The request for information and opinions from interested parties (competitors) in the context of merger and acquisition assessments stems from the ECOWAS Merger Regulation. The review of the notified merger or acquisition project by the ERCA aims to integrate the views and comments of stakeholders in the relevant market in order to better inform the decision of the competition regulator.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire. Your responses will help us better understand the impact of the acquisition of SIERRA LEONE BREWERY LIMITED (SLBL) by AFRICAN BOTTLING GROUP ABG LIMITED on competitors in the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages sector.

All information collected will be treated confidentially and protected by the confidentiality rules applicable to merger control procedures and statistics, in accordance with Article 28 of Supplementary Act A/SA.1/01/10 on the protection of personal data in the ECOWAS region.

1. Respondent's country *SelectBeninCabo VerdeCôte d’IvoireGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea BissauLiberiaNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneTogo

2. Company Name: *

3. Industry : *

4. Your Position in the company: *

5. Length of Experience in the Industry:

6. Do you know the company SIERRA LEONE BREWERY LIMITED (SLBL)? *SelectYesNo

7. Do you know the company AFRICAN BOTTLING GROUP ABG LIMITED? *SelectYesNo

8. Are you aware that AFRICAN BOTTLING GROUP ABG LIMITED intends to acquire the shares of SIERRA LEONE BREWERY LIMITED (SLBL)? *SelectYesNo

9. How familiar are you with the companies involved in the merger/acquisition? *SelectVery familiarSomewhat familiarNot very familiarNot familiar

10. How would you evaluate the position of the companies involved in the merger/acquisition compared to other market players in industry? *SelectDominant positionStrong positionAverage positionWeak positionI don’t know

11. How do you perceive the overall competitiveness of the merging companies in the market? *SelectVery competitiveModerately competitiveNot competitiveI don’t know

12. Which of the following best describes your relationship with the merging companies? (Select all that apply) *

• Direct competitor
• Customer
• Supplier
• Partner
• Indirect competitor
• Other

If Other, please specify *

13. What are the key strengths of the merging companies in the market? (Select all that apply) *

• Product quality
• competitive pricing
• Brand recognition
• Distribution channels
• Customer service
• Innovation and R&D
• Other

If Other, please specify *

14. What do you consider the weaknesses of the merging companies? (Select all that apply) *

• Limited product range
• High pricing
• Poor customer service
• Lack of innovation
• Weak brand recognition
• Operational inefficiencies
• Other

If Other, please specify *

15. *In your opinion, could this acquisition create a significant competitive advantage in the areas listed above? *SelectYes, a significant advantageYes, but to a moderate extentNo competitive advantageI don’t know

16. How do you think this merger/acquisition will affect competition in the industry? *SelectSignificantly increase competitionIncrease competitionNo change in competitionDecrease competitionSignificantly decrease competition

17. What potential risks do you foresee as a result of this merger/acquisition in the business? (Check all that apply) *

• Less customer choice
• Price increases
• Reduced innovation
• Higher barriers to entry for new competitors
• Increased market concentration
• Reduced quality of products or services
• Other

If Other, please specify *

18. Do you believe the merger/acquisition will lead to better outcomes for customers (e.g., better products, lower prices)? *SelectYesNoI don’t know

19. Do you think the merger could raise any competition or regulatory concerns? *SelectYesNoI don’t know

20. If yes, what specific concerns do you have regarding the merger/acquision? (Check all that apply) *

• Reduced competition
• Price-fixing
• Creation of a monopoly
• Barriers to entry
• Other

If Other, please specify *

21. How do you think the merger/acquisition will impact your company's strategy in the near future? *SelectWill adapt to become more competitiveWill continue as is, unaffectedWill change significantly to respond to the mergerI expect to lose market shareI don’t know

22. If this merger/acquisition goes ahead, what measures are you considering to stay competitive in the market? (Check all that apply) *

• Lowering prices
• Improving product/service quality
• Increasing innovation efforts
• Increasing communication and advertising
• Strengthening partnerships
• Other

If Other, please specify *

23. Do you expect the acquiring company to gain a significant competitive advantage post-acquisition? *SelectYesNoI don't know

If yes, how? *

24. Please provide any additional comments or concerns you may have regarding the merger/acquisition.

End

Thank you for your valuable insights. Your responses will help us understand the competitive landscape and assess the impact of the merger/acquisition on the market.

Submit