OREANDA-NEWS. June 5, 2012. Renaissance Capital, the leading emerging markets investment bank, has been recognised by African Banker as “Investment Bank of the Year” in Africa for the second time. The 2012 award was presented at the 6th edition of the African Banker Awards, under the patronage of the African Development Bank in Arusha, Tanzania, on 30 May 2012.

Commenting on the award, Clifford Sacks, Africa CEO, Renaissance Capital, said: “Renaissance Capital is proud to receive this prestigious award from African Banker for the second time. We have concentrated significant investment in our investment banking platform for the past seven years, with a clear focus on quality and unrivalled service. Today, with our franchise spanning many of the most exciting and high-opportunity markets across Africa, we are excited by both our achievements and what the future holds for the continent.”

During 2010-2012 Renaissance Capital completed a number of ground-breaking transactions related to Africa, including:

The first Hong Kong listing of a significant natural resources asset in Africa: South Africa’s Taung Gold (USD 580mn).

The USD 750mn sale of controlling stakes in the assets of Zimbabwe Iron & Steel Company Limited (ZISCO) and Buchwa Iron Mining Company (BIMCO) by the Government of Zimbabwe to     Essar Group, a major Indian multinational engineering conglomerate.

Rwanda’s first IPO: a USD 29.5mn placement for Brasseries et Limonaderies du Rwanda.

Rwanda’s second IPO: a USD 62.6mn placement for the country’s largest bank, Bank of Kigali.

The Lusaka Stock Exchange listing of First Quantum Minerals Ltd. – the first depositary receipts ever listed in Africa.

The first capital raising and London (AIM) listing of leading Zambian food and consumer goods company Zambeef.

The successful USD 355mn acquisition of Nigeria’s Oceanic Bank by leading pan-African bank, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI); the subsequent USD 470mn merger of Oceanic Bank with Ecobank Nigeria Plc (the Nigerian subsidiary of ETI); and the buyout of minority shareholders in Ecobank Nigeria Plc.