Latest news with #Barloworld
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Competition Commission recommends approval of Barloworld's R23bn acquisition
Barloworld is a step closer to being purchased by a consortium made up of Entsha, which was created for the deal by the Katlego Le Masego Trust, and Saudi Arabia's Zahid Group. Image: Supplied The Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve the proposed R23 billion acquisition of Barloworld, subject to certain public interest conditions. This comes after the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Barloworld's biggest shareholder with 21.93%, in April accepted the Standby Offer for the acquisition of all of Barloworld's ordinary shares for a cash consideration of R120 per share, with additional conditions, by the recently formed special purpose consortium, Newco. Newco on Monday said the recommended conditions principally relate to its commitment as stated in the PIC undertaking announcement to implement a 13.5% broad-based black economic empowerment transaction in Barloworld after the delisting of Barloworld from the JSE and A2X. Newco comprises Entsha Proprietary and Gulf Falcon Holding, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zahid Group. The Commission's recommendation will now be considered by the Tribunal for approval. In addition to approval by the Tribunal, the Newco said the parties were continuing to work towards the fulfilment of the remaining conditions required for the transaction to become unconditional, including competition approvals from other jurisdictions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Shareholders will be advised in due course as to material developments in this regard. Sydney Mhlarhi, spokesperson for Newco, said the Competition Commission's positive recommendation was another vote of confidence in the transaction and allayed concerns around a lengthy time frame to conclude the deal. 'We strongly believe that the transaction is positive for South Africa and will secure Barloworld's long-term future. It unlocks a material and highly attractive premium for shareholders and will create broad based economic and value benefits through the BEE transaction. We look forward to concluding the transaction in the near future,' Mhlarhi said. Last month, the international heavy industrial equipment and food and ingredient solutions group agreed to extend the Standby Offer to 30 June 2025. The Standby Offer is currently open and Barloworld shareholders who wish to accept the offer are encouraged to instruct their Central Securities Depository Participants (CSDPs) or broker to accept the offer on their behalf ahead of the acceptance deadline of 16h30 on 30 June 2025, after which, Newco will assess the level of acceptances received by this date and decide whether or not it wishes to waive the acceptance condition in whole or in part. 'We are confident, based on recent and ongoing discussions with shareholders, in relation to the Standby Offer, that we will receive sufficient levels of acceptance to proceed with the transaction,' Mhlarhi said last month. Following the opening of the Standby Offer, Barloworld has received several inbound queries from ordinary shareholders who have indicated to their CSDPs or brokers that they wish to accept the Standby Offer but have been advised that they will only be able to do so at a later stage. Barloworld said there was no lawful basis for a CSDP or broker to delay in accepting the Standby Offer on behalf of the shareholder in question, adding that CSDPs and brokers must review their processes to ensure that instructions in relation to the Standby Offer were processed without delay and appropriate confirmation was sent to the relevant shareholder once their instructions have been processed. 'The Standby Offer remains open and the timing for the implementation of the transaction will depend on acceptance levels of the Standby Offer and receipt of the required regulatory approvals,' it said. 'Barloworld Ordinary Shareholders should note that if Newco does not receive sufficient acceptances of the Standby Offer by 30 June 2025 to satisfy the Acceptance Condition, Newco may not waive the Acceptance Condition, in which event the Standby Offer will fail. Accordingly, Barloworld Ordinary Shareholders who have decided to accept the Standby Offer but have not yet done so should note that failing to accept the Standby Offer by 30 June 2025 may result in the Standby Offer failing.' BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Barloworld's R23 billion sale inches closer as deal gets CompCom go ahead
Barloworld is a step closer to being purchased by a consortium made up of Entsha, which was created for the deal by the Katlego Le Masego Trust, and Saudi Arabia's Zahid Group. Image: Supplied Barloworld is a step closer to being purchased by a consortium made up of Entsha, which was created for the deal by the Katlego Le Masego Trust, and Saudi Arabia's Zahid Group. On Monday, the industrial company said that it had been granted Competition Commission approval to go ahead with the sale of a 40.93% stake to Entsha, which is ultimately owned by Dominic Sewela, as well as the Saudi Arabian company, which operates across 14 sectors in 33 countries. The consortium continues to woe investors to sell the balance of the listed industrial company, which has the sole rights to distribute Caterpillar in Southern Africa. Sewela's position as CEO of JSE-listed Barloworld was a bone of contention with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), which had expressed concerns about a lack of transparency from the company. He will indirectly own a 51% stake in the consortium via an inter vivos trust. The Zahid Group will own the balance. The Competition Commission has now recommended the Competition Tribunal approve the deal, subject to certain conditions. These include the consortium implementing a 13.5% broad-based black economic empowerment transaction at Barloworld after the company is delisted on the JSE and A2X. Should the deal ultimately go ahead, Barloworld, an iconic South African company, will delist from the JSE after 84 years as a public company. Founded in 1902 as Thomas Barlow & Sons, the company has changed from being a family business selling woollen goods to a major industrial conglomerate with operations in 16 countries. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Because the initial scheme of arrangement failed towards the end of February, a Standby Offer, which was contingent on the scheme's success, was triggered. Although the PIC's concerns have been resolved, shareholders still have until the end of the month to vote on the Standby Offer. This Standby Offer could see the consortium increasing its stake from a currently committed 40.39% - including the PIC's 21.93% - to 100%. Caterpillar is in support of the deal. 'In addition to the approval of the Tribunal, the parties are continuing to work towards the fulfilment of the remaining conditions,' Barloworld said in a statement to shareholders on Monday morning. It said it would update shareholders on any material developments. IOL
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Barloworld's R23 billion sale inches closer as deal gets CompCom go ahead
Barloworld is a step closer to being purchased by a consortium made up of Entsha, which was created for the deal by the Katlego Le Masego Trust, and Saudi Arabia's Zahid Group. Image: Supplied Barloworld is a step closer to being purchased by a consortium made up of Entsha, which was created for the deal by the Katlego Le Masego Trust, and Saudi Arabia's Zahid Group. On Monday, the industrial company said that it had been granted Competition Commission approval to go ahead with the sale of a 40.93% stake to Entsha, which is ultimately owned by Dominic Sewela, as well as the Saudi Arabian company, which operates across 14 sectors in 33 countries. The consortium continues to woe investors to sell the balance of the listed industrial company, which has the sole rights to distribute Caterpillar in Southern Africa. Sewela's position as CEO of JSE-listed Barloworld was a bone of contention with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), which had expressed concerns about a lack of transparency from the company. He will indirectly own a 51% stake in the consortium via an inter vivos trust. The Zahid Group will own the balance. The Competition Commission has now recommended the Competition Tribunal approve the deal, subject to certain conditions. These include the consortium implementing a 13.5% broad-based black economic empowerment transaction at Barloworld after the company is delisted on the JSE and A2X. Should the deal ultimately go ahead, Barloworld, an iconic South African company, will delist from the JSE after 84 years as a public company. Founded in 1902 as Thomas Barlow & Sons, the company has changed from being a family business selling woollen goods to a major industrial conglomerate with operations in 16 countries. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Because the initial scheme of arrangement failed towards the end of February, a Standby Offer, which was contingent on the scheme's success, was triggered. Although the PIC's concerns have been resolved, shareholders still have until the end of the month to vote on the Standby Offer. This Standby Offer could see the consortium increasing its stake from a currently committed 40.39% - including the PIC's 21.93% - to 100%. Caterpillar is in support of the deal. 'In addition to the approval of the Tribunal, the parties are continuing to work towards the fulfilment of the remaining conditions,' Barloworld said in a statement to shareholders on Monday morning. It said it would update shareholders on any material developments. IOL
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Barloworld extends investigation into Russian subsidiary
Around potential export control violations. Vostochnaya Technica's operations have been 'significantly reduced by sanctions and the prolonged geopolitical environment', largely because its market in the area 'has shrunk'. Picture: iStock An independent investigation into potential export control violations by JSE-listed Barloworld related to sales of certain goods to its Russian subsidiary Vostochnaya Technica (VT) has been further extended to September 2025. The investigation was launched in 2024, with Barloworld informing shareholders that it submitted an initial notification of voluntary self-disclosure to a US Commerce Department agency, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), on 5 September 2024 regarding the potential export control violations the company was investigating. Barloworld Group CEO Dominic Sewela said on Monday the company was disappointed to learn last year of the potential export control breach in its VT division and the investigation is ongoing. 'As announced this morning [Monday], BIS has granted a further extension from 2 June to 2 September, and we will keep you updated as we progress with that investigation.' ALSO READ: 'Complex' investigation Barloworld head of legal Sandile Langa said the extension is purely a function of the complexity of the investigation. Langa said the investigation is being conducted by an independent forensic firm, which is working under the guidance of US legal counsel that had requested the company apply for the further extension on the basis of where 'we are in the progress of the investigation'. 'You must appreciate that the US authorities are not likely to have agreed to this further extension unless they were satisfied that the company was taking all the correct steps in the investigation,' he said. Langa's comments were made during a briefing on Barloworld's interim financial results for the six months to 31 March 2025. Barloworld is still the subject of a proposed buyout by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Zahid Group, which if successful will result in Barloworld delisting from the JSE. Sewela said Barloworld's VT business has been significantly reduced by sanctions and the prolonged geopolitical environment, largely because the addressable market has shrunk in that area. 'At the current rate, we expect our operations in VT to trade towards break-even levels and to remain self-sufficient.' Sewela said VT is close to break-even but the business is basically selling parts, which are not impacted by export control, and therefore the discipline is that you are able to sell these parts. He said Barloworld is embarking on initiatives to try and make sure it does not lose its people in VT but stressed 'it is difficult to sell labour in a smaller addressable market'. 'Therefore, I'm not saying we will always remain profitable and hence we are giving guidance that as soon as we dip below that level, we will unfortunately be forced to take people out [of the business]. 'The business is self-sufficient in terms of funding and there is more cash in that business than I would like us to have given – you can't take the cash out,' he said. ALSO READ: Questions over new Barloworld's strategy Interim results Barloworld on Monday reported that group revenue declined by 5.8% to R18.1 billion in the six months to 31 March 2025, driven by a 36.8% decrease in revenue at VT and a 6% decline in Barloworld Equipment Southern Africa. Operating profit from core trading activities improved by 1.3% to R1.48 billion from R1.46 billion, with the group operating margin deteriorating to 8.8% from 9.7%. Excluding VT, the operating margin expanded by 0.3% to 8.8% from 8.5%. Headline earnings per share slumped by 20.5% to 423 cents from 532 cents, largely because of the expected decrease in VT's trading activities from the impact of continuing sanctions in Russia. Normalised headline earnings per share, which excludes VT, remained flat at 356 cents. An interim dividend per share of 120 cents was declared, which is 42.8% lower than the interim dividend of 210 cents declared in the previous corresponding period. ALSO READ: Barloworld CEO accused of conflict in potential buyout by Saudi-led consortium Operating environment Sewela said 2025 has been typified by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, with the world changing faster than ever in terms of economic shifts, global politics and climate changes. 'In such a dynamic environment, businesses such as ours, especially those in cyclical industries, need to look beyond short-term gains and prepare for long term resilient strategies,' he said. Sewela said the trading conditions Barloworld operated in during the period were indicative of the market entering a lower cycle where commodity prices are subdued. He said Barloworld's Southern African mining clients remain cautious about investment and are preferring to rent equipment from the group than to buy while the recovery in the construction sector is still in progress. Sewela added that in Zambia, the copper mines in particular, have been spared by favourable copper prices. He said Barloworld's equipment business in Mongolia continued to grow but at a slower pace. Sewela said the 2024 optimisation actions at Ingrain are yielding the desired benefits, resulting in a lower fixed cost base and improved operating efficiencies. He said Ingrain generated stable revenue, with lower overall volumes offset by inflationary price increases. Turning to the outlook for the group, Sewela said the future effects of tariffs on Barloworld's business remain uncertain and the group is actively assessing the medium to long term implications of these tariffs. 'That said, we have consistently demonstrated our ability to successfully navigate volatility in the past by leveraging our key endowments and having a firm grip on what we can control,' he said. ALSO READ: Now labour dept questions employment equity at Truworths, TFG and Barloworld Buyout update The initial buyout offer by the Newco via a scheme of arrangement was overwhelmingly rejected at a general meeting in February this year, triggering a standby offer that, among other things, is subject to at least 90% of eligible shareholders accepting the offer. However, Newco has the right to waive the 90% threshold and proceed to acquire less shares from shareholders who have accepted the standby offer, with any decision on the waiving of the threshold extended and now expected by no later than 30 June 2025. The Public Investment Corporation, which owns 22% of Barloworld's ordinary shares, in April this year announced that it had accepted the standby offer. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Barloworld Ltd (BRRAY) (H1 2025) Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges with Strategic ...
Group Revenue: Declined by 2.2% to ZAR16.8 billion, excluding VT. EBITDA Margin: Expanded by 0.6% to 12.5%. Operating Margin: Increased by 0.3% to 8.8%. Headline Earnings Per Share (HEPS): Declined by 20.5% to ZAR4.23 per share. Normalized HEPS (excluding VT): ZAR3.56 per share. Interim Dividend: Declared at ZAR1.20 per share. Equipment Southern Africa Revenue: Declined by 6% to ZAR11 billion. Mongolia Revenue: Increased by 23%. Ingrain Revenue: Remained flat with a 3% volume decrease. Free Cash Outflow: ZAR2.8 billion in the first half. Return on Invested Capital (ROIC): 12.2% excluding VT, 11.8% including VT. Return on Equity (ROE): 11.2% excluding VT, 10.1% including VT. Net Finance Costs: Improved by 24%. Equipment Southern Africa Rental Revenue: Increased by 17.8% year-on-year. Order Book: ZAR3.6 billion, up 25% year-on-year. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with BOM:500670. Release Date: May 26, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Barloworld Ltd (BRRAY) reported a robust balance sheet, indicating resilience in uncertain times. The company achieved an EBITDA margin expansion of 0.6% and an operating margin increase of 0.3% to 8.8%. Mongolia operations showed strong revenue growth of 23%, driven by both prime product and aftermarket activity. The Ingrain division reported a 14% increase in operating profit, supported by optimization initiatives and improved efficiencies. Barloworld Ltd (BRRAY) declared an interim dividend of ZAR1.20 per share, aligning with its dividend policy. Group headline earnings per share declined by 20.5% to ZAR4.23 per share. Revenue from Equipment Southern Africa declined by 6%, mainly due to reduced aftermarket revenue. The VT division faced significant challenges due to geopolitical tensions, impacting its performance. Free cash outflow of ZAR2.8 billion was reported in the first half, attributed to working capital requirements. The company's operations in Russia are facing reduced sales and inventory depletion, posing challenges to maintaining breakeven. Q: What are the key reasons for the substantial increase in working capital in Equipment Southern Africa, and what is the outlook? A: The increase in working capital is primarily due to customers delaying equipment orders amid uncertainty, and a shift towards renting equipment rather than purchasing. The increase is about ZAR1.7 billion. The outlook suggests that inventory delivery will begin in the second half, although the mining cycle remains subdued, with potential improvement expected in the second half of the next calendar year. - Dominic Sewela, CEO Q: What will ensure breakeven in Russia with rapidly reducing sales on equipment and parts? A: The plan is to maintain breakeven by focusing on selling parts not impacted by export control and optimizing operations. The business remains self-sufficient in terms of funding, with significant cash reserves, although the market is shrinking. If profitability dips, workforce reductions may be necessary. - Dominic Sewela, CEO Q: How will E&T's contribution change with the grid expansion project in South Africa, and are there updates on this project? A: With grid stabilization, demand for backup power may decrease, but opportunities in large power solutions remain. The grid expansion project is expected to benefit the construction business, with contractors beginning to inquire about equipment. - Andronicca Masemola, CEO of Barloworld Equipment Southern Africa Q: Why was an extension in the voluntary announcement required? A: The extension was due to the complexity of the investigation, conducted by an independent forensic firm under US legal counsel. The US authorities agreed to the extension, indicating satisfaction with the company's investigative steps. - Sandile Langa, Group General Counsel Q: What are the strategic focuses for Barloworld in the current economic climate? A: Barloworld is focusing on cost containment, operational efficiency, and strategic investments in digital capabilities and environmental infrastructure. The company aims to maintain resilience through disciplined execution of its strategy and leveraging its geographical and commodity diversification. - Dominic Sewela, CEO For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
