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PEPKOR HOLDINGS LIMITED - Voluntary Update On Civil Unrest

Release Date: 16/07/2021 12:00
Code(s): PPH PEP04 PEP03 PEP02 PEP01     PDF:  
Wrap Text
Voluntary Update On Civil Unrest

PEPKOR HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number: 2017/221869/06)
Share Code: PPH
Debt Code: PPHI
ISIN: ZAE000259479
(“Pepkor” or the “group”)

VOLUNTARY UPDATE ON CIVIL UNREST

Shareholders and noteholders are advised that Pepkor’s operations have been impacted by the
ongoing civil unrest over the past week which has been concentrated predominantly in the
KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces (the “affected areas”) of South Africa. As a business we
condemn this behaviour and are deeply saddened by not only the destruction of property,
infrastructure and assets, but more importantly, the loss of life caused by this situation and the
long-term effects this will have on the South African economy and the livelihoods of the group’s
employees and customers.

To date, 489 retail stores representing approximately 9% of the group’s total retail stores have
been damaged and looted as well as one of the JD Group’s distribution centres in Cato Ridge,
KwaZulu-Natal. The JD Group operates a total of 16 distribution centres countrywide and its
KwaZulu-Natal stores, once reopened, will be serviced in the short-term from its other distribution
centres. As a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our employees and customers, a
varying number of retail stores were intermittently closed across the affected areas over the past
week.

Our first priority is the safety and well-being of our employees to ensure the sustainability of our
business. A number of contingency plans have been put in place to keep our employees safe and
to secure our assets.

The group’s supply chain and distribution operations in the affected areas have been severely
disrupted and numerous additional measures, including tactical security, have been put in place
to safeguard the group’s distribution infrastructure and assets. The group continues to closely
monitor the situation and is in constant contact with law-enforcement agencies, security service
providers and other relevant stakeholders.

The group is not yet in a position to assess and determine the full cost of the damage suffered.
The group has insurance cover in place to mitigate the losses incurred.

The process to clean up, reopen and restock stores has commenced on a limited basis and is
gaining momentum as the current situation stabilises and logistics operations and infrastructure
in affected areas are restored. Project teams have further initiated recovery plans to restore
operations as soon as possible.
Leon Lourens, the chief executive officer of Pepkor stated: “The vast majority of the stores across
our footprint remain operational and as a group we are focused and determined to rebuild and
restore affected operations as quickly as possible. It is a key priority for us to serve all our loyal
customers as soon as possible and continue to make a positive difference in their lives - especially
during this challenging time.

Thanks to the calibre of our people and culture, the Pepkor team have successfully dealt with
enormous challenges over the past few years. It is the courageous, agile and resilient teams that
come out on top when facing adversity - we have plenty of that!”

Pepkor will advise stakeholders of any further developments should this be considered necessary.

Parow

16 July 2021

Equity Sponsor

PSG Capital

Debt Sponsor

Rand Merchant Bank (A division of FirstRand Bank Limited)

Date: 16-07-2021 12:00:00
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