Norbain South Africa (SA)’s leadership team has announced a successful management buy-out of Norbain SA, with the transaction effective immediately.
This news follows on from developments at Norbain UK, where a pre-pack administration event saw the business acquired by Newbury Investments (UK) Ltd.
The SA business buy-out team has been led by the majority shareholders, namely Jan De Lange (the company’s managing director, who was appointed on 1 February this year), finance director Lukas Rautenbach and director Les Oates.
Commenting on this development, Jan De Lange said: “We have experienced, qualified and well-trained staff with outstanding expertise in all of the key disciplines and we’re fully equipped to tackle almost any demands when it comes to serving our customers.”
He continued: “This deal represents a marvellous opportunity for us. We have the utmost confidence in the business and its people and we’re well-positioned for future growth.”
In conclusion, De Lange stated: “We’re delighted to have completed this transaction. The management team at Norbain SA has a strong understanding of our customers’ needs and the many strengths that exist within our business. With the support of our funders, the MBO allows us to invest in developing our services even further.”
Extensive range of CCTV and access solutions
Norbain SA is the leading supplier of CCTV, access control and related electronic security systems in South Africa, and is the exclusive distributor of Sony, Vista, IndigoVision, Heitel, Hikvision, Seetec and Infinity Access security equipment in the region.
The company supplies an extensive range of CCTV and access control equipment developed by acclaimed manufacturers such as Samsung, Virdi, Morpho, Saflec and Risco.
The business covers analogue & IP CCTV cameras, digital and network recorders and encoders, video/fibre transmission solutions, biometric systems, network wireless products, access control systems and accessories, monitors, off-site monitoring (video and alarms) and intruder detection solutions.
For his part, Lukas Rautenbach stated that Norbain SA’s “exceptionally strong post-acquisition balance sheet” will “ensure rock solid stability” to the benefit of both customers and suppliers.
Les Oates commented that Norbain SA being back in private hands will ensure that the personal relationships on which the company was built can grow to become even stronger.
Smartwares Home Essentials takes over Norbain in the Benelux
Norbain, of course, has been a major player in the market for professional security products across the Benelux region for some time now.
For its part, Smartwares is a leading player in the consumer market for security products, encompassing video surveillance, intruder alarm and fire solutions as part of its portfolio, and the company has now taken over the Low Countries business of Norbain.
Through its subsidiary Roos Electronics, the Smartwares brand is already a leading player in security when it comes to the consumer retail channel.
Roos Electronics is a specialist importer/wholesaler of electrical and electronic products for the DIY and consumer-to-consumer channels. Most of these products are known by the brand name ‘Elro’.
The company offers a “large but carefully selected” product range across several categories, such as safety equipment and security systems, connector cables and accessories, lighting, fans, heaters, smoke detectors and fire protection.
Theo Smalbraak, the general director at RoosElectronics who’s responsible for the Smartwares Safety & Lighting Division, explained: “Joining the professional channel not only gives us access to a large and growing market, but also affords us direct access to the latest innovations and technologies in the field of security. As a result, we’ll be able to offer our product to, and accelerate market development activities within the existing consumer channels.”
Smartware Home Essentials: the key facts
Smartwares Home Essentials develops and sells smart consumer products for use in and around the home. Its activities are grouped into five divisions: Basic Wear (textile and basic mode), Consumer Care (cleaning, household items), Safety & Lighting (alarm systems, smoke detectors, light fixtures), Decoration & Connection (brushes, switching material) and Lifestyle (small household appliances, audio/video).
The company’s strategy is very much focused on organic growth and growth through acquisition.
On that note, the acquisition of Norbain Benelux is the fourth takeover by Smartwares this year.
Subsidiaries of Smartwares include Nedac Sorbo Elofer and Tristar.
The company is supported by over 1,000 employees and enjoys a turnover in excess of euro 425 million. It’s owned by H2 Equity Partners, NPM Capital, ABN Amro Shares and the management team.
