Diageo to promote majority stake in Guinness to Tolaram Group

Diageo, the international majority shareholder in Guinness Nigeria Plc, has agreed to promote its 58.02% controlling stake to Tolaram, a multinational firm primarily based in Singapore.

The settlement was signed on Tuesday.

Beneath the phrases of the deal, Tolaram will purchase Diageo’s 58.02% shareholding in Guinness Nigeria and enter into long-term license and royalty agreements to proceed producing the Guinness model and different Diageo drinks domestically.

Tolaram will even make a compulsory tender supply to minority shareholders, probably rising its controlling stake in Guinness Nigeria.

In a regulatory submitting with the Nigerian Change, the board of Guinness Nigeria said that the transaction is anticipated to be accomplished in 2025, pending obligatory regulatory approvals in Nigeria.

“Diageo stays deeply dedicated to Nigeria and can retain possession of the Guinness model, which will probably be licensed to Guinness Nigeria for the long run, enabling the subsequent part of development and improvement of Guinness Nigeria underneath the stewardship of Tolaram,” the corporate said.

Tolaram has a major presence in Africa as one of many largest client packaged items firms on the continent and has partnerships with a number of main client multinational firms.

Diageo and Tolaram will collaborate to drive the model and advertising and marketing technique for Guinness in Nigeria, guaranteeing long-term development.

Guinness Nigeria will stay listed on the Nigerian Change (NGX) after the transaction, though current related acquisitions have generally led to full takeovers and delistings of firms.

Chairman of Guinness Nigeria, Omobola Johnson, mentioned the acquisition represents a major alternative for the corporate’s development.

“This partnership brings collectively Tolaram’s deep experience in manufacturing and distribution, and Diageo’s distinctive capabilities in model constructing and innovation. I consider it is a profitable mixture which leaves Guinness Nigeria extraordinarily properly positioned to drive additional development on this market,” Johnson mentioned.

Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, Adebayo Alli, described the announcement as an thrilling second for the corporate, its workers, and clients.

“I stay up for working alongside Tolaram, which is likely one of the largest and most revered client items firms in Africa, and I’m happy to notice Tolaram’s alignment with Guinness Nigeria’s values and its robust dedication to construct a permanent and sustainable enterprise,” Alli mentioned.

Managing Director of Tolaram Africa, Haresh Aswani, expressed pleasure concerning the acquisition. “This strategic transfer will broaden our vital footprint within the Nigerian market and presents a chance to leverage our mixed strengths to foster innovation and ship immense worth to our clients and shareholders throughout the nation,” Aswani mentioned.