Family enterprises should list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to ensure their long-term sustainability and to preserve the legacy of their founders.
Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) CEO Frank Mwiti said that listing on the NSE enables businesses to outlive their founders by injecting in new leadership, ownership, and supporting organisational structures.
Mwiti added that listing also grants family businesses more options to raise much-needed capital.
“There are other instruments that family businesses can use such as commercial papers and corporate bonds, which can act as alternatives to bank loans,” said Mwiti at the Shri Krishana Overseas Ltd (SKL) networking dinner.
Family-owned businesses which make a majority of enterprises in the country opt to stay private, in a bid to maintain control, avoid regulatory burdens, and sustain traditional business models.
Traditionally, such firms have been reluctant to relinquish control, preferring to maintain closely held ownership structures.
Mwiti, however maintains that listing has the advantage of seeing the owners of these businesses unlock the value of the shareholding especially when the market is on an upward trend.
SKL, a packaging solutions provider, announced its intention to list by introduction on the NSE in July 2024.
The packager plans to list by introduction on the NSE’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Market Segment pending the successful submission of its application to the NSE and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).
If the CMA grants approval, SKL will become the first packaging solutions company to be listed on the NSE and the exchange’s first new listing since 2020.
SKL Managing Director and Founder Sonvir Singh said that the company is planning to expand its capacity to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging from the floriculture, horticulture, and pharmaceutical companies.
“Listing on the NSE’s SME Market
Segment is a strategic decision that
will provide Shri Krishana Overseas
with access to the capital markets,
enabling us to raise funds and accelerate our expansion plans in the near
future,” said Sonvir.