Bayo Ajayi, chief executive officer (CEO) of Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited (RMB Nigeria), has reiterated the bank’s commitment towards curated financial solutions for clients’ funding needs.
“At RMB Nigeria, we remain committed to structuring solutions that meet our clients’ funding needs while contributing to the development of Nigeria’s capital markets,” Ajayi stated.
He made this known during the recent Champion Breweries’ ₦30 billion 5-year bond issuance under the ₦45 billion bond issuance programme, where RMB Nigeria acted as lead issuing house and bookrunner.
“We are proud to have led and advised Champion Breweries through the process of accessing long-term funding from the debt capital markets. This transaction demonstrates the depth and sophistication of Nigeria’s debt capital markets,” Ajayi stated.
Champion Breweries issued its maiden ₦30 billion 5-year fixed rate senior unsecured bond at a coupon of 19.50 percent, under its ₦45 billion bond issuance programme. “Champion Breweries’ successful issuance sets a strong precedent for future bond issuances from players in the breweries sub-sector,” he stated.
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According to Ajayi, the transaction marks a significant milestone as Champion Breweries continues to expand its footprint and strengthen its position in Nigeria’s beverage industry.
He added that the bond issuance is the first bond to be issued by a player in the breweries sub-sector in Nigeria signaling the Company’s ambition to diversify its funding sources, strengthen its capital structure, and position Champion Breweries for sustainable growth in a competitive market.
“The successful bond issuance is more than a financing milestone; it is a statement of intent. By accessing the debt capital markets, we have demonstrated the strength of our governance, the resilience of our business model, and the confidence investors place in our long‑term vision,” Imo-Abasi Jacob, chairman, Champion Breweries Plc, stated.
According to Jacob, the bond issuance is a catalyst for transformation that will enable the company to modernize its production infrastructure, strengthen its capital base, and position Champion Breweries to compete at scale.
“We are proud to set a precedent in the breweries sub‑sector, and we remain committed to leveraging this momentum to drive innovation, efficiency, and stakeholder prosperity,” Jacob stated.
According to him, the bond proceeds will be strategically allocated to enhance operational efficiency, which will help to sustain growth and deliver long-term value to Champion Breweries’ stakeholders.
