Five notable African retail and distribution sector deals
We highlight five African retail and distribution sector investments, as featured in our Dealmaker’s Log.
We highlight five African retail and distribution sector investments over the past 12 months, as featured in our Dealmaker’s Log, a database of reported investment deals, exits, and fundraising milestones. Subscribe to this service here
1. South Africa: RMB Ventures invests in Bulldog Group
RMB Ventures closed an investment deal with the Bulldog Group in South Africa.
Bulldog is a wholesaler and distributor of paint and consumables to the auto-refinish industry, and the industrial, DIY and woodwork sectors. It services the market through three businesses namely Bulldog Abrasives, RSB and Y.E.S. Read the full article
2. Alterra and Phatisa acquire Actis’ stake in Java House
Private equity firms Alterra and Phatisa signed agreements to acquire 100% of Java House Africa from emerging-market investor Actis, for an undisclosed sum.
Founded in 1999, Java House has grown into a household name, offering coffee and a diverse menu to customers across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The company operates a network of almost 100 outlets through brands including Java House, Java Express, 360 Degrees Pizza, Planet Yoghurt, and Kukito. The company also operates a vertically integrated commercial kitchen, coffee roastery, food service and distribution platform, serving over 5.5 million meals per annum and employing over 2,300 people. Read the full article
3. Injaro subsidiary invests in Samsung distributor
Investment Capital Partners, a subsidiary of Injaro Investments, completed its first investment in Cabo Verde through the Pro Impacto Fund. The investment was made in M&J Tech, which was founded in 2018 by two young Cabo Verdeans, with a vision of becoming the preferred supplier of consumer electronic and home white goods. The company is a licensed distributor of Samsung products in the country.
Jerry Parkes, CEO of Injaro Investments added, "M&J Tech represents our first investment in Lusophone Africa and the Pro Impacto Fund. We greatly appreciate the productive collaboration with the government of Cabo Verde in this venture and look forward to building upon this platform to extend our investment activities both in Cabo Verde and into other parts of Lusophone Africa. Congratulations to Jacqueline and her team for a great job bringing M&J Tech this far." Read the full article
4. Nigeria: Goodwell invests in OmniRetail
Goodwell Investments made an investment in Nigeria-based OmniRetail, a B2B e-commerce platform digitising sub-Saharan Africa’s informal supply chain. Working in collaboration with long-term partner Alitheia Capital, Goodwell invested via its uMunthu II fund, effectively kickstarting OmniRetail’s Series A fundraising round.
Founded in 2019, OmniRetail provides the necessary digital infrastructure to tackle some of the most pressing challenges within Africa’s commerce value chain, particularly by addressing the needs of informal retailers. This often-overlooked group constitutes the backbone of commerce across sub-Saharan Africa, contributing significantly to the region’s GDP and providing livelihoods to millions of individuals. Despite their economic importance, these small businesses grapple with uncoordinated supply chains and fragmented distribution networks, hindering their growth and economic stability. Read the full article
5. PE firm CDG Invest Growth backs Moroccan retailer
Private equity firm CDG Invest Growth, together with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Fipar Holding, announced an investment in Retail Holding, a Moroccan-based food and consumer goods retailer.
IFC, Fipar Holding (an investment fund managed by CDG Invest) and CDG Invest Growth (through its fund under management Capmezzanine III) will jointly own a 21.5% stake in Retail Holding, alongside its historical shareholders, Best Financière and Sanam Group. Read the full article
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