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Myntra Rising Stars programme onboards streetwear brand Urban Monkey

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Myntra Urban Monkey

Myntra‘s Rising Stars initiative, dedicated to bolstering indigenous direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands in India, has onboarded Urban Monkey, a streetwear brand, into its fold.

The brand is set to showcase more than 170 styles on Myntra’s platform, spanning various categories including apparel and accessories. Urban Monkey will feature a diverse range of products such as t-shirts, caps, sweatshirts, shirts, backpacks, jeans, and shorts.

“In our pursuit of delivering top-notch trend-focused fashion to our customers, we’re excited to introduce Urban Monkey on our platform. We have full confidence in the brand’s ability to captivate our fashion-forward clientele nationwide with its stylish array of premium apparel and accessories,” stated Maneesh Dubey, Senior Director of Category Management Marketplace at Myntra.

Continue Exploring: Myntra sees 75 Million new users in 12 months, non-metro areas drive majority growth

Established in 2013 by Yash Gangwal, Mumbai-based Urban Monkey operates within the mass premium market segment, catering specifically to millennials and Generation Z.

The brand will additionally utilize Myntra’s social commerce features, including Myntra Minis and Myntra Studio, to amplify customer engagement, improve overall visibility, and enhance brand recall.

“We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with Myntra. With their extensive reach and solid presence, Myntra offers us an ideal platform to engage with our audience and broaden our footprint. Through this partnership, we aspire to triple our growth within the next two years, harnessing Myntra’s platform to achieve new milestones,” Gangwal expressed.

Flipkart-backed Myntra provides a diverse selection of over 6,000 fashion and lifestyle brands, featuring esteemed names such as H&M, Levi’s, U.S. Polo Assn., Tommy Hilfiger, Louis Philippe, Jack & Jones, Mango, Forever 21, Marks & Spencer, W, Biba, Nike, Puma, Crocs, M.A.C, and Fossil. Servicing more than 19,000 pin codes across the nation, this Bengaluru-based company ensures widespread accessibility for its customers.

Continue Exploring: Myntra’s marketplace reports positive EBITDA in Q4 2023 amid strong growth

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Adani Wilmar’s Q4 net profit surges 67% YoY to INR 157 Crore; revenue down 5%

Adani Wilmar
Adani Wilmar

Adani Wilmar, a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, reported a 67% growth in its consolidated net profit to INR 157 crore for the quarter ended March 2024. This marks a significant increase from INR 94 crore in the year-ago quarter.

During the reporting period, revenue from operations experienced a 5% year-on-year decline to INR 13,238 crore. This contrasts with the company’s revenues of INR 13,872 crore in the same period last year.

The company noted robust growth in sales volume, particularly in its edible oils and foods segments, both for the quarter and the entire fiscal year. This growth was primarily driven by increased retail presence.

Although edible oils saw an 11% increase and food and FMCG products experienced a 9% rise in volume, a notable decrease in the export of oil meals contributed to an overall volume growth of 3% year-on-year in the March quarter.

Continue Exploring: Adani Wilmar’s Q3 profit slides 18% YoY to INR 201 Crore; revenue witnesses a 17% decline

Breaking it down by segment, the edible oil division achieved revenues of INR 10,195 crore in the fourth quarter, accompanied by an 11% year-on-year growth in volume.

The growth rate of domestic branded sales volume surged even faster at 13% year-on-year, outpacing the overall growth. This marks the second consecutive year of faster growth in the branded portfolio, leading to notable gains in market share.

In the fourth quarter, the food and FMCG segment generated revenue of INR 1,341 crore, reflecting a solid underlying volume growth of 9% year-on-year.

In the fiscal year 2024, domestic revenue and volume both surged by 39%, while export volumes of rice plummeted by 46% due to imposed export restrictions.

Consequently, the overall food and FMCG revenue soared by 23% year-on-year, reaching INR 4,944 crore. Revenue from branded products in the domestic market has exhibited consistent year-on-year growth of over 30% for the past 10 quarters.

In the fourth quarter, the industry essentials business reported revenue of INR 1,702 crore, and for the fiscal year 2024, it amounted to INR 7,479 crore. However, the segment witnessed a 22% year-on-year decline in volume during the March quarter, largely attributed to a 45% decrease in the oil meal business.

“Our edible oils and foods business sustained robust volume growth, propelled by expanded retail presence. Our focused sales & marketing strategies, along with a regional approach in each category, are driving market share gains from local competitors,” stated Angshu Mallick, MD & CEO.

Adani Wilmar stock concluded Tuesday’s trading session 4.6% up, reaching INR 359 on the NSE.

Continue Exploring: BN Group enters wellness and fitness oil category with Nutrica launch, Targets INR 500 Crore revenue in three years

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India’s diverse market landscape demands tailored state-wise focus, says Heineken CFO

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Heineken's chief financial officer, Harold van den Broek
Heineken's chief financial officer, Harold van den Broek

Heineken, the second-largest brewer globally, expressed astonishment at India’s accelerating momentum. This isn’t limited to the beer sector, where state governments are increasingly adopting progressive measures, but also extends to its ability to attract and nurture businesses across various industries. This transformation is positioning the Indian market as one of the final frontiers of growth for international companies.

Heineken’s chief financial officer, Harold van den Broek, remarked to investors, “India’s national confidence, coupled with its commitment to fostering prosperity across industries and enabling growth and attraction of work, is truly remarkable.”

United Breweries, under the ownership of Dutch brewer Heineken, commands fifty percent of the Indian beer market, boasting popular brands like Kingfisher, Bullet, and London Pilsner. Despite India’s warm tropical climate, promising demographics, and growing prosperity, it remains one of the largest beer markets for international brewers. However, significant challenges persist, including the disparity in tax rates between beer and spirits, particularly in key states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Haryana. Moreover, the limited availability of alcohol retail licenses, totaling just 80,000 across the country, including stores, pubs, and bars, presents additional obstacles.

Despite over 20 million people reaching the legal drinking age annually in the country, beer represents only 10% of the spirits market. Per-capita beer consumption in India stands at just two liters, trailing behind most Asian markets.

Continue Exploring: Heineken surpasses Q1 beer sales targets, maintains 2024 outlook

“We’re witnessing the alignment of perfect branding with market execution, albeit cautiously, as India’s market dynamics vary significantly from state to state. Each state requires its own tailored approach. However, we’re encouraged by the increasingly constructive and enduring dialogues with various state governments. India remains a strategic long-term investment for us,” Broek noted.

“We are observing a normalization of consumer behavior, indicating a growing acceptance of alcohol in several states.”

In India, over 80% of the total volume in the beer market is attributed to strong beer. Interestingly, many consumers of strong beer also show interest in purchasing value and low-priced spirits. This inter-category competition underscores the significance of price, including excise rates. According to the IWSR Drinks Market Analysis report, if regulations result in increased beer prices, the price gap between cheap Indian-made foreign liquor and beer narrows enough to prompt many consumers to switch their preferences.

Heineken reported a 20% organic increase in net revenue in India last quarter, primarily fueled by volume growth and a favorable price mix. Beer volume expanded in the low-teens, outpacing the market, a result influenced by adjustments in route-to-market strategies implemented last year.

In the premium beer segment, United Breweries commands less than a quarter of the market share, trailing behind AB InBev, known for brands like Budweiser and Corona. AB InBev has achieved strong performance in this segment, surpassing the domestic beer market, fueled by increasing demand for its premium offerings.

Continue Exploring: United Breweries unveils Heineken Silver Draught Beer, setting a new standard for crafted refreshment in India

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Cremica Foods eyes INR 500 Crore funding, plans expansion and new product launches

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Akshay Bector, Chairman and Managing Director of Cremica Foods Ltd
Akshay Bector, Chairman and Managing Director of Cremica Foods Ltd

Cremica Foods Ltd, known for its condiments such as mayonnaise and ketchup, is aiming to secure INR 500 crore, which would peg its valuation at INR 2,000 crore. According to Akshay Bector, chairman and managing director of Cremica Foods Ltd, the company plans to dilute 20-30 percent of its equity for this purpose.

The brand plans to use these funds to enhance operational efficiencies, support working capital needs, expand distribution channels, and venture into new product categories such as frozen items, specialty beverages, and pickles.

“We’re seeking funding to expedite the brand’s growth,” he stated.

Earlier, the brand had plans to raise funds during FY22-23, but the deal fell through due to regulatory issues.

Continue Exploring: Wow! Momo secures INR 70 Crore funding boost from Z3Partners to fuel expansion and R&D efforts

In addition to this, the brand plans to adopt a combined retail and HoReCa strategy for all its businesses in the future.

He affirmed, “We’ll begin with HoReCa for the new product launches, with plans to expand to retail for all products eventually.”

In Una’s Cremica Foodpark, the brand currently operates one manufacturing unit for sauces. Recently, it acquired an additional unit to further expand its sauce manufacturing capabilities.

The brand plans to expand the recently acquired unit by installing an additional production line.

Declining to disclose the acquisition cost, he mentioned, “It was a modest sum. The unit was distressed, and we acquired it. Now, we’re in the process of expanding it. However, the overall equipment cost for the project is estimated to be around INR 20 crore.”

The ongoing expansion is expected to boost capacity by approximately 25-30 percent. Additionally, the new unit within the food park will cater to the brand’s needs for the upcoming year.

“Given the current dynamics in the condiment industry, the situation is somewhat fluid. Hence, we’re gearing up to handle potential increases in volume should opportunities arise. Consequently, some of the capacities we’re constructing are progressing slightly ahead of schedule,” he elaborated.

Presently, the brand’s processing facilities cover an area of 20 acres, encompassing a building space of 300,000 square feet.

This financial year, the brand intends to broaden its distribution network, scaling up from 400 distributors and 20,000 retail touchpoints to 700 distributors and 40,000 retail touchpoints.

“Our goal is to expand our reach to 200,000 retail touchpoints within the next three years,” he stated.

Despite aiming for INR 450 crore in FY 23-24, the brand achieved a revenue of INR 340 crore.

Continue Exploring: abCoffee secures $3.4M in Series A funding led by Nexus Venture Partners, targets 150 stores by end of 2024

“Our margins have seen a 5-6 percent improvement. However, the revenue growth has been subdued due to a significant decline in HoReCa industry sales. We anticipate slight growth in business this fiscal year, but the substantial downturn in the food service industry has affected our sales. Nevertheless, with the sector showing rapid recovery, the future looks promising for both revenue and profits,” he elaborated.

This fiscal year, the brand expects to achieve an EBITDA of 15-20 percent, based on an expectation of reaching a turnover of INR 400 crore.

“Currently, our B2B operations constitute 15 to 20 percent of our total business, with the remainder being branded products. Meanwhile, HoReCa contributes to 70 percent of our total revenue,” he explained.

The brand remains optimistic about launching an IPO within the next two years.

“We’re steadfast in our IPO plans as margins have notably improved, and we’re committed to upholding our guidance on bottom lines for both this year and the next,” he concluded.

Continue Exploring: Biggies Burger secures pre-series A funding, valuation soars to INR 210 Crore, fueling rapid expansion plans

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Manyavar’s parent Vedant Fashions records 6.3% rise in Q4 net profit to INR 115.79 Crore

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Vedant Fashions

Vedant Fashions, the parent company of Manyavar, has reported a 6.3 percent increase in its combined net earnings, amounting to INR 115.79 crore for the fourth quarter (Q4) that ended in March 2024.

According to the BSE filing, its operational revenue in Q4 FY24 rose to INR 363.15 crore from INR 355.06 crore in Q4 FY23.

In Q3 FY24, the company’s total expenses increased to INR 239.35 crore, up from INR 209.61 crore in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.

Continue Exploring: Manyavar’s parent Vedant Fashions sees 4.8% surge in Q3 FY24 consolidated net profit, reaches INR 157.71 Crore

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Brookfield explores public listing for The Leela Hotels, initiates talks with bankers

The Leela Hotels

Brookfield Asset Management is planning to list its luxury hotel chain, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, and is in talks with bankers for the process, according to people familiar with the matter.

Brookfield had committed to investing over ‘1,500 crore in the hotel chain following its initial deal, which involved an investment of ‘4,500 crore. This represented the largest-ever foreign investment in the Indian hospitality sector.

The Canada-based asset manager chose not to comment on the development.

The Leela’s portfolio presently comprises 13 hotels, both owned and managed.

India’s hospitality sector has experienced a significant rebound following the Covid-19 pandemic, with listed entities like the Tata Group-backed Indian Hotels Company posting record-breaking figures.

Reflecting the trend of increasing demand for premium experiences, luxury operators have been thriving. For instance, approximately 80% of the new deals in India now focus on the luxury and premium segments for Marriott International, a departure from the situation before the pandemic.

Continue Exploring: Hotel giants bet big on India: Radisson, Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Wyndham compete in intense race for expansion

In 2023, hotel investments in India surged to $401 million, marking a fourfold increase compared to 2022. According to data provided by JLL, the first quarter of the calendar year 2024 witnessed an 80% year-on-year increase in deals, amounting to $78 million.

JLL reports that 2023 marked the highest number of assets traded in the past decade, with high-net-worth individuals driving most of the transactional activity. The year also witnessed a record number of signings and openings, with 25,176 keys signed and 12,647 keys opened. Additionally, there was a significant increase in greenfield projects, totaling 13,600 keys, compared to 8,000 keys in 2022.

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels launched its ‘920-crore initial public offering on February 5 of this year. Additionally, Juniper Hotels, jointly promoted by the Saraf Group and Hyatt Hotels Corporation, made its debut on stock exchanges in the same month. Juniper, the largest owner of Hyatt-affiliated hotels in India with 1,836 keys, is co-owned by Saraf Hotels and Two Seas Holdings, an affiliate of Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Continue Exploring: Hotel investments in India surged to $401 Million in 2023, reveals JLL Report

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Revolutionizing restaurant management with digital solutions, SupplyNote anticipates 4X growth on the back of efficient credit

Kushang Kumar, SupplyNote

In the fast-paced world of restaurant management, streamlining processes and embracing technology can make or break success. Kumar Kushang, the Co-Founder of SupplyNote, sits at the forefront of this revolution, offering digital solutions to digitize supply chains and procurement processes for restaurants. In a recent interview, he shared insights into SupplyNote’s role in reshaping the industry landscape and navigating the evolving demands of modern consumers. And talks about the company roadmap for Q2 with focus on credit for restaurants.

According to Kushang, SupplyNote’s mission is clear: to help restaurants digitize their supply chains and procurement processes. Kushang emphasized that they provide an end-to-end digital procurement stack, integrating seamlessly with various POS systems. This integration automates inventory management and streamlines ordering processes, offering efficiency and convenience to restaurant owners.

The impact of SupplyNote’s services extends beyond mere digitization. They assist both emerging and established brands in optimizing their supply chains, scaling faster, and standardizing sourcing practices. For growth-oriented brands, Supply Note becomes a strategic partner, enabling them to convert capital expenditure into operational expenditure, facilitating rapid scalability.

“We had a fantastic year last year and expect to do the same this year. We anticipate outstanding performance in the current quarter, with much greater enthusiasm in the next quarters. Our revenue has increased by 150% year on year, resulting in considerable bottom-line gains. We intend to achieve pack-level profitability in Q2 and estimate total annual revenue of roughly INR 150 to 160 crores,” he stated.

Talking about the company’s performance, Kushang anticipated a substantial portion of company’s revenue to come from commerce business, with a focus on expanding internationally, particularly in the Middle East market.

“The global food rush offers exciting prospects, and we’re looking into joint ventures to capitalise on them. I believe this is going to be a huge quarter for us.”

Continue Exploring: SupplyNote secures $2.25 Million in funding to drive innovation in restaurant supply chain management

So far, SupplyNote has serviced over 7,000 restaurants in India. They successfully began next-day delivery last year.

“And now we’re expanding this service to other locations this year, with Bombay and Bangalore being our top concentrations. Last year there were a lot of NCR firms. We have some huge brands operating on our stack, such as Cure Foods, Biryani by Kilo, Nationals Ice Cream, Bakingo, and many large coffee companies as well. And other classics, such as Bombay Canteen and Leopold Café,” he said.

The Procurement Software Market is crucial for businesses today. It provides tools to automate and improve procurement and supply chain tasks. This market offers various software solutions to help organizations manage vendor relationships, streamline purchasing, and control costs more effectively.

According to a MarketResearch study, the market is projected to grow significantly, reaching a value of about USD 17.6 billion by 2032, up from USD 7.8 billion in 2022, with a growth rate of 8.7% annually from 2023 to 2032.

With this, Kushang credits technology for the remarkable growth of the food industry, with revenues soaring despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I started this firm in 2015, the hospitality & food service industry had revenues of roughly $58 billion. Fast forward to present, and the industry has grown to around $80 billion in revenue. That’s a $20 billion increase in just six years, excluding the impact of the epidemic. Notably, digital procurement has grown faster than the sector as a whole. “Previously nonexistent, it now accounts for ~6 to 8% of total procurement expenditure,” he stated.

According to him, this shift reflects a significant transformation in how traditional businesses operate, as they recognize the importance of diversifying supply chains and minimizing reliance on traditional suppliers.

Continue Exploring: JustDeliveries raises $1 Million to provide cold chain solutions for frozen food brands and restaurants

This shift has been accelerated by factors like the rise of online food delivery platforms and the need for streamlined supply chain management. Online platforms like Zomato and Swiggy have reshaped the role of point-of-sale (POS) systems. While POS systems were previously used primarily for queue management and monitoring, they now play a crucial role in reconciling online and offline sales, analyzing customer behavior, and improving overall operational efficiency, he said.

“The restaurant industry has evolved, largely due to the influence of the next generation. So, many young entrepreneurs are on board. They see huge value in their own website, QR ordering, takeout orders and online delivery platforms, which are also used as brand building exercises. This surge is evident during the last two years. That is something I have witnessed directly,” he shared.

Kushang highlighted the government’s 45-day payment rule and the importance of credit in B2B procurement. Traditional credit models face recovery challenges, hindering digital channels’ adoption. SupplyNote addresses this by using a data-driven approach for credit assessment and partnering with financial institutions to offer accessible credit to restaurant owners.

“It’s not an issue to charge for a line of credit. The recuperation process is the issue, and it presents a significant obstacle. And that calls for a lot of relationship-building and ongoing presence. Distributor networks have acted in this manner over the years,” he said.

Traditional distributors have established personal connections and local presence, enabling efficient credit recovery through designated individuals. In contrast, digital channels often lack these relationships and local insights, leading to reliance on unsecured credit and discounts to compete, resulting in unsustainable business models, he elaborated.

Kushang further explained that this approach has resulted in numerous companies operating in the red, with some even going out of business or being acquired. For instance, Zomato relies on its online ordering channel to recover capital, which can sour relationships with restaurants by tying up their revenue capital. These challenges highlight the need for innovative solutions to address credit issues in the B2B procurement space.

“In contrast, there are a few players, including us, who are actively exploring additional solutions to tackle this challenge. At SupplyNote, we’re leveraging our SaaS system to implement interventions at various levels,” he said.

By gaining complete visibility into clients’ wallets through POS systems and understanding their inventory and purchase patterns, SupplyNote can develop credit scoring mechanisms. These mechanisms enable traditional NBFCs and banks to provide loans with confidence, leveraging their existing infrastructure for recovery.

“Through initiatives like MSME escalations and ongoing innovation, we’re building a robust recovery stack that benefits both businesses and financial institutions, ultimately creating a sustainable ecosystem for credit in B2B procurement,” he said.

Further talking about the challenges faced by the restaurant industry in adopting new practices, Kushang feels that the stakeholders, with their unique cash flow dynamics, have not shown significant enthusiasm for these initiatives. They tend to avoid excessive paperwork and prefer to defer such processes, posing a challenge across the board.

“This is our third attempt at tackling this challenge. However, we now approach it with greater confidence, thanks to our increased understanding of our customers, facilitated by our integrated software stack. We acknowledge that determining whom to lend to based solely on data can be challenging. While banks rely heavily on KYC and understand the entrepreneur, we’ve refined our approach by focusing on the last few transactions to determine creditworthiness,” he informs.

Continue Exploring: How Celcius Logistics is revolutionizing India’s cold chain infrastructure

SupplyNote’s process is streamlined, requiring only a few clicks and minimal documentation, as they already possess the necessary KYC information and transaction patterns. By doubling down on this approach and emphasizing factors like credit limit, tenure, and recovery timelines, the company aims to mitigate risks and reduce friction for both parties involved.

“We are optimistic that these efforts will lead to fewer defaults and a smoother lending process overall,” he said.

Analyzing the resurgence of offline dining experiences and their impact on the food market, Kushang emphasized the significance of offline presence in building brand trust and enhancing the overall consumer experience. He highlighted SupplyNote’s adaptability to both offline and online models, emphasizing the company’s commitment to facilitating procurement regardless of the sales channel.

“Firstly, the increased mix of offline revenue stabilizes the current revenue pie, which I believe is beneficial for most restaurant brands as it adds a tangible aspect to the brand’s equation. This tangible presence enhances trust among consumers, which is vital for online orders. Therefore, I strongly believe that the offline presence contributes significantly to the overall brand trust,” he said.

Kushang noted that irrespective of the business model, whether offline, online, or a blend of both, their value proposition lies in supply chain management.

“No matter how they operate, we support companies with forecasting, procurement, culinary operations, and decision-making. Being able to maintain our values means that a stronger brand is better for us. Still, things might not be looking good for companies who rely just on internet data and don’t have full wallet visibility. Revenue streams and customer comprehension may provide challenges for them.”

“Most businesses focus on revenue sources and base their models on specific channels. From a technological standpoint, I believe it’s advantageous. Scalability might pose challenges without the right technological solutions, but comprehensive intervention is essential. I agree with the importance of a 360-degree approach,” he elaborated.

Overall, Supply Note’s innovative approach to digitizing restaurant supply chains underscores the transformative potential of technology in the food industry. With their comprehensive suite of services, they are poised to drive efficiency, profitability, and growth for restaurants across the globe.

Continue Exploring: Cold chain company Indicold secures Pre-Series A funding from Fundalogical Ventures

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IndiaMART’s Q4 profit soars 78% YoY to INR 99.6 Cr, announces INR 20/share dividend

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Dinesh Agarwal, Founder and CEO, IndiaMart
Dinesh Agarwal, Founder and CEO, IndiaMart

IndiaMART InterMESH, a B2B marketplace, reported an over 78% increase in its consolidated net profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (Q4 FY24), reaching INR 99.6 Cr from INR 55.8 Cr in the year-ago quarter.

Quarterly, there was a 23% increase in profit from INR 81.9 Cr.

During the quarter under review, operating revenue surged by 17% to INR 314.7 Cr from INR 268.8 Cr in Q4 FY23.

Total expenses during the quarter in question increased by 13% year-on-year and 4% QoQ to INR 241.2 Cr.

Continue Exploring: IndiaMART announces top management shuffle: Jitin Diwan named CFO, Prateek Chandra as Chief Strategy Officer

IndiaMART reported collections of INR 465 Cr from customers for Q4 FY24. Additionally, it recorded 24 Mn unique business enquiries in the quarter, marking a 14% increase YoY. Moreover, the number of supplier storefronts grew by 5% YoY to reach 7.9 Mn, while paying suppliers increased by 3K to 214K during the quarter.

As of March 31, 2024, the company reported deferred revenue of INR 1,440 Cr, reflecting a 24% year-on-year growth.

In the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24), the B2B marketplace saw its consolidated net profit climb by almost 18% to INR 334 Cr from INR 283.8 Cr in FY23. Additionally, its operating revenue for FY24 reached INR 1,196.8 Cr, marking a growth of over 21% from INR 985.4 Cr in FY23.

The company’s board also sanctioned a dividend of INR 20 per share for the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24).

Reflecting on the financial performance for the quarter and the fiscal year ending March 2024, Dinesh Agarwal, CEO of IndiaMART, stated, “We have concluded the financial year with consistent growth in revenue, deferred revenue, profits, and cash flows. Our priority continues to be empowering more businesses to thrive online by delivering exceptional products and customer experiences… We are confident in maintaining sustained profitable growth, especially with the increasing adoption of the internet among businesses.”

IndiaMART unveiled its financial results post-market closure. The company’s shares concluded yesterday’s trading session 0.88% higher at INR 2,648.20 on the BSE.

Continue Exploring: IndiaMART reports 27% YoY decline in Q3 net profit to INR 82 Crore, despite 21% rise in operational revenue

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FirstCry adjusts IPO fund allocation strategy, prioritizing overseas expansion, acquisitions, and other growth initiatives

FirstCry
FirstCry CEO Supam Maheshwari

FirstCry, a kids-focused omnichannel retailer, has made slight changes in the way it plans to utilize the capital raised from the fresh issuance of shares as part of its initial public offering (IPO), according to the unicorn’s updated DRHP filed with the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

The IPO offering, consisting of fresh shares valued at INR 1,816 Cr and an offer-for-sale (OFS) component of 5.4 Cr equity shares, remains consistent with the previous DRHP filed by the unicorn.

The company now plans to allocate the largest portion of the proceeds, totaling INR 388.2 Cr, for investment in its subsidiary Digital Age Retail, which is into multi-brand retailing and operates FirstCry’s online platform and mobile application.

Continue Exploring: FirstCry refiles DRHP following SEBI review; IPO offer unchanged

Out of the INR 388.2 Cr, GlobalBees, the parent company of FirstCry, intends to allocate INR 222.2 Cr for the establishment of new modern stores under the FirstCry brand and other company brands. Additionally, INR 166 Cr will be directed towards lease payments for existing stores owned and managed by Digital Age.

According to the company’s previous DRHP, FirstCry had proposed to utilize INR 648 Cr from the IPO proceeds for the establishment of modern stores and warehouses, as well as for lease payments for existing stores.

Nevertheless, the investment strategy for overseas expansion, totaling INR 155.6 Cr, remains unaltered. The startup will continue to allocate INR 83 Cr for establishing new warehouses in Saudi Arabia, along with INR 72.6 Cr for setting up modern stores in the country. However, specific details regarding the number of stores and warehouses planned for establishment were not provided.

Another investment that has experienced a minor adjustment from its previous IPO documents is directed towards its subsidiary Globalbees Brands’ acquisition of additional stake in the company’s step-down subsidiaries. The company will now invest INR 173.59 Cr, compared to the previously stated INR 170.5 Cr in the earlier DRHP.

It will allocate INR 150 Cr towards investment in sales and marketing initiatives, marking a 50% increase from the previously earmarked INR 100 Cr as per the earlier DRHP. Concurrently, INR 57.6 Cr will be allocated for technology and data science expenses.

Continue Exploring: Firstcry parent Brainbees Solutions to invest INR 150 Crore for Gulf expansion

Additionally, the company will designate INR 140.7 Cr for establishing new modern stores and warehouses for its brand ‘BabyHug’. Under the BabyHug brand, FirstCry offers a range of products including clothing, baby gear, nursery items, diapering essentials, toys, and more, catering to the needs of babies.

As stated in the DRHP, the remaining IPO proceeds will be utilized to finance inorganic growth initiatives and other corporate purposes.

It’s worth noting that the startup resubmitted its DRHP following SEBI’s queries regarding the key metrics disclosed by FirstCry in its initial draft documents.

In the updated DRHP, the unicorn also revealed its financial figures for the first nine months of FY24. The omnichannel retailer recorded a net loss of INR 278.2 Cr for the nine-month period ending December 2023, with revenue totaling INR 4,814 Cr during the same duration.

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Godrej Family splits group amicably: Adi-Nadir to control listed entities, Jamshyd Godrej to oversee Godrej Enterprises

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Adi Godrej, Jamshyd Godrej and Nadir Godrej
Adi Godrej, Jamshyd Godrej and Nadir Godrej

Following years of negotiations, the Godrej family announced a family settlement. In this arrangement, Adi Godrej and Nadir Godrej will take charge of the listed companies in the group, while Jamshyd Godrej and Nyrika Holkar will be responsible for overseeing Godrej Enterprises, which includes Godrej & Boyce and its affiliates.

In a statement released late on Tuesday, the group expressed, “The realignment has been achieved with respect and consideration to uphold harmony and to more closely align ownership, recognizing the diverse visions among the members of the Godrej family. This will enhance strategic direction, focus, agility, and expedite the creation of long-term value for shareholders and all stakeholders involved.”

The listed companies within the Godrej Industries Group (GIG) include Godrej Industries, Godrej Consumer Products, Godrej Properties, Godrej Agrovet, and Astec Lifesciences. Nadir Godrej will serve as the chairperson, with Pirojsha Godrej appointed as the Executive Vice Chairperson of GIG. Pirojsha Godrej is slated to take over as Chairperson from Nadir Godrej in August 2026.

Jamshyd Godrej, serving as the chairperson and managing director of Godrej Enterprises, along with Nyrika Holkar, the executive director, will oversee a diverse portfolio of businesses covering Aerospace, Aviation, Defence, Engines and Motors, Energy, Security, Building Materials, Construction, Green Building Consulting, EPC Services, Intralogistics, Healthcare Equipment, Durables, Furniture, Interior Design, Architectural Fittings, IT, Software, and Infrastructure Solutions.

Continue Exploring: Godrej Consumer Products achieves high single-digit volume growth despite operating challenges in Q4 FY24

“In our journey since 1897, Godrej & Boyce has consistently pursued the noble purpose of nation-building. With the establishment of this forward-looking family agreement, we are poised to pursue our growth objectives with greater clarity and concentrate on harnessing our fundamental strengths in cutting-edge engineering and design-driven innovation across our robust array of strategic, consumer, and emerging ventures,” remarked Jamshyd Godrej in the statement.

As per the statement, both factions remain dedicated to utilizing the Godrej brand and are steadfast in their resolve to nurture and enhance their common legacy.

Nadir Godrej stated that the group will persist in advancing its legacy with precision and adaptability.

In a filing with the exchange, Godrej Industries explained the settlement’s rationale, stating, “The third and fourth generations of the Family Branches hold differing interests and perspectives regarding various aspects such as strategic direction, growth, and governance across the entities of the Godrej Group, including the company. To maintain mutual respect, goodwill, harmony, and to address the diverse expectations and strategic preferences of each Family Branch, an arrangement settlement has been agreed upon…”

Following the settlement, Adi Godrej and Nadir Godrej members will extend an open offer to the public shareholders of Astec Lifesciences due to an indirect change in Astec’s shareholding.

The settlement explicitly states that shares held by either group in any of the companies will not be transferred to competitors without prior permission from the other group.

Continue Exploring: From Ghee resurgence to K-Food craze: Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 spotlights culinary trends shaping India’s gastronomic landscape

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