South African electrical accessories manufacturer Crabtree has successfully transitioned to new ownership under Dimako Holdings, marking a significant milestone in the company's long-standing presence in the Southern African market.
On 1st April 2025, Siemens South Africa concluded the sale of Crabtree South Africa (PTY) Ltd and its subsidiary Crabtree (PTY) Ltd (Lesotho) to Dimako Holdings (PTY) Ltd, which operates under the KDI Holdings umbrella. KDI Holdings, led by the well-regarded Dlamini family, is a well-known South African-based industrial investor dedicated to fostering local economic development.
The acquisition brings Crabtree under the same ownership as Dimako Transformers, a Johannesburg-based manufacturing company, creating potential synergies between the sister companies. The regulatory approvals for the sale were satisfactorily concluded for all parties, ensuring a smooth transition process.
The transition was formally celebrated on 28 August with a high-profile event in Maseru, Lesotho, attended by senior government officials and key stakeholders. The ceremonial gathering underscored the significance of the ownership change for both the South African and Lesotho markets.
Positioned for future growth
According to Steve Richardson, Crabtree's CEO, the acquisition positions the company for substantial expansion. "The strong financial situation puts Crabtree in a good position to expand into new geographies and new product ranges," Richardson said.
The sale has left Crabtree in a robust financial position, more than capable of meeting its ongoing obligations whilst opening new avenues for growth. Richardson emphasised the company's commitment to continue supporting South African electrical construction markets whilst opening up new geographies.
A key element of the transition strategy involves local manufacturing expansion. "New products will be locally manufactured," Richardson confirmed, highlighting the company's commitment to Southern African production capabilities.
Continuity and stability
The acquisition has been structured to ensure business continuity, with the same management team and customer-facing personnel remaining in place. All employees associated with the South African wiring accessories business have remained with the company as part of the transaction, ensuring continuity in relationships and operational quality.
The market response has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Richardson, with stakeholders expressing enthusiasm for the company's future prospects under its new ownership structure.
High-level support
The significance of the acquisition was highlighted by the calibre of attendees at the Maseru event. The Rt Hon. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, prime minister of Lesotho, attended alongside the Advocate Molise Ramaili, interim CEO of the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC), Kuseni Dlamini, chairman of KDI Holdings and Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO for Sub-Saharan Africa (Siemens).
Other notable attendees included Hon. Mokhethi Shelile, Minister of Trade, Industry and Small Business; Constance Seoposengwe, High Commissioner of South Africa to Lesotho; Mamohale Matsoso, Labour Commissioner; and members of the Dimako Group, including Tony Sidnell, group managing director; Riaan Venter, financial director; and Heinricht Jordt, Dimako Transformers CEO.
Company evolution
Crabtree's business concept centres on developing and supplying innovative branded products to installers and users of low-voltage electrical infrastructure in Southern Africa, creating convenient, reliable, and safe electrical environments inside living spaces.
The company's ownership journey reflects the evolution of South Africa's industrial landscape. The company has built a substantial presence in the Southern African electrical construction market, known for its quality and locally manufactured products. Crabtree began operations in South Africa in 1947 and has operated in Lesotho since 2007.
Looking forward
Under its new ownership, Crabtree continues to operate as before and will maintain its active role in the South African wiring accessory sector. The acquisition is being positioned as the beginning of a bright new future, forming a new chapter in Crabtree's long-standing history within South Africa and Lesotho.
The combination of financial stability, continuity in operations, and the backing of a committed industrial investor suggests that Crabtree is well-positioned to capitalise on growth opportunities in both existing and new markets.
