Castel Group would like to advise that following the announcement that Southern Bottlers Limited (SOBO) has agreed to sell its soft drinks business to Coca-Cola Beverages Limited (CCBL), a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), the transaction is expected to be closed in mid-June 2022 after all regulatory approvals (COMESA, MRA, MBS ….).
Further to this, the Bottler’s Agreement between The Coca Cola Company and Castel Group, namely Southern Bottlers in Malawi will end on 30th June 2022 as in many other African countries such as Cameroun, Ivory coast, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Angola, Gabon …
In this international context, where the two giant players of the beverages business have decided to end their partnership, CCBL will take over the production and distribution of the Coca-Cola, Sobo, and Quench brands in Malawi.
Both parties to the transaction are making every effort to ensure a smooth transition that is in the best interest of all employees, stakeholders, commercial partners, and consumers to accelerate ease of investment, creation of employment, innovation for consumers and secure growth and enhancement of the socio – economic fabric of Malawi.
SOBO will communicate further regarding the transaction subject to receipt of regulatory approvals.