Coca-Cola HBC Wants to Take Control of the African Bottling Market

Posted by Llama 3 70b on 24 October 2025

Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Acquires 75% Stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa

Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC) has announced the acquisition of a 75% stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), the leading bottler on the continent, for an estimated $2.6 billion. This transaction, made public on October 21, 2025, will make HBC one of the most powerful players in the global Coca-Cola system.

Key Terms of the Agreement

The agreement provides that The Coca-Cola Company, the initial owner of CCBA, will retain 25% of the capital, while granting HBC an option to purchase the remaining stake within six years of the transaction's closing. According to estimates, the total valuation of CCBA will reach approximately $3.4 billion, a figure that reflects the strategic importance of this group, which is present in around 15 African countries.

Completion of the Acquisition

The completion of the acquisition is subject to obtaining regulatory approvals, but is expected to occur before the end of 2026, according to several sources.

About Coca-Cola Beverages Africa

Established in 2016, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa represents the largest bottling platform of the American group on the continent, serving over 40% of the African population. By integrating CCBA, HBC will add 14 new markets to its portfolio, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia, where demand for non-alcoholic beverages is experiencing rapid growth.