N Seven increases Guinness Nigeria stake with 550,092 share purchase

By Benson Daniel

N Seven Nigeria Limited, the majority shareholder in Guinness Nigeria Plc, has increased its stake in the brewer after purchasing 550,092 ordinary shares in the company through transactions on the Nigerian Exchange.

The shares were acquired on August 28, 2026, in a series of open market transactions at prices ranging from ₦356.40 to ₦384.80 per share.

The purchase had an aggregate value of about ₦202.1 million, with the transaction recorded at an average price of ₦367.40 per share in the company’s share dealing disclosure.

A large portion of the acquisition came through a single purchase of 498,973 shares at ₦384.80 per share. Another 30,000 shares changed hands at ₦375 each, while the remaining shares were acquired through several smaller transactions at different prices.

The latest purchase adds to N Seven’s already substantial position in Guinness Nigeria and comes as the company continues to show signs of improved financial performance.

Guinness Nigeria reported a 53.33 per cent increase in profit after tax to ₦25.30 billion for the six months ended June 2026, compared with ₦16.50 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

The improvement has strengthened investor interest in the brewer after a difficult period for consumer goods manufacturers, who have had to contend with high operating costs, inflation and foreign exchange pressures.

For N Seven and its parent company, Tolaram, the additional purchase also reinforces their long term commitment to Guinness Nigeria following the completion of the acquisition of Diageo’s controlling interest in the company.

Tolaram acquired Diageo’s 58.02 per cent stake in Guinness Nigeria in September 2024 under an arrangement that also retained Diageo as the owner of the Guinness brand and provided for long term licensing and royalty agreements.

N Seven subsequently became the company’s majority shareholder and has continued to build its position through additional share purchases.

The latest acquisition is therefore more than a routine market transaction. It comes at a time when Guinness Nigeria’s earnings are recovering and investors are watching closely to see whether the improvement can be sustained.

For minority shareholders, the stronger profit position could also renew expectations around future returns, although any dividend decision will ultimately depend on the company’s financial position and approval by its board.

The transaction was disclosed in line with the requirements governing share dealings by major shareholders and insiders on the Nigerian capital market.

With N Seven continuing to add to its holding while Guinness Nigeria records stronger earnings, attention will now turn to whether the brewer can maintain the momentum through the second half of the year.