Description of Activities

Description: The Commission resolved to approve without conditions the proposed transaction concerns a share acquisition by RCL Group Services Proprietary Limited (“RCL Group Services”) of Martin & Martin Proprietary Limited (“M&M”) from Simrose Overseas S.A. (Simrose Overseas, including its South African-owned brands) along with select brands held by Simrose Investments S.A. (“Simrose Investments”) for specified territories including Sub-Saharan Africa and, in certain cases, the Middle East. 

Acquiring group: The primary acquiring undertaking is RCL Group Services, a company incorporated within the laws of South Africa, and it is a subsidiary of RCL FOODS Limited (“RCL FOODS”), listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and controlled by Remgro Limited. The acquiring group produces a wide range of branded and private label food products, including culinary, pet food, sugar, flour, bread, beverage products and logistical services.  The acquiring group derives turnover from Namibia through the supply of a range of branded pet food products, namely: Bobtail, Canine Cuisine, Catmor, Dogmor, Bonzo and Optimizor. In addition to pet food, the acquiring group also supplies Nola mayonnaise, Number 1 Mageu, Yum Yum peanut butter, Ouma rusks, Nola sunflower oil, and Piemans pies.

Target undertaking: The primary target undertaking is M&M, including its South African-owned brands, as well as selected brands held by Simrose Investments in relation to specified territories, including Sub-Saharan Africa and, in certain cases, the Middle East. M&M is a company incorporated in accordance with the laws of South Africa. M&M produces and sells a portfolio of pet food and pet care products, including wet dog and cat food, biscuits, treats, and pet care items marketed under well-known and trusted brands such as Husky, Pamper, Beeno, and Bob Martin.

Relevant market: Defined the relevant market as the supply of pet food products in Namibia. 

Merger Determination

The Commission found the proposed transaction unlikely to result in the prevention or substantial lessening of competition or result in any undertaking to acquire or strengthen a dominant position in the market and did not raise any public interest concerns.

Merger Determination No.5 of 2026