Kenya’s Java House Acquired

The Abraaj Group, a Dubai-based private equity investment firm, has acquired the Java House café chain from Emerging Capital Partners for an undisclosed amount. Founded in Nairobi in 1999, Java House has 60 outlets in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. Its 2,000-member workforce serves more than 320,000 customers a month.

Mustafa Abdel-Wadood, Managing Partner and Global Head of Private Equity at The Abraaj Group, said the acquisition was “inspired by Africa’s rapidly expanding middle class, sustained population growth, and increasing urbanization. In 2012, Java House founder Kevin Ashley sold a 90% stake to Africa-focused ECP for an undisclosed amount. Ashley will retain a 10% stake in the chain.