Financial services firm, Alexander Forbes, on Monday said it is poised to float on the main board of the JSE, Africa’s biggest bourse, in July this year.

The firm said this move was subject to the requisite approvals by the JSE, which is also among the top 10 bourses in the world.

This announcement comes after the firm issued cautionary announcements in April 17 and June 5 this year, saying it was studying various strategic choices to bolster itself.

The company said the name of the firm will be changed from Alexander Forbes Equity Holdings Proprietary Limited to Alexander Forbes Group Holdings Limited.

Edward Kieswetter, the Group Chief Executive (GCE) of Alexander Forbes, confirmed that the company was progressing well with the planned listing which follows an evaluation of a number of strategic options for the group.

“A listing…will enhance our profile, provide a realisation event for our existing shareholders and grant us access to the capital markets as well as help us attract and retain key staff,” Kieswetter said.

“Mercer’s strategic investment in the Group is a resounding vote of confidence in our country, our region and our world class company. Mercer will provide additional benefits for our clients in Africa, while our employees will have access to the latest global skills,” Kieswetter continued.

Alexander Forbes was delisted in 2007 after listing on the JSE in 1996.

The delisting was part of a leveraged buyout of Alexander Forbes by a group of private equity investors, black economic empowerment investors and management.