Connecting spaces, Mixing ideas, Moving people

 

Spaces, ideas and people are the foundations of our business, the three dots that design what we do and how we do it. 

It’s always about spaces, ideas and people, which is why we’re constantly inventing and innovating, connecting these dots in ways they never have been before, uncovering the hidden potential so that we can uplift people, communities and spaces for the better on every project.

At Ancora Group, we turn retail on its head. We flip things forward for all, so that we can create opportunities, build relationships, and change lives for the better. This is why we are constantly reinventing and innovating, because in connecting the dots, we uncover hidden potential so that we can uplift businesses, people and spaces for the betterment of their communities.

As the retail property and leasing strategists for over 45 different retail centres in and outside of South Africa, with a client base including private individuals as well as listed developers and landlords, we provide a variety of services, each with a customised solution.

We draw upon years of direct experience within the local retail leasing and development market, so you can trust in our ability to provide meticulously tailored solutions for your business needs.

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Our Story

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The Beginning

Finlay Mall Leasing was born out of Finlay and Associates, a respected property company established over 30 years ago. The property management division of Finlay and Associates was acquired by Broll in June 2015, while a small portion of the team, branched off to continue with retail development under the banner of Finlay Mall Leasing. Following her appointment as Managing Director, Marianka Victor proceeded to acquire Finlay Mall Leasing in 2017

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Thereafter

Marianka Victor proceeded to establish Ancora Group – a dynamic company geared to provide comprehensive, tailored solutions to retailers and developers. From the onset, we blazed new trails and amassed proven experience in expanding existing national footprints into rural or secondary target markets. In collaboration with Finlay Mall Leasing, our team has collectively developed and managed over  937 000 m2 of retail space. This has resulted in a deep understanding of the optimal shopping centre design and tenant mix strategy required by retailers and developers for a successful venture. Backed by more than 40 years’ experience in retail, landlord and tenant representation, we are able to provide fully integrated services across a great geographic reach.


Our Contribution

We are committed to our Sustainability Development Goals (SDG’s) established by the United Nations

SDG 5 - Gender Equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

 

  • 100% female owned
  • 100% female board of directors
  • 60% of our workforce is female
SDG 8 - Decent work and economic growth​

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all


  • Create challenging and stimulating job scopes
  • Provide ongoing on-the-job training and development of all employees
  • Provide career growth opportunities through dedicated career developmental planning and performance evaluations
  • Have an inclusive and empowering work environment that encourages freedom to engage and diverse thinking
  • Provide an unmatched and generous incentive and reward structure
SDG 10 - Reduced inequality​

Reduce inequality within and among countries


  •  70% of our workforce are designated as BEE
  •  60% of our workforce are designated as YOUTH
  •  Focus our recruitment on young people who need workplace skills and experience
  • Offer job security to an emerging youth market that is vulnerable to limited employment opportunities
  • Provide regular mentoring and coaching

Our unique value propositions

At Ancora Group, we turn retail on its head. We flip things forward for all, so that we can create opportunities, build relationships, and change lives for the better. This is why we are constantly reinventing and innovating, because in connecting the dots, we uncover hidden potential so that we can uplift businesses, people and spaces for the betterment of their communities.

As the retail property and leasing strategists for over 45 different retail centres in and outside of South Africa, with a client base including private individuals as well as listed developers and landlords, we provide a variety of services, each with a customised solution.

We draw upon years of direct experience within the local retail leasing and development market, so you can trust in our ability to provide meticulously tailored solutions for your business needs.

Awards

Ancora has received several awards for woman empowerment and won the 2018 Standard Bank awards for the top company in retail.
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Standard-Bank
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Read the Standard Bank Top Company in Retail Article

A powerful mixture of women

Marianka Victor
CEO

Connector, mixer and mover, Marianka sees the possibility in spaces in a way others don’t. A new generation retail property specialist, she makes the right connections to realise the potential in every single project. For Marianka, it’s not only about piecing together the puzzle from inception, it’s about seizing ideas to start something entirely new, building into the sustainable economic growth and social betterment of our country. Seldom behind her desk, Marianka is on site, synchronising a developer’s dynamic needs to that of their property and its eager shoppers. She inspires the very best in her team and takes the time to uncover the true needs of the people, communities, and clients she serves.

Meryl Bessesar
Director

Meryl organises, plans, and directs the operations of Ancora Group; ensuring the team thinks and does B.R.A.V.E., functions optimally and offers seamless 360-degree retail property services. She reinvents opportunities between spaces, ideas, and people, using her expertise to untangle the most complex deals and structures. Meryl is inspired to lead ANCORA to connect the dots in a way that not only drives the company to deliver solutions that exemplify excellence, but that propel the retail industry forward. Her strong ability to build relationships has seen her carve many successful partnerships and she has a wealth of experience and knowledge in all aspects of the retail property industry.

Our Loyal Clients

We take pride in delivering only the best

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“On behalf of Investec Property, we would like to thank Marianka and Ancora for the outstanding work you and your team did at our ‘Neighbourhood Square’ development. This project was completed and opened in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic last year and was a great success. The Ancora team, with their dedication and hard work, helped Investec Property and the tenants navigate through this challenging time which enabled the Centre to open seamlessly with all tenants trading. Ancora were always willing to go the extra mile and we recognise and appreciate that.”
- Gavin Bernstein, Investec Property
“Their offerings are strategic to every tenant. They adjust and change their strategy to suit tenants/developers resulting in centre not being one-sided.”
- Alasdair Forsyth, Boogertman & Partners
“They have come to my rescue a number of times”
- Alastair Cronin, Big Blue
“They cater for a niche market. They are small boutique and their whole ethos/approach is different, which I find refreshing and because of this they are grabbing the attention of some of the smaller clients.”
- Brett Exner, Woolworths
“They’re very good and highly networked. They keep abreast and add a personal touch on their services and thrive on face-to-face meet ups.”
- Ervine Kekana, Yum! Brands
“Ancora is more than just a service provider, they have proven to be an invaluable part of the team. Since day one, Ancora's exceptional work ethic, super-fast turnaround times, incredible insight and the professional manner in the way they conduct business has resulted in early successes for the property portfolio we own. A huge thank you to Meryl, Marianka, Itumeleng and team for the constant guidance, for giving us the ability to move quickly and to be as flexible during these uncertain times. Most importantly, helping lay the foundations for long term growth and success.”
- Imraan Bana, Nuvue Investments
“Ancora is a powerful company. The major aspect is that Marianka is a giant in the industry.”
- Joe Spring, Lightstone
“Marianka and Meryl are true examples of how the retail property industry should operate. My dealings with them over the years have been a true testimony of excellent placement and true professionalism. With 90% of my deals materialising in successful occupancy, Ancora and the team are true leaders in innovation and shopping centre leasing.”
- Joe Laubscher, Galaxy Retail Solutions
“Marianka, we appreciate the passion and commitment that you and your team are putting into our portfolio.”
- Junaid Limali, Arrowhead Properties
“Many retail leasing companies focus on customer experience, tracking their outcome measurement to understand customer satisfaction with little to no focus on customer expectations. In my view, this is where Meryl has excelled in all aspects of her service offerings to our business, and she has clearly understood what is expected of her. My experience with her taking on the retail drive for Umphakathi Mall has raised the bar and achieved unprecedented targets to ensure our retail offering can come to life. Ancora has definitely excelled in all aspects, and I am very satisfied with the service offered to our business.”
- Moegamat Behardien, MET Developments
“My interaction with the leasing team at Ancora Group has been an engaging, professional experience. The team have proven to be very knowledgeable and experienced, accommodating numerous requests and facilitating negotiations expediently on our behalf. The levels of service and professionalism have been exemplary and would not hesitate to recommend them.”
- Muhammad Ali Bhikhan, Zebros Chicken
“SKG Properties enlisted the services of Ancora to assist and support the business in fulfilling the leasing function for the Retail Portfolio. Ancora have not only provided expert support and professional know-how in executing on this mandate, but also regularly and without hesitation went over and above in providing strategic advice and insight on all aspects of property and asset management. Ancora should be proud of their achievements, considering the timelines in which they have effortlessly and professionally supported myself and the business. I would, without hesitation recommend Ancora.”
- Muhammad Varachia, SKG Properties
“Ancora has done a great job for us and worth every cent, definite asset to our business”
- Neil Strangleman, Motion Fitness
“Dedicated team. They preserve in finding appropriate solutions and acquire area knowledge to ensure alignment of the letting strategy.”
- Remica Athmaram, Growthpoint
“Ancora is highly visible on platforms in the shopping centre industry with a good reputation. They are hands on, cutting edge, small and agile. My perception of the brand is that they care about the community/retailers. Ancora makes it a point to utilise their resources/expertise to help their clients, keeping in mind what each client needs to succeed. They care.”
- Sybrand Strauss, Fernridge
“Ancora truly delivered on their part of the mandate agreement to find a suitable mix of tenants. No stone was left unturned, and every possible tenant was approached. It made us again realise why we need to make use of experts like Ancora. We could have never had the same reach as Ancora had.”
- William Smith, Tobee Properties
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Contact Us

info@ancoragroup.co.za

087 057 0487

2 Bruton Road, Block C, Nicol Main Office Park, Bryanston, Johannesburg, 2191

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