Samara Capital Set to Invest Rs 200 Cr in Skin-care Brand Nature's Essence to Acquire a Significant Stake
Samara Capital, the leading mid-market buy-out private equity fund, has entered into an agreement with Nature’s Essence Private Limited (“NEPL”) to invest Rs 200 crores for a significant stake. NEPL will utilize the funds for investment into marketing and distribution and consolidation of group entities.
NEPL along with its group entities manufactures and markets a range of skin care products under the brand “Nature’s Essence”. The product portfolio includes face care products such as facial kits, bleaches, face-packs, face washes and body care products such as creams, lotions and gels.
NEPL is based in Delhi and its manufacturing facility is in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The company’s products are sold in over 200,000 retail outlets and 40,000 salons through a pan India distribution network. The company along with its group entities which are getting consolidated generates a sales of Rs 150 crores and is growing at 15% p.a.
Abhishek Kabra, Managing Director, Samara Capital said, “In recent times we have observed a whole new demographic of consumers emerging for personal and skin care products, as consumerism, aided by the information revolution and by purchasing power, seeps into the hinterland. We felt Nature’s Essence under Mr Nanda’s leadership has locked on very well on to this massive new market and its demands and tastes. We see exciting potential for the brand to keep adding to the depth as well as breadth of its offering.”
Commenting on the development, Raj Kumar Nanda, Promoter& Director, NEPL said, “Over the last 20 years, Nature’s Essence has established itself as a leading brand in the fast-growing Indian skin care market. With rising aspirations and affordability of the Indian consumers the company and brand is perfectly positioned to further tap this opportunity. I and my team are very excited to partner with Samara Capital to take Nature’s Essence to its next phase of growth.”
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India and Lymonds Mirus represented NEPL and Samara respectively for this transaction.
“We have had a long association with Mr. Nanda and see a high potential in the Nature’s Essence brand. Samara’s value add capabilities will provide exciting times ahead for the growth of this brand and for its stakeholders including employees and channel partners.”, said Ruchi Sarna, Partner, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP.
