Stanbic IBTC’s End-to-End Financing Facilitates UAC’s Strategic Acquisition of CHI Limited
Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC supported UAC of Nigeria PLC in its historic acquisition of CHI Limited, providing comprehensive end-to-end financial solutions that contributed to the deal’s successful completion. Serving as Mandated Lead Arranger and Global Coordinator, Stanbic IBTC collaborated closely with UAC to structure a tailored multi-product investment banking and financing package suited to the complexities of this high-profile transaction.
Beyond arranging the financing, Stanbic IBTC deployed its full suite of financial products. The bank’s Global Markets team crafted hedging solutions to manage foreign exchange risks, while its Escrow services structured settlement flows aligned with the transaction’s requirements.
By leveraging the broader capabilities of the Standard Bank Group, Stanbic IBTC combined its pan-African expertise, cross-border counsel, and deep local knowledge to facilitate one of Nigeria’s most significant FMCG acquisitions to date.
The transaction culminated in UAC successfully acquiring a 100% equity stake in CHI Limited on October 3, 2025.
CHI Limited is one of Nigeria’s leading food and beverage companies, renowned for its dominant presence in dairy, juices, nectars, and snacks. Its flagship brands, Hollandia (milk and yoghurt) and Chivita (fruit juice), are household staples supported by an extensive distribution network and proprietary technologies.
UAC of Nigeria PLC, established in 1879, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected conglomerates. Today, UAC operates across four key sectors—Edibles and Feed, Packaged Food and Beverages, Paints, and Quick Service Restaurants—and has interests in logistics and real estate. With iconic brands like Gala, Mr Bigg’s, Dulux, and UAC, the company has shaped Nigerian industry and consumer culture for over a century, symbolizing resilience, innovation, and leadership.
This acquisition allows UAC to deepen its footprint in the FMCG sector, entering new product categories while strengthening its market leadership. The deal grants immediate access to CHI’s well-established distribution network, proprietary technologies, and popular brands in dairy, juice, and snacks—complementing UAC’s growth ambitions and market expansion plans.
Commenting on the transaction, Funke Ijaiya-Oladipo, Group Finance Director of UAC, said: “This acquisition marks a transformative step for UAC as we expand our presence in the FMCG space. Stanbic IBTC’s ability to provide integrated, end-to-end financing solutions, backed by the wider Standard Bank Group, was instrumental in ensuring a smooth and confident execution throughout the process.”
Oladele Sotubo, CEO of Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, added: “This deal demonstrates our capacity to deliver comprehensive solutions across advisory, structuring, and execution. We are proud to partner with UAC on this transformative acquisition, which not only supports their growth ambitions but also contributes to Nigeria’s economic development.”