Cargill Foods to acquire Marico sunflower oil biz

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fe Bureau: Mumbai, Mar 26 2011, 02:38 IST

FMCG major Cargill Foods India has finally emerged as the winner in the race to acquire Marico’s refined sunflower oil brand Sweekar for an undisclosed sum. The scope of the acquisition is limited to the product brand only. Lazard India acted as the sole financial advisor for Cargill in the acquisition. At present, Cargill India produces and markets sunflower oil locally under its NatureFresh and Gemini brands.

Announcing the news, Siraj Chaudhry, chairman of Cargill India said this acquisition not only strengthens Cargill’s existing portfolio of leading edible oil consumer brands but also expands its market reach in India’s premium sunflower oil market. “We will build on Sweekar’s strong brand heritage. Acquiring the Sweekar brand underscores Cargill's long-term commitment to growing our consumer food business in India. Sweekar is a good fit with our existing strong brand portfolio of healthy and low absorption oils,” he said.

Incidentally, Marico's refined oil brand was on the block for quite some time and Emami was the front runner to acquire this brand to extend its product portfolio in India.“Sweekar contributed around 5% to Marico’s sales and had wafer thin margins. Divesting of thin margin business is positive for Marico as it would lead to more focused approach on core categories,” said an analyst based in Mumbai. Currently, Cargill India originates, refines, and markets edible oils and fats to cater to the needs of food manufacturers, food service companies and consumers in India

While announcing the divestment plans

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