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7K crore water company will now be run by an amateur photographer

It is often said that water is worth billions of dollars. But a real instance of this has been seen in the recent key decision that Jayanti Chauhan will steer the 7000 crores bottled-water business in the event of Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL) calling off the plan to acquire water company, Bisleri. 

In March 2023, Tata announced its plan to acquire a 30% stake in Bisleri, which was valued at around $1.2 billion. However, just a few weeks later, Tata called off the deal, citing “strategic reasons.” This sudden move left many people wondering why Tata backed out of the deal.

Why did Tata call off the plan to acquire Bisleri?

One of the main reasons for Tata’s decision to call off the deal was reportedly due to differences in valuation. Tata and Bisleri had been in talks for several months, but were unable to agree on the final valuation. Tata felt that the price was too high, while Bisleri believed that the water company’s brand value and market position justified the asking price. In the end, Tata felt that it was not worth overpaying for a stake in the company.

Another reason for the failed deal could be the ongoing legal issues between Bisleri and its rival, Aquafina. Bisleri had filed a lawsuit against Aquafina, accusing the company of infringing on its trademark. The legal battle has been going on for several years, and it is possible that Tata was concerned about the potential legal repercussions of acquiring a stake in a water company that was embroiled in a legal dispute.

Is Bisleri overvalued? What does Tata think?

It is a possibility that Tata decided to back out of the deal due to concerns about Bisleri’s financial performance. While Bisleri has been a dominant player in the packaged drinking water segment, it has faced increasing competition from other players in recent years. The company’s revenue growth has been slowing down, and it is possible that Tata felt that the company’s growth prospects were not as strong as it had initially thought.

Ramesh Chauhan (Chairman) and Jayanti Chauhan (Vice Chairman) of Bisleri in one frame
Ramesh Chauhan (Chairman) and Jayanti Chauhan (Vice Chairman) of Bisleri in one frame

Finally, it is important to note that mergers and acquisitions are complex transactions that involve a lot of due diligence and careful consideration. It is possible that Tata simply changed its mind after further analysis and decided that the deal did not align with its long-term strategic goals.

The reasons for Tata’s decision to call off the Bisleri deal are not entirely clear. Differences in valuation, ongoing legal issues, concerns about Bisleri’s financial performance, and a change in strategic priorities could all have played a role. While the deal would have been a significant development in the Indian beverage industry, Tata’s decision to walk away underscores the importance of careful analysis and due diligence in such transactions.

Why did Bisleri plan to sell its water company off its stake to Tata?

The decision by Bisleri to sell off its stake came as a surprise to many, as it has been a dominant player in the packaged drinking water segment for several decades. Here’s what we know so far about why Bisleri planned to sell off the water company.

One of the main reasons behind the decision to sell off the water company is the changing dynamics of the Indian beverage industry. Over the past few years, the industry has seen a significant shift in consumer preferences, with a growing demand for healthier and more sustainable beverage options. Bisleri, which has traditionally focused on packaged drinking water, has struggled to keep up with this changing trend. The company’s revenue growth has been slowing down, and it is possible that the management felt that selling off the water company would be the best way to unlock its value.

Tata earlier planned to buy stake at Bisleri
Tata earlier planned to buy stake at Bisleri

Another reason for the proposed sale could be the intense competition in the Indian beverage industry. Bisleri has faced increasing competition from both domestic and international players in recent years. The company’s market share has been declining, and it is possible that the management felt that selling off the company would be a way to exit the market and focus on other areas of business.

Bisleri sale in the making of Parle Group’s restructuring plan

It is possible that the proposed sale is part of a broader restructuring plan by Bisleri’s parent company, the Parle Group. Parle, which is one of India’s largest food and beverage companies, has been looking to divest non-core assets and focus on its core business. The sale of Bisleri could be a way for Parle to streamline its operations and strengthen its position in the food and beverage industry.

Finally, it is important to note that the proposed sale is still in the early stages, and it is possible that Bisleri may decide not to go through with it. While the sale could unlock significant value for the company’s shareholders, it is also possible that the management may find other ways to address the challenges facing the company.

Diversity in packaging of Bisleri makes it a product for all sections of society
Diversity in packaging makes it a “one for all” product

The decision by Bisleri to consider selling off the company highlights the challenges facing the Indian beverage industry. Changing consumer preferences, intense competition, and a need for companies to streamline their operations are all factors driving the industry’s evolution. While the sale of Bisleri could unlock significant value for the company’s shareholders, it is important to remember that the proposed sale is still in the early stages, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold

Why did Jayanti Chauhan – the heir to Bisleri refused to take over the 7K crore business empire?

Jayanti Chauhan, the daughter of Bisleri’s founder Ramesh Chauhan, announced that she had turned down an offer to take over the company. The announcement came as a surprise to many, as Jayanti Chauhan was widely expected to take over the reins of the company from her father. Here’s what we know so far about why Jayanti Chauhan refused to take over Bisleri.

One of the main reasons behind Jayanti Chauhan’s decision to refuse the offer is reportedly due to differences in strategic vision. While Jayanti Chauhan has been involved in the family business for several years, she has her own ideas about how the company should be run. It is possible that she felt that her vision for the company was not aligned with that of the current management, and that she would be better off pursuing her own entrepreneurial ventures.

Jayanti Chauhan - Vice Chairman, Bisleri
Jayanti Chauhan – Vice Chairman, Bisleri

Another reason for the refusal could be the ongoing legal issues between Bisleri and its rival, Aquafina. Bisleri had filed a lawsuit against Aquafina, accusing the company of infringing on its trademark. The legal battle has been going on for several years, and it is possible that Jayanti Chauhan was concerned about the potential legal and reputational risks of taking over a company that was embroiled in a legal dispute.

The decision by Jayanti Chauhan to refuse the offer to take over Bisleri highlights the challenges facing family-owned businesses in India. While there may be pressure for the next generation to take over the reins of the family business, it is important for them to carefully consider their own vision and priorities before taking on such a significant responsibility. The Indian beverage industry is going through a period of significant change, and it is important for companies like Bisleri to have a clear strategic vision to navigate these changes successfully.

Future of Bisleri under new leadership – a curiosity for many

After the announcement that Jayanti Chauhan refused to take over Bisleri, there has been much speculation about the future of the company. While it is unclear who will eventually take over the reins of the company, here are some possible scenarios for the future of Bisleri under Jayanti Chauhan’s leadership.

Firstly, if Jayanti Chauhan were to eventually take over the water company, it is possible that she would bring a fresh perspective to the business. Having worked in the family business for several years, Jayanti Chauhan has a good understanding of the industry and the challenges facing the company. She has also been involved in the development of new products and marketing campaigns for the company. It is possible that she would focus on expanding the company’s product portfolio and targeting new markets to drive growth.

water company
Creative advertisements of Bisleri attracted eyes of teens

Secondly, it is possible that the company may continue to be managed by the existing leadership team. Bisleri is currently run by a team of experienced professionals who have been with the company for several years. If Jayanti Chauhan decides not to take over the company, it is possible that the existing leadership team will continue to manage the business and drive growth.

Thirdly, it is possible that Bisleri may be sold to another company. With the Indian beverage industry going through a period of significant change, there is likely to be interest from other companies looking to enter or expand their presence in the market. Bisleri is a well-established brand with a strong distribution network, making it an attractive acquisition target.

Final Thoughts on the eye-catching deal

Finally, it is important to note that the future of Bisleri water company under Jayanti Chauhan will depend on a range of factors, including the company’s financial performance, market trends, and competition. The Indian beverage industry is highly competitive, with new players entering the market and consumer preferences changing rapidly. It is important for Bisleri to stay agile and adapt to these changes to remain relevant and competitive.

In conclusion, the future of Bisleri under Jayanti Chauhan’s leadership remains uncertain. While there are several possible scenarios for the future of the company, it is important for Bisleri to stay focused on its core strengths and stay ahead of the competition. As one of India’s leading bottled water companies, Bisleri has a strong brand and distribution network, which can be leveraged to drive growth in the future.

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