Kenya: Tanzanian firm to acquire Bamburi Cement for Sh23 billion

Tanzania’s Amsons Group, a manufacturing and energy company, seeks to acquire a full 100% stake in Kenya’s Bamburi Cement, valued at $180 million (Sh23.2 billion).

The company has issued a binding offer, positioning the transaction as one of the largest investment deals within the East African Community (EAC). This underscores the group’s intent to invest in one of Kenya’s leading blue-chip companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).

Through its Kenyan subsidiary, Amsons Industries Limited, Amsons Group has proposed a public takeover offer of Sh65 per share, valuing the transaction at about $180 million (Sh23.2 billion).

According to Amsons Group, this acquisition aims to strengthen its presence in the East African cement sector and marks a significant step toward regional economic development and market integration.

“We have great plans to deepen our investment in Kenya and in Bamburi.” said Amsons Group Managing Director, Edha Nahdi.

The cash offer by Amsons represents a premium above the current Bamburi Cement share price on the NSE.

Founded in 2006, Amsons Group has diversified its operations beyond bulk oil and petroleum products, expanding into the manufacturing sector with a 6,000MT/day cement production capacity.

The group also operates a 500MT/day wheat flour milling plant, a state-of-the-art concrete plant, and extensive logistics and fuel operations across several African countries.

The group’s recent acquisitions include the Mbeya Cement facility in Tanzania, which was purchased from Holcim, further expanding its cement manufacturing capabilities.

Holcim’s Regional Head of Asia, Middle East & Africa, Martin Kriegner, expressed confidence in Amsons Group as a strategic partner capable of developing Bamburi Cement’s business in the long term.

Amsons Group’s intention to acquire Bamburi Cement is part of its broader market expansion plan, with further investments in Kenya anticipated in the coming months.

Nahdi emphasized the group’s commitment to leveraging its advanced cement manufacturing technology to replicate its success in the Kenyan market, building on the strong foundation established by Holcim at Bamburi Cement.

In the Fuel Sector, Amsons Group has Fuel Depots in several Countries, including Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, and DRC, with over 150 retail stations in those countries.

Last November, Holcim agreed to sell its 65 per cent participation in Mbeya Cement Company Ltd in Tanzania to Amsons Group and has recently completed the acquisition following regulatory approvals.

“This agreement to sell our stake in Bamburi Cement 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 & Africa, Martin Kriegner.

Edha Nahdi explained that Amsons Industries (T) Ltd, known for its cement products under the brand names “Camel Cement” and “Tembo Cement” in Tanzania, has made an offer to acquire shares in Bamburi as part of their corporate market expansion plan.

He mentioned that this acquisition would mark Amsons Group’s formal entry into the Kenyan market, with plans to invest in other industries in the coming months.