2008

R1,5 billion raised via domestic loan. Viamax acquisition concluded. Revenue exceeds R100 billion for the first time.

2007

Acquired 100% of Angliss, a leading foodservice wholesaler and distributor in Singapore, Hong Kong and China. Negotiations finalised to acquire Viamax Holdings. Rennies Bank renamed Bidvest Bank. Black economic empowerment partnership with Dinatla Consortium refinanced and extended for five years. A R4,5 billion domestic medium-term note programme set up.

2006

Acquired 100% of Netherlands foodservice company, Deli XL and a controlling stake in Horeca Trade, a small Dubai-based foodservice distributor. Concluded sale of Dartline Shipping for £58,9 million (R650 million) and loss-making Lithotech France. Global footprint expanded through investment to develop and operate Mumbai International Airport. Non-executive component of the board strengthened.

2005

Cyril Ramaphosa takes the reins as chairman. Successful buyout of Bidcorp plc minority interest. Acquisition of 20% of Tiger Wheels. G. Fox acquired.

2004

R2,1 billion BEE transaction for 15% of Bidvest with Dinatla finalised. McCarthy, South Africa’s second largest motor retailer, acquired for R980 million. Acquisition of minority interests of Bidvest plc.

2003

Danel acquired and renamed Lithotech France. The Bidvest Academy, a Group training and development programme, launched. Ground-breaking black economic empowerment initiative with Dinatla Investment Holdings announced. Small strategic foodservice acquisitions in the United Kingdom, Australian and New Zealand markets.

2002

Acquisition of 56,7% of LSE-listed Jacobs Holdings plc, which was renamed Bidcorp plc, to form the base for the international expansion of Bidfreight. Paragon acquired and merged with Lithotech. Remaining 68% of Voltex acquired to form part of the Commercial Products division. The minority shareholding in I-Fusion acquired.

2001

John Lewis Foodservice acquired and incorporated into Bidvest Australia, creating the leading foodservice distributor in Australia. The Group wide-area-network, Bidnet, developed by I-Fusion. mymarket.com, Bidvest’s e-commerce initiative, launched.

2000

Acquisition of Island View Storage. Banking licence granted to Rennies Bank and 77% of I-Fusion acquired. Bidvest plc enters the New Zealand foodservice market with the acquisition of Crean Foodservice, renamed Crean First for Foodservice.

1999

Booker Foodserve, renamed 3663 First for Foodservice, acquired by Bidvest plc. Acquisition of Rennies Group.

1998

Bidvest plc, incorporating Bidvest Australia, was created with dual listings in Australia and Luxembourg. Acquisition of Lithotech.

1997

100% of Waltons Group acquired, Bid Corporation unbundled and Bidvest incorporated into the JSE industrial index.

1996

Empowerment programmes begin with Women Investment Portfolio Holdings and Worldwide African Investment Holdings each acquiring a 5% shareholding in Bid Corporation.

1995

First steps to international expansion taken – 50,1% of Australian Stock Exchange-listed Manettas acquired and renamed Bidvest Australia.

1994

Rights offer raises R300 million, 10-for-1 share sub division.

1993

Safcor Freight acquired – the start of Bidfreight. Prestige Cleaning Services acquired and grouped with Steiner to form Bidserv.

1992

Crown Food Holdings acquired and merged with National Spice to form Crown National.

1991

Acquisition of Steiner Services – beginning of the hygiene services business.

1990

Bid Corporation becomes the pyramid holding company of Bidvest.

1989

Acquisition of Afcom.

1988

Chipkins, the first acquisition, followed shortly thereafter by Sea World. The start of Bidfood.