Christo Wiese, a South African billionaire, has reclaimed his position among Africa’s wealthiest billionaires after a four-year absence caused by the Steinhoff accounting scandal. Wiese’s fortune has soared primarily due to his 11.63-percent stake in retail giant Shoprite Holdings. Despite facing financial difficulties from the Steinhoff scandal, Wiese’s resilience and astute investments across various African countries have catapulted him back into the billionaire ranks.
Shoprite Holdings, where Wiese holds a significant stake, has emerged as South Africa’s largest food retailer and the continent’s leading retail giant. Wiese’s success story serves as a testament to the importance of a diversified portfolio and his keen eye for profitable ventures, Below are companies owned by South African billionaire Christo Wiese
- Shoprite Holdings: With an impressive 11.63-percent stake, Wiese stands as the second-largest shareholder in Africa’s leading retailer, Shoprite Holdings, just behind Public Investment Corporation Limited, which holds a 17.1-percent stake in the group. Wiese’s stake in Shoprite is currently valued at R14 billion ($733 million), positioning him among the wealthiest investors on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
- Brait Plc: Brait is a prominent South African investment holding company that oversees a diverse portfolio of significant unlisted businesses in the consumer sector, including Premier Group, Virgin Active, and Consol. Among its esteemed shareholders is Christo Wiese, whose 28.5-percent stake in the company is presently worth R1.2 billion ($62.9 million). This investment solidifies Wiese’s standing as one of South Africa’s wealthiest and most influential investors.
- Premier Group: Within his extensive asset portfolio, Christo Wiese holds a significant 46.7-percent stake in Premier Group, a renowned South African fast-moving consumer goods company. Established in 1820, this company offers a diverse range of products, including flour, bread, baked goods, confectionery items, home and personal care products, and specialized baby and cosmetic range products. Wiese’s involvement in the South African food industry extends beyond his direct stake in Premier Group, as he also possesses an indirect 28.5-percent stake in Brait, further amplifying his influence in this sector.
- Pepkor Holdings: A holding company which, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer focusing on discount, value, and specialized goods in Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia counts Christo Wiese as one of its shareholders. At the time of drafting this report, the market value of Wiese’s stake amounts to an impressive R3.3 billion ($173 million).
- Invicta Holdings: Wiese holds a significant ownership stake of 19.23 percent in Invicta Holdings, an investment holding company involved in the distribution of engineering components and consumables. With operations spanning across South Africa, the rest of Africa, Europe, and the United States, Invicta Holdings distributes engineering consumables and fluid technology products and offers its clients comprehensive on-site installation, maintenance, and solution services.