Acquisition announced

Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri said on Monday that GRT Jewellers India will acquire a 74.12% stake in the company for up to Rs 1,034 crore ($108.66 million), taking control of the jewellery retailer. The companies announced the deal in a joint statement, as reported by Moneycontrol.

Under the agreement, GRT will acquire the stake from Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri's top shareholders and launch an open offer for an additional approximately 26% stake, in line with applicable SEBI regulations, according to The Economic Times. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.

Context and rationale

The acquisition brings together two prominent players in gold and diamond jewellery, a segment integral to weddings and other auspicious occasions in India, the world's second-largest gold consumer, which relies on imports to meet nearly all its demand, as reported by The Economic Times.

GRT Jewellers' Managing Director R. Ananthapadmanabhan said the acquisition of the 162-year-old legacy brand would help GRT build a stronger pan-India presence, according to The Economic Times. Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri, which began with a single store in 1864, fits into GRT's strategy to expand its footprint across India through its network of 37 stores.

Founded in Chennai in 1964, GRT operates 68 stores across India and one in Singapore.

Industry backdrop

The deal comes as India's jewellery sector reassesses its growth strategy, with major retailers reining in rapid expansion and doubling down on lightweight jewellery as gold prices soar to all-time highs, reported The Economic Times. Separately, the government is likely discussing an import duty cut on gold and silver as high tariffs fail to curb imports, the same outlet noted.