packaging industry our values, ambitions and behavior are aimed at delivering every customer and business (both local and international) with high quality and cost effective corrugated packaging solutions. With modern ways of thinking, working and collaborating we create innovative solutions for our clients’ businesses for the future and beyond.

TYME SA

Private Equity Round in 2019
TymeBank is a fully black-owned and controlled investment company based in South Africa. It is an exclusively digital retail bank that aims to provide every South African accessible and affordable banking so that they can take part in, grow and benefit from the country’s economy.

Busby

Private Equity Round in 2007
The House of Busby (Pty) Ltd. distributes and retails clothing, luggage, handbags, accessories, eyewear, and footwear. The House of Busby (Pty) Ltd. was founded in 2004 and is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

ChannelVAS

Private Equity Round in 2018
Developer and aggregator of impactful Mobile Value Added Services

AutoZone

Acquisition in 2015
AutoZone is the largest privately owned automotive parts retailer and wholesaler in Southern Africa. They have a span of 151 wholly-owned retail branches and 37 member-owned franchise branches. They have a supporting supplier base of 688 world-class suppliers contributing to a massive parts range of over 75 000 parts. Apart from South Africa, our franchises have presence in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Botswana. All branches are supported by a well-developed supply chain as well as merchandising and support services. They are a powerful supplier of automotive spare vehicle parts and have excellent presence in the spares market. They are respected by trade customers (workshops and engineers), cash customers as well as independent spares retailers. Autozone has an excellent presence in national accounts too, holding corporate and government contracts.

IST

Acquisition in 2004
IST Group core business is the application of intellectual capital and leading-edge engineering technology.

CQS Technology

Private Equity Round in 2008
Established in the early nineties as CQS Technology Holdings, CaseWare Africa is one of South Africa’s leading software houses specialising in the design, development and deployment of software solutions for financial professionals. We provide a full range of professional services and “best of breed” solutions to nearly 4,000 customers spanning Audit, Risk Management and Corporate Performance Management. We employ nearly 200 highly qualified and skilled people. The delivery capability of this team is focused on supplying quality products and services to our clients. This team, combined with state-of-the art infrastructure, allows us to provide clients with innovative solutions for diverse technology requirements. We provide a complete solution consisting of software, implementation and training, using proven best practice methodologies focused on providing an optimal return on investment.
Founded in 1971 in Johannesburg (South Africa), Tsebo has developed into a pan-African enterprise of stature, enjoying a strong presence in a wide range of local and international business sectors. Today, the Tsebo offers market-leading contracted services in Facilities Management, Remote Camps, Catering, Cleaning, Hygiene, Security, Energy and Procurement. This extensive range of hard, soft and infrastructure management services are enjoyed by over 3,000 clients across a number of sectors including financial services, manufacturing, mining, leisure, energy, environment, retail as well as universities and other public services. Tsebo’s clients have found significant benefits in contracting their “non-core” functions to its experienced professionals.

Crossroads

Acquisition in 1997
Crossroads is a contract logistics business that provides logistics solutions and supply chain management services. The company offers logistics solutions, such as customized service distribution fleets, bulk liquid and powders distribution, on-mine handling and bulk transport, warehousing and freight consolidation, freight management, warehousing, national and international courier, national express road freight, and national pharmaceutical distribution services. Crossroads, a subsidiary of Community Investment Holdings (CIH), was inaugurated in the early 1930s.

Clickatell

Private Equity Round in 2004
Founded in 2000, Clickatell developed the worlds' first Mobile Messaging (SMS) API, enabling any software to send a text message, developers could simply 'cut and paste 4 lines of code' and be done. Today Clickatell is a global leader in helping brands connect, interact and transact with their mobile always customers. Clickatell is a privately held company headquartered in Silicon Valley, CA with over $18 million in venture capital funding led by Sequoia Capital. Today, Clickatell delivers several billion personalized priority messages per year for over 18,000 of the worlds' most loved brands and businesses while being hailed as one of the fastest growing mobile payment enablers in emerging markets. Current customers, which span enterprise sectors, include Visa, IBM, Avaya, McKinsey & Company, Facebook and WhatsApp. For more information, please visit www.clickatell.com or contact pr@clickatell.com.

Pleasure Foods

Acquisition in 1996
Pleasure Foods is a fast food franchisers in Africa.

Cobra Watertech

Acquisition in 2003
Cobra Watertech manufactures and distributes plumbing fittings and supplies with cutting-edge design & flawless functionality. It is a world leader in water control technology, research and development. The company has an ever-increasing focus on cutting-edge design, flawless functionality and high impact. Cobra is more than just a plumbing, brassware manufacturer; it is a South African icon. Cobra has been an intrinsic part of the very fabric and design of South African buildings, from family homes to corporate spaces. The Cobra brand has evolved over time and today it is not only a stalwart in the industry but the leading South African lifestyle brand in its field

Ecobank Transnational

Private Equity Round in 2007
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), a public limited liability company, was established as a bank holding company in 1985 under a private sector initiative spearheaded by the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry with the support of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In the early 1980’s foreign and state-owned banks dominated the banking industry in West Africa. Commercial banks in West Africa owned and managed by the African private sector were a rarity. Its founders created ETI with the objective of filling this vacuum. The Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce promoted and initiated a project to create a private, regional banking institution in West Africa. In 1984, Ecopromotions S.A. was incorporated. Its founding shareholders raised seed capital for feasibility studies and the promotional activities leading to the creation of ETI. In October 1985, ETI was incorporated with authorised capital of US$100 million. The initial paid up capital of US$32 million was raised from over 1,500 individuals and institutions from West African countries. The largest shareholder was the ECOWAS Fund for Cooperation, Compensation and Development (ECOWAS Fund), the development finance arm of ECOWAS. Ecobank signed a Headquarters’ Agreement with the Government of Togo in 1985, which granted it the status of an international organisation. This status came with the rights and privileges necessary for ETI to operate as a regional institution, including the status of a non-resident financial institution. ETI commenced operations with its first subsidiary in Togo in March 1988.

The RTT Group (Pty) Ltd.

Acquisition in 2014
The RTT Group has gained tremendous experience and insight into a multitude of markets over the last 33 years, which has positioned the business to address custom specific channel supply chain models across all industries. The Company is a mature business with longevity and the relationships with our customers are built on shared ownership of the results that are being pursued together. Our business relationships are built on trust which enables transparency and shared information. By providing access to this information; RTT remain a strategic partner, thinking ahead, identifying ways to add additional value, and participating as part of our customer’s ‘team’. Today's trading is becoming increasingly dynamic and volatile, as client and consumers become more sophisticated, they demand the right product, at the right time, at the right price and at the right place. Whereas quality was the competitive weapon of the past, customer responsiveness, or time-to-market is the differentiator today. Given the complexity of a typical supply chain processes; correct supply chain planning enables companies to intelligently manage the activities of the total supply chain. RTT have been an industry leader in specialised supply chain solutions including highly focused areas of the complex retail models. The time and depth spent and the investments made into the retail models have become strategic to our client and customer partnerships. RTT understands our diverse client base’s strategic focus areas of cost efficiency, improved service with all initiatives focused on fit-for-purpose solutions. Supply chains in Africa face significant challenges to security of product and intellectual property.

Plumblink

Acquisition in 2006
Plumblink is a specialist plumbing, bathroom and kitchenware merchant currently operating from 55 branches strategically situated throughout South Africa. More than 10,000 quality products are sourced from over 600 of the best local and international suppliers including state-of-the-art and exclusive ranges. As well as a recently added ‘home brand’ Plumline, which they continue to expand monthly. With a growing base of 5 000 loyal customers they service government, commercial, industrial, housing and DIY Projects. Plumblink offers a service you can count on.

Kevro (Pty) Ltd

Acquisition in 2012
Kevro (Pty) Ltd. engages in the wholesale and supply of clothing and gifts for promotional companies, retailers, and advertising and event companies in Africa. Its products include T-shirts, golf shirts, lounge shirts, leisure wear, sweaters and fleece, jackets, trousers, kids wear, hospitality apparel, work wear, and safety and head wear. The company’s gifting products include eco-lifestyle products, writing instruments, folders and notebooks, bags, drinkware, office accessories, tools, leisure and outdoor products, and novelties. Kevro (Pty) Ltd. was founded in 1990 and is based in Edenvale, South Africa.