Transaction Advisory for Global Quinine Leader Based in Eastern DRC

Pharmakina is headquartered in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, and is a key global player in the production of quinine, an essential compound used in both the pharmaceutical and beverage industries. The company sources over 80% of its cinchona bark—quinine’s raw material—from smallholder farmers in North and South Kivu.

CrossBoundary Advisory was commissioned to facilitate a seamless transition to a suitable takeover investor. With nearly 40 years under its belt, an Eastern DRC-based company was searching for an investor capable of ensuring a prosperous future for the company, which is one of the world’s few producers of both quinine pharmaceutical products and quinine salts.

Quinine has a stable and diversified market, given its application in antimalarial drugs as well as in the beverage industry, notably in tonic water. The sourcing of cinchona bark from conflict-prone regions like North and South Kivu adds a layer of complexity, making governance and ethical sourcing vital. CrossBoundary Advisory understands the complexity of these markets and applied our on-the-ground presence and expertise in DRC for the execution of this deal. This engagement was supported through USAID’s DRC Investment Facilitation program.