Kenyan coffee chain Java House is being sold by London-based Actis to Alterra Capital and Phatisa Group, marking Actis's fourth sale of the company in 12 years. Alterra will acquire a majority stake, while Phatisa will hold a minority stake with control rights, as noted by the COMESA Competition Commission.

Java House operates 73 branches across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, and has expanded its portfolio to include brands like Planet Yogurt, Sixty Degrees Pizza, Kukito, and Foodscape Africa. The specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed, aside from the proposed shareholding structure.

Founded in 1999 by two Americans, Java House was sold to Emerging Capital Partners (ECP) in 2012, which expanded its presence by adding 47 outlets. In 2017, the chain was acquired by Dubai-based Abraaj Group for over $100 million. Following Abraaj's liquidation, Actis took ownership in 2019.

According to COMESA, the proposed transaction will allow Actis to exit and realize its investment while enabling Alterra and Phatisa to take controlling stakes and foster growth in Java House. Actis had initially indicated its intention to exit the restaurant chain in 2023, considering options such as a potential IPO. At that time, Actis was also being acquired by American firm General Atlantic, a deal that was finalized in early 2024.

Phatisa Group, established in 2005, focuses on investments in the food value chain across several African countries, including Kenya and Zambia. Alterra Capital, formed in 2022, has a diverse investment portfolio spanning food and beverages, hospitality, retail, and more.

Both Alterra and Phatisa have assured that their businesses do not overlap with Java House Mauritius, which will help maintain competition in the market.