The shares of Prataap Snacks jumped more than 3 percent on September 3 after a report by the Economic Times said that its key shareholders like Authum Investments and ace investor Madhusudan Kela's family are exploring options to exit the Indore-based snacks-maker, although the company denied the claims.
The Economic Times had reported that these shareholders have reached out competitors like Haldiram, Advent-backed DFM Foods and ITC, as well as private equity funds to gauge their interest in buying out a controlling stake in Prataap Snacks or exploring a merger.
Prataap Snacks later issued a clarification, strongly denying the claims. "The contents are speculative in nature and not based on facts. Neither the Company nor its Promoters, including Authum Investment and Infrastructure Limited, are exploring any exit options," it said in an exchange filing.
"Further, the Company continues to pursue its business growth strategy with a focus on distribution expansion, product innovation, and profitability improvement. Our Promoters remain fully committed to the business and are confident in the strength of our brands and wide distribution footprint," it added.
This comes months after the shareholders had bought nearly half the Indore-based snacks-maker from Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital).
In September 2024, Authum Investment and Mahi Madhusudan Kela acquired 46.85 percent controlling stake in snack food company in Prataap Snacks for Rs 846.60 crore.
According to data on the company's latest shareholding pattern, Authum owned 42.93 percent stake in the company as at the end of the April-June quarter of the ongoing financial year. Mahi Madhusudan Kela meanwhile owned 4.61 percent stake in the company.
Madhusudan Muralidhar Kela is a well-regarded investor and entrepreneur who founded MK Ventures in 2018 to focus on high-growth investment opportunities. He also established portfolio management ventures such as Invexa Capital. His wife, Madhuri Kela (also known as Mahi Madhusudan Kela), co-manages their investment portfolio and is an active investor in her own right.
Prataap Snacks shares have jumped nearly 8 percent in the past five days, but fell more than 6 percent in the past six months. The stock is down more than 13 percent in 2025 so far.
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