Harith secures regulatory approval for FlySafair acquisition
South African private equity firm Harith General Partners has secured competition approval for its proposed acquisition of FlySafair, the country's largest domestic airline, in a transaction that will expand the investor's exposure to the aviation and transport sectors, according to a report by Bloomberg.
South African private equity firm Harith General Partners has obtained competition approval for its intended acquisition of FlySafair, the nation's leading domestic airline, according to Bloomberg. The South African Competition Tribunal validated the transaction, which will see Harith Aviation take over FlySafair from Safair Holdings.
The deal is contingent on remaining regulatory clearances and other finalizing conditions, with completion anticipated before year-end 2026. Harith, managing approximately $3 billion in assets, will assume control of an airline responsible for more than 60% of South Africa's domestic seating capacity. FlySafair has grown from two aircraft at its inception in 2014 to a fleet exceeding 30, establishing a dominant position on the country's most critical domestic routes.
The acquisition is anticipated to constitute around 15% of Harith's investment portfolio and will be financed through a mix of debt and equity. Harith already owns a stake in Lanseria International Airport, prompting competition authorities to impose conditions aimed at safeguarding rival operators.
Written by urgent.news from Private Equity Wire's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
