Emami, Godrej Consumer In Talks With Malaysia's Unza; Dabur Backs Out

There are more Indian suitors for Malaysian consumer goods company Unza Holdings, even though India's Dabur has backed out from the deal. Mumbai-based Godrej Consumer Products and Kolkata-based family-run Emami Group are believed to be entering the fray for the Malaysian personal care manufacturer, reports The Economic Times, quoting people close to the development. While Godrej hasn't confirmed the talks, Emami has. Emami Group director Aditya Agarwal has siad that they are "interested in Unza and are in talks with them”.

The private equity investors in Unza - Actis and Standard Chartered Private Equity - are selling their 60 per cent stake. Dabur was earlier slated to buy this stake from the PE funds, which did not happen since the Unza management did not want a strategic buyer to come in. Now the management has changed its stance and is open to a strategic buyer. However, Dabur seems to be not interested in renewing the deal.

The Delhi-based FMCG company was earlier planning to pay $250 million for the 60 per cent stake, which it currently thinks is "excessive" and can turn out to be a risky play. That said, Indian FMCG companies like Marico, Dabur and Godrej Consumer are looking at overseas acquisitions to further their growth.

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