Champion Breweries Plc, a leading player in the brewing industry, has announced an impressive financial performance and strategic milestones achieved during the fiscal year 2023.
Speaking during its 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM)
held in Lagos, the company's Chairman, Mr. Imo-Abasi Jacob stated that its
audited financial results for 2023 reveal remarkable progress, with substantial
gains across various financial metrics.
In 2023, revenue experienced a modest increase of 3.4% compared to the previous year, despite a significant contraction in market demand. However, operating costs escalated due to unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, leading to a 73.4% decrease in operating profit from the previous year, resulting in an operating profit of N604 million for the year. Despite the challenging business environment that significantly impacted the manufacturing sector, the company achieved a profit after tax of N371 million, demonstrating our capacity to generate sustainable profits and create value for our stakeholders.
He stressed that despite facing economic challenges
such as cash shortages, fuel subsidy removal, and currency fluctuations,
Champion Breweries Plc exhibited resilience and adaptability throughout the
year.
The company successfully launched three new products,
implemented cost-saving measures, and commissioned a new Mash Filter,
showcasing its commitment to innovation and operational excellence. Moreover,
Champion Breweries Plc remains actively engaged in community initiatives,
exemplified by the impactful "Don't Drink and Drive" campaign,
emphasizing inclusivity and social responsibility.
In addition to its financial achievements, Mr.
Imo-Abasi Jacob announced a strategic acquisition that will further enhance the
company's market position and growth prospects. He revealed that EnjoyCorp
Limited, a leading holding company in the food, beverage, and hospitality
sectors, has acquired 100% of Heineken B.V.'s shareholding in The Raysun
Nigeria Company Limited, including an 86.5% stake in Champion Breweries Plc.
This acquisition will strengthen Champion Breweries Plc's market position and
opens new avenues for growth and collaboration.
"We extend our appreciation to Heineken for its
invaluable contribution to Champion Breweries Plc and welcome EnjoyCorp's
commitment to our growth trajectory," added Mr. Imo-Abasi Jacob.
"With this acquisition, we are confident in our ability to drive
sustainable growth and value for all stakeholders."
At the AGM, shareholders, including Chief Boniface
Okeizie, Sir Nwosu, and Mr. Nonah Awoh, expressed their support for the
company's performance and approved resolutions related to the issuance of bonus
shares, the cancellation of unissued shares, and the amendment of the company's
Memorandum of Association. The resolutions aim to optimize the company's share
capital structure and align it with regulatory requirements. The shareholders
also urged the Board and Management to continuously take steps in ensuring the
Company implements strategies for growth and increased profitability to yield
dividends for the Company. Furthermore, they expressed their expectation of the
key shareholders, EnjoyCorp and Akwa Ibom State Government, to drive the
Company and create shareholder value in the capital market.
The shareholders' support and approval of the
resolutions demonstrate their confidence in the company's performance and
prospects.
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