South African billionaire Tshepo Mahloele is a step closer to adding the country's largest domestic airline to his infrastructure investment empire after the Competition Commission recommended approval of Harith Aviation's acquisition of Safair Holdings, the parent company of FlySafair.
The acquisition expands Mahloele’s transport investments, positioning FlySafair alongside Harith's interests in airports and rail.
Harith Aviation, an investment vehicle of Harith General Partners—the infrastructure investment firm co-founded and chaired by Mahloele that manages more than $3 billion in assets across Africa—still requires final approval from the Competition Tribunal before the deal can be completed.
The Commission said it had recommended the merger subject to conditions aimed at preserving competition, particularly because Harith already owns a significant stake in Lanseria International Airport, South Africa's only privately owned international airport.
Regulators were concerned that common ownership of both Lanseria and FlySafair could result in the airline receiving preferential treatment over its rivals.
