Timeline
As of 2025, the journey continues with new developments on the horizon. Watch this space for more to come...
Merchant West Fleet became a wholly owned subsidiary, expanding our expertise in business vehicle leasing and management.
Celebrating 25 years in business in 2023, Merchant West witnessed the rebranding of Counterpoint to Merchant West Investments in March. Assets under finance exceeded R4 billion, with assets under management surpassing R25 billion.
March 2022 witnessed the acquisition of Incompass, merging it into the Capital Markets division. By April 1, 2022, Merchant West increased its interest in Sterling Private Wealth to 51% and Counterpoint Asset Management to 53%. The year closed with the official rebranding of Incompass/Capital Markets division to Merchant West Incompass Treasury Solutions. The national footprint expanded again in May with a new branch in Nelspruit. Internationally, the Botswana office was registered in August, and MW Metal Finance was established in North Carolina, USA.
The year 2021 marked increased direct interest in Counterpoint Asset Management, the establishment of an international footprint with the Namibian office, and further national expansion with a branch in George. In August, Merchant West Specialized Finance was relaunched.
In 2020, Counterpoint Asset Management acquired RECM and Bridge Fund Managers, while Merchant West increased its shareholding in Counterpoint Asset Management.
Expanded our national footprint with the opening of a branch in Port Elizabeth.
Grew our total assets in excess of R 3 billion.
Acquisition of Sterling Private Wealth and Merchant West Investments.
Moved our head office to new premises: 145 West Street, Sandton
In 2019, to accommodate a growing array of product offerings, the Head Office made its move to West Street, Sandton an interest in Sterling Private Wealth was acquired, and a branch opened in Port Elizabeth. Assets under finance surged beyond R3 billion.
Celebrating two decades in business in 2018, Merchant West acquired Revfin and Abela. Abela, in turn, was rebranded as Merchant West Fleet. Additionally, Merchant West Asset Rentals received a AAA rating from Global Credit Rating.
Merchant West Asset Rentals made its mark on the JSE in 2017 by listing its bonds. The Groups staff complement exceeded 150 members.
In 2016, the KwaZulu-Natal franchise transformed into a fully-fledged branch, and Merchant West underwent internal restructuring, shifting focus to a product-oriented approach.
The year 2015 witnessed Merchant West's Capital Markets Division offering FEC funding facilities to clients. A staff share incentive trust was launched, and secured loans and cession financing found a place on the balance sheet.
In 2014 the International Finance Corporation approved investment in Merchant West Working Capital Solutions. This marked the company's first international investor, followed by Nedbank.
In 2013, Merchant West Collections SPV was established, and Working Capital Solutions ventured into a privately placed securitization.
The acquisition of I to I Solutions in 2012 integrated it into Merchant West Specialized Finance. Meanwhile, Merchant West Working Capital Solutions expanded its portfolio with Full Book Discounting. The Cape Town and Pretoria franchises transitioned into fully-fledged branches.
By 2011, Merchant West's assets under finance exceeded R1 Billion for the first time. The Full Maintenance Lease division was introduced, and the Head Office relocated to new premises on Maude Street.
The growth persisted in 2010 with the establishment of the Mpumalanga franchise, solidifying Merchant West's national presence.
With the dawn of 2009, the national footprint expanded further with the establishment of franchises in Cape Town and Pretoria.
The year 2008 brought the establishment of Working Capital Solutions, Dirt Diggers, a mandate to sell second-hand capital goods, and the attainment of the FSB License.
In 2007, First Floor Assistance was founded, setting its focus on selling second-hand electronic equipment.
The momentum continued in 2005 as Merchant West Asset Rentals was established and externally recognized by a Rating Agency.
The company's journey in 2004 included the signing of the first collection agency agreement with a commercial bank, a milestone where Merchant West began collecting rentals.
In 2003, Merchant West Holdings emerged, consolidating minority shareholdings and rebranding all business units under the unified banner of Merchant West.
The year 2002 saw the repurchase of the Specialized Finance book, finalizing a strategic buyback that shaped Merchant West's trajectory.
In 2001, Merchant West took its first steps towards a national presence by establishing the first franchise in KwaZulu-Natal.
2000 marked a significant chapter with the acquisition of MW Asset Finance and the integration of Treasury Solutions into the company's diverse offerings.
The journey continued into 1999, witnessing the organization's expansion as it incorporated Property Finance solutions into its array of services.
In the inaugural year of 1998, Merchant West made its mark, born out of a vision to provide structured financial solutions to corporate entities.
