Koos Bekker raises $150m from Prosus, Naspers share sales

South African billionaire Koos Bekker, chair of Prosus and Naspers, has sold shares worth nearly R2.5 billion ($150.3 million) over three trading days. The transactions, conducted by his family trust between Dec. 17 and 19, are aimed at funding hospitality projects in South Africa, the U.K., and Italy, the companies said. 

Bekker and his wife, Karen Roos, own several high-profile estates, including Babylonstoren Wine Estate near Paarl, The Newt in Somerset, and Vignamaggio near Florence. They also opened Blou in February 2024, a small beachside retreat near Plettenberg Bay, exclusively for guests of Babylonstoren or The Newt.

Naspers, Prosus confirm Bekker stake stable

Naspers reported Bekker sold just under 800,000 shares, totaling R860.5 million ($51.7 million). A regulatory filing showed 1.55 million Prosus shares were also sold at average prices between €51.24 ($60.37) and €53.68 ($63.23). Bekker had not sold shares in either company between 2015 and 2023. 

Earlier sales after his 2014 retirement as Naspers CEO included options he exercised over five years, which reduced his Naspers holding by 70 percent. His most recent sales before this week were in March 2023, for R3.4 billion ($204 million), and in December 2024, for R2.97 billion ($178 million). Both Naspers and Prosus stressed that Bekker’s family trust still retains 90 percent of its previous holdings.

Bekker transforms media into global empire

Bekker, known for turning Naspers from a newspaper publisher into a global e-commerce and media group, also helped launch MTN Group and the M-Net/MultiChoice pay-TV network.

Prosus, spun off from Naspers in 2019, has become a major tech investor, spanning fintech, e-commerce, media, and education. Under his leadership, Naspers’ first-half 2026 profit rose 23.7 percent to $5.58 billion, up from $4.51 billion a year earlier.

Bekker revitalizes Babylonstoren Wine Estate

Bekker acquired Babylonstoren in 2007, with Roos overseeing renovations that transformed it into a leading wine estate with bespoke luxury offerings. The Newt, opened in 2019, mirrors Babylonstoren’s design and hosts the Chelsea Flower Show. 

Vignamaggio remains a working farm with a wine cellar operating since 1404. Other European properties include Over-Amstel Boerderij in the Netherlands and The Story of Emily in Cornwall, a Victorian rectory restored as a museum and restaurant celebrating South African heritage.