Minimalist, a premium beauty brand, is set to expand its offline presence aggressively after Hindustan Unilever (HUL) agrees to acquire a 90.5% stake in the company for ₹3,000 crore, pending regulatory approvals. The partnership will help Minimalist scale its retail presence from 2,000 stores to 20,000 within two years. The acquisition will also grant Minimalist access to HUL’s vast retail network, which will enable the company to leverage HUL’s on-ground team, data, and infrastructure to scale its business more efficiently.

The partnership will also aid Minimalist’s international expansion, with HUL’s global footprint providing a faster and more seamless entry into new markets. Yadav, CEO of Minimalist, noted that the company can now tap into HUL’s existing distribution channels and market insights, which will optimize its retail presence in India and abroad. Additionally, Minimalist will benefit from HUL’s global R&D centers for product innovation, clinical studies, and ingredient evaluation.

Despite the majority acquisition, Minimalist will continue to operate independently within HUL’s framework, with Yadav and his team retaining full operational control. The acquisition will not impact Minimalist’s vision and growth strategy, and the company will continue to run independently, with no changes to its operations. This partnership is seen as a strategic move for both companies, with HUL gaining a foothold in the premium beauty market, and Minimalist gaining access to the resources and expertise needed to drive its growth and expansion plans.

According to a report by Zee Business, several analysts have picked out top stocks to buy and sell in the Indian market. In their top picks, ICICI Bank, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), and Bandhan Bank have been highlighted as stocks to buy.

ICICI Bank, one of India’s largest private sector banks, has been given a “buy” rating by analysts, who believe it has the potential to outperform the broader market. The bank’s strong loan book, increasing fee income, and bancassurance business are key factors driving its growth prospects.

HUL, India’s largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, has also been recommended as a “buy” by analysts, who view its stronghold on the domestic market and robust dividend yields as positives. Additionally, the company’s prospects of increasing revenue through its large distribution network and successful marketing campaigns are also expected to drive its growth.

Bandhan Bank, one of the newest private sector banks in India, has been given a “buy” rating by analysts, who see potential in its large retail deposits and fast-growing branch network. The bank’s focus on microfinance business and successful diversification strategies are also expected to drive its growth.

On the other hand, analysts have advised selling stocks such as Bajaj Finance, which they see as having high valuations and high profit and loss (P/L) account but low return on equity (ROE). They also advise selling canteen services provider, DIVIS Laboratories, which they believe has high valuations and slow sales growth.

The report also highlights the following key trends in the Indian market:

1. Positive sentiment: Analysts are optimistic about the Indian market, with a split view on the economy, but generally positive.
2. Sector rotation: The rotation from large-cap to mid-cap and small-cap stocks is expected to continue, with a focus on sectors like IT and pharmaceuticals.
3. Valuations: Analysts are concerned about high valuations in some stocks and are advising investors to be cautious.

Overall, the report provides insight into the views of analysts on the Indian market, highlighting specific stocks to buy and sell, trends to watch, and other key factors driving the market.

Unilever’s new CEO, Fernando Fernandez, has expressed confidence in the company’s prospects in India, which he believes will see accelerated sales growth in the second half of 2025 due to interest rate cuts and government stimulus measures. India is Unilever’s second-largest business, accounting for 11-12% of its global revenue. Fernandez sees India, along with the US, as key “geographical anchors” for the company, with potential for bolt-on acquisitions, portfolio changes, and channel modifications to drive future decision-making.

Fernandez discussed his vision for Unilever, which includes creating a “machine for demand creation” and making a “decisive shift to premium” across categories. He also emphasized the importance of building “desire at scale” through innovation, variants, and new launches, with a focus on creating a “marketing and sales machine” to drive growth. Additionally, he wants to turn around Unilever’s operations in China and Indonesia, which have been a drag on the company’s performance in recent years.

In the short-term, Fernandez’ priorities will be to divide Unilever’s sales force, drive volume growth, and complete the separation of its ice-cream business by the end of 2025. He also plans to focus on developing a productivity plan and ensuring a strong innovation plan across segments by June 2025. Overall, Fernandez’ strategy is centered on accelerating growth, driving demand, and increasing profitability across Unilever’s global operations.

Sanjiv Mehta, Executive Chairman of L Catterton India and former Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever (HUL), spoke at the Mumbai Tech Week, highlighting the significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the private equity investment industry. Mehta emphasized that AI will reshape the value creation process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. According to him, AI will play a crucial role in identifying potential investment opportunities, streamlining due diligence, and determining the optimal timing of investments and exits.

Mehta noted that the investment journey begins with identifying the right categories to invest in, followed by identifying potential portfolio companies, and then determining the timing and amount of investment. He highlighted that AI will significantly reduce the time and cost of due diligence, allowing for faster and more targeted decision-making.

Moreover, AI will enable investors to identify patterns and trends, making it easier to determine the optimal timing of investments and exits. Mehta believes that AI will also help create value by reducing the time and cost of due diligence, allowing investors to zero in on potential assets more efficiently.

The joint venture between L Catterton India and the global investment firm’s Asian arm is focused on consumer-facing investments, which Mehta described as his “sweet spot”. He emphasized that AI will be a game-changer for private equity investors, providing them with the insights and intelligence needed to make data-driven decisions.

Overall, Mehta’s perspective highlights the transformative power of AI in the private equity investment landscape, enabling faster and more informed decision-making, and ultimately leading to greater value creation. His insights suggest that AI will be a key driver of growth and success in the investment industry, and that investors who are able to leverage AI effectively will be well-positioned for success.

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced the appointment of Vivek Mittal as Executive Director, Legal and Corporate Affairs. He will join the company’s management committee in March 2025, taking over from Dev Bajpai, who has announced his early retirement. Mittal currently serves as Global General Counsel at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, a leading pharma major. With over 25 years of experience, he has worked with prominent companies such as Danaher Corporation, Lupin, Reliance, Radico Khaitan, India Bulls Group, Caparo India Operations, and Mount Shivalik Industries.

Mittal’s expertise and track record of driving strategic initiatives and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance will be invaluable to HUL, according to CEO and Managing Director Rohit Jawa. Jawa expressed confidence that Mittal will lead the company’s legal function to its next phase of growth and transformation. The appointment is significant, as it marks a significant shift in HUL’s legal leadership, with Mittal’s experience and expertise poised to drive the company’s future success.

As part of their leadership, Mittal will be responsible for ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, as well as driving strategic initiatives for the company. His appointment is expected to have a positive impact on HUL’s operations, and his expertise will be valuable in navigating the company’s future initiatives. With his background in the pharma industry and his experience working with other top companies, Mittal is well-equipped to lead HUL’s legal function and drive growth and transformation.

In a recent ET Spotlight session, Rohit Jawa, CEO of Hindustan Unilever, shared his insights on the essential qualities required for success in today’s business world. He emphasized the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a vision anchored in inclusivity and compassion. Jawa noted that businesses must be prepared to navigate unpredictable challenges, particularly in a diverse and unequal society like India.

Jawa highlighted the importance of adaptive leadership, which he defines as the ability to adjust to changing circumstances, be it market trends, consumer preferences, or regulatory environments. He stressed that leaders must be agile, open-minded, and willing to pivot when necessary. This adaptability allows businesses to stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on opportunities, rather than being caught off guard by disruptions.

In addition to adaptability, Jawa emphasized the need for resilience. He noted that the ability to bounce back from setbacks, maintain a positive outlook, and learn from mistakes is crucial for long-term success. He advised that leaders must prioritize self-care, build strong relationships, and cultivate a growth mindset to develop resilience.

Jawa also emphasized the importance of a vision anchored in inclusivity and compassion. He believed that businesses must prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce and supply chain are essential for innovation, creativity, and long-term growth. A compassionate approach to business can also foster a positive reputation, improve relations with stakeholders, and drive sustainable growth.

Jawa’s insights were drawn from his experiences as CEO of Hindustan Unilever, where he has led the company’s efforts to address social and environmental challenges, such as reducing plastic waste, improving supply chain transparency, and promoting diversity and inclusion. His wisdom on adaptive leadership, resilience, and a vision anchored in inclusivity and compassion can inspire business leaders to adopt a more holistic approach to success, one that prioritizes both financial performance and societal impact.

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season is bringing together cricket enthusiasts, but behind the scenes, a dispute is brewing between top advertisers like Hindustan Unilever (HUL) and over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Disney+ Hotstar. The issue revolves around the mismatch between what was promised and what’s being delivered for ad campaigns. HUL, India’s largest FMCG company, has been consistently the country’s top advertiser, but they have received complaints from customers who have seen the same ads repeated multiple times on OTT platforms.

A senior HUL executive describes the experience as “spamming a user with the same ad” when they saw the same Dove and Surf Excel ads as many as 150 times within a week. With ad rates on Disney+ Hotstar increasing by at least 50% during the season, HUL is concerned that spending extra money to overwhelm users with ads doesn’t add up. The company, which spends nearly Rs 4,000 crore on ads annually, cannot afford to ignore these complaints, especially during the highly anticipated IPL season that attracts millions of viewers.

The issue has led to a heated debate between top marketing executives and product managers from both HUL and Disney+ Hotstar. The IPL, which starts on March 21, is expected to attract over 600 million viewers, making it a prime opportunity for advertisers. However, the quality of ad campaigns will be crucial in determining the success of both parties. As the season begins, it remains to be seen how Rishabh Pant will perform on the field and whether Virat Kohli can lead Bengaluru to a legendary win, but in the background, the battle between HUL and Disney+ Hotstar will be a closely watched spectacle.