Tilaknagar Industries in pole position to acquire Imperial Blue: Report

The last major M&A deal in the liquor industry was seen in 2013 when Diageo bought United Spirits for $1.9 billion.

Tilaknagar Industries has taken the pole position in the race to acquire Imperial Blue whisky brand from French alcobev company Pernod Ricard, a report by The Economic Times said on June 4.

The French-owned brand is projected to have an enterprise value of $600 million, ET said, adding that a successful deal would make it the largest M&A transaction in over two decades.

Tilaknagar Industries, which manufactures Mansion House and Courrier Napolean brandies, and Inbrew Beverages are in the race. However, the Maharashtra-based alcohol maker has offered a better deal to Pernod Ricard, the report said.

The last major M&A deal in the liquor industry was seen in 2013 when Diageo bought United Spirits for $1.9 billion.

Last month, Tilaknagar Industries had reported an almost 146 percent jump in net profit at Rs 77.35 crore in the March quarter of FY25, compared to Rs 31.45 crore in the year-ago period.

The firm’s revenue saw a 13.11 percent rise to Rs 405.81 crore in the fourth quarter over Rs 358.78 crore a year earlier.

The stock of the company was trading 1.9 percent higher in early trading at Rs 364.3 on NSE.