The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (herein “the Commission”) is assessing the impact on the Malawi market of the proposed acquisition of 100% of the issued shares in Metal Crowns Limited (Kenya) (herein “the Target Firm” or “the Target”) by Guala Closures S.P.A (herein “the Acquiring Firm” or “the Acquirer”); and collectively referred to as “the Parties”. The proposed acquisition of shares in the Target Firm will be undertaken through the acquisition of shares in Mantiax Investments Limited, which owns 99.9999% shares in the Target Firm. The transaction was notified to the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission (CCCC).
The Acquiring Firm, Guala Closures S.P.A. is a joint stock company incorporated under the laws of Italy, and has a subsidiary in Kenya (Guala Closures East Africa Limited). The Acquirer produces high value-added closures for the beverages industry focusing on closures for beers, wines, spirits, non-alcoholic beverages and glass bottled mineral water. It has further been submitted that the Acquirer produces specialty non-refillable safety closures, as well as, roll-on pilfer proof and other metal closures, including crowns.
The Target Firm is a private limited company registered in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kenya. The Target Group is involved in the manufacturing and sale of plastic closures and metal crowns in the COMESA region. It has been submitted that the parties’ activities overlap only in relation to the sale of metal crowns whereas the Acquirer is not involved in the manufacturing and supply of plastic closures for PET bottles.
In accordance with Section 37 of the Competition and Fair Trading Act, the Commission is required to assess the likely impact of the proposed transaction on competition and the economy in general. The Commission, therefore, is mandated to obtain views from interested parties and stakeholders on the effect of the proposed transaction on competition, consumer welfare and the economy in general.
In view of the foregoing, the Commission kindly requests all interested stakeholders, including competitors, suppliers and customers of the parties to the proposed transaction, to submit written representations to the Commission. The submissions should include comments on the impact of this transaction on the market for closures (both metal and plastic) used for products like beers, wines, spirits, non-alcoholic beverages and glass bottled mineral water in Malawi; but also other prospects that are likely to emerge in the light of this transaction. The following are the key issues to guide your submission but the same are not exhaustive and should not in any way restrict your views on the proposed transaction:
- The key players in the market for closures (both metal and plastic) in Malawi.
- The most recent statistics on market shares (or estimates) in the market for closures (both metal and plastic) in Malawi?
- The ease of entry into in the market for closures (both metal and plastic).
- The levels of import competition, if any, in the market for closures (both metal and plastic).
- The likelihood that the acquisition would result in the merged parties having dominant market power in the market for closures (both metal and plastic).
- Any general comments you may have on the impact the proposed transaction?
The written submissions should be sent to the following address, not later than 20th January 2026:
The Chief Executive Officer
Competition and Fair Trading Commission
MERA Office Complex, Near Civic Offices, City Centre
Private Bag 332,
Lilongwe 3,
The Commission further assures all stakeholders that any information submitted shall be treated with the strictest confidentiality and will only be used for the purpose of this inquiry.
In case you need further details and/ or clarifications on any aspect of this inquiry, please contact the Commission through phone number +265891001441; Toll-free Line 2489 or email competitioncommission@cftc.mw.
Lloyds Vincent Nkhoma
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER