Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Retail Acquires Kishore Biyani’s Future Group Businesses For Rs 24,713 Crore

In a major consolidation for the nation’s modern and organised retail sector, Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) has acquired Kishore Biyani led Future Group’s retail and wholesale, logistics and warehousing business for a massive price tag of Rs 24,713 crore, reports Hindu Businessline.

RRVL is a wholly-owned subsidiary under Reliance Industries Limited. Under RRVL operates a separate wholly-owned subsidiary called Reliance Retail and Fashion Lifestyle Limited (RRFLL) which will absorb the Future Group’s retail and warehousing businesses.

Meanwhile, logistics and warehousing businesses will be directly transferred to RRVL.

The deal has been structured in such a manner, that first the Future Group will merge multiple group companies under Future Enterprises Limited (FEL), following which the aforementioned transactions will be carried out.

As a part of the same scheme, the retail and wholesale undertaking is being transferred to Reliance Retail and Fashion Lifestyle Limited (RRFLL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of RRVL, the logistics and warehousing undertaking is being transferred to RRVL and RRFLL also proposes to invest Rs 1,200 crore in the preferential issue of equity shares of FEL to acquire 6.09 per cent of post-merger equity and Rs 400 crore in a preferential issue of equity warrants which, upon conversion and payment of balance 75 per cent of the issue price, will result in RRFLL acquiring further 7.05 per cent of FEL.

Isha Ambani, Director, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, said, "With this transaction, we are pleased to provide a home to the renowned formats and brands of Future Group as well as preserve its business ecosystem, which have played an important role in the evolution of modern retail in India.

"We hope to continue the growth momentum of the retail industry with our unique model of active collaboration with small merchants and kiranas as well as large consumer brands. We are committed to continue providing value to our consumers across the country."

The acquisition of the retail, wholesale and supply chain business of the Future Group complements and makes a strong strategic fit into Reliance's retail business. This will help Reliance retail to accelerate providing support to millions of small merchants in increasing their competitiveness and enhance their income during these challenging times.

Future Group's portfolio composition in apparel, general merchandise and own FMCG brands will allow for a wider offering to its customers.

This acquisition is subject to SEBI, CCI, NCLT, shareholders, creditors and other requisite approvals. Reliance Retail Ventures
Limited RRVL is a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, carrying on the Consumer Supply Chain Business and Consumer Retail Business through its subsidiaries.

RRVL reported a consolidated turnover of INR Rs 1.62 lakh crore and net profit of Rs 5,448 crore for the year ended March 31, 2020.

With IANS Inputs