Champion Breweries Plc, a subsidiary of EnjoyCorp Limited, on Wednesday, 20 August, 2025 announced that it has reached an agreement with Sun Mark International Limited to acquire the Bullet brand, one of Africa’s fast-growing ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic and energy beverage portfolios.
The Champion Breweries, which is located in Akwa Ibom state, is the maker of Champion lager beer and Champ Malt, just as it also offers packaging services to the Nigerian Breweries Plc.
According to the brewing company, several new Bullet products have already been approved and are slated for rollout in 2026, accompanied by targeted entries into additional African and global markets.
Confirming the deal through a statement nt issued on Wednesday, 20 August, 2025, Champion Breweries disclosed that it will also acquire all brand assets and intellectual property for Bullet from Sun Mark
The synergies, according to the statement, will include shared distribution routes, consolidated warehousing, integrated stock management, and centralised resource allocation to maximise efficiency and scale.
The brewing company added that the brands are expected to be held under a new Netherlands-based entity, with Champion Breweries taking a majority interest, while Vinar N.V., the Belgian majority shareholder of Sun Mark, retains a minority stake
The company said in the statement that the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, would boost its foreign exchange (FX) earnings.
“With nearly five decades of brewing heritage since its incorporation in 1974, and as a publicly listed company on the Nigerian Exchange, Champion Breweries brings a track record of trust, quality, and market resilience to this landmark acquisition,” the statement reads.
“Bullet is an established leader in the RTD and energy drink segment in Nigeria, with its flagship Bullet Black enjoying independent market leadership.
“The brand’s reach spans over 14 African countries, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, DRC and Tanzania. Notably, the Bullet transaction will significantly enhance Champion Breweries’ foreign exchange earnings, further strengthening Champion Breweries’ financial stability.
“Bullet’s caffeine-free formulation distinguishes it in the energy drink category, tapping into the fast-growing segment of consumers seeking healthier, non-caffeinated functional beverages, ” the company said in the statement
The chairman of Champion Breweries, Imo-abasi Jacob, peaking on the deal said the proposed acquisition will mark a transformative step for the company
Jacob said Champion Breweries will expands its portfolio to include high-growth categories with strong consumer demand, adding that Bullet’s international footprint and brand strength perfectly align with its own vision for sustainable growth and market leadership
The Managing Director of enJOYcorp, David Butler, on his part, said the brand has “tremendous potential as a truly global African brand”.
“With its strong position in key markets and significant headroom for expansion, we will be poised to accelerate growth through new product launches, market entries, and strategic synergies across our operations, working with existing partners and strengthening the distribution reach of all products in our range,” Butler said.
