Social Distancing And Masks To Continue Despite COVID-19 Vaccination

World Economic Forum
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Social Distancing And Masks To Continue Despite COVID-19 Vaccination

A majority of adults said they are likely to continue socially distancing and wearing a mask in public even if they are vaccinated against COVID-19.

However, confidence in returning to sporting events, eating in restaurants, flying and using public transport is mixed across countries.

These findings come from a new IPSOS/World Economic Forum survey that polled some 12,500 people. It was conducted between June 3-6, 2021, in Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In each of these nine countries, more than 75% say that, assuming they have received a vaccine for COVID-19, they definitely will continue or may continue socially distancing from others in public places. Depending on the country, between six and eight in ten say they definitely will continue or may continue wearing a mask in public.

Genya Dana, Head of Health and Healthcare at the World Economic Forum said: “The spread of the delta variant is likely causing people to take a pause and proceed with caution. In this dynamic and changing public health situation it is even more important for trusted sources to be providing timely and locally relevant information.”

Levels of certainty about continued social distancing and mask-wearing in public places vary across countries:

  • More than half of those surveyed in Brazil and just under half in Italy, the U.K., France, Mexico, and Germany say they definitely will continue social distancing in public places, compared to only one-third in Japan and the U.S. The U.S. shows the highest proportion saying that they will not continue or haven’t been socially distancing pre-vaccination (22%).
  • Gaps are even wider when it comes to mask-wearing in public: 57% in Brazil say they definitely will continue, compared to 27% in Germany. Germany and the U.S. have the largest proportions saying they will not continue or haven’t been wearing a mask (32% both).

COVID-19: Confidence about returning to various activities

How soon one feels confident resuming different activities after having received a vaccine for COVID-19 varies widely by type of activity and by country. For most activities measured, confidence tends to be most prevalent in Mexico, followed by Spain, Italy, and France, and lowest in Japan.

For relatively common or frequent activities, proportions of those saying they would do so immediately or in a few months range from:

  • 59% in Japan to 82% in Italy for eating in restaurants,
  • 48% in the U.S. to 67% in Mexico for using public transit, and
  • 38% in Japan to 62% in Mexico for attending sports events or concerts.

When it comes to flying, proportions of those saying they would do so immediately or in a few months vary depending on both their home country and the destination. They range from:

  • 38% in Japan to 72% in Mexico for flying with one’s own country,
  • 24% in Japan to 68% in Mexico for flying to other countries where the vaccine is available, and
  • 17% in Japan to 52% in Mexico for flying to other countries where the vaccine is not yet available.

About the Study

These are the results of an Ipsos survey conducted June 3 to 6, 2021 on the Global Advisor online platform among adults aged 18-74 in the United States and 16-74 in Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

Where results do not sum up to 100 or the ‘difference’ appears to be +/-1 more/less than the actual, this may be due to rounding, multiple responses, or the exclusion of “don’t know” or not stated responses.

BUA Cement Holds AGM, Declares ₦72.3B Profit After Tax, Pays ₦70B Dividend

Esan Bolaji
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BUA Cement Holds AGM, Declares ₦72.3B Profit After Tax, Pays ₦70B Dividend

08 July 2021 – BUA Cement Plc, one of Africa’s largest Cement companies, today held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the period ended December 31, 2020, whilst paying dividends of N70billion at N2.067k per ordinary share in a move that shareholders applauded. This is coming on the heels of a profitable year for the Cement producer with a turnover of N204bn and declared Profits After Tax of N72.3billion in the year under review.

BUA CEMENT

Speaking at the AGM, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Cement, whilst addressing shareholders and the press, praised the efforts of the Yusuf Binji led management, staff, and customers of the company for ensuring that BUA Cement remained the cement of choice for quality in Nigeria.

BUA CEMENT

In his comments on the increased demand for cement which had led to higher retail prices despite significantly lower ex-factory prices, Rabiu canvassed more investments in the cement industry saying that current national production levels across were not enough to meet the ever-increasing national demand for cement which was increasing at a rate over 3million metric tonnes per annum.

BUA CEMENT

He, therefore, canvassed new investments in the cement sector and encouraged other investors to develop new cement plants. It should be noted that BUA Cement is constructing a 3million metric tonnes which are expected to come on Stream in Sokoto by the end of 2021 with new plants already in the works.

In his comments, Yusuf Binji, Managing Director of BUA Cement Plc, said BUA Cement is committed to remaining a value-driven, oriented company that prioritizes excellence and product quality. He also added that the company was well-poised to sustain current profitability despite the very competitive landscape.

According to Binji, “Our value proposition, in terms of product and service support offerings has positioned BUA Cement as a market leader. In addition, we continue to prioritize innovation and continuous improvement, thereby ensuring the continued “fit” of our products to ever-changing customer demands and needs. We are also investing in the latest plant designs which not only drive efficiency but translate into value addition to our customers through the cost savings derived.

BUA Cement Plc is Nigeria’s second-largest cement company and the largest producer in its North-West, South-South, and South-East regions; BUA Cement operates strategically from Okpella, Edo State and Kalambaina, Sokoto State.

Currently, the second most capitalized manufacturing company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), BUA Cement is committed to quality – a differentiating attribute, driven by its people, innovation, and technology; and positioned to solving Nigeria’s cement under capacity while driving economic growth and development.

AAAN Organises 48TH AGM/Congress To Hold In Ibadan

Brand Spur
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AAAN Organises 48TH AGM/Congress To Hold In Ibadan

The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) has concluded plans to hold its 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM)/Congress. The AGM/Congress will hold at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th July 2021.

The theme for this year’s AGM/Congress is “Boom, Gloom and Doom! Where do we sit?”.

AAAN
From Left-Right; Doyin Adewumi, Chairman, Events Planning Committee, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria’s 48th Annual General Meeting; Kemi Fabusoro, Director, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria; Steve Babaeko, President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria and Jenkins Alumona, Vice President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, at the Press Conference for the 48th Annual General Meeting of the Association which held in Lagos today | Brand Spur Nigeria

Mr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, will be among prominent dignitaries at the 48th Annual General Meeting/Congress of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria. The Governor is expected to declare open the AGM. The Honourable Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed will also be in attendance as the Special Guest of Honour.

The President of the Association, Mr Steve Babaeko stated that the Association’s AGM is a platform to actively engage in intellectual and critical discourse on the challenges facing the business and practice of Advertising in Nigeria and advocate unconventional solutions in rebuilding and rebranding the industry.

The Chairman of the Events Planning Committee, Mr. Doyin Adewumi stated that the Association has come to a decision to invite leading experts in their fields to lead the discourse on the theme. He further stated that the impact of the discourse will be beneficial to delegates and members of the Association.

To emphasize the importance of the AGM, the Association has invited Mr. Abubakar Suleiman (MD, Sterling Bank Plc), Mitchell Elegbe (MD/CEO, Interswitch) and Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (Founder, Future Africa) as speakers.

The panellists include,

  • Mrs. Cherry Eromosele, Group Chief Marketing & Corporate Communications Officer, Interswitch,
  • Mrs. Bukola Akingbade, CEO, Image and Time,
  • Mr. Lanre Adisa, CEO, Noah’s Ark,
  • Mr. Tunde Dosekun, Managing Director, DDB Lagos,
  • Miss Nnenna Onyewuchi, Co-Founder/Director of Strategy, Yellow Brick Road,
  • Mr. Dipo Adesida, Chief Operating Officer of Verdant Zeal Group.

He added that in recognition of meritorious service, some senior members will be honoured and given special recognition awards. Also, young practitioners who have shown exceptional leadership will also be recognised at the AGM/Congress.

The Association’s AGM is always a major event in the nation’s marketing communications calendar and it always attracts overwhelming local and foreign coverage.

This year’s AGM promises to be engaging, memorable and will clearly impact positively on the delegates and the industry at large.

Microsoft announces redemption notice

Esan Bolaji
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Microsoft announces redemption notice

July 8, 2021 – Microsoft today announced it will redeem all of the Company’s outstanding 2.125% Notes due Dec. 6, 2021, issued in the principal amount of €1,750,000,000.

The Notes will be redeemed on Sept. 6, 2021, pursuant to their terms and conditions for an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding the redemption date.

Microsoft revenue growth improves to 17% in Q2 on cloud demand, net profit up 33% Brandspurng

Holders of the Notes should refer to the notice of redemption delivered to the registered holders of the Notes by Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., the trustee with respect to the Notes.

Hyundai Motor And Kia Collaborate With Next Hydrogen To Develop Advanced Alkaline Water Electrolysis System

Brand Spur
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Hyundai Motor And Kia Collaborate With Next Hydrogen To Develop Advanced Alkaline Water Electrolysis System

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding with Next Hydrogen Corporation, a Canadian company specializing in water electrolysis technology and a subsidiary of Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc., bolstering their efforts to usher in a global hydrogen society through cost-effective production of clean hydrogen.

Under the agreement, the companies will jointly develop an alkaline water electrolysis system[1] and its related stack for the purpose of generating green hydrogen economically and exploring new business opportunities and technological applications.

Today it is expensive and time-consuming to produce clean hydrogen. Due to this reason, Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Next Hydrogen are looking to improve the price competitiveness of clean hydrogen in consideration of regional climate and environmental characteristics. The companies, which are expanding their base by examining the strengths and weaknesses of various water electrolysis technologies, agreed to explore the possibility of alkaline water electrolysis system among various water electrolysis technologies this time.

Among the various methods of water electrolysis, the alkaline water electrolysis system is regarded as technologically one of the most rigorously tested and proven means with a long track record of research and development. Also, it has the advantage of being able to produce large-scale hydrogen and using relatively inexpensive catalysts, making facility costs low.

The aim is to advance stack-related technologies that are at the core of the alkaline water electrolysis system to reduce the cost of building the system and maintaining/operating the system. The key benefit to be derived from the project is that by enhancing the performance of stack-related technologies in the alkaline water electrolysis process, it will be possible to develop a new stack which can be operated at high current density[2] and produce green hydrogen economically.

The newly developed stack will use Hyundai Motor and Kia’s component technology related to electrodes, bipolar plates and current collectors, combined with Next Hydrogen’s design technology. Hyundai Motor and Kia will also oversee the test performance of the new stack. A pilot test is planned for next year, and the companies will also explore potential technological applications and commercial arrangements.

“We are pleased to partner with Next Hydrogen specializing in state-of-the-art water electrolysis technology. This partnership is another leap forward for our hydrogen business and will be our first step into the alkaline water electrolysis market,” said Jae-Hyuk Oh, Vice President and Head of Energy Business Development Group at Hyundai Motor Group. “We believe our technology will be an excellent match for Next Hydrogen’s technology, and this synergy will help achieve our goal to provide our customers with cost-effective green hydrogen.”

“Next Hydrogen’s innovative water electrolysis stack design technology is an ideal solution for enabling the economical production of green hydrogen,” said Raveel Afzaal, President and CEO of Next Hydrogen. “We are extremely appreciative of the opportunity to work with Hyundai Motor and Kia, given their industry leadership as champions of this technology. This partnership is expected to accelerate efforts to address the incredible emerging opportunities in sustainable transportation globally.”

Among the varieties of hydrogen produced by different methods, the conveniently called “green” hydrogen is one of the cleanest varieties, generating zero carbon emissions, as it is produced using water electrolysis powered by renewable energies such as offshore wind. Hailed as the “fuel of the future” for its eco-friendliness, green hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize the world’s industrial and transport sectors.

Apart from green hydrogen, the so-called “grey” hydrogen is made with fossil fuels and emit CO2 into the air as they combust, while the so-called “blue” hydrogen is produced the same way, but its carbon-capture technologies prevent CO2 from being released into the air and instead store carbon dioxide deep underground.

Due to high production costs, many hydrogen companies around the world are researching ways to advance their water electrolysis technologies for producing green hydrogen more economically. This common goal has brought Hyundai Motor Group and Next Hydrogen together to develop the technology as a more cost-efficient solution.

Hyundai Motor Group, the parent of Hyundai Motor and Kia, has recently introduced ‘HTWO’, a new brand representing the Group’s world-leading hydrogen fuel cell system. The Group is stepping up its efforts to develop a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell system that can be applied to various forms of mobility such as urban air mobility (UAM), automobiles, vessels and trains and beyond.

Nielsen Strengthens Market Leading Position In TV Attribution And Ad Intelligence With Acquisition Of TVTY

Brand Spur
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Nielsen Strengthens Market Leading Position In TV Attribution And Ad Intelligence With Acquisition Of TVTY

Global data, measurement, and analytics company, Nielsen has acquired TVTY, a leading TV attribution provider and ad monitoring company based in Paris, France. Financial terms were not disclosed.

TVTY brings a wide range of outcomes capabilities that improve TV campaign execution. TVTY’s solutions enable advertisers and agencies to seamlessly optimize their spending based on the outcomes most important to their business. TVTY will complement and expand Nielsen’s TV Attribution and Ad Intel services.

Nielsen’s Chief Growth Officer and President, International, Sean Cohan said, “We’re excited to welcome TVTY into the Nielsen family. The acquisition of TVTY aligns to Nielsen’s strategy to deliver cross-media outcomes as a complement to audience measurement. TVTY bolsters Nielsen’s ability to size an audience with analytics.

Nielsen offers marketers full-funnel search, interest and sales metrics, enabling them to operate with speed and granularity. We offer valuable data insights to plan, optimize and assess the performance of spend across channels and markets. Together we will be powering a better media future for marketers.”

Eliott Reilhac, CEO of TVTY, added, “We believe that TV advertising will be increasingly bought and optimized based on business outcomes. We are grateful for the passionate team, partners, and clients that have allowed us to build the platform needed for this new reality. Today, we are humbled to join the Nielsen family, and we know there is no better place to achieve our vision on a global scale.”

TVTY is a tech company with a presence in New York, London, Madrid, Paris & Lyon and operates in more than 20 countries worldwide. TVTY offers its premium advertising solutions to top-tier brands.

Tax Fraud: DSTV In Trouble As FIRS Appoints Banks To Recover N1.8Trillion

Brand Spur
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Tax Fraud: DSTV In Trouble As FIRS Appoints Banks To Recover N1.8Trillion

Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Mohammad Nami said he has appointed all deposit money banks where MultiChoice Nigeria Limited (MCN) and MultiChoice Africa (MCA), owners of DSTV maintain accounts as agents to recover N1.8 trillion outstanding taxes.

Scandalously, FIRS added, the parent company, which provides services to MCN has never paid Value Added Tax (VAT) since its inception.

“They (foreign companies) do with impunity in Nigeria what they dare not try in their countries of origin,” the tax agency lamented.

A statement from FIRS on Thursday morning accused the companies of continued refusal to grant FIRS access to its servers for audit.

“It was discovered that the companies persistently breached all agreements and undertakings with the Service, they would not promptly respond to correspondences, they lacked data integrity and are not transparent as they continually deny FIRS access to their records.

“Particularly, MCN has avoided giving the FIRS accurate information on the number of its subscribers and income. The companies are involved in the under-remittance of taxes which necessitated a critical review of the tax-compliance level of the company,” FIRS said

Tax Fraud: DSTV In Trouble As FIRS Appoints Banks To Recover N1.8Trillion

“The group’s performance does not reflect in its tax obligations and compliance level in Nigeria.

“The level of non-compliance by Multi-Choice Africa (MCA), the parent Company of Multi-Choice Nigeria (MCN) is very alarming.

“The issue with Tax collection in Nigeria, especially from foreign-based Companies conducting businesses in Nigeria and making massive profits is frustrating and infuriating to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). “Regrettably, Companies come into Nigeria just to infringe on our tax laws by indulging in tax evasion.

“There is no doubt that broadcasting, telecommunications and the cable-satellite industries have changed the face of communication in Nigeria.

“However, when it comes to tax compliance, some companies are found wanting.

“Information currently at the disposal of FIRS has revealed a tax liability for relevant years of assessment for ₦1,822,923,909,313.94 (One trillion, eight hundred and twenty-two billion, nine hundred and twenty-three million, nine hundred and nine thousand, three hundred and thirteen naira, ninety-four kobo only) and $342,531,206 (Three hundred and forty-two million, five hundred and thirty-one thousand, two hundred and six dollars only).

“In this regard, the affected banks are required to sweep balances in each of the above-mentioned entities’ accounts and pay the same in full or part settlement of the companies’ respective tax debts until FULL recovery.

“This should be done before the execution of any transaction involving the companies or any of their subsidiaries.

FIRS requested the banks to inform it of any transactions before execution on the accounts, especially transfers of funds to any of their subsidiaries.”

Global food prices fall for the first time in 12 months – FAO

Esan Bolaji
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Global food prices fall for the first time in 12 months – FAO

FAO Food Prices Index fell by 2.5 percent in June, after a year of consecutive increases

8 July 2021 – Global food commodity prices fell in June for the first time in 12 months, according to a benchmark United Nations report released today.

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 124.6 points in June 2021, down 2.5 percent from May, but still 33.9 percent higher than its level in the same period last year. The decline in June marked the first drop in the Index following twelve consecutive monthly increases.

food prices
The FAO Food Price Index fell in June for the first time in 12 months. | Brand Spur Nigeria

The FAO Food Prices Index tracks changes in the international prices of the most globally traded food commodities. The drop in June reflected declines in the prices of vegetable oils, cereals and, though more moderately, dairy products, which more than offset generally higher meat and sugar quotations.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index fell by 9.8 percent in the month, marking a four-month low. The sizeable month-on-month drop mainly reflects lower international prices of palm, soy and sunflower oils.

The FAO Cereal Price Index fell by a more moderate 2.6 percent from May, but remained 33.8 percent higher than its value in June 2020. International maize prices dropped by 5.0 percent, led by falling prices in Argentina due to increased supplies from recent harvests as a result of higher-than-earlier expected yields.

inflation rate Food prices trade FOOD FORTIFICATION World food prices rise for 7th month in a row in December

International wheat prices declined slightly by 0.8 percent in June, with a favourable global outlook supported by improved production prospects in many key producers outweighing most of the upward pressure from dry conditions affecting crops in North America.

The FAO Dairy Price Index fell by 1 percent to 119.9 points in June. International quotations for all dairy products represented in the index fell, with butter registering the highest drop, underpinned by a fast decline in global import demand and a slight increase in inventories, especially in Europe.

The FAO Sugar Price Index moved against the overall food price trend, rising by 0.9 percent month-on-month, marking the third consecutive monthly increase and reaching a new multi-year high. Uncertainties over the impact of unfavourable weather conditions on crop yields in Brazil, the world’s largest sugar exporter, exerted upward pressure on prices.

The FAO Meat Price Index also rose by 2.1 percent over the month to June, continuing the increases for the ninth consecutive month and placing the index 15.6 percent above its value in the corresponding month last year, but still 8.0 percent below its peak reached in August 2014.

World cereal inventories expected to rise for the first time since 2017/18

FAO’s forecast for global cereal production in 2021 has been lowered marginally to 2 817 million tonnes, according to the latest Cereal Supply and Demand Brief released today. However, the figure remains 1.7 percent, or 47.8 million tonnes, higher than in 2020, which would mark a new record high.

Forecasts for world coarse grains production have been cut back to 1 513 million tonnes, 3 million tonnes below last month’s expectation. A large cut to the Brazilian maize production forecast accounts for the bulk of the expected global decline, with prolonged periods of dry weather dragging down yield expectations.

World wheat output in 2021 has been lowered by 1 million tonnes to 784.7 million tonnes, still 1.2 percent higher year-on-year, as the dry weather conditions in the Near East cut back yield prospects.

By contrast, the forecast of global rice production in 2021 has undergone a slight upward adjustment since June, with a record of 519.5 million tonnes of rice now expected to be harvested in 2021, up 1.0 percent from 2020.

World cereal utilization in 2021/22 has been lowered by 15 million tonnes from the previous month to 2 810 million tonnes, nevertheless still 1.5 percent higher than in 2020/21. The downward revision comes largely from lower-than-earlier-anticipated utilization of maize in China for animal feed.

World cereal stocks by the close of seasons in 2021/22 are now forecast to rise above their opening levels for the first time since 2017/18, following a sharp upward revision to 836 million tonnes, up 2.4 percent from last year’s relatively tight level. Higher maize stocks foreseen in China account for the bulk of this month’s upward revision to world cereal inventories.

FAO’s latest forecast for world trade in cereals in 2021/22 has been raised slightly since June and now stands at a record 472 million tonnes, driven primarily by likely large maize purchases from China taking global maize trade to record levels.

Food insecurity and COVID-19

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily in terms of income losses, have exacerbated vulnerabilities and heightened existing levels of food insecurity according to the latest Crop Prospects and Food Situation Report, which will also be released on Thursday. FAO assesses that globally 45 countries, including 34 in Africa, 9 in Asia and 2 in Latin America and the Caribbean, are in need of external assistance for food, with conflicts and climate-related shocks continuing to underpin the high levels of severe food insecurity.

The Crop Prospects and Food Situation report also provides the latest data on Low-Income Food Deficit Countries (LIFDCs). According to the most recent assessments, total cereal production of the 47 LIFDCs is forecast to decline by 2.1 percent in 2021, to 190 million tonnes.

The drop mostly relates to expected production downturns in Near East Asian countries, notably in Afghanistan and the Syrian Arab Republic, where widespread and prolonged drought conditions cut yields and dampened this year’s production prospects.

Among the LIFDCs in Africa, scarce rainfall in Somalia is expected to result in a sizeable production decline, and small reductions are also likely in several West African countries, where conflicts continue to erode farming households’ productive capacities. In Southern African countries, production upturns are expected to boost households’ food availability and partly offset some negative effects from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 45 countries in need of external assistance for food are:

  • Afghanistan
  • Bangladesh
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cabo Verde
  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Congo
  • Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Djibouti
  • Eritrea
  • Eswatini
  • Ethiopia
  • Guinea
  • Haiti
  • Iraq
  • Kenya
  • Lebanon
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Mali
  • Mauritania
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Namibia
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • Syrian
  • Arab Republic
  • United Republic of Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Venezuela
  • Yemen
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Kantar Acquisition Of Numerator Completes, Creating A Global Leader In Shopper Behaviour

Kantar
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Kantar Acquisition Of Numerator Completes, Creating A Global Leader In Shopper Behaviour

Kantar, the world’s leading data-driven insights and consulting company, today completed its acquisition of Numerator, the Chicago-based, tech-driven consumer and market intelligence company from Vista Equity Partners.

Numerator blends proprietary data, including a digital panel of over one million U.S. consumers, with advanced technology to create unique insights that help companies understand their customers in real-time and identify growth opportunities.

Numerator extends Kantar’s leadership in shopper insights into the U.S. and Canada. The Worldpanel Division of Kantar already provides ‘currency grade’ shopper insights in more than 45 countries outside of North America. The combined dataset will provide insights into the shopping habits of almost five billion consumers globally, informing the growth strategies of the world’s leading CPG/FMCG brands.

Commenting on the transaction completion, Ian Griffiths, Kantar’s Deputy CEO and CFO, commented: “At Kantar, we combine consumer insights with advanced analytics to help brands make better business decisions. Understanding actual shopper behavior is at the heart of that. We identified Numerator for its tech-first platform and geographic compatibility with Kantar.

With the backing of our shareholders at Bain Capital & WPP, our investment in Numerator illustrates our commitment to ensuring we offer the most comprehensive and insightful views of how consumers think, feel and act around the world.”

Christophe Jacobs, a Managing Director at Bain Capital, added: “Numerator is well positioned to further transform the consumer insights and market share measurement business in North America. The acceleration of Kantar’s and Numerator’s technology roadmaps, together with their complementary offerings creates a new global standard.”< /p>

Eric Belcher, CEO of Numerator, added: “Kantar is the ideal company for Numerator to join forces with given our complementary geographies, technologies and data science capabilities. On top of that, we’re pleased to have Bain Capital’s commitment to providing their extensive resources in support of our plans to continue to lead the industry in innovation.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not released.

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to certain of our current expectations and projections about future events. These statements reflect management’s beliefs and expectations and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from any expected future outcomes expressed or implied by the forward-looking statement.

The information contained in this announcement is subject to change without notice and, except as required by applicable law, we do not assume any responsibility or obligation to update publicly or review any of the forward-looking statements contained in it. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as at the date of this announcement.

SSA Mergers and Acquisition Transactions Stood at $6.1B in Q1 2021

Esan Bolaji
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0
SSA Mergers and Acquisition Transactions Stood at $6.1B in Q1 2021

Refinitiv released the first quarter of 2021 investment banking analysis for Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the report titled “Sub-Saharan African Investment Banking Review”, The value of announced Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) transactions with any Sub-Saharan African involvement reached US$6.1 billion during the first three months of 2021, almost level with the value recorded during the same period in 2020, and a five-year low.

The Refinitiv Mergers & Acquisitions database tracks changes in economic ownership at the ultimate parent level in going business concerns. All deals involving the purchase of at least a 5% stake, or 3% with a value of at least US$1 million are tracked, subject to criteria.

The number of deals declined 14% over the same period to the lowest first-quarter tally since 2014. M&A involving a Sub-Saharan African target increased 73% year-on-year to US$4.3 billion during the first quarter of 2021.

Mergers and Acquisition

Domestic deals increased 67% from last year to US$2.5 billion, while inbound deals, involving an acquiror outside of Sub-Saharan Africa, increased 83% to US$1.8 billion. Meanwhile, Sub-Saharan African outbound M&A totalled US$721.4 million during the first quarter of 2021, down 66% year-on-year to the lowest first-quarter level in six years.

Refinitiv, an LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) business, is one of the world’s largest providers of financial markets data and infrastructure

The Zambian Government, through its mining investment arm ZCCM Investment Holdings, acquired the Mopani Copper Mines for US$1.5 billion in January. The acquisition is the largest deal in the region to be announced so far during 2021.

With advisory work on deals worth a combined U$668.5 million, BofA Securities held the top spot in the financial advisor ranking for deals with any Sub-Saharan African involvement during Q1 2021.

INVESTMENT BANKING FEES

An estimated US$99.3 million worth of investment banking fees were generated in Sub-Saharan Africa during the first quarter of 2021, down 39% from the same period in 2020 and the lowest first-quarter total since 2014.

While debt capital markets underwriting fees doubled to US$47.1 million, the highest first-quarter total since our records began in 1980, fees from equity capital markets underwriting, M&A advisory and syndicated lending all declined from the first quarter of 2020. Equity fees declined 42% to US$21.8 million, while syndicated lending fees declined 74% to US$15.0 million.

Advisory fees earned in the region from completed M&A transactions reached US$15.5 million, down 65% from last year to the lowest first-quarter total since 2005. Seventy-two percent of all Sub-Saharan African fees were generated in South Africa during the first quarter of 2021, and 39% were earned from deals in the financial sector.

B Riley Financial Inc. earned the most investment banking fees in the region during the first quarter of 2021, a total of US$19.8 million or a 20% share of the total fee pool.

EQUITY CAPITAL MARKETS

Sub-Saharan African equity and equity-related issuance reached just US$18.4 million during the first quarter of 2021, the lowest first-quarter total since 1999. Only Nigeria payments processing firm eTranzact raised new equity funds from its follow-on offering. There were no initial public offerings.

PAC Capital, Meristem Securities and Standard Bank Group share first place in the Sub-Saharan African ECM underwriting league table during the first quarter of 2021.

DEBT CAPITAL MARKETS

Sub-Saharan African debt issuance totalled US$12.1 billion during the first quarter of 2021, up 36% from the value recorded during the same period in 2020 and the highest first-quarter total since 2018. The number of issues declined 6% over the same period.

With Ghana’s government’s Eurobond raising US$2.9 billion and The African Development Bank’s $2.5 billion 5-year Benchmark bond, March 2021 saw more proceeds raised from bond issuance in Sub-Saharan Africa than any other month since May 2018, a total of US$7.4 billion. Government & Agency issuance accounted for 64% of proceeds raised during the first quarter of 2021.

Standard Chartered took the top spot in the Sub-Saharan African bond book-runner ranking during the first quarter of 2021, with US$1.4 billion of related proceeds, or an 11.5% market share.

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