Godrej Sara Lee acquires Sara Lee biz in India

MUMBAI: With a view to efficiently manage its portfolio in south Asia and have access to the Godrej distribution network, Godrej Sara Lee Ltd has acquired Sara Lee Household and Body Care, India, and its subsidiary in Sri Lanka.

Godrej Sara Lee Ltd is a 49:51 joint venture company between Godrej Group and US-based Sara Lee Corporation.

The acquisition comes with effect from today, a press release issued here stated.

Godrej Sara Lee Ltd (GSLL), a household product company, also has an independent unit, Sara Lee Household and Body Care India, which is headquartered in Chennai.

This unit markets brands like Kiwi Shoe polish, Kiwi Drainex drain cleaner and hair-care brand Brylcreem in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Commenting on the acquisition, Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej said that "the business and operations of Sara Lee Household an Body Care will be transferred to GSLL with effect from July."

GSLL's Managing Director A Mahendran said: "Sara Lee was keen on moving all its brands to one company to efficiently manage its portfolio in South Asia. By moving these brands to GSLL, Sara Lee will have access to the Godrej distribution network, as well as the management and market support."