Red Disa has acquired a majority stake in WP Professional Rugby Pty Ltd, approved by the South African Competition Commission, sparking excitement in South Africa’s rugby scene. The consortium behind the deal includes Fynbos Ekwiteit, Ardagh Glass Packaging, and Marble Head Investments, working towards reshaping the rugby landscape in the Western Province. The news coincided with the DHL Stormers preparing for a match against La Rochelle, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the rugby team under the new ownership. The future looks promising, with a broader vision of leveraging strategic partnerships and investments to reshape the rugby landscape in the Western Province.
A New Era: Red Disa Acquires Control of WP Rugby
Tying Sports and Business Together
Red Disa has acquired a majority stake in WP Professional Rugby Pty Ltd, which has been approved by the South African Competition Commission. The acquisition has increased enthusiasm in South Africa’s rugby scene, coinciding with a match between the DHL Stormers and La Rochelle. The consortium behind the deal consists of Fynbos Ekwiteit, Ardagh Glass Packaging, and Marble Head Investments, all working towards reshaping the rugby landscape in the Western Province.
In a monumental event, Red Disa has successfully acquired a majority stake in WP Professional Rugby Pty Ltd, inflaming enthusiasm in South Africa’s rugby scene. The South African Competition Commission has granted approval for the deal, much to the delight of rugby enthusiasts, and not least, DHL Stormers coach John Dobson. Dobson joyously compared the news to an early Christmas gift for everyone involved in rugby in the Western Province.
Tying Sports and Business Together
The news coincided nicely with the DHL Stormers preparing for a showdown against the reigning Investec Champions Cup victors, La Rochelle from France. This synchronicity made the moment all the more significant, signifying not just the beginning of the Stormers’ journey in a renowned European competition, but also marking the commencement of a new chapter for the rugby team.
The DHL Stormers have a proud history at their home stadium, playing host to six consecutive Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoff games and two back-to-back finals. They also hold the record for the highest turnout of 56,600 spectators during a final against Munster. Now, the DHL Stadium is getting ready to host the current Champions Cup winners, setting the stage for an exhilarating match under the anticipated glorious Saturday afternoon sunshine.
A Consortium of Powerhouses
The acquisition deal was backed by a substantial section of the WPRFU General Council’s constituent clubs, resulting in 74% ownership of WP Professional Rugby Pty Ltd going to Red Disa. WPRFU retains the remaining 26%. The consortium of Red Disa consists of Cape Town’s Fynbos Ekwiteit, global heavyweight Ardagh Glass Packaging with a significant South African presence, and Marble Head Investments. This alliance of local and international entities is a commendable blend of diverse sectors.
For Fynbos Ekwiteit, part of the consortium, the stake in the DHL Stormers and WP Rugby provides a chance to strengthen Cape Town’s rugby legacy. Johan le Roux, representing Fynbos Ekwiteit, conveyed their excitement about the project and the ambition to establish a global prominence in rugby. Paul Curnow, CEO of Ardagh Glass Packaging, also expressed his delight at the Competition Commission giving the deal the go-ahead. He expressed optimism about transforming the DHL Stormers into the sport’s leading team and talked about Ardagh’s numerous initiatives in South Africa, including expanding capacity in the Nigel facility and setting up the Africa IT Centre of Excellence in Cape Town.
Entities Behind the Deal
The Red Disa consortium is an interesting mix. Fynbos Ekwiteit, part of the consortium, is an investment holding firm based in Cape Town, with its economic rights held by the Fynbos Trust. The Trust was set up by Capitec founder Michiel le Roux, with the aim of promoting South Africa in various areas, including sports, culture, and education. Another consortium member, Ardagh Glass Packaging, is the top glass packaging company in South Africa, employing nearly 2,000 people and operating production facilities in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Topping off the consortium is Marble Head Investments, led by Andre van der Veen.
The Future of Rugby in the Western Province
This transformative deal resonates with a broader vision of reshaping the rugby landscape in the Western Province by leveraging strategic partnerships and prudent investments. The future looks promising and filled with anticipation. As the DHL Stormers take the field under the new ownership, we can only anticipate a renewed vigor that aligns with the consortium’s grand vision.
1. What is Red Disa, and what has it acquired in WP Rugby?
Red Disa is a consortium consisting of Fynbos Ekwiteit, Ardagh Glass Packaging, and Marble Head Investments. It has acquired a majority stake (74%) in WP Professional Rugby Pty Ltd, which has been approved by the South African Competition Commission.
2. What is the significance of this acquisition to South Africa’s rugby scene?
The acquisition has sparked excitement in South Africa’s rugby scene. It coincided with the DHL Stormers preparing for a match against La Rochelle, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the rugby team under the new ownership.
3. Who are the entities behind the deal, and what are their backgrounds?
The Red Disa consortium consists of Fynbos Ekwiteit, an investment holding firm based in Cape Town; Ardagh Glass Packaging, the top glass packaging company in South Africa; and Marble Head Investments, led by Andre van der Veen.
4. What is the future of rugby in the Western Province under Red Disa’s ownership?
The acquisition resonates with a broader vision of reshaping the rugby landscape in the Western Province by leveraging strategic partnerships and prudent investments.
5. What is the history of the DHL Stormers at their home stadium?
The DHL Stormers have a proud history at their home stadium, playing host to six consecutive Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoff games and two back-to-back finals. They also hold the record for the highest turnout of 56,600 spectators during a final against Munster.
6. What is the composition of the Red Disa consortium, and what are their ambitions for WP Rugby?
The Red Disa consortium is a blend of diverse sectors, consisting of Fynbos Ekwiteit, Ardagh Glass Packaging, and Marble Head Investments. Their ambition is to establish global prominence in rugby and transform the DHL Stormers into the sport’s leading team.
