Reliance Retail (RRL), part of Reliance Industries (RIL), has set its eyes on two of Henkel India’s soap brands. Aramusk is male deodorant soap whereas Moloy is sandalwood soap; both brands are estimated to be worth Rs 10 crore. These brands have been unable generate significant revenues nationalwide but these brands are majorly demand in eastern part of India.
After acquiring the brands, operations such as manufacturing and distribution are planned to be handled by third parties and RRL will control the brand and technology behind it. Chennai-based Henkel acquired these brands in 1999, which previously were owned by Shaw Wallace India.
Besides Reliance, the other players in race to acquire these brands are Emami Group and Jyothy Laboratories. Mape Advisory Services is the investment banker for this acquisition. Henkel operates brands namely Henko and Mr White (both laundry care brands), Pril dishwasher, Margo soap and Fa deodorants.