South African private equity firm Harith General Partners has secured competition approval for its proposed acquisition of FlySafair, the country’s largest domestic airline, in a transaction that will expand the investor’s exposure to the aviation and transport sectors, according to a report by Bloomberg.
South Africa’s Competition Tribunal approved the transaction, which will see Harith Aviation acquire the carrier from Safair Holdings. The deal remains subject to outstanding regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, with completion expected before the end of 2026.
Harith, which manages approximately $3bn in assets, will gain control of an airline accounting for more than 60% of South Africa’s domestic seating capacity. FlySafair has expanded from two aircraft at its launch in 2014 to a fleet of more than 30, establishing a leading position across the country’s busiest domestic routes.
The acquisition is reportedly expected to account for approximately 15% of Harith’s investment portfolio and will be financed through a combination of debt and equity. Harith already holds a stake in Lanseria International Airport, prompting competition authorities to impose conditions designed to protect rival operators.
