ABOUT
Epicurus International General Trading LLC is a privately owned Energy Company. The intention was primarily to operate and participate in Mining, Oil & Gas and New Energy projects in Africa. The primary focus and expertise of the company lies within the Oil and Gas sector focusing on exploration and production projects. In developing this strategic intent it will also participate in Infrastructure Development. A secondary focus is the renewable energy sector associated with complimenting gas exploration and development.
Epicurus has subsequently expanded to the point where we are comfortable in opening an office in the USA, and are now actively seeking Global projects in the Oil and Gas and Energy sectors.
VISION & MISSION
To be an independent energy company and partner of choice in the petroleum sector and develop a position in the renewable energy space.
Acquire and develop an energy portfolio through the application of its considerable financial and technical experience on the African continent.
Be a partner of choice with local and international oil companies.
Maximise shareholder value of current assets and projects.
Generate cashflow and return to sustain operations.
Conduct all business activities in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
STRATEGIC INTENT
Oil and Gas
Upstream
- South Africa – Operated and non-operated equity positions onshore and offshore.
- BBBEE partner of choice with local and international oil companies
- Take advantage of Strategic partnerships.
- Take advantage of opportunities on the African continent.
- Strategic focus on gas projects
Downstream
- BBBEE partner of choice with local and international oil companies
- Take advantage of Strategic partnerships.
Renewable Energy
- BBBEE partner of choice with local and international oil companies in South Africa
- Take advantage of Strategic partnerships.
- Develop projects jointly with operators
OUR TEAM
BDS (Univ of Witwatersrand) 1988
MBA
Kinesh had extensive experience in the trade union investment arena – he was previously the CEO of the Chemical and Petroleum Union Investment Company. In this role in 2001, he concluded the first significant BEE transaction in the PharmaCo sector through a substantial equity acquisition into Aspen Pharmacare (SA’s largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturer). This has led to enormous benefits for the Union and its members over the last 15 years. He gained immense insight into the sector and the value proposition to the partners. As a member of the medical profession with a corporate finance MBA, he had immense insight in terms of the industry and the transformational agenda the industry required.
Kinesh played a key role in the transformation of the Petroleum sector in SA over the last 2 decades and has access, through direct relationships, with Major Oil Companies and Financiers in this sector. He facilitated Total South Africa in formulating its empowerment strategy and approach and was part of the original TOSACO BEE transaction with Total SA, done in 2003. He has subsequently put a consortium together and has acquired the 25% stake in Total SA, as its new BEE partners though a company he formed and Chairs at Kilimanjaro Capital.
Kinesh was instrumental in the deal structuring of Impala Platinum’s Marula Platinum Mine and lead the consortium to acquire 27% of Marula Platinum in 2005. Kinesh is a key promoter and director to Tubatse Platinum and the Marula Communities, two of the empowerment partners in the 27% stake of Marula. This significant milestone mining transaction brings immense value creation for both the broad based strategic shareholders and its communities. He is Chairman of Likamva Resources that has concluded a 17% share transaction in AMSA (Arcelor Mittal Steel South Africa) in 2017.
Avacap is a strategic consulting and advisory investment business, of which Kinesh is Exec Chairman. This company has completed various Empowerment transactions is 2015 with Vametco Alloys, a specialised vanadium mining and producer in South Africa, a Chrome processing plant called Makgomo Chrome, and other BEE deals.
He has since acquired through his new holding company TSIKO AFRICA GROUP (TAG), the second largest Security company in SA, the old Chubb rebranded National Security and Fire, and he is leading a turnaround to this business. He employs over 2000 staff and has a national presence in SA. TAG has expanded its presence in the Technology and Telecom space and has developed a presence in the network and OEM partner supply and services offerings. He has enlarged this group presence in the Energy and Infrastructure arena with investments in Helium assets in South Africa, and Infrastructure Fund focusing on the Logistics and Rail sector.
Kinesh has recently been part of a consortium, Kefolile Health Investments, and has concluded a strategic BEE equity deal with Ascendis Health, a listed healthcare and wellness company on the JSE, on which board he sits.
Kinesh also has extensive relationships in the business sector of SA and in various parts of the Globe.
Pragasen is a South African citizen who has an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering and a masters degree in Environmental Engineering and Management; that which is supported by various leadership accreditations. Pragasen is a team player with greater than 20 years private and public based work experience in the infrastructure, mining, railways, logistics, oil, gas, petrochemical and energy industry’s that has allowed him to live and work in and outside South Africa (United Kingdom, Middle East, Europe, United States Of America). Key roles include Group CEO of a National Oil Company, COO of Energy Fund, Chief Business Development Officer of Energy Fund, Directorship on company’s and association Boards, Project and Technical Director of Mega-Projects, Director of Global Development company, CEO of Energy and Infrastructure Company and Special Advisor on Logistics entities. This time has afforded Pragasen the privileged opportunity; to obtain a national and international “toolkit” of relationships, experience, skills and knowledge in the global arena which has delivered both commercial and developmental win-win outputs to stakeholders and shareholders.
Mr. Pather holds an economics degree from the University of Witwatersrand , as well as postgraduate in Business Management at Witwatersrand Business School. He also holds multiple certificates from Harvard and London school of Economics in various fields. He is now focused on business development.