Kutana Invests in Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions South Africa

Kutana Investment Group (Kutana), a black women-owned venture company, has made an undisclosed investment in Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions (GWS) South Africa, a leading provider of facilities, commercial real estate and energy management to many of the world’s multi-national companies.

Phil Gregory, Senior Regional Executive Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions: Middle East & Africa said: “The relationship with Kutana underlines Johnson Controls GWS’ commitment to South Africa and its transformation, as well as the advancement of the facilities management industry in the country. A key part of that commitment is the continued focus on all aspects of black empowerment and our pride in a high Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) status.”

The investment in Johnson Controls GWS provides Kutana with access to the facilities management sector, while allowing both companies to leverage their combined markets, skills and expertise.

Kutana was established in 2009 by CEO Thoko Mokgosi-Mwantembe, along with Jacqueline Huntley and Janine de Bruyn as law and BEE investment experts respectively. The group specifically invests in seven sectors, namely financial services, industrial and consumer services, agriculture, media, telecom ICT, resources and energy, as well as property and facilities.

“Facilities management is definitely a growth sector, which made Johnson Controls GWS a company of great interest to us. Our approach is to get involved where we have the knowledge to add value in terms of relationships, business experience and development activities. Johnson Controls GWS has values that are definitely aligned with ours, which is critical to us, as it is one of our three investment criteria. We would like to add value and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Mokgosi-Mwantembe.

Kutana will play an active role as a stakeholder in Johnson Controls GWS South Africa. The involvement of Kutana will be targeted towards four areas, strategy, business development, providing any skills they have at their disposal and assistance with all aspects of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE).

The name “Kutana” means summit, or meeting place, and their combined skills in business, economics and law equips them to have a meaningful stake in Johnson Controls GWS.