Diageo Holdings Netherlands B.V., a unit of global spirits giant Diageo PLC, has completed its exit from the Ghanaian market after offloading its controlling stake in Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC to French beverage conglomerate Castel Group.
The transaction, finalized on July 3 via a Free of Payment mechanism on the Ghana Stock Exchange, involved the transfer of approximately 247 million ordinary shares—equivalent to 80.4% of Guinness Ghana’s total issued shares and voting rights. Following the deal, Diageo no longer holds any equity in the Ghana-based brewer.
The move, disclosed in a regulatory filing in accordance with Rule 55 of the Ghana Stock Exchange Listing Rules, marks a significant reshuffling in West Africa’s competitive beverage landscape. Castel, which already has a strong presence in Francophone Africa, is expected to leverage its expanded footprint in Ghana to further entrench itself in both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage markets.
Industry analysts say the acquisition is poised to intensify competition and may drive changes in pricing strategies and product distribution across the region. The deal also reflects a broader trend of global beverage companies reassessing their portfolios in emerging markets amid shifting consumer dynamics and economic headwinds.
Diageo, best known for brands like Johnnie Walker and Guinness, did not disclose financial details of the transaction. Castel Group has yet to issue a statement outlining its strategic intentions post-acquisition.
Guinness Ghana, which was once considered a flagship local unit within Diageo’s African operations, now enters a new chapter under Castel’s ownership—one that could reshape the company’s trajectory and influence market dynamics for years to come.
Source:TheDotNews