Champion Breweries Acquires Bullet Brand From Sun Mark

Champion Breweries Plc on Wednesday announced the completion of its acquisition of the Bullet brand portfolio from Sun Mark, marking a significant step in its expansion into a diversified, pan-African beverage platform.

In a statement, the company said the deal, first announced on August 20, 2025, grants Champion ownership of Bullet’s brand assets, trademarks, formulations and global commercial rights through an asset carve-out arrangement.

The acquired assets are now housed in a newly incorporated entity in the Netherlands, in which Champion holds a majority stake, while Vinar N.V., the majority shareholder of Sun Mark, retains a minority interest.

Bullet products are currently distributed in 14 African markets, providing Champion with an expanded footprint beyond Nigeria, particularly in the high-growth ready-to-drink alcoholic and energy drink segments.

The company said the acquisition broadens its addressable market and strengthens its revenue base with an established and profitable portfolio that enjoys strong brand recognition and consumer loyalty across multiple markets.

Champion noted that the transaction accelerates its transition from a regional brewing company to a multi-category consumer platform with continental reach. Bullet Black is described as Nigeria’s leading ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage, while Bullet Blue has gained traction in the energy drink category across several African markets.

According to the company, the acquisition enhances foreign exchange earnings potential, expands distribution leverage across African markets, integrates supply chain efficiencies, diversifies its product portfolio into high-growth beverage categories, and strengthens its position in the RTD and energy drink segments.

Champion added that the deal structure enables rapid integration without significant upfront manufacturing capital expenditure and creates 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 a Rights Issue and Public Offer, which bolstered its balance sheet and provided funding for its strategic expansion.