Brait raises $63 million from Premier Group share sale, trims stake to 24.3%

Brait SE, the prominent South African investment holding company with billionaire Christo Wiese as a key shareholder, has successfully raised R1 billion ($63 million) after disposing of 5.63 million shares in Premier Group Limited, capitalizing on strong unsolicited demand from institutional investors.

The placing involved 5,633,802 ordinary shares sold at R177.5 ($11.16) per share, representing a 3% discount to the 30-day volume-weighted average price as of Feb. 26, 2026. The shares account for approximately 4.4% of Premier’s total issued ordinary share capital.

Following the transaction, Brait’s stake in Premier will decline from 28.7% to about 24.3%, leaving it with 31,307,954 ordinary shares. Settlement of the placing is expected on or around March 4, 2026.

Strengthening liquidity and balance sheet flexibility
Brait said the net proceeds from the sale will be retained for general working capital purposes, potential investment in existing portfolio companies, and repayment of group debt. The move enhances liquidity while preserving meaningful exposure to Premier, one of its key portfolio assets.

The placing reflects continued institutional appetite for Premier shares, enabling Brait to rebalance its portfolio without exerting significant pressure on the market. By executing the transaction at a modest discount, the company secured efficient capital recycling while maintaining a substantial minority stake.

Dual-listed investment platform
Headquartered in Port Louis, Brait’s ordinary shares are primarily listed on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, with a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Its convertible bonds are dual-listed on the Open Market segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the Official Market of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius. 

Brait’s post-pandemic recovery underscores disciplined execution, strategic leadership, and robust shareholder support. A comprehensive recapitalization stabilized the balance sheet, reinforced by influential investors including Christo Wiese, who holds a 40.19% stake through Titan. 

Backed by established consumer assets, Premier Group, Virgin Active, and Consol Holdings, the investment platform remains positioned for measured growth in the unlisted consumer sector. Its recent R1 billion ($63 million) capital raise highlights disciplined capital management as the firm streamlines its portfolio, fortifies liquidity, and preserves flexibility for selective reinvestment across core holdings.