*The acquisition enables Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc to extend its reach across the country, enhance capacity, and deliver improved products to consumers

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN) has obtained all required regulatory approvals to acquire a 71.69 percent stake in Honeywell Flour Mills (HFMP) Plc, formerly a portfolio company of Honeywell Group and a 5.06 percent stake in HFMP held by First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Limited.

The transaction has now been consummated by the parties, according to report.

Dr. Obafemi Otudeko, Managing Director of Honeywell Group

The acquisition of the majority shareholding in Honeywell has been approved by all relevant regulators, namely the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC); Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria (SEC).

Earlier, an announcement was made November 22, 2021, regarding their agreement to the transaction which would bring together two businesses with shared goals to create a more resilient national champion in the Nigerian foods industry.

Report indicates that the acquisition now enables Flour Mills to extend its reach across Nigeria, provide enhanced manufacturing capacity, and create synergies to deliver improved products to consumers.

With a total enterprise value of N80billion, Honeywell Group has disposed a 71.69 percent stake in HFMP to FMN, report noted.

Given FMN’s parallel negotiation for both stakes, culminating in the agreements being executed, the transaction was concluded at N4.20 being the final equity price per share in the country’s Capital market.

Otudeko lauds NGX, FCCPC, SEC

In his remarks on the completed transaction, Dr. Obafemi Otudeko, Managing Director of Honeywell Group, reportedly said: “We are pleased to have secured regulatory approvals for the transaction, which will create a business that further serves Nigerian consumers.

“As we entrust Flour Mills of Nigeria with building on Honeywell Flour Mills’ strong legacy, we will work closely with them to ensure a seamless integration, setting the combined company up for a successful future.”

Otudeko stated: “We thank the NGX, FCCPC, and the SEC for their support, and will continue our close collaboration with them across our various businesses and investments to deliver on the national vision of building a resilient economy through successful enterprise.”

Likewise, Mr. Boye Olusanya, Group Managing Director (GMD) noted: “We are delighted that approvals have been received and we are all set to begin execution of this landmark transaction that would positively impact Nigeria’s food security architecture and overall competitiveness.

“We commend and thank all regulatory and approving bodies – FCCPC, SEC, and NGX, for supporting this historic vision.”

Olusanya also said: “Our combined brands and businesses will mean an expansive scale of food production for both Nigeria and Africa. “Together, Flour Mills of Nigeria and Honeywell Flour Mills will be able to achieve rapid growth while maintaining high-quality products serving the evolving needs of our consumers.”

According to him, the acquisition will further serve as a catalyst for an even stronger stream of innovation that is focused on local content offerings, enabling our customers across the nation to seamlessly benefit from improved access to a wider product range and a robust pan-Nigerian distribution network.”