by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – STANDARD Bank has strengthened its relationship with private equity firm Adenia Partners by providing the financing behind the firm’s acquisition of a controlling stake in pan-African insurance brokerage group Minet Holdings.
The transaction sees Africa’s largest bank by assets act as Sole Mandated Lead Arranger and Sole Funder, delivering a bespoke financing solution that enabled Adenia to secure the acquisition in a competitive process.
The deal represents another significant cross-border transaction for Standard Bank’s Corporate & Investment Banking division and underscores the growing investor appetite for established financial services businesses with scale across the African continent.
Minet Holdings operates in nine African countries and provides insurance brokerage, risk advisory and related services to both corporate and retail clients.
Its operations support businesses and individuals in managing risk while contributing to broader financial resilience across multiple markets.
The acquisition is expected to strengthen Minet’s position as a leading insurance intermediary while supporting its long-term growth strategy under Adenia’s ownership.
It also aligns with wider efforts to expand access to financial services and promote greater financial inclusion across Africa.
Tyson Sithole, Executive Head of Equity Finance at Standard Bank Corporate & Investment Banking, said the transaction reflected increasing demand for high-quality financial services platforms with regional scale.
“Adenia’s acquisition of Minet Holdings reflects the growing demand for scaled, high-quality financial services platforms across Africa. With Adenia’s backing, Minet is well positioned to deepen its market presence, strengthen financial resilience, and continue advancing financial inclusion across key markets. We were pleased to support Dan Apungu and the wider Adenia team throughout the process,” he said.
The transaction was led for Adenia by Dan Apungu, Investment Principal at Adenia Partners.
Mpho Ntshudisang, Vice President: Equity Finance at Standard Bank Corporate & Investment Banking, said the deal highlighted the bank’s ability to structure tailored funding solutions for complex acquisitions.
“This transaction showcases our solution-oriented structuring capabilities, tailoring a solution that enabled our client to successfully execute a strategically important acquisition,” he said.
The transaction further reinforces Standard Bank’s role as a leading financier of strategic mergers and acquisitions across Africa, particularly those involving complex, multi-jurisdictional businesses.
– CAJ News