A shopper is seen at a branch of South African retailer Pick n Pay in Johannesburg
A shopper is seen at a branch of South African retailer Pick n Pay in Johannesburg October 20, 2010. REUTERS

South African group Pioneer Food said on Wednesday it has withdrawn its offer to buy unlisted wine and spirits maker KWV, after the deal failed to gain support from some KWV shareholders.

Pioneer, which makes Sasko bread, Weetbix breakfast cereal and Liquifruit juices, made a firm offer in December to buy KWV for 828 million rand, or 12 rand per KWV share.

A quarter of the price was to be paid for with Pioneer shares valued at 49.83 rand.

KWV has received confirmation from certain significant shareholders that due to the offer price and possible adjustment thereof, they will not support the proposed scheme it said. Parties have therefore agreed to terminate the scheme process.

Pioneer had hoped the acquisition would help it expand into the wine and brandy markets.

Pioneer shares were up 1.5 percent at 53.50 rand at 1245 GMT, compared with a 1.7 percent rise in Johannesburg's all-share Index.