In early January 2018, Steinhoff’s commercial director Louis du Preez was on a charm offensive in London, trying to convince the retailer’s bankers not to pull the plug.

It was a desperate time. Weeks before, Steinhoff had admitted to "accounting irregularities" on the same day that its CEO, Markus Jooste, had offered his resignation to the board (remotely, of course, while sitting a few kilometres away on the Lanzerac wine farm)...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.