Mmegi

Gov’t weighs options as De Beers race peaks

Changing hands: The takeover of De Beers is nearing a final decision PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Changing hands: The takeover of De Beers is nearing a final decision PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Government has selected a high-profile team of advisors to conduct due diligence into the De Beers transaction, as reports emerge indicating that a consortium, led by a former company executive, has been selected by Anglo American as the preferred bidder.

Sources close to the transaction told BusinessWeek that Anglo American’s selection of the Global Diamond Consortium as preferred bidder did not mean talks with other parties were closed off. BusinessWeek has established that the consortium is led by former De Beers CEO, Gareth Penny, an experienced diamond veteran with experience up and down the industry’s pipeline.

Responding to supplementary questions in Parliament on Friday, Minister for State, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa, said Botswana had engaged globally renowned advisory, Lazard and Swiss-based CBH Bank, as core advisors for the due diligence.

Editor's Comment
Gov't must guard against cadre deployment

As the Botswana National Front (BNF) discusses a policy to place suitably qualified members in strategic positions, the guiding consideration should remain whether an individual is the best person to serve the country. There is nothing wrong with qualified party members applying for public positions. Political affiliation should neither disqualify a capable candidate nor give them an advantage over others. Every Motswana deserves a fair...

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