UAC of Nigeria PLC has officially completed the acquisition of Chivita and Hollandia after receiving approval from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). This marks one of the biggest corporate deals in Nigeria’s food and beverage industry in 2025.
The deal means that UAC, one of Nigeria’s largest and oldest companies, now owns Chivita and Hollandia, two of the most popular juice and dairy brands in the country.
Coca-Cola, which previously owned Chivita and Hollandia, has sold the company to UAC as part of its global strategy.
Background of the Deal
The first announcement of the deal was made on July 30, 2025, when UAC said it had reached an agreement with Coca-Cola to acquire Chivita and Hollandia, officially known as CHI Limited. At that time, the agreement was still subject to approval by the FCCPC, the government body that ensures competition and consumer protection in Nigeria.
On October 3, 2025, UAC confirmed that the FCCPC had approved the deal, and the acquisition was officially completed. This transfer of ownership means that Chivita and Hollandia are now part of the UAC family of brands.
About Chivita and Hollandia
Chivita and Hollandia are household names in Nigeria. CHI Limited, the company behind the two brands, is one of the country’s leading producers of food and drinks.
Chivita dominates the fruit juice market with products such as Chivita Active, Chivita 100 percent, and Chivita Ice Tea. Hollandia is well known for its dairy products like Hollandia Evap, Hollandia Yoghurt, and Hollandia Malt Milk. Together, these brands have built a strong reputation for quality and wide distribution across Nigeria.
Coca-Cola’s Exit
Coca-Cola first acquired a 40 percent stake in CHI Limited in 2016. By 2019, Coca-Cola had purchased the remaining shares, taking full control of the company.
However, Coca-Cola has recently been shifting to what it calls an asset-light strategy. This strategy means the company is focusing more on its most profitable and large-scale brands, while leaving smaller or regional operations to other players. Selling Chivita and Hollandia to UAC fits into this plan.
Coca-Cola has also made it clear that it is not leaving Nigeria. The company has announced that it plans to invest 1 billion dollars in Nigeria over the next five years, provided the business environment remains stable.
UAC’s Big Move
For UAC, this acquisition is a major step forward. The Group Managing Director of UAC, Fola Aiyesimoju, said the company is excited to welcome Chivita and Hollandia into its family of brands. He added that UAC is looking forward to building on the strong legacy of the two brands and continuing their market leadership.
This acquisition will give UAC a stronger position in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods sector. With Chivita and Hollandia now part of its portfolio, UAC will expand deeper into the juice and dairy markets, which are both growing and very competitive.
FCCPC Approval
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission plays a key role in deals like this. Its job is to make sure that acquisitions do not harm competition or consumers. By approving this deal, the FCCPC has confirmed that UAC’s ownership of Chivita and Hollandia is in line with fair business practices and will not harm the Nigerian market.
Eelco Weber, the Managing Director of CHI Limited, also expressed confidence in the deal. He said that the company is pleased to have received approval and looks forward to a smooth transition under UAC’s ownership.
Impact on UAC’s Business
The timing of this acquisition is interesting. UAC’s half-year financial results for 2025 showed strong revenue growth. Revenue rose by 33 percent compared to the same period in 2024, reaching N110.4 billion. Operating profit almost doubled to N12.59 billion.
Although profit before tax fell by 25 percent to N11.1 billion, the company explained that this was due to the absence of foreign exchange gains, which had boosted profits in the previous year.
On the stock market, UAC shares have been performing very well. From a 30 percent gain by mid-2025, the stock has now climbed 134 percent by October 3, 2025. The share price even spiked 10 percent in one day, likely because of excitement around this acquisition.
What This Means for Consumers
For everyday Nigerians, the acquisition may not bring sudden changes. Chivita and Hollandia products will remain on shelves, and the brands will continue their usual operations. However, UAC’s wide distribution network and local knowledge may help make these products more available and possibly more affordable in the long run.
For the industry, the deal shows that Nigerian companies like UAC are strong enough to acquire and grow leading brands. It also highlights that global players like Coca-Cola are adjusting their strategies, focusing only on their biggest markets and products.
The Bottom Line
The sale of Chivita and Hollandia to UAC of Nigeria PLC, with the approval of the FCCPC, is a landmark event in Nigeria’s corporate and consumer goods space.
It strengthens UAC’s position in the FMCG market, ensures continuity for two of Nigeria’s most loved brands, and reflects Coca-Cola’s new global strategy.
For investors, consumers, and the Nigerian business community, this acquisition is a sign of both opportunity and change in one of Africa’s largest economies.
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