KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 19 -- Homegrown food and beverage brand Cili Kampung Malaysia has acquired a 50 per cent stake in Dotty's Pastries & Coffee Sdn Bhd in a move aimed at accelerating both brands' expansion across the country.

The deal values Dotty's at RM23.9 million and comes as the bakery-cafe brand marks its 10th anniversary.

Cili Kampung subscribed to 11,956,234 new shares, giving it equal ownership in the business and signalling what the companies described as long-term confidence in Dotty's growth potential.

Both parties have also committed a combined RM5 million growth fund to support expansion plans.

The funds will be used to strengthen operations, improve supply chain capabilities and support the recent relaunch of Dotty's fl...