Louis Group’s South African origins date back to Salim and Michel Louis, who established their first wholesale enterprise in Bloemfontein in 1914. Now in its third generation of family ownership, the Group’s property roots are deeply entrenched in several major cities within the country, concentrated primarily in and around the Western Cape.

The Louis Group (Africa) property portfolio forms the backbone of the Group’s expanding property, financial services and technology enterprise. It is comprised of retail and office properties selected primarily for their historical significance, prime location, appropriate tenant composition and the future prospects of the area in which they are located.

Louis Group (Africa) is one of the largest private property concerns in South Africa; is the leading direct commercial property investment provider in South Africa; and has partnered in prestigious property developments. Consequently, the Group has garnered an excellent reputation as a landlord and is an industry champion in the complementary services of property management, property development, broking and property finance. The Group’s success is clearly evidenced in its notable achievements in the industry, such as its listing as one of the Top National Companies in South Africa (2009) and Best Managed Company in the Real Estate Sector (2008/09).

The Group’s landmark city centre properties in Cape Town, such as 47-on-Strand Street, 80 Strand Street and MSK House, currently offer several national and listed companies the ideal modern facilities from which to conduct their operations.

Louis Group (Africa) also owns a suite of boutique hotels in South Africa. The Group’s hotel collection is represented by the Louis Group Hotels, Spas & Vineyards brand, which is the proud recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including 2008 Best Boutique Hotel in South Africa by AA Accommodation, Best Customer Rated Hotel by Expedia and Best of Wine Tourism 2006/2007. Erinvale Spa is listed in Top 100 Spas in Africa and the hotel is a member of the exclusive Leading Golf Hotels of the World. The Group’s SylvanVale Vineyards, which surround The Devon Valley Hotel, produce a range of award-winning wines.

The first property, purchased by Michel Louis in 1916, is still proudly owned by the Group and has been refurbished on several occasions to provide for the needs of new tenancies.