Joffe makes millions for investors

INITIAL investors in Long4Life, the latest string in Brian Joffe’s bow, made an immediate paper profit of more than R662million when the investment holding company listed on the JSE’s main board on Friday.

Institutional investors, including Investec, Stanlib and Brimstone, which subscribed for shares at a cost of R5 each to raise R1.9billion during the initial public offering, saw the value of their investment rise to R2.5billion when the market closed.

Bidvest founder Joffe, who is also Long4Life’s chief executive, and who put in R100-million of his own money at a cost of R4 a share, saw his stake rise to R162.7-million in value.

“As the anchor and committed investors were offered shares at a subscription price of 500c per share, so far the listing has been successful,” said PSG Wealth portfolio manager Adrian Cloete.

The new company will target lifestyle businesses with entrepreneurial teams at the helm and avoid banking, mining and resources companies. It plans to provide financial, strategic and management support to companies, tapping into the diverse experience of its board, which includes former Nedbank chief operating officer Graham Dempster.

Joffe said after the listing ceremony the company already had its eye on an acquisition. “Long4Life is currently in discussion with the shareholders of Sorbet in relation to the possible acquisition of the company,” he said. “Sorbet is a nationwide beauty therapy hub with over 160 stores countrywide, and two stores in the UK.”

Cloete said Joffe’s track record was a drawcard. “[He] obviously has an exceptional track record of consistently adding huge value to shareholders over a long period of time.” — TMG