Brimstone plans to list Sea Harvest. This will be the JSE’s second fish listing of the year. Last week African Equity Empowerment Investments revealed it will list its fishing and food unit on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on March 2.

A capital raising of up to R1.5 billion by private placement will be undertaken by Sea Harvest simultaneously with the proposed listing.

Brimstone first invested in 53-year old Sea Harvest in 1998 with an initial 10.76% interest and today holds 85% of the company, with management and staff holding the remaining 15%. Sea Harvest has demonstrated strong growth in the last five years with 59% of its revenues generated in hard currencies, Europe and Australia are its largest international markets.

Since taking control in 2009, Brimstone has invested c.R776 million in Sea Harvest through additional capital and reinvested profits. Sea Harvest has invested considerably in new vessels and plant efficiencies, and also used capital to acquire control (56%) of Australian listed Mareterram Limited in 2016.

Brimstone foresees significant growth potential from Sea Harvest and capital raised through the listing will help accelerate its growth trajectory.

“The listing will add further impetus to transformation in South Africa, and is strongly aligned with government’s strategy to increase the number of black industrialists,” says Fred Robertson, Chairman of both Brimstone and Sea Harvest.

“Sea Harvest will retain its black ownership credentials with Brimstone continuing to own more than 50% of the company post-listing. Our long-term partnership approach has worked well and this will remain a cornerstone of our investment philosophy.”

“Capital-raising will strengthen Sea Harvest’s balance sheet by repaying all company debt and providing the company with the additional capital to support growth both organically and acquisitively. Organic growth will come from margin enhancements by improving efficiencies and investing further in the business. Over the past two years alone, investments of some R300 million have been made in vessels and infrastructure with a corresponding increase in margins. This has also contributed directly to the creation of new jobs.”

“Importantly, the listing will allow Sea Harvest to attract and retain management and staff through the use of tradeable instruments. This will ensure that the interests of management and staff are aligned with those of Sea Harvest’s shareholders.”

“Sea Harvest has been a strong performer in our group and we expect the company, under the leadership of Felix Ratheb, to stretch capacity and capability. The company is energised and poised for growth.”

“Brimstone has established a track record of creating value in various ways for its shareholders over the years. Our role in the listing of Life Healthcare on the JSE and the significant value it created to all stakeholders is a fine example,” says Mustaq Brey, Brimstone CEO.

The listing will be subject to approvals by the majority of Brimstone shareholders, regulatory approval by the JSE and any other regulatory consents that may be required. A general meeting of Brimstone shareholders will take place on 9 March to seek their approval for the listing.