How Would an Extension to the Brexit Deadline Work: Q&A

How Would an Extension to the Brexit Deadline Work: Q&A

LONDON (Capital Markets in Africa) = U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May has promised Parliament that it will have a chance to vote to extend the Brexit deadline next month as a way of avoiding a chaotic no-deal exit. How will it work? Is May calling for a delay? No. May says she doesn’t want to delay exit day on March 29. She’s offering the vote in order to head off a growing rebellion of lawmakers and ministers…

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EU Wants a Brexit Delay But Governments at Odds Over Length

EU Wants a Brexit Delay But Governments at Odds Over Length

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – The European Union has made no secret that it thinks Prime Minister Theresa May should delay Brexit day. The question is, for how long. May on Tuesday promised the British Parliament a vote on a “short” postponement if it doesn’t approve her deal by March 12. EU officials are relieved it lessens the chances of a crash-out Brexit at the end of next month but say there must be a clear plan for…

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Shoprite Seeks to Curb Influence of Chairman Christo Wiese

Shoprite Seeks to Curb Influence of Chairman Christo Wiese

JOHANNESBURG (Capital Markets in Africa) – Shoprite Holdings Ltd. is in talks with billionaire Chairman Christo Wiese about giving up his extra voting rights in Africa’s biggest grocer, a move that would simplify the share structure and help to empower smaller investors. Wiese’s Thibault Square Financial Services controls almost a third of the votes at the Cape Town-based company through deferred shares, which carry greater influence than ordinary stock. Shoprite is negotiating to buy or redeem and cancel…

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Brexit Delay Gives U.K. Plc Another Expensive Scenario to Game

Brexit Delay Gives U.K. Plc Another Expensive Scenario to Game

LONDON (Capital Markets in Africa) – A potential delay to Britain’s exit from the European Union is being labeled a mixed blessing by U.K. Plc. While extending the departure is better for companies than crashing out next month without a deal, it threatens further uncertainty and added costs for businesses that have been preparing for a March 29 split. “If you’re a business, you wonder, ‘So what the hell do I do now?’,” said Mats…

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Guinea’s Untapped Iron Ore Riches Are Back in the Spotlight

Guinea’s Untapped Iron Ore Riches Are Back in the Spotlight

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – Guinea sits on some of the richest iron ore deposits in the world, but they’ve been more of a curse than a blessing to the mining industry. That might be about to change as the government ends a seven-year-old dispute with billionaire Beny Steinmetz over the Simandou iron ore project. At the same time, mining veteran Mick Davis is starting a new development that could be the precursor to projects exploiting Guinea’s great…

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Nigerian Stocks Fall Most in a Week as Buhari Leads Vote Count

Nigerian Stocks Fall Most in a Week as Buhari Leads Vote Count

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa)  – Nigeria’s benchmark stock index dropped 0.7 percent Tuesday, the most in a week, as election results showed President Muhammadu Buharibuilding a lead over his main opponent and investor favorite Atiku Abubakar. “People are just reacting to Buhari leading the results,” said Olabisi Ayodeji, an analyst at Exotix Capital. “Investors’ preference would have been for an Atiku win, considering that he is perceived to be more market friendly, and also seen as having…

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Biggest Africa Fund Manager Hurt by Allegations, Probe Hears

Biggest Africa Fund Manager Hurt by Allegations, Probe Hears

JOHANNESBURG (Capital Markets in Africa)  – Allegations of financial wrongdoing at Africa’s biggest fund manager created a fearful work environment, with employees being disgruntled, suspicious and unproductive, a former board member told an inquiry. Before the claims by an anonymous whistle-blower, South Africa’s Public Investment Corp., which has more than 2 trillion rand ($144 billion) in assets, had been a stable and productive organization with a unified board that could debate professionally at scheduled meetings, Dudu…

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