Deal expands RTD and energy drink footprint across 14 African markets.
Champion Breweries Plc has announced the successful completion of its acquisition of the Bullet brand portfolio from Sun Mark, marking a significant step in its strategy to build a diversified, pan-African beverage platform.
In a statement, the company confirmed that the transaction, initially announced on August 20, 2025, gives Champion full ownership of the Bullet brand assets, trademarks, formulations, and global commercial rights through an asset carve-out structure.
The acquired assets are held in a newly incorporated entity in the Netherlands, in which Champion Breweries holds a majority interest. Vinar N.V., the majority shareholder of Sun Mark, retains a minority stake in the new entity.
Bullet products are currently distributed in 14 African markets, positioning Champion to expand beyond Nigeria in the high-growth ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic and energy drink categories.
The company said the acquisition broadens its addressable market and strengthens its revenue base through an established and profitable portfolio with strong brand recognition and consumer loyalty across multiple countries.
Through the transaction, Champion gains enhanced foreign exchange earnings potential, expanded distribution leverage across African markets, integrated supply chain efficiencies, and portfolio diversification into high-growth beverage segments.
The structure of the deal allows rapid integration without significant upfront manufacturing capital expenditure, while creating a pathway for future Nigerian production capacity that could position the country as a regional export hub.
The acquisition was supported by the company’s recent capital-raising initiatives, including its Rights Issue and Public Offer, which strengthened its balance sheet and provided funding for strategic expansion.
Chairman of Champion Breweries Plc, Imo-Abasi Jacob, described the milestone as transformative.
“The successful completion of our public equity raises, together with the formal close of the Bullet acquisition, marks a defining moment for Champion Breweries. The support we received from both existing shareholders and new investors reflects strong confidence in our long-term strategy to build a diversified, high-growth beverage platform with pan-African scale. Our focus now is on disciplined execution, integration, and delivering sustained value across markets,” he said.
The company expressed appreciation to shareholders, stakeholders, and the investing public for their continued support, stating that their confidence in its strategic direction and long-term vision had been instrumental in achieving the milestone.
Champion Breweries has recorded strong financial growth in recent years. Revenue increased from N12.7 billion (US$8.88 million) in 2023 to N20.9 billion (US$14.62 million) in 2024, while net income rose from N370 million (US$258.84K) to N817 million (US$571.55K).
In the first half of 2025, the brewer posted N15.9 billion (US$11.12 million) in revenue and N2.3 billion (US$1.61 million) in net income, representing its strongest half-year performance to date.