JOHANNESBURG - Ninety One, the asset management arm of South Africa-based banking group Investec, said it was pressing ahead with its listing on March 16, despite the recent sell off in markets sparked by the spread of coronavirus.
The group said on Monday it had set a price range of 190 to 235 pence per share, valuing itself at 1.75 billion to 2.1 billion pounds ($2.25 billion to $2.70 billion).
Global stocks fell 10.2% last week as concerns about the impact of coronavirus escalated, prompting speculation that stock exchange floats would have to be pulled.
“In spite of the current backdrop of market volatility and uncertainty, we remain committed to the execution of this transaction, because of its long-term benefits,” Hendrik du Toit, founder and chief executive of Ninety One, said in a statement.
The planned global offer in London and Johannesburg is expected to raise 181.9 million to 226.1 million pounds, Ninety One said.
Investec manages 121 billion pounds in assets and announced plans to split off its asset management business last year, copying similar demerger moves by Prudential, Old Mutual, and Deutsche Bank as fees fall and costs rise in the fund management sector.
A prospectus with full details of the offer is expected to be published later on Monday.
Ninety One said it intends to have a free float representing 60-65% of its combined total issued share capital. The company expects to be included in several stock indexes, including the FTSE UK Index Series.
Ninety One said it had net inflows of 3.2 billion pounds and an operating profit before exceptional items of 97.3 million pounds for the six months ended 30 Sept. 2019.