How the investments are managed
Remgro has a few operating subsidiaries of which the material companies are RCL Foods (listed), Distell (listed) and Wispeco (unlisted). Due to its philosophy of decentralised management, these companies have autonomous boards of directors and management structures and Remgro only exerts its influence through non-executive representation on the boards of these companies.
Remgro's other investments comprise both listed and unlisted companies that are not controlled by Remgro and which are mostly associates and joint ventures due to the significant influence or joint control exercised by Remgro through its board representation in those investee companies. Where Remgro does not have board representation such investments are treated as portfolio investments.
Remgro manages its investments on a decentralised basis and its involvement is mainly focused on the provision of support rather than on being involved in the day-to-day management of business units of investees. The Remgro Limited Board considers it in the best interest of all the parties concerned to respect the decentralised business model and the fact that these businesses are conducted in separate legal entities. The support provided to the investee companies can either be in the form of strategic, financial and managerial support, or the creating of an environment for corporate transactions.
It should be emphasised that the above management philosophy is applied to all investee companies, irrespective of the level of influence that can be exercised.
Shareholder agreements are in place for Remgro's associates and joint ventures where there are also other major shareholders involved. These agreements protect its rights as shareholder and manage risks. In terms of these agreements Remgro has decision-making involvement for a defined list of material matters of the businesses of these entities, such as the appointment or removal of directors, capital structure, business strategy, large capital expenditure and mergers, acquisitions and disposals.
As a responsible shareholder of the investee companies, Remgro also exercises its shareholder rights to ensure, as far as possible, that the entities concerned adhere to its requirements in respect of matters such as governance, internal controls, financial management, risk management, legal compliance, safety, health and environmental management, internal audit, ethics management, information management, stakeholder relationships, succession planning and sustainability.
Ownership structure
Remgro's issued share capital consists of two classes of shares, as follows:
An analysis of major shareholders appears here.
Investment philosophy
Remgro invests in businesses that can deliver superior earnings, cash flow generation and dividend growth over the long term. This involves the acquisition of meaningful interests in companies in order to have significant influence. Sound management is an important investment criterion. Remgro focuses on the Southern African market but international opportunities will be considered with reputable partners. Remgro forges strategic alliances on a partnership basis and endeavours to add value where possible. The purpose is to ensure superior returns to shareholders by way of sustainable dividend and capital growth.
Remgro's investment strategy
- Emphasis on investments that will make a significant contribution to Remgro's earnings
- Significant influence and board representation are integral
- Preference for unlisted investments
- Investments in entities where Remgro can identify sustainable value over the long term
- Focus on South African investments and other African countries through investee companies
- Will consider investments in other countries on an opportunistic basis
- Primary sector focus:
- Consumer products
- Infrastructure
- Healthcare
- Financial services
Investment criteria (inter alia)
- Prevailing culture and ethics of the Board and management team
- Expected return on investment in excess of Remgro's internal hurdle rate
- Environmental footprint of the enterprise
- Viability of products and services and their life cycles
- Social responsibility awareness of the enterprise
- Barriers to entry
