Outlook Ltd, a distributor of British American Tobacco (B.A.T) products in Kenya. Photo/Courtesy.
Salvo Grima Kenya Ltd has notified the COMESA Competition Commission of its plan to acquire a controlling stake in Noble Outlook Limited, signaling a major expansion of the Group’s operations in the region.
According to the formal notice issued under Article 26(6) of the COMESA Competition Regulations, the company intends to purchase 22,500 ordinary shares, constituting 75 percent of the issued share capital of Noble Outlook Limited.
The parties to the transaction revealed that the acquirer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Salvo Grima Group Limited, incorporated in Malta.
The Group stated that it is in the business of wholesale distribution of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), and it currently operates a tobacco products distribution business in Rwanda and Libya. It recently launched greenfield operations in the wholesale FMCG distribution in Uganda in August 2025 and now aims to expand its operations in Kenya by acquiring a majority interest in the Target.
Noble Outlook Limited, which specialises in the distribution of tobacco products in Kenya, said the proposed deal comes at a pivotal time.
The company’s founder and majority shareholder is planning to retire and “lwishes to reduce his executive role in the business, and intends to divest most of his investment.
The statement further notes that the acquisition will also provide the necessary capital to facilitate the Target’s expansion and demonstrates the mutual commitment of both the Acquirer and the Target to strengthen and broaden reliable wholesale distribution services throughout Kenya.
The COMESA Competition Commission stated that it will assess the filing in line with the Regulations to determine, among other considerations, whether the transaction is likely to substantially prevent or lessen competition in the Common Market and whether it may be contrary to the public interest.
The Commission is inviting comments from stakeholders, including competitors, suppliers and customers. All written representations should be sent to the Commission not later than 5 December 2025, the notice reads. Submissions may be emailed to akamanga@comesacompetition.org.
