Johannesburg, South Africa — The Panis Trust, a trust linked to the Halamandaris family, has recently divested a small portion of its stake in Famous Brands, Africa’s largest restaurant franchisor.
The trust sold 34,067 shares over a three-day period, representing less than 0. 6% of its total holding in the company, according to filings on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Nicolaos Halamandaris, a non-executive director of Famous Brands and a trustee/beneficiary of the Panis Trust, was responsible for the trades.
The trust sold 28,294 shares at R61. 88 each on 2 July, followed by additional disposals of 4,184 shares at R61. 50 on 3 July and 1,589 shares on 6 July.
Despite these transactions, the trust retains a significant position as one of the company’s largest shareholders.
The disposal of shares occurred at a premium of roughly 5% to the stock’s latest market value, which closed at R58. 53 per share on Monday.
The move comes as Famous Brands continues to strengthen its business after several challenging years, reporting a 5. 6% increase in revenue to R8. 7 billion for the financial year ended February 2026, along with a 12.
1% rise in headline earnings per share. Famous Brands has been on a recovery path following its £120 million acquisition of the British restaurant chain Gourmet Burger Kitchen in 2016.
The UK business entered administration in 2020, necessitating a write-down by Famous Brands and affecting its share price.
However, investor sentiment has improved, with the company’s shares gaining about 9% since the start of 2026 as management focuses on strengthening operations and expanding into new markets.
The South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Africa’s largest asset manager, has been increasing its stake in Famous Brands, reflecting institutional confidence in the restaurant group’s turnaround.
The Halamandaris family, while gradually stepping back from day — to-day management, remains a key long-term investor in the company.
The latest transactions by the Panis Trust seem to indicate a modest portfolio adjustment rather than a significant reduction in the founding family’s commitment to the business.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Ayodeji Adegboyega
