Diageo PLC has officially finalized the sale of its 80.4% stake in Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC (GGBL) to the Castel Group for $81 million.
As part of the agreement, Guinness Ghana will continue to produce Diageo’s key brands—including Guinness, Malta, Orijin, Smirnoff Ice, and Alvaro—under a long-term licensing and royalty arrangement. This ensures that Diageo maintains a strategic presence in the market while focusing on brand development and marketing. Meanwhile, Castel will leverage its extensive distribution network across West and Central Africa to expand the reach of these products.
The acquisition strengthens Castel’s footprint in Africa’s beverage industry, marking its entry into its 22nd African market. Despite the ownership change, Guinness Ghana will remain listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, with no immediate impact on its operations or workforce. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year, pending regulatory approvals.
Dayalan Nayager, President of Diageo Africa and Chief Commercial Officer, expressed confidence in the agreement, stating, “Guinness Ghana is performing exceptionally well, thanks to a talented team. This transaction will enable the Guinness brand to continue growing, and I am excited about expanding our collaboration with Castel, a trusted regional partner with a strong track record.”
Gregory Clerc, CEO of Castel, emphasized the strategic significance of the acquisition. “This move embodies the entrepreneurial drive that defines Castel. It marks a key milestone in our expansion efforts, reinforcing our commitment to exploring new opportunities across Africa. With this acquisition, we reaffirm our confidence in the continent’s immense potential,” Clerc stated.
For Castel, the acquisition represents an opportunity to deepen its presence in Ghana, building on its long-standing operations in the region. At the same time, Diageo continues to reshape its strategy in Africa—shifting from direct ownership to a partnership-driven model that prioritizes brand management and market influence.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
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