“Our team is dedicated, passionate and highly-skilled, the most valuable asset we have”
About Us
We do not settle for ordinary. We strive to make a positive difference in communities through our team, our services and our clients.
Our Vision:
- Creating Opportunities
- Building Relationships
- Changing Lives.
We offer developers and retailers comprehensive 360° retail solutions – from leasing off plan developments and existing shopping centres, to tenant representation, legal assistance, alternative income solutions and acquisitions.
Our trusted team has gained vast experience in the local market, grounded by in-depth knowledge and insights about the retail development industry, and the communities they work in.
Whether you’re a local or global organisation, landlord, developer or tenant, you can be sure of expert solutions to all your retail property needs.
We have a passion for the youth of South Africa and the staggering unemployment rate, at Ancora we prioritise employing Interns and mentoring, training and developing the leaders in our industry.
Retail Specialists
Our purpose is to ensure our clients benefit from the most targeted occupancy solutions and local market intelligence in order to achieve specific goals.
Property Solutions
Whether you’re a local or global organisation, landlord, developer or tenant, you can be sure of expert answers to all your property needs.
m² of Retail Space
Awards
Interns Placed
Group of Companies
We take pride in delivering every solution for every challenge in the property industry
Finlay
Retail Leasing
Ancora Group
Retail Property Specialist
Ancora Alternative Income
Non GLA Income
Ancora Group Foundation
Our corporate social responsibility
Ancora Real Estate
Residencial Specialists
Ancora Retail Partners
Tenant Representation
Our Story
01
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
02
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.
Awards
Ancora has received several awards for woman empowerment
and won the 2018 Standard Bank awards for the top company in retail.
Our Executives
A powerful mixture of woman
Marianka Victor - CEO
As a highly skilled, seasoned retail specialist and entrepreneur, Marianka has extensive experience in new retail developments and existing shopping centre management, including a wealth of strategic and operations know-how. After completing a B-Com in Communications from the Vega School of Brand Communication, Marianka started her career as Leasing Manager at Finlay and Associates in 2009, where she was responsible for major clients. She then joined Investec Property Fund as Senior Portfolio Manager, and was involved in several refurbishments and new developments, in addition to managing the organisation’s existing retail portfolio. Marianka then served as Retail Executive at Abreal for the listed fund, Pivotal. In 2015, she was appointed Managing Director of Finlay Mall Leasing. She has since purchased the company which has enabled her to implement her vision within the retail industry. She also launched the Ancora Internship Program which has exceeded all expectations with the company now employing several of the graduates as permanent staff. Currently Marianka is working on the Ancora Group Foundation which is aimed at assisting South Africa’s youth with support and mentorships to reach their full potential, as well as instilling awareness with SME’s throughout South Africa regarding the benefits of educating the youth. Marianka Victor - CEO
Meryl Bessesar - Director
Meryl began her career in the property industry 13 years ago, focusing mainly on finance. In 2009, she moved into Operations as part of the Centre Management of Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square and Eastgate shopping centre, under the Liberty Properties umbrella. From there, she was offered the opportunity to run the Valley of Waves at Sun City as part of the Sun International Group. In 2014, she relocated back to Gauteng and managed the Balfour Park Shopping Centre for Investec Properties, a listed fund. The centre underwent a major refurbishment and Meryl played a key role in repositioning the mall in the retail market. Her strong ability to build relationships has seen her carve many successful partnerships in the property industry and she has a wealth of experience and knowledge in all aspects of the retail industry. She holds a Certificate in Shopping Centre Management (CSCM) as well as Credit Management, Lease Negotiation, Women in Leadership, Financial Acumen, and is currently completing her B.Com in Industrial Psychology. Her career accolades include being voted Most Influential Person by her peers as part of a Global Leadership program.
Our team is dedicated, passionate and highly-skilled
Our biggest asset is our team !
Each individual brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide our clients with industry-leading retail services. Our understanding of the intricacies and challenges involved in retail developments is second-to-none. As such, we endeavor to deliver developments that remain true to the purpose they were developed for.
Our Group Foundation
Together, we are stronger and can make a bigger impact. Let us work as a team to assist people and small businesses in need, to build a better community and country for ourselves and the generations that will follow.
"We Rise by Lifting others"
by Robert Ingersoll
Our Objective
The Foundation represents the Ancora Group’s corporate social responsibility arm and exists mainly to provide help or resources to people and organisations in need.
Our aim is to enrich the lives of people by improving society and contributing in a meaningful and sustainable way to the communities in which they live.
We provide financial support and knowledge to individuals and SMME’s in the retail environment, in order to promote employee retention, job creation and ultimately to enable people to remain productive and contributing members of society.
Our Loyal Clients
We take pride in delivering only the best.
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Our Affiliations"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."Our TestimonialsJunaid Limalia
CFO
Hi Marianka, Thank you for the meeting yesterday. Appreciate the passion and commitment that you and your team are putting into turning around our Louis Trichardt portfolio.
Imraan Bana
Landlord
Ancora, are 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.
