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Verimark (VMK) is a well-known South African retailer of unusual products which cannot generally be found in conventional shops. It sources, develops and distributes products in housewares, fitness, automotive, DIY, toys, and personal comfort categories. The company is 57%-controlled by the van Straaten family and MJ van Straaten is the CEO. The company retails out of specialist shops in shopping malls and via existing retail chains which allow it some marketing space. In its results for the six months to 31st August, the company reports a loss of R2,8m off turnover which was 1% down at R207,5m. This has been attributed to volatility in the rand and the depressed state of the South African economy and consumer spending. The CEO Michael van Straaten has been trying to buy out minority shareholders and de-list the company. He announced in October 2018 his intention to offer minorities 150c per share. This has caused the share to rise steadily to reach 147c after 94% of shareholders agreed to the offer at a meeting held on 17th January 2019. The company will de-list on 19th February 2019.