CCBA Expands Africa Presence with Acquisition of Equator Bottlers

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), the largest Coca-Cola bottler in Africa, has acquired a 100% stake in Equator Bottlers Ltd, a franchise bottler based in Kisumu, Kenya. The acquisition is part of CCBA's expansion strategy in the region and follows its formation less than two years ago through the combination of African non-alcoholic ready-to-drink bottling interests of SABMiller plc, The Coca-Cola Company, and Gutsche Family Investments.

Equator Bottlers Ltd has a significant presence in seven counties in Kenya, with over 20,000 outlets serving more than 6.5 million consumers. The company's business involves bottling, distribution, and marketing of Coca-Cola's range of soft drinks. CCBA currently produces and distributes about 40% of all Coca-Cola beverage volumes in Africa and is the 10th largest Coca-Cola bottler worldwide.

The acquisition is subject to various conditions being satisfied, including approvals from regulators. The transaction will see CCBA taking over the entire stake in Equator Bottlers Ltd, with CEO Enrique Huguetto confirming that the proposed deal would not be completed until these conditions are met.