Reliance Plans ₹3,900 Crore Infusion into FMCG Unit

Key takeaways: 
  • Significant Capital Infusion: Reliance plans to invest up to ₹3,900 crore in its FMCG unit, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), through a combination of equity and debt.

  • Expansion and Competitive Strategy: The investment aims to strengthen RCPL's market position against major players like Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Coca-Cola, and Adani Wilmar.

  • Largest Investment Since Inception: This will be the largest capital infusion in RCPL since its establishment in November 2022.

  • Approval for Capital Raising: RCPL’s board has approved the increase of authorized share capital and plans to issue 775 million zero-coupon optionally fully convertible debentures, totaling ₹775 crore.

  • Potential Acquisitions and Expansions: The capital infusion suggests a focus on potential acquisitions, major expansions, or investments in product portfolio and market presence.

  • Focus on Affordable Products: Reliance aims to create high-quality, affordable consumer products to boost consumption across India, as highlighted by Isha Ambani at the recent AGM.

  • Flexible Capital Raising Plans: The exact amount and timing for the capital raise are yet to be determined, allowing RCPL flexibility in its strategic planning.

  • Recent Financial Activity: RCPL raised ₹92 crore in FY24 and ₹261 crore in FY23 through zero-coupon optionally fully convertible debentures from Reliance Retail Ventures.

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Through a combination of finance and equity, Reliance Industries plans to invest up to ₹3,900 crore in its fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL). With this investment, it hopes to strengthen its position in the Indian FMCG sector relative to rivals like Adani Wilmar, ITC, Coca-Cola, and Hindustan Unilever.

Key Capital Raising Plans

The RCPL board approved special resolutions to raise capital for "business operations" during an extraordinary general meeting on July 24. This move marks the largest investment in RCPL since its launch in November 2022. According to recent regulatory filings with the Registrar of Companies (ROC), RCPL has:

  • Increased its authorized share capital.
  • Passed a resolution to borrow more than its paid-up share capital, free reserves, and securities premium.
  • Approved the issuance of up to 775 million unsecured zero-coupon optionally fully convertible debentures, totaling ₹775 crore, in multiple tranches on a rights basis.

Recent Financial Developments

In FY24, RCPL raised ₹92 crore through unsecured zero-coupon optionally fully convertible debentures from its parent company, Reliance Retail Ventures, which oversees Reliance Industries' retail businesses. This funding route was followed in FY23 when RCPL raised ₹261 crore.

Focus on Affordable Consumer Products

At the recent Reliance Industries annual general meeting, Isha Ambani, director of Reliance Re-tail Ventures, stated that the company's consumer brands business is committed to creating "high-quality products at affordable prices to drive greater consumption across India."

Future Capital Plans

A senior industry executive indicated that while RCPL's board has passed resolutions to raise to a certain amount, the exact amount and timing for capital raising are yet to be determined. This flexibility allows RCPL to adapt its strategy based on market conditions and business needs.

Overall, Reliance's latest financial commitment to RCPL demonstrates its intent to carve out a significant share of the Indian FMCG market, signaling aggressive growth and expansion plans.

Inputs by Agencies

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