Capricorn Group, a Namibian success story.

WINDHOEK, 21 JUN – It was a time of instability and a time for entrepreneurial ingenuity – it was the year 1982 – an era much like the present one, full of volatility in the economic and financial spheres with extraordinary opportunities arising in the ever-evolving market.

“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

And yet, on a day much like today, a group of entrepreneurs set out to challenge new frontiers in the Namibian market, not knowing then that they would alter the course of history and create a Namibian financial group that would impact the country and Southern Africa.

“It never occurred to me that failure was an option. We just had to succeed and make things work.”
– Koos Brandt, retired Chairman, Capricorn Investment Group Limited

Fast forward to 2013, and it is almost unbelievable that BWH (now Capricorn Group) has grown sustainably and responsibly in a phenomenal way and continued to conquer and expand. Five years ago, on 20 June 2013, BWH, a truly Namibian company, leapt into unfamiliar territory when it listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX).

A bell-ringing function marked the issue of Bank Windhoek Holdings ordinary shares that provided all stakeholders, including previously disadvantaged Namibians, employees, customers and members of the Namibian public, an opportunity to acquire BWH shares and participate in the ownership of the BWH group.

The listing was a milestone that set the stage for incredible growth that became apparent over the next five years. It is notable that Capricorn Group is the most successful listing on NSX to date and the group’s books remain healthy considering the current economic environment.

In 2013, Capricorn Group had a total comprehensive income of N$515.6 million, compared to 2017’s N$931.1 million. This indicates a growth of 16% per annum over this period. The closing share price over this period also shows an increase of 78%. In 2013 an issue price of N$8.75 cents per share was offered to members of the general public and the closing share price N$10.15 per share. By the end of June in 2017, it was N$18.09.

“With the listing, we can say that the ownership of Bank Windhoek Holdings (now Capricorn Group) is now vested in the whole public.” – Matheus Kristof Shikongo, Director, Capricorn Investment Group Limited

As from 01 January 2014, BWH acquired the entire issued share capital of Capricorn Asset Management (Proprietary) Limited (“CAM”) and soon set out to develop a cohesive strategic focus for 2014 – 2017.
The As One strategy identified a need to establish the Group as a well-recognised and respected regional brand, and in turn, supporting local brands.

A monolithic brand architecture journey was embarked upon to simplify and refine the group’s brand architecture. This approach inspired the name change and new visual identity for the group. The decision to rebrand has opened exciting possibilities and signalled the birth of a value-driven brand.

Another profound milestone was reached on 22 September 2016 when a new era, marked with the official renaming of the Bank Windhoek Holdings Group to Capricorn Investment Group Limited and its new brand values and brand proposition, was entered. This sparked the refreshing and rebranding of Capricorn Investment Holdings (CIH), who holds 41% of the shares in Capricorn Group.

In the same month, Capricorn Group launched its first integrated report, and continued to grow and excel in this area, to the extent that it scooped up the Regional Integrated Reporting Award in 2017. This reward formed one of many significant focal points that transpired during 2017, as the initial pioneering spirit of the founders continued to permeate the organisation in its unfaltering way.

As Capricorn Group transitioned into a monolithic brand, new and exciting ventures developed, amongst which the expansion to Botswana and Zambia stands out prominently. Capricorn Group was now a regional financial services group with interests in banking, insurance, asset management, and investments with business interests throughout the Southern African region.

At the hype of this transformation, the Capricorn Group brand became unparalleled as its subsidiaries converged. Capricorn Asset Management (CAM) refreshed their brand in line with the monolithic brand architecture and launched it internally and externally on 27 March 2017. It included the rebranding of the unit trusts from Bank Windhoek Unit Trusts to Capricorn Unit Trusts. Right on its heels, Bank Windhoek followed on 06 April with the launch of their new refreshed brand and later in the year on 19 October; Bank Gaborone followed suit.

On 18 April 2017, the new brand Capricorn Private Wealth was launched internally with the focus on serving the banking and wealth management needs of the affluent clients of the Capricorn Group in one comprehensive offering. Capricorn Group was now elevated to a status never seen before in Namibia, and this piqued the interest of potential investors and partners.

On 12 May 2017, the largest institutional investor in Namibia, The Government Institutions Pension Fund (‘GIPF’) acquired a 26% interest in the issued ordinary shares of Capricorn Investment Group Limited. All the necessary regulatory approvals were received, and the transaction became effective. GIPF as a shareholder of reference to the group further enhances the value proposition of the Group to investors.

“The transaction is of great significance for GIPF as it provides GIPF with an opportunity to invest in high-quality Namibian assets, at a good price and market-related returns on behalf of the beneficiaries of GIPF. This transaction provides GIPF with a good avenue to invest locally, especially in light of increased local investment requirements, and the reducing extent of dual-listed investments recognised as local assets.” – Mr David Nuyoma, Chief Executive Officer, GIPF

As with all great stories success, there is always a remarkable lesson to be learned. And just so too, one of the original founding pioneers of Capricorn Group, Mr Koos Brandt, taught us that wisdom is an essential element in leadership, when he decided to retire as chairman of the boards of Bank Windhoek and Capricorn Group on 30 June 2017, but remained on these boards as a non-executive director.

What does the future hold for a competitive organisation such as Capricorn Group? Considering what has become a known prediction for the group – growth – we can envisage more progress that will most likely become exponential. With an objective to be a catalyst of sustainable opportunities, and proving it through a substantial track record, it is clear that Capricorn Group indeed lives up to its vision and purpose – to be a connector of positive change. – NDN Staffer