Varun Beverages, an Indian multinational company led by billionaire Ravi Jaipuria, has finalized a deal to acquire PepsiCo’s bottling operations in Ghana for US$15.1 million.
This acquisition is part of a larger investment totalling US$169.6 million that includes operations in both Ghana and Tanzania, significantly expanding Varun Beverages’ presence in the African market.
The acquisition involves SBC Beverages Ghana Limited (SBCG), granting Varun Beverages complete control over Pepsi’s bottling and distribution network in the country. SBCG is responsible for manufacturing and selling several popular PepsiCo brands, including Pepsi, Pepsi Max, 7UP, and Mirinda, as well as its energy drink brand, Cheetah.
The company operates a single manufacturing facility in Accra with two production lines.
Ravi Jaipuria expressed optimism about the acquisition, noting the vast potential for Varun Beverages to enhance its operations across Ghana and Tanzania. He highlighted that the company aims to produce millions of beverage cases annually as it integrates SBCG’s operations into its existing network.
In addition to the Ghana deal, Varun Beverages has also secured the purchase of SBC Tanzania for US$154.5 million, further solidifying its dominance in the East African beverage market.
The company’s strategy includes establishing a strong base in Africa, where it has already made significant strides since the 1990s.
Jaipuria leads Varun Beverages, one of PepsiCo’s largest global franchisees, with an estimated net worth of US$16 billion. His conglomerate, RJ Corp, extends beyond beverages into sectors such as fast food and healthcare, showcasing a diverse business portfolio.
With these acquisitions, Varun Beverages is poised to strengthen its manufacturing and distribution capabilities across Africa while continuing its legacy of delivering iconic beverages globally. The company’s expansion reflects its commitment to tapping into high-growth markets and meeting increasing consumer demand.
