Old Mutual, a household name in South Africa, has a rich history and a broad presence across the financial landscape. As one of the largest financial services providers in the country, many people wonder: who owns Old Mutual? Let’s explore the ownership structure of this trusted institution, with a particular focus on its stakeholders in South Africa.
The Parent Company: Old Mutual Limited
Old Mutual Limited is the holding company of Old Mutual in South Africa. Established in 1845 in Cape Town, it started as a mutual life insurance company, gradually evolving into a multinational financial services group. Today, Old Mutual Limited is publicly listed on several stock exchanges, including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), where South African investors can buy shares in the company.
Shareholders of Old Mutual Limited
Old Mutual is not owned by a single entity but is instead held by a broad range of shareholders, including:
- Institutional Investors: Large asset managers, pension funds, and insurance companies make up a significant portion of Old Mutual’s ownership. These institutional investors provide capital and play a role in influencing the company’s strategic direction.
- Public Shareholders: Since Old Mutual is a publicly traded company, ordinary citizens can also own shares. Many South Africans have investments in Old Mutual, either directly by purchasing shares or indirectly through their pension funds and savings accounts.
- Old Mutual Investments: A significant portion of Old Mutual is owned by Old Mutual Investments, which is wholly owned by Old Mutual Limited. This internal structure ensures that Old Mutual’s own investment teams are aligned with the company’s long-term growth goals.
- Senior Management and Staff: To align management interests with the long-term success of the business, a portion of the company is owned by senior management and investment staff. This ownership helps motivate and incentivize key leaders to prioritize sustainable growth and client outcomes.
- The Imfundo Trust: A portion of Old Mutual’s shares is held by the Imfundo Trust, which plays a significant role in the company’s ownership structure. The Imfundo Trust focuses on education and skills development in South Africa, representing Old Mutual’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and the upliftment of local communities.
Old Mutual’s Public Listing
As a publicly listed company, Old Mutual is accountable to its shareholders. These shareholders can attend annual general meetings, vote on key matters, and receive dividends based on the company’s performance. South African investors who hold shares in Old Mutual have a direct stake in the company’s success.