Vunani and Sentio Join Forces, Creating a Business with R60 Billion in Assets Under Management
Vunani Limited, a financial services group listed on the JSE and A2X, has completed a merger between its asset management division, Vunani Fund Managers (VFM), and Sentio Capital Management. This merger has resulted in a unified fund management entity managing over R60 billion in assets under management (AuM).
The merger was finalized on 1 October 2025, once all conditions were satisfied.
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The new entity will operate under the name Vunani Sentio Fund Managers, combining the strengths and investment offerings of both brands.
VFM, which is 70% owned by Vunani Capital (a wholly owned subsidiary of Vunani Limited), now holds 100% of Sentio’s shares through a share exchange and cash payment. In addition, Sentio’s shareholders will have equity stakes in the newly merged VFM entity.
After the merger, Vunani Capital owns 63% of VFM, while Sentio’s management retains 22%, and VFM’s management holds on to 15%.
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Investment Managers Group (IMG), which previously held a 30.05% stake in Sentio, supported the merger but opted to exit its holdings, citing incompatibility with its investment strategy after their stake diluted to 9.29%. IMG is part of the JSE-listed Momentum Group.
‘Consolidator’
Vunani CEO Ethan Dube emphasizes that the merger enhances the group’s position as a consolidator in the local asset management sector.
“Vunani is strategically positioned as a consolidator among domestic fund managers. With Sentio’s strong brand recognition, this merger will effectively unite two prominent fund management operations,” Dube stated.
Dube further noted that this combined entity propels Vunani’s strategic approach to mergers and acquisitions, focusing on increasing scale and enhancing shareholder value.
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This merger marks yet another significant corporate move by Vunani, which earlier this year announced the sale of a 30% interest in Fairheads Benefit Services and Fairheads Financial Services to Old Mutual Corporate Ventures.
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