Guala Closures acquires Metal Crowns Group in East Africa

Guala Closures has signed a deal to buy East Africa’s crown cork and plastic closure manufacturer Metal Crowns Group. The decision, which will assist in strengthening the group’s business in the African market, is expected to lead to “further opportunities”.

Metal Crowns Group, which was founded in 1978 and is based in Nairobi, supplies global businesses within the beer and carbonated soft drinks sectors across East Africa. The company has two production plants in the region and has generated revenues of approximately €32 million in the 12-month period ending in July 2025.

East African presence

This acquisition is set to give Guala Closures the opportunity to expand its presence in the East African markets and advance development of its global crown closures division.

Speaking about the deal, Guala Closures CEO Andrea Lodetti, said: “This acquisition marks a major milestone in our global growth strategy. By combining our international expertise with Metal Crowns’ local strength, we aim to build a solid platform to drive sustainable growth and innovation across the region. Leveraging Metal Crowns’ longstanding relationships with global customers, we expect to gain further opportunities to expand into other East African countries”.

Despite the takeover, Gurdipsingh Parmar, who currently serves as executive director of Metal Crowns, will continue to hold this position.

Strategic

The move follows the recent expansion of the group’s global crown closures division, which was established in 2024 and has been growing steadily. In addition, it allows Guala Closures to enter the plastic closures market for non-alcoholic beverages, complementing its current portfolio.

This is not Guala Closures’ first foray into the East African market. After all, it has been present in East Africa since 2017, with the establishment of its subsidiary Guala Closures East Africa. Plus, in 2018, it began operations with a plant in Nairobi dedicated to serving the local spirits market with complex anti-counterfeiting closures integrating advanced technologies.

Completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, but is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2026.

Related news

Guala wants to 'democratise' access to bespoke closures

Pub closures cause an increase in loneliness

A robotic revolution is transforming the way closures are made