Samara Capital, the leading mid-market buy-out private equity fund,
has entered into an agreement with Nature’s Essence Private Limited (“NEPL”)to
invest INR 200crs for a significant stake. NEPL will utilize the funds for
investment into marketing and distribution and consolidation of group entities.
NEPL along with its group entities
manufactures and markets a range of skin care products under the brand
“Nature’s Essence”. The product portfolio includes face care products such as
facial kits, bleaches, face-packs, face washes and body care products such as
creams, lotions and gels.
NEPL is based in Delhi and its
manufacturing facility is in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The company’s products are
sold in over200,000 retail outlets and 40,000 salons through a pan India
distribution network. The company along with its group entities which are
getting consolidated generates a sales of INR 150crs and is growing at 15% p.a.
Abhishek Kabra, Managing
Director, Samara Capital said, “In recent times we have observed a whole
new demographic of consumers emerging for personal and skin care products, as
consumerism, aided by the information revolution and by purchasing power, seeps
into the hinterland. We felt Nature’s Essence under Mr Nanda’s leadership has
locked on very well on to this massive new market and its demands and tastes.
We see exciting potential for the brand to keep adding to the depth as well as
breadth of its offering.”
Commenting on the development, Raj
Kumar Nanda, Promoter& Director, NEPL said “Over the last 20 years,
Nature’s Essence has established itself as a leading brand in the fast-growing
Indian skin care market. With rising aspirations and affordability of the Indian
consumers the company and brand is perfectly positioned to further tap this
opportunity. I and my team are very excited to partner with Samara Capital to
take Nature’s Essence to its next phase of growth.”
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India and
Lymonds Mirus represented NEPL and Samara respectively for this transaction.
“We have had a long association with Mr. Nanda and see a high potential in the Nature’s Essence brand. Samara’s value add capabilities will provide exciting times ahead for the growth of this brand and for its stakeholders including employees and channel partners.”, said Ruchi Sarna, Partner, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP.
Samara Capital is an entrepreneurially run India focused private equity firm since its inception in 2007. Samara has invested in companies spanning consumer products and retail, healthcare and pharma, business services, financials and infrastructure.