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September 2016
Infrastructure & Mixed Use
A
veng plans to sell its 70%
stake in its Steeledale busi-
ness to black women-owned
investment group, Kutana, for ap-
proximately R252 million, of which
between R93million andR123million
will be paid in cash and the balance
paid on a deferred basis.
The result is a material improve-
ment on the prior year and is under-
pinned by: an improved financial
performance from Aveng Grinaker-
LTA on completion of loss-making
and non-contributing contracts; an
improvement in the ratio of contracts
operatingat tenderedmargins; strong
performance in the building business;
and the resolution of some major
commercial claims and a further re-
duction in fixed operating expenses.
The company reported that contract
cancellations, difficult trading condi-
tion, under performance on certain
contracts, restructuring expenses
to ‘right size’ the group’s overhead
structure had proved challenging.
The final figure includes the profit
on sale of the South African property
portfolio of R577 million in the first
half of the year, which partially offset
the impairment of certain steel assets
in the second half of the year.
Aveng has entered into a bind-
ing agreement with Royal Bafokeng
Holdings, who will acquire Aveng’s
equity interests and loan in the fol-
lowing investments: the 138 MW
Gouda wind farm, one of the largest
wind farms in the Western Cape has
46 wind turbines. Imvelo Concession
Company, which is the holder of a
27-year concession to build, oper-
ate and maintain the Department of
Environmental Affairs office campus
in Tshwane. The N3 Toll Concessions
includes a 30-year concession agree-
ment to design, construct, finance,
operate andmaintain the N3 toll road
between the Cedara Interchange in
KwaZulu-Natal to the Heidelberg
South interchange in Gauteng. The
74MWSishenSolar PhotovoltaicPlant
located in the municipality of Dibeng
in the Northern Cape.
These sales are subject to terms
and conditions and the effective
date is estimated to be on October
31, 2016.
Kobus Verster, Aveng CEO, said:
“These investments have reached an
appropriate maturity where we can
transfer them to a strong investment
company and realise value for the
group. Aveng Capital Partners will
continue to pursue project develop-
ment opportunities for the Group
as our investment and structured
financing arm.”
AlbertinahKekana, Royal Bafokeng
Holdings CEO, commented: “The
proposed agreement and its focus
on renewable energy, property and
road infrastructure is in line with our
diversification strategy. As a long term
investor, we are pleased to be part-
nering with Aveng Capital Partners.
It has a very credible track record in
originating, developing, structuring
and investing in general infrastruc-
ture, power and real estate projects
in South Africa. This proposed deal
represents our long term investment
approach and our commitment to the
South African growth story.”
Aveng has reached an agree-
ment with Kutana, to acquire its
steel reinforcing and mesh business
(Steeledale) in terms of a phased
exit strategy. The effective trans-
action date is estimated to be on
November 1, 2016. Kutanawill acquire
70%of the Steeledalebusiness. Aveng
can elect to sell the remaining 30%
after three years.
“The sale of 70% of Aveng Steele-
dale is in line with our medium term
strategy to divest from steel and im-
prove the group’s returns. Kutanawill
improve market access and position
the Steeledale business for growth
in a difficult and competitive market
environment,” said Verster.
Thoko Mokgosi-Mwantembe, CEO
of Kutana, commented: “The Steele-
dale acquisition forms a cornerstone
of our steel and constructionbusiness
strategy. With our experience and
focus, we are uniquely positioned to
drive the growth of the business in
South Africa and we look forward to
creating significant value for all our
stakeholders. Empowerment of the
people of South Africa, in particular
the communities in which we oper-
ate, is at the heart of the Kutana
philosophy.”
■
Aveng disposes of infrastructure investment
Leading infrastructure firm, Aveng, recently announced a headline
loss of earnings between 45% and 55%. The company will dispose of
its entire equity interest in four major infrastructure investments to
Royal Bafokeng Holding for R860 million.
Kobus Verster and Albertinah Kekana
Kobus Verster and Thoko Mokgosi-Mwantembe