Tanzania’s Amsons Group has taken a significant step in its quest to acquire Kenya’s leading cement manufacturer, Bamburi Cement, by completing the first phase of the KSh 23.6 billion buyout deal. This milestone acquisition saw Amsons purchase 137.1 million shares at KSh 65 per unit in a block trade on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), amounting to a total of KSh 8.91 billion.

Record-Breaking Trading Activity

The acquisition propelled Bamburi Cement to unprecedented trading volumes, with shares traded representing approximately 38% of the company’s total issued shares, which stands at 362.9 million. Bamburi accounted for 95% of the day’s turnover on the NSE, a remarkable feat that drove the day’s total equity turnover to KSh 9.4 billion—a staggering 6052% increase from the KSh 152.5 million recorded in the previous session.

The total volume of shares traded in the session surged by 1864%, from 8.8 million in the prior session to 174 million, with Bamburi dominating 78% of the market activity.

Understanding the Block Trade

The deal was executed as a block trade, a method commonly used for large securities transactions. Block trades are privately negotiated deals arranged away from the public market to minimize the potential impact on the security’s price.

Bamburi Cement, a major player in East Africa’s construction sector, has several notable shareholders. Fincem Holding Limited and Kencem Holding Limited are the principal stakeholders, each holding a 29.30% stake. Other significant shareholders include Standard Chartered Nominees with 15.68% and Aksaya Investment Holdings Limited with 11.12%.

The Acquisition Tussle

The path to Amsons Group’s acquisition of Bamburi Cement has been marked by fierce competition and regulatory challenges. The most notable rivalry came from Savannah Clinker, which initially launched a competing bid for Bamburi.

In October 2024, Savannah Clinker raised its offer from KSh 70 per share to KSh 76.55, surpassing Amsons’ KSh 65 bid. However, a series of setbacks, including the arrest and prosecution of Savannah Clinker’s chairman, hampered its ability to maintain its bid. On December 4th, Savannah Clinker withdrew from the race, citing the Capital Markets Authority’s refusal to extend the offer period by 60 days as a critical factor.

The tug-of-war between the two suitors led to a surge in Bamburi Cement’s share price, which peaked at KSh 77.52 in early September. However, the stock closed at KSh 52 on December 5th, the final trading day before Amsons’ acquisition announcement.

What’s Next for Bamburi Cement?

Amsons Group is poised to make a significant impact on Bamburi Cement’s future operations and market positioning. If Amsons acquires 90% or more of Bamburi’s shares, it plans to buy out the remaining shareholders through a “squeeze-out” process at the prevailing market price.

Furthermore, Amsons has indicated that it may evaluate the continued efficacy of Bamburi’s listing on the NSE. If it achieves a 75% acceptance threshold, the group could apply for Bamburi Cement’s delisting from the exchange.

Strategic Implications for Amsons Group

This acquisition aligns with Amsons Group’s broader strategic goals to expand its footprint in East Africa’s construction and infrastructure sectors. By acquiring Bamburi Cement, the Tanzanian conglomerate secures a dominant position in the regional cement market, which is characterized by high demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects and urbanization.

Bamburi Cement, with a strong legacy and market leadership in Kenya and neighboring countries, presents Amsons with an opportunity to leverage its production capacity, established brand, and distribution networks to consolidate its market share.

Industry Context: A Competitive Cement Market

The East African cement market is highly competitive, with players such as Dangote Cement, ARM Cement, and Mombasa Cement vying for dominance. Bamburi Cement has consistently maintained its leadership position, supported by its efficient production processes, innovation in product development, and robust market presence.

Amsons’ acquisition is expected to heighten competition in the sector, as the conglomerate brings new resources and strategic direction to Bamburi. This development could lead to increased innovation, cost efficiencies, and potentially lower prices for consumers in the region.

Regulatory and Economic Considerations

Amsons’ acquisition of Bamburi comes at a time of increased scrutiny from Kenya’s regulatory authorities. The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has been actively monitoring large transactions to ensure transparency and protect shareholder interests.

Economically, the deal highlights growing investor confidence in Kenya’s capital markets, despite macroeconomic challenges such as inflation and currency fluctuations. The NSE’s ability to facilitate such a high-value transaction reinforces its role as a hub for regional investment.

Environmental and Sustainability Focus

As a leading cement manufacturer, Bamburi Cement has been at the forefront of sustainability initiatives in the industry. The company has invested in environmentally friendly production processes, including alternative fuels and raw materials to reduce carbon emissions.

Amsons Group has expressed its commitment to maintaining Bamburi’s sustainability agenda. This focus aligns with global trends in the construction sector, where companies are increasingly prioritizing green practices to address climate change concerns.

Conclusion

The KSh 8.9 billion stake acquisition by Amsons Group marks a pivotal moment for Bamburi Cement and the East African cement industry. This deal not only reshapes the competitive dynamics of the sector but also underscores the potential for cross-border investments to drive economic growth in the region.

With its strategic vision and financial muscle, Amsons Group is well-positioned to unlock new growth opportunities for Bamburi Cement. As the deal progresses, stakeholders will keenly observe its impact on market performance, shareholder value, and the broader construction industry.

For Bamburi Cement, this acquisition opens a new chapter in its storied history, with the potential to cement its legacy as a cornerstone of East Africa’s development.

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Photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

19^th December, 2024