ONE of South Africa's biggest food, catering, freight, packaging and hygiene services company, Bidvest is eyeing Zimbabwe for possible business growth.
The company currently operates in the Southern African country, but is looking to expand its activities there and has expressed optimism that the climate in Zimbabwe is not entirely restrictive.
Referring to possible growth potential in the country Bidvest’s Chief Executive Brian Joffe said the company would raise about 600 million rand ($78.04 million) from selling its stake in waste management group Enviroserv this year which has received a private equity buyout offer.
"It's premature to talk about it (growth)," Joffe said. "We are still looking for opportunities in the U.S. We are definitely looking for opportunities in Zimbabwe."
Joffe highlighted that Bidvest will not be deterred by the harsh economic climate from doing business with Zimbabwe.
Warning that harsh economic conditions may worsen in 2009, he said the company was on track to double its size by 2010.
Bidvest has been heavily involved in fighting poverty in neighbouring South Africa.
Last year Bidvest announced a R3.7-million commitment over four years to the educational and community support work of the non-profit organisation.
"Our corporate social investments already focus on community support and educational needs, but we decided even more had to be done to spotlight the vital importance of the private sector partnering with government to tackle structural constraints such as limited MST capacity,” said Joffe at the time.
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