Assura plc, the Altrincham-based healthcare real estate investment trust, announced that it is in the process of applying for a secondary inward listing on the main board of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

Assura, a constituent of the FTSE 250, said it believes that admission to trading of the shares on the JSE will be beneficial to the company and its stakeholders.

“The board of Assura believes that the secondary listing can be expected to contribute to liquidity in the company’s shares through its increased profile in the South African market,” said the Altrincham firm.

“The listing of Assura on the JSE is expected to become effective later this year, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals in South Africa.

“The company will not place or issue any new Assura shares in connection with its application for a secondary listing on the JSE and will remain listed on the Equity Shares (Commercial Companies) category (ESCC) of the Official List in London.”

HSBC is acting as Listing Co-ordinator and Corporate Broker and Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking, a division of Nedbank Limited, as JSE Sponsor.

Assura CEO Jonathan Murphy said: “We are excited to announce that we are moving forward with an application for a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange which we believe will contribute to liquidity in our shares.

“As the UK’s leading diversified healthcare REIT, Assura offers an attractive proposition to South African investors, who we look forward to welcoming onto our share register.

“Our high quality assets offer long-term secured and growing income, underpinned by the long-term structural demand for healthcare services.”