Private equity investment firm Africa Capitalworks Management (ACW) has acquired a stake in West African beverage company Gaselia Industries Group.

Gaselia chairman and founder Madiou Simpara said: “We believe that we have found in ACW a partner with whom we share the same values and strategic vision. ACW will support us in our aim to provide greater access to affordable quality products to the mass market.”

Established in 2002 by three local entrepreneurs, Gaselia is headquartered in Bamako, Mali, and is one of the largest homegrown beverages groups in West Africa.

Gaselia operates three bottling production and distribution facilities, located in Mali, Ivory Coast and Guinea-Conakry.

It is also an exclusive partner of Monarch Beverages. Its product portfolio includes its own, as well as Monarch brands such as Planet, American Cola, Bubble-Up and Reaktor.

Additionally, Gaselia is engaged in the production of mineral water, distributed and sold under Assinie brand. The company also manufactures and supplies PET preforms to the West African market.

ACW investment professional Yann Rogombe said: “We are pleased to partner with a successful local and entrepreneurially-led business, with a proven track record of building a world-class bottling operation.

“We believe our patient capital, complementary skills and strategic support will assist Gaselia to accelerate the implementation of its growth plan and build on its leading regional platform.”

ACW is part of the Capitalworks Group (Capitalworks), an independent alternative asset management company that focuses on emerging markets.