KKR picks up controlling stake in Vini Cosmetics for $625 million

KKR, a leading global investment firm, has picked up a controlling stake in personal care and beauty products company Vini Cosmetics for $625 million (Rs 4,600 crore). The transaction is expected to close in July 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.

KKR and Vini Cosmetics have signed an agreement under which Vini’s founder group – led by Darshan Patel, chairman, Dipam Patel joint managing director, and Sequoia Capital would sell stakes in the company. The co-founders would continue to hold a significant stake in Vini and collaborate with KKR in the next phase of its growth.

Commenting on the investment, Darshan Patel, chairman of Vini Cosmetics in a statement said: “KKR has a proven track record of investing in the growth of some of India’s most innovative and disruptive homegrown champions, as well as in leading consumer and personal care companies globally. We look forward to leveraging their global platform, resources and operational expertise to take Vini to the next level by expanding our e-commerce platform, growing new product categories, and broadening our distribution networks.”

Gaurav Trehan, Partner at KKR added: “Our investment in Vini also underscores KKR’s long-term commitment to support India’s innovative and dynamic companies as they become leaders in their industries.”

Founded in 2010, Vini manufactures, markets and distributes branded deodorants, cosmetics and toiletries through its flagship brand Fogg besides labels such as Ossum and GlamUp. Its products are distributed through approximately 700,000 points of sale and 3,000 dealers.