The landmark acquisition of CHI Limited by UAC Nigeria Plc was supported by Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Business Post learned.
The leading financial services provider helped UAC Nigeria with a financing package to complete the transaction, especially in its capacity as Mandated Lead Arranger and Global Coordinator.
It partnered closely with UAC Nigeria to structure a multi-product investment banking solution and financing package tailored for executing a complex transaction.
Beyond arranging the facility, Stanbic IBTC provided a truly comprehensive solution, mobilising its full product suite, with its global markets team designing hedging solutions to manage FX risk, while its Escrow services structured settlement flows aligned to the transaction’s requirements.
Crucially, by leveraging the broader Standard Bank platforms, Stanbic IBTC was able to combine its pan-African expertise, cross-border counsel with deep local knowledge to successfully close one of the most significant FMCG acquisitions in Nigeria.
This acquisition enables UAC Nigeria to expand its reach in the FMCG sector, accelerating entry into new product categories while consolidating its leadership position. Through the acquisition, UAC Nigeria gains immediate access to CHI’s established distribution network, proprietary technologies, and a portfolio of dominant household brands in juice, dairy, and snacks.
CHI’s strong brand equity, particularly in the dairy and fruit juice segments, compliments UAC Nigeria’s ambition of building a powerful platform for growth and enhanced market penetration.
“This transaction underscores our ability to deliver integrated solutions across advisory, structuring and execution. We are proud to have partnered with UAC on a transformative acquisition that not only advances their growth ambitions but also contributes to Nigeria’s economic development,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, Mr Oladele Sotubo, remarked.
“This acquisition represents a transformative step for UAC as we expand our presence in the FMCG sector. Stanbic IBTC’s ability to provide an integrated, end-to-end financing solution, backed by the wider Standard Bank Group, was instrumental in helping us achieve this milestone through a flawless execution that gave us confidence throughout the process,” the Group Finance Director of UAC Nigeria, Ms Funke Ijaiya-Oladipo, stated.
CHI Limited is one of Nigeria’s biggest food and beverage companies, with a leading position in the dairy, juices, nectars, and snacks segment of the Nigerian consumer goods segment. Its flagship brands, Hollandia (milk and yoghurt) and Chivita (fruit juice) have become household staples, supported by a nationwide distribution network and proprietary technologies.
UAC Nigeria is one of Nigeria’s oldest institutions with history dating as far back as 1879. Today, the organisation is a holding company with interests organised around four key verticals – Edibles and Feed, Packaged Food and Beverages, Paints, and Quick Service Restaurants.
They also own interests in a leading logistics services provider and a real estate development company. Creator of iconic brands such as Gala, Mr Bigg’s, Dulux, Grand, Supreme, UAC Nigeria has shaped industries and consumer culture for over a century and remains a symbol of resilience, innovation, and leadership in Nigerian enterprise.