South Africa’s Remgro to raise $727m to acquire SABMiller’s stake in Distell

South Africa’s Remgro, an investment group said on Tuesday it would raise R9.9bn ($727m) to consider deals, including a right to buy SABMiller’s stake in drinks company Distell Group.

The company said it would raise the funds through a rights offer and the sale of B shares, it said in a statement on Tuesday. Investors will get 10 shares for every 100 they own at a price of R192.50 per share ($14.15) under the terms of the rights issue, which represents a 21% discount on Tuesday’s closing price of R241.72 ($17.77).

Remgro has right of first refusal on SABMiller’s 26.4% stake in Distell, valued at R9.5bn ($700m). SABMiller was asked to sell its stake in Distell as part of agreement with South African anti-trust regulators to win approval for its merger with AB InBev.

Distell is South Africa’s largest wines and spirits company and known for some of its brands such as Amarula, cider brands Savanna, Hunter Gold, Hunter Dry, among others. Remgro already owns 53% of Distell.

No agreement has yet been reached regarding the deal and Remgro would exercise its right only on “commercially appropriate terms,” the company said.

“Other strategic opportunities are also being explored by Remgro and its portfolio companies.”

Remgro also holds stakes in other companies including consumer goods companies Unilever SA, RCL Foods and more than 40% stake in private-healthcare provider Mediclinic International.

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