RMB supports Imperial's Africa ambitions with multi-faceted facilities

MEDIA RELEASE

3 FEBRUARY 2022

RMB supports Imperial’s Africa growth ambitions with ESG-linked and multi-jurisdictional facilities

RMB is proud to provide multi-faceted support to Imperial Logistics (Imperial) to drive growth into the African continent in line with Imperial’s Gateway to Africa strategy. RMB’s recent ZAR RCF (revolving credit facility) and USD multi-jurisdictional multicurrency facilities totalling approximately R1.3bn to Imperial, reflect our commitment to Imperial’s strategic direction, particularly Imperial’s focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) as a pillar of its strategy.

Sustainability is a top priority for both RMB and Imperial, and as a result, ESG principles have been embedded into the ZAR RCF facility leveraging Imperial’s strategic initiatives and commitments as the company proactively manages its impact on people and the planet, beyond compliance requirements.

Says Gareth Bell, Broader Africa Transactor at RMB: “As a bank with strong experience and partnerships within the African continent, RMB was able to design a facility aligned to the nature of Imperial’s business, which requires a robust approach to funding and treasury management. This included the need for multi-currency facilities of different tenors and structures to align to their business operations. RMB’s loan satisfies Imperial’s need for a suitable level of revolving credit facilities raised within the local markets.”

ESG is a focus for many companies and financiers, with issuers and investors looking for ways to drive impact, value and credibility. RMB has established a reputation for creating individualised sustainability and ESG facilities for clients that enable them to grow, while making a positive difference to the environment in which they operate.

“As a company that prioritises people and planet in addition to profit, ESG is a significant pillar and enabler of Imperial's Group strategy”, says George De Beer, Group CFO at Imperial. “As we continue to pursue and grow our presence on the continent as a ‘Gateway to Africa’, the multi-faceted support and flexibility RMB is able to deliver in its facilities is essential. In addition to the provision of funding, RMB’s experience assists in reducing complexity and supporting our strategy each step of the way.”

Chequitta Thebe, SA Debt and Trade Solutions Transactor at RMB, adds: “Imperial will recognise a pricing benefit on the ZAR ESG RCF facility as its ESG rating improves over the tenor of the facility, which the company can utilise towards advancing its ESG strategy and objectives.”

RMB’s ZAR ESG RCF structure utilises the inclusion of an external Business Sustainability Rating and commitment from Imperial to direct pricing benefits to its ESG strategy specifically. These two steps represented a step forward for the local market on product development for both impact and credibility.

This follows Imperial’s strong focus on embedding ESG priorities into their strategic objectives. The company is following a comprehensive approach, as highlighted by their investment in resources and their willingness to engage with external ESG Risk Business Sustainability Rating agencies (in this instance, EcoVadis) to provide independent assessment on their ESG performance to Imperial’s stakeholders.

By structuring these facilities in an innovative manner, in partnership and strategic alignment with Imperial, RMB is able to provide support that reflects the client’s evolving needs. RMB looks forward to continuing our partnership with Imperial and being an active contributor to the Group’s sustainable growth within the African continent.

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Contact:

Kate Kelly l kate.kelly@rmb.co.za l 079 637 4663