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Tilaknagar Industries has acquired Imperial Blue from Pernod Ricard India at an enterprise value of ₹4,150 crore.Founded in 1933, Tilaknagar Industries is a major player in the Indian-made foreign liquor - IMFL industry, with a manufacturing footprint of 21 units across 12 states.
What’s happening: this acquisition marks Tilaknagar’s entry into India’s whiskey segment. Imperial Blue is currently the third-largest brand in the IMFL category. With this deal, Tilaknagar will become a leading player in both the brandy and whiskey segments.
Worth noting: this deal marks the largest acquisition in India’s alcoholic beverage industry in over a decade. The last major transaction was in 2013, when Diageo acquired United Spirits for $1.9 billion.
The why: Pernod Ricard said that the sale will strengthen its India portfolio by enabling the business to focus on premiumisation trends and support profitable growth.
India remains Pernod Ricard’s second-largest market, and this strategic shift will help it better capitalize on the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals and long-term potential.
Quick bite: Pernod Ricard India also sells mass-market brands like Royal Stag, Blenders Pride, & 100 Pipers, as well as premium labels such as Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, The Glenlivet, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.
