Ubora has acquired a 49% stake in pan-African strategic brand marketing and communications group, Quazar, to broaden its African reach.
The transaction will allow Johannesburg-based ubora, a black female-owned and led industrial supply group, to expand into brand marketing and digital communication services and broaden its reach into Africa. ubora invests in sustainable companies that deliver quality in all aspects of their business, whilst ensuring growth and development for its employees, their families and the communities involved.
Its investments include, amongst others, Hitachi Energy Ltd and textiles and clothing manufacturer Suzi Products. Quazar has worked across 52 countries on the African continent and also in the United States, United Kingdom and Eastern Europe, spanning industries and projects from oil and voter education to finance and technology. It has wholly owned subsidiaries in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Ghana and Nigeria.
‘Globally, the communications industry is growing and evolving with the intersection of technology, media, marketing and communication. This sector is under-represented by women in Africa and, in particular, black women in South Africa. This transaction lays the foundation to change this narrative and to build the next generation of participants and leaders in this sector,’ said ubora Chief Executive Officer Claire Du Bourg. ‘The investment enhances our industry diversification and supports our services investment strategy. With the investment support and strategic guidance offered by ubora, Quazar will be in a position to aggressively pursue their pan-African pan-industry growth strategy.’
‘Quazar has seen significant growth in both its client base and its revenue generation over the past three years, even throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. It offers a unique blend of strategy, marketing and out-of-the-box communication that helps brands to find their voice. It has been seeking a strategic senior partner to expand the business, and to strengthen the group board,’ said CEO Leeanne Cape.
‘We finally found a ‘big sister’ who can join us on our growth path and us on theirs,’ she said. ‘Quazar has managed to thrive by creating value for our clients, being flexible and responsive to changing markets, and investing in technology and a broad range of technical skills. Now we can further amplify our impact as we create the necessary connections between a business, its brands, its people and its customers through exceptional design and intelligent communication.’
‘There are very distinct and unique brand voices on the African continent. It’s a dynamic and exciting environment where, for example, pockets of tech innovation are rapidly expanding, and the potential market is substantial for various sectors. There is an urgent need to connect consumers and brands, authentically telling our stories to add value and boost the growth potential of the continent. At Quazar, our delivery promise is to offer work that is insightful, of the highest quality, and always be responsive to our client’s unique needs,’ said Cape.
The value of the transaction was not disclosed.
UBORA
https://uboragroup.co.za
QUAZAR
https://quazar.co.za
