Ethos Private Equity

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.

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.

Eaton Towers is a leading, independent, telecom tower company in Africa and will have the most diversified geographical tower portfolio in Africa. Founded in 2008 by Sanjiv Ahuja (ex CEO Orange), Alan Harper (ex Vodafone UK MD) and Terry Rhodes (ex Celtel co-founder), Eaton Towers acquires, builds and manages shared telecom infrastructure, leasing it to mobile operators. The company is focused exclusively on Africa with more than 5000 towers in 7 countries. Operational since 2010, Eaton Towers is majority owned by the sixth global emerging markets private equity fund ($3billion) of Capital Group Private Markets (www.thecapitalgroup.com/pe) and minority shareholders including a private equity fund advised by DPI (www.dpi-llp.com) and management. African mobile network operators are facing increased demand for voice services driven by price competition and for data services as more customers demand smartphones and Internet access. Network build and operating costs are significantly higher in Africa, yet revenues per customer are falling and regulators are seeking additional rural coverage and improvements in quality of service. Therefore mobile network operators are actively seeking to reduce capital and operating costs by sharing infrastructure. Eaton Towers’ customers include major African mobile operators such as Airtel, MTN, Orange, Tigo, Vodacom and Vodafone.

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.

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.

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.

Kevro is a BRAND-ABLE™ Solutions Business, offering a wide variety of canvasses and solutions that support and build brands. We are inspired by innovation and creativity, and use that inspiration to make memorable products. Kevro owns several well-known brands, including the industry flagship, BARRON. Every brand has a unique story to tell, and with the right canvas and the right message, BARRON helps those brands tell their stories in the most impactful way. Through close partnerships with our resellers, we have built a proud legacy of Switching Brands ON. Our extensive range holds a world of possibility across a number of promotional marketing categories, including apparel, workwear, chefwear, sportswear, headwear, gifts, bags and display items. Our head office is located in Johannesburg, along with our two bulk distribution centres and world-class printing and embroidery facility. We also have six branches across South Africa, as well as three international branches. Since Kevro was acquired by Ethos Private Equity in 2011, there has been a strong focus on building on our strong foundation to create an internationally-relevant and competitive entity that embraces the power of technology to stay ahead and keep growing. Driven by a strong set of core values, we conduct ourselves with the highest ethical standards, and treat all our team members and partners with the respect they deserve, creating an environment where people can contribute, innovate and excel.

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.

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.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), a public limited liability company 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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 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.

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.

Pleasure Foods is a fast food franchisers in Africa.