Gaining competitive edge in global textile business
In a strategic move that will significantly enhance its profile and addressable market in the global textiles space, the Donear Group has announced acquisition of Grasim Bhiwani Textile Ltd. (GBTL), the poly-viscose suiting fabrics subsidiary of Grasim Industries. This acquisition gives the Mumbai-based Donear Group a strategic edge in global textiles business in terms of world-class production capabilities to market products and access to the marquee customers globally.
GBTL is the country’s largest manufacturer of PV and PW suiting, selling its products under the “Grasim” and “Graviera” brands in India in over 25 countries. The biggest strengths of GBTL are its quality-conscious trade partners and global customers. GBTL caters to international fashion houses in the US and the UK, supplying fabric to them for making garments which are available in some of the largest retail chain stores. The Donear Group aims to build further on GBTL’s existing strengths.
Talking about the acquisition, Mr. Rahul Rajendra Agarwal, Director, Donear Group, said: “The GBTL acquisition is driven by our desire to expand our business both pan-India and in global markets, and progress towards our strategic goal to become the recognized leader in products and services we offer and increase our market share. This GBTL acquisition will utilize strengths of both partners in terms of infrastructure, manpower and product portfolio. Apart from the world-class production capabilities, the acquisition also gives Donearan access to strong nation-wide retail network, wholesalers and multi-brand outlets through which we will expand our reach.”
The textile-focused Donear Group has been scouting for a larger addressable market with additional product categories. The terms of the transaction are not announced yet, and will be disclosed at the appropriate forums through wider communication to all stakeholders. The acquisition has been funded by the promoters of Donear, and there is no plan to bring in any strategic investor, Indian or foreign, on board as of now. However, there are plans to bring in strategic stakeholders in due course of time.
Mr. S. Krishnamoorthy, Managing Director of GBTL, appointed by the Donear Group, said: “Existing market conditions offer abundant opportunities for companies with robust infrastructure and in-house manufacturing capacities, different types of product categories, good customer base, speed to market and absolute focus on textiles as their core business. In India, huge opportunity exists for fabric in Over-the-Counter (OTC), Readymade Garments (RMG) and exports segments. Taking on the vision of “Make in India”, both Donear and GBTL will maintain their individual identities and will stay committed to offer best products and services to their valued customers as one team.”
Commenting on the management of the two units post acquisition, Mr. Agarwal said: “The GBTL plant will be run by the existing unit management with additional benefits of expert advice from Donear promoters. We assure our internal and external customers that there will be no change in the work culture and they will continue to experience the same services at all stages.Over time, we will leverage synergies to create a stronger entity with formidable presence in the Indian fashion textiles industry.”
Post acquisition, in the medium term, both entities will continue to focus on their respective brands like Grasim Suiting & Graviera Suiting (GBTL) and Donear & Royal Classico Suiting (Donear) in India as separate teams. The management will continue its efforts to strengthen and utilize their combined product basket to serve its customers. Donear will continue its focus on the OTC segment while strengthening its network pan-India and will expand its product portfolio in the domestic and international markets.