Listed on the ‘Construction & Materials’ sector of the JSE for over 10 years, Buildmax has recently been repositioned as a major diversified supplier of opencast mining services, bulk earthworks and construction materials.

The group is currently the largest black empowered opencast coal mining contractor in South Africa and one of the largest in Africa. Buildmax incorporates recognised brands Diesel Power Open Cast Mining, one of the largest opencast mining and earthmoving contractors in the country, and Vukuza Earth Works which together are approved and registered contractors to all major coal mining and construction groups as well as junior miners in the country.

The group is well positioned to benefit from demand for coal worldwide, which is driving growth in coal and other mining activities. In addition through an extensive fleet of mining and construction equipment built up over the past 20 years, the group is ideally positioned to service these industries. Buildmax has invested significantly in increasing the size and scope of its fleet.

In October 2008 Brait, South Africa’s largest private equity fund manager, acquired a 24% shareholding in Buildmax by subscribing for 133,3 million new shares at a total price of R200 million as well as purchasing further shares from certain existing shareholders. Brait is a strategically valuable shareholder with a proven track record of partnering growth companies which will enable Buildmax to pursue organic and acquisitive opportunities. The cash injection is set to considerably strengthen Buildmax’s balance sheet.