About Uni–Africa
History
Uni–Africa Holdings Ltd was formed in May 1998 primarily in response to a challenge made to the Congress of Business and Economics (CBE, established in 1985) to partner with other empowerment organisations.
Uni–Africa Investment Holdings was also formed with the view of seeking Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) opportunities that were arising through the process of the ongoing restructuring of the South African economy since 1994. The CBE continues to be a member of the Black Business Council and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), which forms part of numerous structures that advise the President and the Presidential Office on economic transformation issues.
Uni–Africa Investment Holdings has emerged as a commercial entity that has a completely autonomous structure.
Investment Philosophy
Uni–Africa Investment Holdings is an ethical investor seeking to combine economic and social interests. We endeavour to achieve superior returns through mutually beneficial partnerships that positively impact the socio economic environment.
Our philosophy at Uni–Africa Investment Holdings Limited is to act as supportive, pragmatic and knowledgeable partners. We are flexible investors. Every investment we make is individually tailored to meet the needs and objectives of its shareholders. Our investments may take a variety of forms including growth financing, recapitalisations, traditional buyouts and roll–up strategies.
We recognise that each business has its own culture and style and we seek to retain the fundamental values on which the business was established. We seek to build on this foundation by bringing to the table a range of benefits including commercial and strategic advice, a network of business contacts, financial resources and experience. We strive to develop open, honest and mutually beneficial relationships with those we invest in. Our style is that of a strategic investor and we look to work in partnership with those who have the energy and ability to add value.
We are dedicated to executing well–structured investments that minimise risk while providing superior returns for all shareholders.
Investment Strategy
Uni-Africa's target investments are businesses which:
Typically have enterprise values in the range of R 1m to R 20m
Are already financially successful with solid and sustainable market share and stable cash flow, or which have that potential
Have a high quality management team, or where there is a clear opportunity to create such a team
Require an equity commitment of approximately R500,000 to R10 million per investment
Characteristics that are likely to be present in potential investments include:
Transformation issues
Requirement for a liquidity event (for example, a need to simplify shareholding)
Structure or facilitate the buyout of disaffected shareholders
Requirement for growth capital
MBO/MBI potential
Businesses which could benefit from the introduction of the professional investor disciplines – strategy, accounting, governance, financial and business process reengineering
Investment Structure
We are open to both majority and minority positions, although with minority positions we require adequate protections. We seek partnerships, co–investment and proactive management.
Our Shareholders
Uni–Africa Holdings has a shareholder base of 1 600 shareholders
