UAC of Nigeria Plc, often referred to simply as UACN, is one of Nigeria’s oldest diversified holding companies, with roots going back to 1879 as a trading company. The company started a merger of four companies trading on the River Niger as the Royal Niger Company. In the 1920s, the United Africa Company was formed by the joint agreements of the African and Eastern Trade Corporation and the Niger Company, and the company adopted UAC of Nigeria Plc after becoming a public company in 1991.
Over more than a century, it has evolved from colonial trading concerns to a modern conglomerate with interests in consumer goods, paints, real estate, logistics, and restaurants.
As a holding company, UACN owns several subsidiaries operating in key sectors. Its portfolio includes Animal Feeds & Other Edibles, Paints, Packaged Foods & Beverages, Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), Real Estate, and Logistics/Warehousing.
Popular brands under UACN include Gala, Supreme Ice Cream, Swan Waters, and the Dulux paint brand, among others. The “Mr Bigg’s” chain is its flagship QSR brand, and UAC also operates franchises and partners with international food brands.
In recent years, UAC embarked on a significant transformation and restructuring programme, particularly following a private equity investment by Themis Capital in 2018. That transformation involved shedding non-core assets, improving operational efficiencies, reorienting strategy toward its stronger divisions, and driving better cost control.
