Unibic looks to foraying into niche segments

Unibic Biscuits India, in which Unibic Australia has a majority stake, is not quite averse to another takeover deal after an earlier bid by Marico was aborted because of valuation issues.

Unibic Australia holds about 65 per cent stake in the Indian company and the rest is held by Mr Nikhil Sen, MD, Unibic and private equity investors. Marico's takeover attempt was to acquire an estimated 51 per cent stake in Unibic.

The company is considering a foray into other segments such as breakfast offerings on the ‘health' platform. Having strengthened the brand in the southern and western region, the company will now focus on the northern and eastern markets.

Says Mr Sen, “We'll never be a rural brand, and plan to be a national brand in 12-18 months and be present in 21 markets across the country.”

Early this year, Unibic launched its sugar-free range of cookies and is now ready to bring out a range of sugar-free cream biscuits for diabetics.