New consortium bidding for Springboks wants fans to get a stake
An SA-led consortium which includes Altvest Capital and EasyEquities envisages 'broad-based ownership' of the commercial rights to the Springbok brand.
Captains of the South Africa rugby team Siyamthanda “Siya” Kolisi. Picture credit: Eyewitness News
Stephen Grootes is joined by Carel Nolte, chief marketing officer of EasyEquities.
A South African-led consortium has emerged as a rival bidder for the commercial rights to the Springbok brand.
The grouping of companies says it's committed to 'broad-based ownership' for all South Africans, through acquiring a stake of up to 40% through a special purpose vehicle.
The consortium - which includes Altvest Capital, 27four, EasyEquities and RainFin - has submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the South African Rugby Union (SARU).
In a statement issued by Altvest Capital, company CEO Warren Wheatley says the consortium's combined expertise uniquely positions them to enhance the Springbok brand and maximize its value for the benefit of all South Africans.
"Why can’t the car guard at Loftus, the fan in the Eastern Cape, or the institution in Sandton all own a piece of 'Springbok equity'? Let’s empower OUR players, OUR nation - every South African - to share in the pride and success of OUR Boks."
Warren Wheatley, CEO - Altvest Capital
Stephen Grootes talks to EasyEquities chief marketing officer Carel Nolte, on The Money Show.
Simply put, says Nolte, this broad-based ownership would allow people in with no minimums.
"Whether you've got R1 to invest or tens of millions, you'd be able to own a fraction of the Springboks."
Carel Nolte, Chief Marketing Officer - EasyEquities
What about the bid by US-based Ackerley Sports Group, which retains exclusivity until the end of 2024?
Nothing is likely to happen before the end of the year in any case, Nolte says.
"There might be an RSP next year evaluating bids etcetera... but the way it would work from an EasyEquities perspective is that our 2 million registered clients, and anybody else in SA quite frankly, would be able to say 'we want to buy into the Springboks and to realise some value out of the commercial rights'."
Carel Nolte, Chief Marketing Officer - EasyEquities
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