Rhodes Food aims to raise R600m in debut listing

A range of Rhodes canned products. Image: www.rhodesfoodgroup.com

Western Cape-based RFG plans to raise R600m through the issue of new shares which will be used to fund growth and settle debt and shareholder funding that arose from a management buyout of a 29% equity stake in 2012.

The balance of the 100-year-old group is owned by private equity firm Capitalworks and Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners.

CEO Bruce Henderson said the "proceeds of the primary offer would further strengthen" the company's balance sheet and fund investment to accelerate its expansion.

The initial public offering (IPO), which will not be open to the public, will see it sell new stock equal to about 25% of the existing shares.

The company's regional division, which accounts for around 65% of revenue, covers SA and other subSaharan countries, including Kenya, Mozambique and Zambia.

Vunani Securities analyst Anthony Clark said a listing should be well received.

"RFG, with its sizable export market and a growing demand for fruit globally is well-placed to continue its niche growth. With debt repaid post the IPO, an incentivised management and equity to raise future capital for deals, pending the rating, RFG as a mid-cap food counter, potentially, looks as juicy as its canned peaches."

The company also exports canned fruit and fruit juice purees and concentrates to Europe, the Far East, the US, Canada, Australasia, Russia and the Middle East.

RFG, whose brands include Portobello and Bull Brand, also has an arrangement with Woolworths to provide ready-made meals like Lasagne Al Forna and to supply Ayrshire dairy products in the Cape.

Avior Research equity analyst Jiten Bechoo said the firm needed capital to grow in sub-Saharan Africa, and to improve its image and recognition. "From this perspective, listing would be good for Rhodes. Moreover, the change in capital structures does provide a cost saving to company of around R76m per year, which is no bad thing."

RFG recorded sales of R1.8bn last year. The group's listing was not necessarily a game changer, since they were relatively small compared to the incumbents in the sector, Mr Bechoo said.

"However, their ambitions signal management's view that private label brand penetration is increasing and that volume growth could be disproportionately high compared to the sector going forward.

"I am uncertain whether this growth would also carry disproportionately high and growing excess returns, since Rhodes does have exposure to relatively volatile inputs, somewhat commoditised products and relatively little to no brand premiums," he said.

Source: Business Day