Capricorn maintains Santam ties
Capricorn Group says Sanlam’s proposed acquisition of the remaining shares in Santam will have no immediate impact on its investment in Santam Namibia.
Sanlam announced on 5 October that it would offer R505 in cash for each eligible Santam share it does not already own, in a transaction that would result in Santam being delisted from the Johannesburg, Namibian and A2X stock exchanges.
Capricorn, which has an interest in Santam Namibia, said its ownership would remain unchanged following the proposed transaction.
“From Capricorn Group’s perspective, our shareholding in Santam Namibia remains unchanged as a result of the proposed transaction,” the group said in response to questions from Market Watch.
The group also does not anticipate any changes to its strategic relationship with the two financial services companies.
“At this stage, we do not anticipate any change to our strategic relationship as a consequence of the proposed transaction. Capricorn Group will continue to work with both Santam and Sanlam from a strategic perspective, as we have done in the past,” it said.
Sanlam currently holds a majority stake in Santam and intends to acquire the remaining eligible shares through a scheme of arrangement. Its offer of R505 a share represents a 26.6% premium to Santam’s closing share price on 2 October.
If completed, the transaction will end Santam’s separate stock market listings, including its listing on the Namibia Securities Exchange.
The proposed transaction remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, with 31 March 2027 set as the initial longstop date.
