OUR BUSINESS
Who Owns Whom (WOW) was established in 1980 as an independent research organisation producing high quality, original research on the African micro business and economic environment. Our research covers over 300 key industries across the African continent and includes comprehensive industry research reports, company profiles and their African footprint, ownership and corporate structures, director and management profiles, takeover and merger activity and fixed direct investment into Africa.
In addition to all stock exchange listed companies on the African continent, there is a significant focus on private companies operating in these industries with the latter representing 90%+ of our database.
The WOW research is used in the disciplines of procurement, corporate marketing intelligence, private equity and corporate finance, management consultancies and state developmental and regulatory agencies.
A LOOK INTO OUR HISTORY...
1980
Robin McGregor publishes the first edition of Who Owns Whom.
1986
The company launches McGregor Information Services.
1998
McGregor Information Services is sold
to Naspers.
to Naspers.
2000
Industry research is launched with the Competition Commission as anchor client.
2003
Robin, Carla and Andrew buy back the original Who Owns Whom publishing business brand and start the current web-based research business.
2004
Research is expanded to show the footprint
of South African companies in Africa.
of South African companies in Africa.
2010
Industry research rolls out onto the
continent.
continent.
2015
Data feed services are introduced.
2016
The new subscriber platform, WOWEB,
is launched.
is launched.
2017
Online store is commissioned.
2020
Linkages product launched during COVID-19 pandemic
OUR VISION
To grow the existing Who Owns Whom brand for African business information synonymous with quality and integrity and continue providing independent research and insightful comment.
OUR ETHOS
- Uncompromising in the provision of products and services of the highest quality.
- Respect for all four stakeholders, namely customers, staff, suppliers and shareholders, thus ensuring sustainability.
- Ethical behaviour at all times.
Key team members
Maureen Mphatsoe Executive Director - Brand Management
Noma Khumalo Head of Client Relations
Buli Yaka Marketing Manager
Sandy kerkhove Chief Operations Officer
Anne Campbell Business Development Executive
Pat ladell Head of Research
Thomas van Schalkwyk IT & Development Manager
Heidi wasserman Accountant
Simon Rudman Non-Executive Director
Mark Wells Chairman
INHOUSE RESEARCH TEAM
Ashley Kitching (Corporate Researcher - Companies); Beverley Daniels (Corporate Researcher - Companies); Charlene Allies (Corporate Researcher - Companies & Office Manager); Brigitte Schwarz (Corporate Researcher - Companies); Wendy Watson (Research Supervisor); Dolfie Russell (Corporate Researcher - Listed Companies) Karen Thomas (Corporate Researcher - Africa); Daneley Wesso (Data Capturer and BEE Researcher); Tracey Leo (Corporate Researcher - Group Structures); Pat Ladell (Research and Branch Manager); Francois Blom (Junior Web Systems Developer); Thomas van Schalkwyk (Database and Systems Manager); Craig Ladell (Lead African Researcher); Nhlanhla Mlambo (Corporate Researcher - BEE);
CONTRACT RESEARCH TEAM
Who Owns Whom contract researchers are home office-based graduates and post graduates with a wide variety of skills and experiences. Members of the team include freelance or part-time educationists, journalists, researchers and clinical psychology practitioners.
Increasingly prevalent are professional women working from home while they raise young children, as well as career professionals who semi-retire to rural towns for security and cost reasons. The researchers are assigned a designated portfolio of industries, enabling them to establish relationships with industry players and develop an in-depth knowledge of their sectors.
CSI INITIATIVES
Who Owns Whom is committed to investment in education. We are currently supporting:
IKhwezi Educare. Click to visit them on: www.ikhwezi-educare.org.za
EDUCATION
- UNISA
- GSB
- GIBS
- Monash
- UJ
- UCT
- UP
RESEARCH
- Trade and Industry Policy Strategies
- AmaBhungane
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
- Afrika Tikkun
BEE
Who Owns Whom is a level 4 contributor. Click here to view our certificate.