A South African-led consortium, including Altvest Capital, 27four, EasyEquities, and RainFin, has formally submitted its Expression of Interest (EOI) to the South African Rugby Union (SARU) for the management and commercialization of the iconic Springbok brand’s commercial rights.
The consortium is committed to broad-based ownership for all South Africans. Wheatley stated,
Why can’t the car guard at Loftus, the fan in the Eastern Cape, or the institution in Sandton all own a piece of ‘Springbok equity’? Let’s empower OUR players, OUR nation—every South African—to share in the pride and success of OUR Boks.
This proposal seeks up to a 40% stake in SARU’s commercial rights, aiming to unlock rugby’s global potential through inclusivity, grassroots development, and innovation, while preserving SARU’s majority ownership. This is more than a commercial endeavor; it’s a rallying call to every South African to share in the pride, legacy, and future of our beloved Springboks.
“We are incredibly excited to present a compelling proposition that combines the rich legacy of the Springboks with a forward-thinking approach to global sports commercialization,” said Warren Wheatley, CEO of Altvest Capital. “Our consortium’s expertise across private equity, asset management, and innovative financial solutions uniquely positions us to enhance the Springbok brand and maximize its value for the benefit of all South Africans.” South African Rugby Union (SARU) is responsible for the management and commercialization of the iconic Springbok brand’s commercial rights.
Key highlights of the EOI include:
- Inclusive Ownership: Offering both retail and institutional investment opportunities to enable South Africans from all walks of life to share in the success of the Springboks.
- Strategic Collaboration: A commitment to co-developing innovative commercial strategies with SARU, ensuring alignment with long-term goals.
- Fan-Centric Innovation: Exploring cutting-edge technologies, such as tokenization and interactive platforms, to elevate the fan experience.
- Grassroots Development: Allocating resources to support the growth of rugby at all levels, from schools to professional leagues.
The consortium envisions SARU retaining a controlling stake of 60-80% while benefiting from new funding streams and strategic expertise to grow the Springbok brand globally. The consortium also have expressly stated their intention to collaborate with other bidders and strategic partners as required and are already entertaining discussion in this regard.
“We believe this partnership has the potential to not only elevate the Springbok brand to new global heights but also to make a lasting impact on South African communities through grassroots rugby development,” Wheatley added.
The consortium looks forward to further engagement with SARU and other stakeholders as this historic initiative unfolds.
