Champion Breweries Plc has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire the brand assets and intellectual property of the Bullet range of ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages and energy drinks from Sun Mark International Limited.
The deal, which is structured as an asset carve-out, will see the assets transferred to a newly incorporated entity in the Netherlands.
Champion Breweries will retain a majority stake in the business, while Belgian-based Vinar N.V., the majority shareholder of Sun Mark, will hold a minority interest.
According to the company’s notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited seen by THE WHISTLER, with the acquisition, Champion Breweries is set to diversify its portfolio and strengthen its position in Africa’s fast-growing RTD and energy drink categories.
Bullet products are already present in more than 14 African markets, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania.
In Nigeria, Bullet Black is currently the market leader in the RTD segment, while Bullet Blue energy drink ranks among the country’s top six energy brands.
The company noted that the transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Upon completion, Champion Breweries plans to integrate Bullet’s performance into its financial reporting.
According to the brewer, the acquisition is expected to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits.
These include foreign exchange earnings, stronger leverage with distributors, and expanded product offerings.
Over time, synergies are expected from an integrated supply chain, operational efficiencies, and new product development.
Management of Champion Breweries described the move as a “strategic expansion into high-growth beverage categories,” underscoring its ambition to leverage Africa’s dynamic consumer market.
