GK, KNTYR & BARITA Drive Latest Wave of Strategic Acquisition

  • Several companies on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) announced strategic acquisitions between January 27–28, 2026, with GraceKennedy Limited (GK) and Kintyre Holdings Limited (KNTYR), each moving to full ownership of their existing subsidiaries, while Barita Investments Limited (BARITA) announced that it has completed the acquisition JN Fund Managers.
  • GK completed the acquisition of Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited’s (Fonterra’s) remaining 50% stake in Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited (DIJL). This secures full ownership of the manufacturer of the flagship Tastee Cheese brand and other dairy products for local and export markets.
  • DIJL, which began operations in 1964, is the only manufacturer in Jamaica and the Caribbean producing processed cheese in a can, and markets its products under well-known brands, including Tastee Cheese, This Is Really Great Yogurt and Anchor powdered milk. In a December press release, GK’s management highlighted DIJL’s consistent growth, profitability, product innovation, and export expansion as drivers of the acquisition, while affirming that its long-standing commercial relationship with Fonterra will continue.
  • KNTYR, for its part, announced that it had increased its stake in Kulcha Rum to 100%, a move management expects to support unified leadership, faster execution, and accelerated scaling. Following the acquisition, Kintyre has begun initiatives to expand Kulcha Rum’s footprint, including distributor engagement, selective rebranding, and market sensitisation ahead of a broader production and distribution rollout.
  • Finally, BARITA announced it had completed the acquisition of 100% of JN Fund Managers Limited (JNFM) following regulatory non-objection from the Financial Services Commission. As a result of the completion of the transaction, JNFM is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Barita Investments Limited, strengthening Barita’s asset management platform and positioning the company to expand its recurring fee-based revenues across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
  • Collectively, the disclosures reflect a broader M&A trend, as listed companies seek to diversify revenues, expand their market share of select business lines and increase scale to enhance long-term shareholder value through stronger earnings.

(Sources: JSE & NCBCM Research)