Investec Asset Management Private Equity and RMB Ventures have acquired Kamoso, a Botswana-based retailer and consumer goods company.

A consortium of investors also included local partners, and Kamoso’s senior management team. 

The transaction is believed to be Botswana’s largest ever private-equity investment. 

Peter Baird, Head of African Private Equity at Investec Asset Management, said: “Kamoso has a long track record of supplying top quality products at the best prices.  It has built a strong business on providing value for money, including in its retail offerings.  In partnership with RMB Ventures and management, we plan to build a regional champion from our strong base in Botswana.”

Kamoso is a manufacturer and supplier of consumer goods and healthcare products to retailers in Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.  

The company operates from facilities in Botswana and South Africa.  

Kamoso also operates Liquorama, Botswana’s leading liquor retailer, and Builders Mart, a leading DIY and hardware chain.

Kamoso was formed in 2015 as part of an investment by Development Capital Partners, a New York investment firm and Standard Chartered Private Equity.  Both firms have now sold their shareholdings. 

Over the last few years, Kamoso has expanded from its roots in Botswana to supply retailers across Southern Africa. 

The company has also invested heavily in new capital equipment to expand its consumer product offerings, which range from paper products to pharmaceuticals, and from bottled water to milled grains.  

Kamoso also distributes an increasing number of imported consumer brands. 

The new ownership consortium will continue investing in Kamoso’s growth.

Andrew Aitken, RMB Ventures co-Head, said: “Kamoso exhibits many of the elements of a very successful investment – a passionate and dedicated management team, market leading products, and deep and long-standing customer relationships. We are particularly excited about our first investment in Botswana, and we hope to provide impetus to the economy through our plans to significantly grow Kamoso’s franchises.”

Derrick Soanes, Kamoso’s CEO, added: “We are happy to have concluded this transaction, and to welcome RMB Ventures and Investec Asset Management as our new shareholders.  We have big plans for regional expansion, and the team and I are excited to be building this company alongside such strong and respected financial partners.”

Law firm ENSafrica represented the buyers’ consortium, while Bowmans represented the sellers.