Indian billionaire Ravi Jaipuria’s company, Varun Beverages, has completed the $125 million acquisition of South African soft drink producer Twizza, deepening its expansion across Africa.

Standard Bank confirmed the R2.1 billion deal has closed after securing all regulatory approvals in key markets, with ownership transferred to The Beverage Company, Varun’s subsidiary.

The deal, first announced in December 2025, forms part of Varun’s strategy to grow its footprint on the continent as it looks beyond India for expansion.

Varun Beverages, the largest bottling partner of PepsiCo outside the United States, has increasingly leaned on African markets to drive volumes and revenue growth.

The acquisition gives Varun control of Twizza’s production facilities in Cape Town, Middelburg and Komani, as well as its distribution network across Southern Africa.

Industry watchers say the move strengthens Varun’s position in the region’s fast-moving consumer goods sector, particularly in the affordable soft drinks segment where Twizza has built a loyal customer base.

Twizza will now operate under BevCo and be integrated into Varun’s African operations, which span Morocco, Zambia, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa.

Founded in 2003 by Ken Clark, Twizza has grown into a key player in South Africa’s beverage market, focusing on low-cost products.

The company produces carbonated drinks, energy drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages, supplying both local and regional markets including Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana and Namibia.

For the financial year ending June 2025, Twizza reported revenue of R1.689 billion (about $113 million) and sales volumes of roughly 71 million cases.

The transaction also marks the exit of founder Ken Clark and his family from the business.

Clark said the company is well positioned for further growth under its new owners, citing access to capital, scale and new capabilities under BevCo.

The takeover is expected to strengthen competition in Southern Africa’s beverage market, as multinational players continue to target the region’s growing consumer base.

Indian billionaire Ravi Jaipuria's Varun Beverages buys South African Twizza for $125 million

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