Indian billionaire’s firm officially buys iconic South African company for R2.1 billion in cash
Standard Bank has confirmed the successful completion of the R2.1 billion sale of South African beverages manufacturer, Twizza, to The Beverage Company Proprietary Limited (BevCo).
BevCo is a wholly-owned subsidiary of India-based Varun Beverages Limited (Varun) for an amount of R2.1 billion.
According to Standard Bank’s Business and Commercial Banking Corporate Finance Advisory team, the transaction has now formally concluded after receiving all required regulatory approvals.
Varun Beverages had previously announced in December 2025 that its board had approved the acquisition of Twizza for R2.1 billion in cash.
The acquisition places Twizza under the control of one of the biggest beverage bottling groups linked to PepsiCo.
Varun is owned by Indian billionaire Ravi Jaipuria. Varun Beverages is widely recognised as PepsiCo’s largest bottling partner outside the United States.
Headquartered in India, Varun manufactures, bottles, distributes and sells a wide range of beverages under PepsiCo trademarks.
It also operates across multiple markets in Asia and Africa, supported by scaled manufacturing capabilities and an extensive distribution footprint.
Jaipuria is often referred to as India’s cola king and has built his fortune through his expansive drinks and food empire under RJ Corp.
Twizza was founded in 2003 in Komani by entrepreneur Ken Clark. The company was built around a simple goal.
The goal was to deliver affordable, high-quality soda drinks to everyday South Africans, especially in markets often overlooked by larger competitors.
Over the years, Twizza has grown from a regional player into a nationally recognised family-owned beverage business.
The company now produces and distributes a broad range of non-alcoholic drinks, including carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, functional beverages and mixers.
Its footprint spans across South Africa. Twizza operates three internationally accredited manufacturing and primary distribution facilities in Komani, Middelburg and Cape Town.
Twizza also generates a notable amount of revenue through contract manufacturing, packing and distribution.
New era for Twizza
Its products are sold not only in South Africa, but also in Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana and Namibia.
In its last financial year ending June 2025, Twizza reported sales volumes of 71 million cases and net revenue of R1.689 billion.
This performance helped make the company an attractive target amid growing consolidation in the beverages market.
Twizza chief executive Lisle Clark said the transaction signals the next phase of Twizza’s growth journey.
Twizza currently employs more than 650 people and has earned Top Employer certification every year since 2022.
Selling shares to BevCo would result in Ken Clark, the current owner and founder, and his family no longer holding ownership over the company.
“From our beginnings in Queenstown to becoming a recognised player in South Africa’s beverage market, our focus has always been on delivering affordable, quality products to our customers,” Clark said.
“Under Bevco’s ownership, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Varun, the business is well positioned to scale further, access new capabilities and continue serving consumers with the same commitment, while unlocking value for shareholders.”
According to Raven Moodley, Head of Corporate Finance Advisory within Business & Commercial Banking (BCB) at Standard Bank South Africa, the sale also reflects how strong performance and market timing can unlock substantial value.
“This transaction affirms the strength of our advisory capability and our ability to support clients in structuring exits at the right time,” said Moodley.
Standard Bank said it ran a competitive process to maximise value for shareholders, with strong interest emerging from both local and international bidders.
Loading ...