Castel Group takes over 80.4% stake in Guinness Ghana

By Ralph Tathagata

In an \$81 million acquisition, the Castel Group has officially taken over majority ownership of Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC (GGB PLC). The deal comes on the heels of a successful completion of Castel Group’s 80.4% stake in Diageo.

While Diageo retains ownership of key brands such as Guinness, Malta Guinness, Orijin, Smirnoff Ice, and Alvaro, Castel now assumes operational leadership of Guinness Ghana, leveraging its extensive distribution network and regional expertise under the new agreement.

Meanwhile, all Diageo brands will continue to be brewed and distributed in Ghana under a long-term licensing and royalty arrangement with Castel.

Also, this acquisition will strategically deepen Castel’s footprint across Africa.

In a joint statement, the companies affirmed that operations would continue without disruption.

Looking ahead, all employees will remain in place under existing terms, and the company retains its listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange.

Interestingly, both parties described the acquisition as a transformative partnership that reflects a shared ambition.

Commenting, Gregory Clerc, Castel Group CEO, said, “This transition affirms Castel’s belief in Ghana’s long-term economic potential.

With our heritage and extensive distribution network, we are committed to enhancing Guinness Ghana’s operations and building on its strong foundation.

Ghana is now Castel’s 22nd market in Africa, and we are proud to deepen our footprint with this acquisition.”

On his part, Dayalan Nayager, President of Diageo Africa, said, “Guinness Ghana is performing strongly powered by a fantastic team of people.

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Through this transaction, I look forward to the Guinness brand continuing to thrive and delivering further growth.

I am excited to extend our partnership with Castel, a long-term partner in the region with a proven track record.”

Observers recall that Diageo has been on a divestment journey across the African market, including Guinness Nigeria, which Tolaram recently acquired, and Guinness Cameroon, which Castel Group acquired.

Despite the acquisitions, Diageo continues to maintain a significant presence on the continent, with operations in 34 countries through East African Breweries Limited and Diageo South West Central.