A Story of Growth for Shareholders

UniPalm was established in 2001. The intention of the founding shareholders was to create a broad-based empowerment company, which could participate in commercial business opportunities at the highest end of the South African economic spectrum.

Since its establishment, UniPalm has consistently experienced phenomenal year-on-year growth and has firmly established itself in a number of exciting industries. During its establishment phase UniPalm sold shares at 50 cents per share (to raise capital). Since then the growth in share value has at times exceeded 1000 % a truly remarkable business achievement. This growth over a relatively short period of time has astounded many in the business fraternity and has firmly entrenched UniPalm in the upper echelons of the business community.

An Empowerdex study completed in November 2007, confirmed UniPalm’s broad-based empowerment structure, with 95% of the shareholding being held in the hands of previously disadvantaged individuals. UniPalm has approximately 400 direct shareholders and over
30 000 beneficiaries linked to a number of trusts and union-based companies.
The management of UniPalm consists of highly qualified and experienced entrepreneurs, whose social and business philosophies are well respected in all spheres of civil and business structures. The management is also underpinned by strong technical skills, which are utilised to make business decisions when presented with business opportunities.

Investment Philosophy

UniPalm’s investment philosophy is to identify fast growing sectors and the companies which are performing in these sectors. These companies become UniPalm’s investment targets and it is UniPalm’s philosophy to invest in these companies, particularly those with strong management and sustainable profitability.

Due diligences are performed on investment opportunities presented to the company. Once management is confident of making an investment, a further presentation is made to UniPalm’s Investment Committee for final approval. It is not a requirement for UniPalm to purchase majority stakes in companies. In fact, the overriding factors in purchasing equity remains good management and sustainable profitability, linked to the company’s commitment to economic empowerment on all fronts.