Highlights:
- Secondary listing completed on the JSE: Supermarket Income REIT expands its presence with a new listing in South Africa.
- Broader investor base and liquidity enhancement: The JSE listing aims to diversify the shareholder register and improve trading liquidity.
- No new shares issued for the listing: The company maintains its London listing without any capital raise linked to the JSE debut.
Supermarket Income REIT PLC (LSE:SUPR, OTC:SUPIF), a prominent player in the supermarket property investment sector, has officially launched its secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to expand its global footprint and enhance its shareholder base.
The company first revealed its intention to list on the JSE in its annual results report in September, outlining the strategic rationale for entering the South African market.
Strategic Benefits of JSE Listing
Nick Hewson, Chair of Supermarket Income REIT, emphasized the advantages of the secondary listing. “At the company's annual results in September, we signalled our intention to proceed with a secondary listing on the JSE, and we are pleased to be announcing the completion of that process today with SUPR's first day of trading on the JSE," he stated.
The company believes the JSE listing will:
- Broaden its investor base by attracting interest from South African investors.
- Enhance trading liquidity, providing shareholders with more opportunities to trade shares efficiently.
- Diversify its shareholder register, strengthening the company’s global profile.
Supermarket Income REIT reiterated that no new shares were issued as part of the listing process, ensuring its existing shareholders were unaffected by dilution.
Maintaining a Strong London Presence
Despite its expansion into the South African market, the company confirmed its continued listing in London. Supermarket Income REIT remains on the closed-ended investment funds category of the Financial Conduct Authority's Official List and is actively traded on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market.
The dual listing aims to complement its established presence in London, providing a solid foundation for future growth and international appeal.
Advisory Support
The company engaged PSG Capital Proprietary Limited as its transaction advisor and sponsor for the JSE listing. This partnership played a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth transition onto the South African exchange.
Outlook
Supermarket Income REIT’s entry into the JSE aligns with its broader strategic goals of increasing its global reach and enhancing shareholder value. By tapping into the South African market, the company positions itself for greater visibility and accessibility to a diversified investor pool. This move underscores its commitment to strengthening liquidity and supporting long-term growth while maintaining its robust UK operations.
As trading commences on the JSE, the company looks forward to leveraging the benefits of its expanded presence in international markets.