In a bold move to expand its portfolio and strengthen its leadership in Africa’s beverage industry, Champion Breweries Plc, a subsidiary of enJOYcorp and a proud member of the EverCorp family, has entered into an agreement to acquire Bullet, one of Africa’s fastest-growing ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic and energy beverage brands.
The landmark deal, which is still subject to regulatory approvals, will see Champion Breweries acquire all brand assets and intellectual property of Bullet from Sun Mark International Limited. Under the new structure, Bullet brands will be held in a Netherlands-based entity, with Champion Breweries holding a majority stake, while Vinar N.V., a Belgian firm and majority shareholder of Sun Mark, will retain a minority interest.
With a heritage of nearly five decades since its incorporation in 1974 and a solid track record as a publicly listed company on the Nigerian Exchange, Champion Breweries is leveraging its reputation for trust, quality, and market resilience to embark on this transformative journey.
Bullet has established itself as a market leader in Nigeria’s RTD and energy drink category, with Bullet Black commanding strong consumer loyalty. Its reach extends across 14 African countries including Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania. The acquisition is also expected to boost Champion Breweries’ foreign exchange earnings, enhancing its financial stability and resilience.
Notably, Bullet’s caffeine-free formulation sets it apart in the energy drink market, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking non-caffeinated functional beverages.
Speaking on the transaction, Mr. Imo-abasi Jacob, Chairman of Champion Breweries, described the acquisition as a turning point:
“This proposed acquisition will mark a transformative step for Champion Breweries, expanding our portfolio into high-growth categories with strong consumer demand. Bullet’s international footprint and brand strength perfectly align with our vision for sustainable growth and market leadership.”
Mr. David Butler, Managing Director of enJOYcorp, added:
“We see tremendous potential in Bullet as a truly global African brand. With its strong position in key markets and significant headroom for expansion, we are poised to accelerate growth through new product launches, market entries, and strategic synergies across our operations. Working with our partners, we will further strengthen distribution and enhance the reach of all products in our portfolio.”
The acquisition will unlock synergies including shared distribution routes, consolidated warehousing, integrated stock management, and centralized resource allocation to maximize efficiency and scale. Already, several new Bullet products have been approved and are slated for rollout in 2026, alongside targeted entries into additional African and global markets.
With this strategic acquisition, Champion Breweries is not only diversifying its portfolio but also positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s evolving beverage landscape, transforming Bullet into a powerhouse brand with global potential.
