Tech

SPAR Group announces sale of majority stake in South Africa

Published

1 month ago

April 6, 2024

Global merchandising firm, SPAR Group, has announced selling a majority stake of its interest in South Africa.

In a statement announcing the sale, the provider of merchandising, marketing and distribution services, said it was shedding its majority share in South Africa’s Meridian Group to the minority shareholder, Lindicom, for R181 million and the sale of SGRP Brasil Participações Ltda for 58.9 million BRL to a minority shareholder.

The transactions, according to the statement, have been approved by the SPAR Board of Directors and are expected to close in the second quarter.

“We completed a robust evaluation of the Company’s operations and structure, paying special attention to the quality of earnings for each of our businesses within each segment,” the statement signed by SPAR Group CEO, Mike Matacunas, said.

“Our divestitures of China, Australia, and National Merchandising Services joint ventures, as well as the sales of South Africa and Brazil included as Subsequent Event disclosures in the Form 10-K filed today, reflect the actions and results of our larger plan.

“In working through the strategic alternatives over the last 18 months, it became clear that growing through joint venture partnerships is complex and the process of re-patriating related cash from them is even more complicated.

“To create long-term value for shareholders, we have taken actions to simplify SPAR Group’s operating structure, bring in cash for further growth and use our brand equity and capital on a strategy that maximizes opportunities in the market and return on invested capital.

“We are confident that streamlining the operations and finances at SPAR Group will allow us to accelerate growth and generate better returns for our shareholders.”

The CEO added that as part of the divestiture agreements, Australia and The Meridian Group have also entered into software as a service (SAAS) agreements with SPAR Group to continue the use of SPAR’s technology.

Related Topics:Featured Sale South Africa SPAR Group

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Tech

Google relaunches Hustle Academy with AI focus to empower African SMBs

Published

14 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Google has relaunched the 2024 cohort of its Hustle Academy, a programme dedicated to accelerating the growth of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Making the announcement on Thursday, Google said it is opening of applications for the Hustle Academy with a special focus on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide comprehensive business education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to SMBs.

According to Kristy Grant, Head of B2B marketing for Sub-Saharan Africa at Google, the 2024 cohort of the programme introduces a significant upgrade – business-focused AI training integrated directly into the curriculum.

“This year, the new AI modules focus on data-driven decisions, optimising operations, and building AI-powered marketing strategies,” Grant said.

“AI holds immense potential for African small and medium-sized businesses SMBs, enabling them to drive innovation, increase efficiency, and unlock new levels of economic growth.

“The Hustle Academy has supported over 10,000 businesses who have gone ahead to raise funding and create jobs since inception.

“By incorporating AI into our curriculum, we aim to further amplify this impact, equipping SMBs to harness AI technologies for improved business performance and economic progress,” Grant emphasized.

She added that applications for the 2024 Hustle Academy cohort are open to SMBs in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Tech

Latin America’s biggest payment processor PayRetailers expands into Africa

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Latin America’s biggest payment processor, PayRetailers, has announced its expansion into Africa with coverage across four countries, Rwanda, Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

A statement by its Chief Operating & Digital Officer, Lorenzo Pellegrino, said by expanding into Africa will offer customers a unified payment solution that will be a game changer for cross-border online merchants looking at Africa as their next move for strategic growth.

He said to strengthen its presence in the continent, PayRetailers is activating its payment processing functions that will “offer a simple, user-friendly, and scalable experience to businesses looking to grow their regional operations and give them access to major local methods like SPENN, Airtel, and MTN.”

“This market is increasingly connected and mobile and destined for strong growth, which is why PayRetailers, in its mission to increase financial inclusion and continue supporting business growth in emerging markets, has decided to activate its networks in the region and drive this exciting era of prosperity,” Pellegrino said.

“As a part of our strategic expansion, we are extending our coverage to four markets in Africa, at least to start with. Over the coming months, we plan to steadily expand our operation in the continent, which is experiencing incredible growth in the payments industry and has massive potential for merchants looking to diversify and broaden their consumer base.

“Using the stellar and continuous growth we have experienced in LATAM as our guide, we are well-poised to help businesses thrive faster and more sustainably.

“We recognize the immense potential and significance of venturing into these dynamic markets.

“Each new addition to our market coverage is a gateway into untapped opportunities and strengthened partnerships, ensuring our sustained growth and global relevance.

“Our imminent expansion into additional countries across West, North, and Southern Africa underscores our commitment to empowering our clients and connecting them with diverse consumer bases across the continent.

“From May onward, businesses will be able to operate in the region using PayRetailers for their online users, representing a major milestone for its client portfolio and its innovation strategy for 2024,” the statement said.