Tanzania's Amsons Group launches Sh23.1b bid to acquire Bamburi cement

Business
By Brian Ngugi | Jul 11, 2024
Bamburi Cement trucks collect cement from a Silo storage facility in Industrial Area, Nairobi. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Tanzania's leading manufacturing and energy giant, Amsons Group, has issued a binding offer to acquire up to a 100 per cent stake in Kenya's Bamburi Cement PLC for a total sum of Sh23.1 billion.

Amsons, through its Kenyan subsidiary Amsons Industries (K) Ltd, has issued a notice of intention to launch a public takeover offer to acquire up to 100 per cent of Bamburi's shares at 65 Kenyan shillings per share.

"We have great plans to deepen our investment in Kenya and in Bamburi," said Amsons Group Managing Director Edha Nahdi in a statement issued on Wednesday evening.

"The proposed cross-border acquisition will further strengthen our position in the East African cement sector as part of our regional economic development and market integration strategy."

Amsons, a family-owned business founded in 2006, has diversified from its roots in bulk oil and petroleum products to become a manufacturing and energy conglomerate with over $1 billion in annual revenue. Its cement operations include a 6,000 metric tonnes/day facility and the recently acquired Mbeya Cement in Tanzania.

The acquisition of Bamburi would mark Amsons' formal entry into the Kenyan market, where the group plans to make further investments in the coming months, according to Nahdi.

Holcim, which currently owns a 65 per cent stake in Bamburi, said the deal "advances Holcim's strategy of extending our leadership in our core markets as the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions."

"With Amsons Group, we are pleased to have found a strategic and trusted partner best positioned to develop Bamburi Cement PLC's business in the long term," said Holcim's Regional Head of Asia, Middle East and Africa, Martin Kriegner in the statement.

The proposed $180 million acquisition would mark a significant milestone for Amsons as it seeks to invest in one of Kenya's iconic blue-chip companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).

Share this story
Afreximbank secures investment grade rating, boosting lending firepower
The Afreximbank has secured a long-sought investment grade rating from S&P Global Ratings, a move that will lower its borrowing costs and expand its capacity to lend.
Why Mbadi slashed Opiyo Wandayi's budget despite fuel pressures
Treasury has cut funding for Kenya’s energy and petroleum sectors despite heavy spending on fuel subsidies and rising power demand, raising concerns over future fuel stability and electricity supply.
Ruto declares war on foreign mining giants ahead of G7 meet
President William Ruto renewed calls for UN and global financial reforms and pledged to end foreign exploitation of Kenya’s mineral resources ahead of the G7 summit in France.
Now Africa's insurance industry must move beyond ambition
Africa’s insurance industry must shift its focus from ambitious digital and AI strategies to disciplined execution, ensuring innovation delivers measurable value.
BAT shareholders okay record dividend
Shareholders of BAT Kenya have approved a record total dividend of Sh70 per share for 2025, supported by an 18% rise in profit despite challenges from the rising illicit tobacco trade.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS