Varun Beverages Completes R2.1bn Acquisition of Twizza
Varun Beverages Completes R2.1bn Acquisition of Twizza. Varun Beverages, through its subsidiary The Beverage Company (BevCo), has completed the acquisition of South African soft drink manufacturer Twizza for R2.1 billion, marking a landmark transaction in the country’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
The deal, finalized by Standard Bank following all required regulatory approvals, underscores continued investor appetite for scalable, value-driven consumer businesses in Africa.
Founded in 2003 in Komani, Eastern Cape by entrepreneur Ken Clark, Twizza has grown into a household name, producing affordable non-alcoholic beverages including carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, and mixers. With manufacturing facilities in Komani, Middelburg, and Cape Town, the company has established a strong footprint across Southern Africa, serving markets such as Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia.
The acquisition integrates Twizza into Varun’s global network, one of the largest PepsiCo franchise bottlers, providing access to expanded production capabilities and international distribution channels. Lisle Clark, CEO of Twizza, said: “The acquisition marks the next phase of Twizza’s growth journey. Under BevCo’s ownership, the business is well positioned to scale further, access new capabilities, and continue delivering affordable, quality products.”
For Varun, the deal strengthens its footprint in Africa and aligns with broader expansion ambitions across emerging markets where demand for accessible beverage options continues to grow.
Standard Bank’s Corporate Finance Advisory team led the transaction, which attracted both local and international bidders. Raven Moodley, head of corporate finance advisory at Standard Bank South Africa, noted: “This transaction reflects the power of timing, performance and sector dynamics in unlocking shareholder value.”
The acquisition highlights ongoing investor confidence in South Africa’s consumer economy, particularly in businesses serving the affordable segment. With Varun’s backing, Twizza is now positioned to expand its reach while continuing to serve everyday consumers — the foundation of its success.
