In line with its strategic intent of reducing debt and improving liquidity, EOH has disposed of its 30% stake in Construction Computer Software (Pty) Ltd, and the entirety of its ownership of LSD Information Technology Proprietary Limited.

The EOH stated strategic intent of reorganising the group and creating a fit-for-purpose capital structure that is adequately supported by its cashflows, the group is pleased to announce the disposal of its stakes in Construction Computer Software (Pty) Ltd (CCS) and LSD Information Technology Proprietary Limited (LSD). Both transactions will strengthen the group’s balance sheet in line with EOH’s strategic intent.

In July 2019, EOH Mthombo sold 70% of its shares in CCS to RIB Limited (RIB). The remaining 30% shareholding in CCS was retained as EOH planned to participate in the growth of CCS through RIB’s broader distribution and development network. EOH and CCS also entered into a reciprocal put and call option in terms of a shareholders’ agreement for the disposal of the remaining 30% of the issued ordinary share capital of CCS. Additionally 10% of the purchase price being R44,439,000 was held in escrow till 31 July 2021 as security for warranties given and adjusted downwards for any claims made against the Seller in accordance with the terms of the SPA. No claims have been made against this escrow to date.

EOH is pleased to announce that RIB has requested an acceleration of the call option to purchase the remaining 30% of the issued ordinary share capital of CCS for a consideration of R143 million effective no later than 31 May 2020. The acceleration of the call option in respect of the remaining 30% will add to EOH’s deleveraging program, while giving RIB complete control over the business and allow greater flexibility and autonomy as it navigates the current uncertainty in the global economy..

Additionally, RIB has agreed to bring the warranty period for the escrow amount forward to 30 September 2020 given that there have been no claims to date. The parties will work together to finalise the release of this retention by the due date. The amount held in Escrow totalled R46,198,050.50 at 7 April 2020 and will continue to attract interest.

EOH, through its wholly owned subsidiary EOH Mthombo, acquired LSD in December 2017. LSD specialises in open source technologies and has supported the digital transformation journey of EOH customers. On 17 April 2020, EOH Mthombo entered into a settlement agreement with the initial sellers in terms of which EOH Mthombo has agreed to transfer all of its shares in LSD to the initial sellers as full and final settlement of EOH’s outstanding obligations, estimated at R96 million.The settlement agreement amicably cancels the initial acquisition agreement and relieves EOH of its obligations in this regard.

EOH and LSD are committed to ensuring that all customers of EOH and LSD continue to receive the various services offered by LSD. As such, a service-level agreement between the two parties is being finalised.

EOH Group CEO, Stephen van Coller, said of the transactions: “The LSD team have, over the past three years delivered fantastic value to our clients and I’m pleased to say that they have confirmed their committed to ensuring that services provided to EOH’s customers are not disrupted or negatively affected. In regard to the CCS transaction, both parties believe that given the significant growing uncertainty around global economic conditions due to COVID-19, the transaction is the most prudent approach in the circumstances. I’d like to express my gratitude to both LSD and CCS and wish them the very best in their future endeavours.”

Ends.

About EOH
The EOH Group is the largest technology business in Africa, providing the technology, knowledge, skills and organisational ability critical to Africa’s development and growth. Following the Consulting, Technology and Outsourcing model, the EOH Group provides high-value, end-to-end solutions to its clients in all industry verticals. The Group employs more than 8400 people, delivering technology solutions and knowledge services to over 5 000 large enterprise customers across all major industries. As a leader in driving and supporting digital innovation, the Group offers solutions along a simple. Design-Build-Operate engagement model through its two independent businesses, iOCO and NEXTEC.

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Michael Rubenstein
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