FCCPC Approves UAC’s Acquisition of Chivita | Hollandia, Reshaping Nigeria’s Beverage Market.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has given regulatory approval for UAC of Nigeria Plc to acquire CHI Limited, the producers of Nigeria’s iconic beverage brands — Chivita and Hollandia.
This strategic move marks a major consolidation in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, positioning UAC as a stronger player in the food and drinks market while reaffirming investor confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory and corporate landscape.
A Landmark Deal in Nigeria’s Beverage Industry
UAC confirmed the FCCPC’s approval in a formal disclosure to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), noting that the transaction has now been fully completed. The approval follows the companies’ joint announcement on July 30, 2025, signalling the formal start of one of Nigeria’s most significant consumer goods mergers in recent years.
CHI Limited, a household name known for its Chivita fruit juices and Hollandia dairy products, has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and distribution excellence across Nigeria and West Africa.
Industry Reactions and Strategic Implications
Mr. Eelco Weber, Managing Director of CHI Limited, welcomed the regulatory approval, describing it as a key milestone in the company’s growth journey.
“We are pleased to have received regulatory approval for this transaction. We look forward to a smooth transition under UAC’s ownership and to building on our strong consumer trust,” Weber said.
Mr. Fola Aiyesimoju, Group Managing Director of UAC of Nigeria Plc, hailed the acquisition as a strategic step consistent with the company’s long-term growth ambitions.
“We are delighted to officially welcome the Chivita | Hollandia brands into the UAC family. Together, we will strengthen their legacy of excellence and accelerate innovation in Nigeria’s FMCG industry,” Aiyesimoju stated.
Strengthening UAC’s Consumer Goods Portfolio
The acquisition significantly expands UAC’s footprint in Nigeria’s food and beverage market, integrating CHI Limited’s world-class brands and production capacity with UAC’s extensive distribution network.
Analysts view the move as a bold signal of confidence in Nigeria’s non-oil sectors, particularly as consumer demand rebounds and local manufacturing capacity deepens amid government-backed economic diversification efforts.
By bringing Chivita and Hollandia under its umbrella, UAC gains access to a robust portfolio of market-leading products across fruit juices, dairy drinks, and value-added beverages — strengthening its competitiveness against multinational rivals.
BRANDECONOMY INSIGHT: A New Era for Local Consumer Brands
The UAC–CHI merger underscores a growing trend in Nigeria’s corporate landscape: strategic local acquisitions aimed at building scale, reducing import dependency, and unlocking value through backward integration and supply-chain efficiency.
It also reflects a renewed focus by indigenous conglomerates like UAC to reclaim leadership in consumer markets historically dominated by global players.
As Nigeria’s middle class expands and brand loyalty deepens, this deal could reshape consumer preferences, spur innovation, and create new jobs in manufacturing, logistics, and marketing.
BRANDECONOMY TAKEAWAY
The FCCPC’s approval of UAC’s acquisition of Chivita | Hollandia signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s food and beverage industry — one defined by strategic consolidation, local investment, and renewed consumer confidence.
For UAC, it’s more than an acquisition — it’s a commitment to scaling Nigerian brands for global competitiveness.
For the economy, it’s another proof that Nigeria’s FMCG sector remains one of the strongest pillars of non-oil growth.
