Morocco’s Société des Boissons du Maroc (SBM) plans to buy a stake in the retail company Africa Retail Market (ARM) as part of a deal in the country’s modern distribution sector.
The move would see SBM acquire 33.3% of ARM’s capital and voting rights, giving it joint control of the company alongside its existing shareholders.
SBM is listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange and is one of Morocco’s long-standing beverage producers. The company makes and sells beer, wine, soft drinks and olive oil. Its headquarters are in the Sidi Moumen industrial zone in Casablanca.
ARM is based in the Skhirat Business Valley industrial zone in Oued Ykem, near Rabat. The company operates in modern retail distribution, mainly food, through stores selling everyday consumer goods.
The deal would allow SBM to take part in the management of the retail chain and strengthen ARM’s position in the distribution market.
SBM is a subsidiary of the French Castel Group and a leading player in Morocco’s beer market. Its brands include Flag Spéciale and Casablanca beer. The company has also expanded into mineral water with Ain Ifrane and exports olive oil.
ARM runs the Ait Manos supermarket chain, which focuses on neighbourhood stores in urban areas rather than large hypermarkets.
Industry observers say the move could give SBM better access to retail shelves for its products, while supporting ARM’s expansion as modern retail grows in Morocco.
The partnership could also lead to logistics efficiencies, as both companies operate near major industrial zones along the Casablanca–Rabat corridor.
