Sale of Erindi private game reserve to Mexican billionaire nears completion

WINDHOEK, MAY 22 – Alberto Baillères a billionaire Mexican business leader and philanthropist, is about to be the owner of one of the biggest private game reserves in Namibia as he finalises a sale agreement with the owners of Erindi private game reserve.

In a statement released today by Emergo Communications, Baillères still has to wait a bit longer as the transaction is still subject to Namibian Competition Commission approval, as well as “certain other contracting party-related suspensive conditions. All other governmental and regulatory approvals have been obtained and complied with in full.”

Baillères is the President of the multi-national consortium BAL Group and has experience with managing several wildlife protection ranches in different parts of the world, according to the statement.

His intention is to continue Erindi’s activities in eco-conservation and the preservation of flora and fauna species that are unique and an essential part of African culture and heritage, including some rare and endangered species.

It is expected that his ownership will bring benefits to all Namibians and the country, and that the number of jobs at Erindi will be preserved and within this number, new and better-remunerated opportunities will be created in the country, directly and indirectly.

In addition, Baillères’ aims to upgrade and enhance Erindi,”creating a world-class attraction and protecting its wildlife by implementing international best practices in anti-poaching and conservation initiatives.”

His legal counsel, Koos Pretorius of ENSafrica, said Baillères had stressed his commitment to preserve Erindi for the benefit of future generations of Namibians and the world.

“The intention is to turn Erindi into a flagship private game reserve, and any future profits generated from this social enterprise will be primarily reinvested in Erindi.”

Erindi is not suitable for farming or resettlement, but holds important potential as an area for wildlife conservation.

Said his counsel: “The buyer’s plans for Erindi will greatly benefit the tourism sector, job creation and skills development, and of course in consequence the Namibian economy. Mr Baillères has complied in full with each and every regulatory approval required under Namibian law. The government responded professionally, efficiently and promptly, and were scrupulous throughout the process.” – NDN Staffer

Photo: Havard Business School