Biznextindia : The board of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) in its meeting has approved raising of up to Rs.2,195 Cr. by way of preferential issuance of equity and warrants to an affiliate of GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund (GIC). GIC will invest Rs. 770 Cr. now towards subscription of equity and warrants, followed by up to Rs. 1,425 Cr. in one or more tranches within 18 months upon exercise of warrants. Post the entire investment, GIC will own ~ 7.5% equity stake in ABFRL. Aditya Birla Group will hold ~ 51.9% stake in the company post the completion of this transaction. ABFRL plans to use this capital to accelerate its growth engine built around strength of its current businesses along with a rapidly evolving play in emerging high-growth business models.
“Indian Apparel industry is set for robust long-term growth due to strong fundamentals of a large and growing middle class, favourable demographics, rising disposable incomes and aspiration for brands. ABFRL has become one of the leading players in this market through its diversified portfolio of strong brands, wide distribution & an established business model and is well positioned to benefit from this opportunity. I am delighted to welcome GIC, a global institutional investor, as a long-term partner in the company’s exciting growth journey. An investment of this nature serves to underscore ABFRL’s strong position and dynamic growth model” Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman Aditya Birla Group said.
“We are delighted to partner with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail to bring our long-term capital and resources to support its next phase of growth. ABFRL has a strong track record of building brands and its new business lines, including innerwear and ethnic wear, have strong structural tailwinds. We are confident that the company is well-positioned to continue its transformational journey into a future-ready consumer company powered by the growth of India”Choo Yong Cheen, Chief Investment Officer of Private Equity for GIC said.