An important shift is on the go in Kenya’s food and beverage scene as a private equity firm backed by Aliko Dangote prepares to acquire Java House. This prominent coffee chain was founded by American entrepreneurs Kevin Ashley and John Wagner in Nairobi back in 1999. It has 73 outlets across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. However, Alterra Capital, supported by Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, is teaming up with Phatisa Group to take over the restaurant chain from UK-based investment firm Actis, although the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed.
Citing that there are no overlaps with their existing operations, Alterra and Phatisa have assured stakeholders that this acquisition will not hinder competition in the market. The deal comes after Actis, which partnered with US investment firm General Atlantic in late 2024, has been searching for divestment opportunities since September 2023 including the possibility of going public.
This purchase marks the fifth ownership change for Java House since 2012 by Emerging Capital Partners from its founders. The Dubai-based private equity firm Abraaj Group later took over in a deal exceeding $100 million before Actis acquired Java House in 2019 following Abraaj’s liquidation. The coffee chain is part of a larger group that includes food manufacturer Foodscape and popular fast-casual brands like Kukito and Planet Yogurt.
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