| Largest South African companies by market capitalization |
| Company |
Rbn |
| Anglo American Corporation |
64.5 |
| Richemont |
51.8 |
| De Beers Consolidated |
50.0 |
| SA Breweries |
40.6 |
| Billiton |
33.9 |
| FirstRand |
32.1 |
| Nedcor |
30.2 |
| Minorco |
28.0 |
| Anglogold |
24.4 |
| Rembrandt Group |
23.2 |
| Anglo American Platinum |
22.6 |
| Stanbic |
20.5 |
| Liberty Life |
19.7 |
| Sasol |
18.8 |
| Dimension Data |
18.6 |
| Absa Group |
18.4 |
| Investec Group |
18.2 |
| Comparex Holdings |
15.5 |
| BOE |
15.2 |
| Anamint |
14.9 |
| Source: Johannesburg Stock Exchange |
The concept of private equity is not new to corporate South Africa, but it is only in the past year or two that it has been recognized as a force for change. Since the beginning of this year, private-equity firms have generated a significant amount of the flurry of corporate activity on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. In March this year, as part of the JSE's reconstitution of its indices and in recognition of the growing importance of this asset class in the overall financial services sector, the exchange even launched a private-equity funds sector. It already includes nine small companies, most new market entrants. Some of the larger, more established private-equity firms are expected to seek listings.
