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Category: Brands

  • VIP gets a Multiples makeover as Piramal family packs up stake

    VIP gets a Multiples makeover as Piramal family packs up stake

    MUMBAI: After decades at the top of the luggage chain, VIP Industries is zipping into a new era. In a strategic shake-up that marks the end of an era and the start of a fresh chapter, the Piramal family has signed a definitive agreement to offload up to 32 per cent of its stake in VIP Industries to a consortium led by Multiples Private Equity. The deal will see control of Asia’s largest luggage maker shift to the new investors, triggering a mandatory open offer worth a whopping Rs 1,437.78 crore for an additional 26 per cent stake at Rs 388 per share.

    While the sale hands over the reins, it’s not a full goodbye, the Piramal family will remain shareholders, with Dilip Piramal stepping into the role of chairman emeritus. “This is a pivotal moment for VIP. With Multiples stepping in, we’re setting the wheels in motion to reclaim our leadership in the Indian luggage market,” said Piramal.

    Multiples, known for backing big-name disruptors like Delhivery, Licious, and Dream Sports, now adds another heavyweight to its portfolio. “We see enormous potential in VIP’s legacy and brand value,” said Multiples founder and CEO Renuka Ramnath. “This is not just a transaction, it’s a transformation play.”

    As per the open offer filing, Multiples and co-investors including Samvibhag Securities, Mithun and Siddhartha Sacheti, will collectively acquire up to 4.54 crore shares, translating to a 31.89 per cent stake. If fully subscribed, the open offer alone could cost them over Rs 1,437 crore in cash.

    The deal values VIP Industries at more than Rs 5,500 crore and includes a shareholder agreement that allows Multiples to take over management control. It is subject to approval from the Competition Commission of India and will be executed in line with SEBI’s takeover code. Legal advisors on the deal include AZB & Partners for the Piramal family, and Khaitan & Co for Multiples.

    Founded in 1971, VIP Industries has sold over 100 million pieces of luggage and commands a presence in 45 countries. Its brands VIP, Skybags, Carlton, Aristocrat, and Caprese are household names. But the past few years haven’t been baggage-free, with stiff competition and changing travel habits weighing down growth.

    This strategic sale could help VIP travel light again. With Multiples now in the driving seat and a fresh burst of private equity fuel, the legacy brand is gearing up for its next long-haul flight.

  • Aviva launches savings plus life cover plan for rural and small-town India

    Aviva launches savings plus life cover plan for rural and small-town India

     MUMBAI: In a world where aspirations are rising faster than premiums, Aviva India is scripting a small-town success story with its latest insurance offering. Aviva India has launched Aviva Bharat Bal Vikas Yojana, a life insurance savings plan tailored for families in India’s rural and semi-urban markets. With premiums starting at just Rs 1,000 per month, the plan aims to provide both financial protection and a secure path to children’s dreams whether that’s a college degree, a vocational course, or a business of their own.

    Designed with flexibility and simplicity in mind, the non-linked, non-participating policy offers guaranteed maturity benefits and life cover. The entry age starts at 3 years, extending up to 50, with terms ranging from 12 to 30 years. Policyholders can pay premiums monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annually, making it adaptable for diverse household budgets. The maturity age goes up to 80 years.

    If the life insured passes away during the term, the nominee receives the highest of:

    . The Death Sum Assured

    . The surrender value (either Guaranteed or Special Surrender Value)

    . A minimum of 105 per cent of total premiums paid

    Aviva India, chief marketing officer, Vinit Kapahi noted, “This isn’t just another insurance product, it’s a bridge to ambition for families beyond metro cities. Aviva Bharat Bal Vikas Yojana is for parents who dream big for their children but don’t want to get lost in complicated financial jargon.”

    The plan also offers guaranteed lump sum benefits upon maturity and comes with tax perks under prevailing laws making it not only emotionally reassuring but financially rewarding.

    While urban India is spoilt for choice when it comes to financial tools, Aviva Bharat Bal Vikas Yojana is a welcome step in democratising protection and savings. It reflects the insurer’s push for financial inclusion by targeting the heart of Bharat where every rupee counts and every dream matters.

  • Trilok plugs into brand love

    Trilok plugs into brand love

    MUMBAI: Move over boy bands, make way for bot bands. Trilok, India’s first AI-powered rock group, is tuning up the cultural charts and now brands are singing along.

    After grabbing eyeballs with its debut single Achyutam Keshavam, the band has found unlikely but exciting backers in boAt, Rowdy Club, and now, Magic Moments Music Studio, the latter launching a fresh series titled Magic Moment of the Month, an intimate, behind-the-scenes peek into the band’s surreal, stylised world.

    While boAt co-founder Aman Gupta has publicly lauded the project and Rowdy Club is leaning into the visual cool of Trilok’s mask-heavy aesthetic, Magic Moments is adding some heart to the hardware, capturing the band’s jam sessions, rehearsal-room rambles, fan shout-outs, and quieter reflections between the noise. Think sleek, bottle-inspired visuals with an AI-soul twist.

    “Magic Moments Music Studio has always celebrated expression, musical connection, nostalgia and the joy that comes from shared experiences. Collaborating with Trilok felt like a natural next step — it’s fresh, it’s bold, and it’s tapping into something culturally deep while also experimenting with the future. We believe in the power of new formats to spark new emotions, and Trilok is doing exactly that. This partnership is about capturing those real, in-between moments — where the magic actually happens,” said Radico Khaitan Ltd COO Amar Sinha.

    Born from Collective’s AI innovation lab, the folks behind digital personas Kavya Mehra and Radhika Subramaniam, Trilok is no moodboard mood music. It’s built to perform, provoke, and be playlisted, a full-bodied AI act with its own lore, lyricism, and layered persona-driven storytelling.

    Part myth, part machine, and full-on GenZ bait, Trilok blends human creativity with algorithmic power to deliver audio-visual drops that are as memorable as they are mosh-pit ready. And with a debut album on the way, the buzz is only getting louder.

    From digital dazzle to brand deals, this AI band isn’t just making music, it’s making marketing history.

  • Hyundai revs up Aura lineup with wallet-friendly S AMT variant

    Hyundai revs up Aura lineup with wallet-friendly S AMT variant

    MUMBAI: Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) is shifting gears on accessibility, adding a fresh variant to its popular sedan range — the Hyundai Aura S AMT. With this move, the brand brings its advanced automated manual transmission (AMT) to a broader swathe of young Indian buyers hungry for style, convenience, and comfort, without breaking the bank.

    Commenting on the introduction of the new variant,  Hyundai Motor India Ltd whole-time director and chief operating officer, Tarun Garg said, “At HMIL, we are committed to making smart mobility accessible to a wider set of customers. The introduction of advanced AMT transmission in Hyundai Aura S AMT reflects our continuous efforts to democratize technology and enhance convenience for customers. With this introduction, we aim to redefine the value proposition in the entry segment by offering superior comfort, safety, performance and convenience at an affordable price.”

    Powered by the punchy 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine, the new S AMT variant is tailor-made for urban drivers seeking a smoother commute without the price tag of a full-blown automatic.

    The S AMT packs a solid safety and feature punch, including:

    ●    Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

    ●    Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)

    ●    Six airbags

    ●    LED daytime running lamps (DRLs)

    ●    Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (Highline)

    ●    Electrically folding ORVMs with integrated turn indicators

    With its slick combo of practicality and premium touches, Hyundai’s latest launch is a clear play to seduce value-driven sedan buyers looking to swap gear-grinding for easy cruising.

    The Aura S AMT joins a line-up that continues to grow on Indian roads, now with a little more automation and a lot more allure.

  • J. Hampstead names Bobby Deol as brand ambassador

    J. Hampstead names Bobby Deol as brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: In a move that blends old-school charm with new-age elegance, premium menswear label J. Hampstead has roped in Bobby Deol as its brand ambassador. Affectionately dubbed “Lord Bobby” by his legion of fans, the actor brings gravitas, grit, and undeniable style to the marquee fashion house.

    Known for its legacy in fine suiting and shirting, J. Hampstead has long been a torchbearer of European craftsmanship married with Indian precision. The brand’s ready-to-wear and bespoke offerings have earned it a loyal following among India’s discerning dressers.

    Talking about the association, Deol says, “I’m honoured to represent J. Hampstead, a brand that exemplifies classic style and lasting quality. Its attention to detail and legacy of excellence align perfectly with my own fashion values.”

    J. Hampstead director Avnish Poddar adds, “Bobby’s distinctive style and appeal make him an ideal ambassador for the brand. His association brings fresh energy and strengthens our connection with today’s aspirational, fashion-conscious consumers.”

    This latest partnership is not just a campaign, it’s a statement. It positions Bobby as the face of a league that’s a cut above, where tailored threads meet timeless swagger.

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  • Branquila takes flight as it lands in the UAE with full brand arsenal

    Branquila takes flight as it lands in the UAE with full brand arsenal

    MUMBAI: From building brands to breaking boundaries, Branquila is now boarding in the UAE. Branquila Brand Ventures, the creative brand management agency founded by Sandeep Dahiya in 2022, is charting international territory. The firm has officially launched operations in the UAE, bringing its full suite of brand-building offerings to one of the world’s fastest-growing business hubs.

    With services spanning brand positioning, creative execution, PR, social media, SEO, performance marketing, and licensing, Branquila isn’t arriving with baby steps, it’s jumping into the Emirates with both boots on.

    Best known for driving mandates for marquee Indian names like Endemol Shine India, Banijay Asia, Abundantia Entertainment, Madame Fashion, and Genes Lecoanet Hemant, Branquila now aims to replicate that impact in a market buzzing with entrepreneurial energy.

    “The UAE is brimming with ambition and ideas, it’s the perfect launchpad for our next chapter,” said Branquila Brand founder & CEO Ventures Dahiya. “With our core promise of making brands work for business, we’re excited to help UAE-based businesses scale, stretch, and stand out.”

    Adding firepower to the firm’s expansion is its newly announced advisory board, Brandwidth, a brain trust of industry veterans including Raj Nayak, Rajesh Kamat, Vishal Chaddha, Sudha Sarin, Jaydeep Shetty, and Anand Kumar. The council will help shape Branquila’s growth playbook while providing strategic insight to partners across sectors.

    As D2C, fashion, entertainment, and media brands look to break the clutter in the Gulf, Branquila is betting big that creativity with a little hustle travels well.

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  • Urban Jungle launches two new luggage accessories on Amazon Prime Day

    Urban Jungle launches two new luggage accessories on Amazon Prime Day

    MUMBAI: Urban Jungle is set to disrupt the everyday luggage and accessory segment with the launch of two new products, ‘The Hold All’ and ‘The Fling’, exclusively timed with Amazon Prime Day 2025.

    Designed for the new-age traveller, The Hold All is a revolutionary top-open hard-case luggage that reimagines packing convenience. Its top opening saves space in compact hotel rooms, and its single deep compartment makes it spacious and easy to pack. Paired with features like an in-built expansion system, dedicated laptop compartment, and spill-proof pouches, it ensures effortless packing for the modern traveller. Available in bold colourways like Blue, Green, Yellow, and Orange, The Hold All is priced from Rs 6,499, offering premium utility at an accessible price point.

    Complementing it is The Fling, a first-of-its-kind hard-case sling bag crafted for city commuters and fashion-forward consumers. Lightweight yet rugged, the crossbody sling features an adjustable strap and a vibrant palette of nine colour options, including Lilac, Mint Green, and Red, making it as much a statement as it is a functional essential. The Fling starts at just ₹1,999, making high-style portability more accessible than ever.

    “This launch marks a pivotal moment in Urban Jungle’s journey as we expand into modular accessories that blend fashion with performance,” said Urban Jungle founder & brand lead, Tanisha Jatia. “With The Hold All and The Fling, we’re redefining travel as a seamless everyday experience- smart, compact, and unapologetically bold.”

    Both products will be available exclusively on Amazon during Prime Day 2025, with limited-time launch offers and influencer-curated drops designed to elevate visibility and consumer excitement.

  • ITC Aashirvaad launches ‘Boga Atta’

    ITC Aashirvaad launches ‘Boga Atta’

    MUMBAI: ITC Aashirvaad brings a uniquely crafted Aashirvaad Boga Atta for its discerning consumers in Assam. A premium fine white atta especially designed to meet the region’s culinary needs.

    Continuing in its endeavor to provide quality products to the Assamese consumer, Aashirvaad has launched Boga Atta as the current products available in the Assam market are mostly sold in loose format, lacking hygiene and consistency leading to inferior consumer experience.

    For the homemakers of Assam, cooking is more than a routine, it’s an expression of love. Whether it’s the joy of serving soft luchis at breakfast or Rotis for dinner, mothers in Assam constantly strive to bring delicious and wholesome meals to the table.  

    Aashirvaad Boga Atta crafted with superior quality wheat and made using an advanced milling process, offers the perfect balance of taste, and hygiene. Its fine white texture makes it ideal for preparing a wide range of local favourites, from fluffy luchis and Rotis to other traditional Assamese dishes like pithas, ensuring a delicious and satisfying experience in every bite.

    ITC Ltd COO – Staples and Adjacencies, Foods Division, Anuj Rustagi said, “With the launch of Aashirvaad Boga Atta, we are bringing Assamese families an atta that matches regional specifications of taste and quality. This launch is a testament to Aashirvaad’s commitment to regional relevance and our mission to bring uncompromising quality to every Indian kitchen. With Aashirvaad Boga Atta, mothers no longer have to choose between taste, hygiene, and health — they can have it all. Because when it comes to feeding the family, every meal should be a celebration of care.”

  • Baggage claim to fame as Safari and Boat launch trackable luggage

    Baggage claim to fame as Safari and Boat launch trackable luggage

    MUMBAI: No more baggage blues Safari’s latest launch ensures your luggage never goes off-track, even if your flight does. In a first-of-its-kind travel tech collaboration, luggage major Safari has teamed up with Boat to launch Safari Trackr, a Bluetooth-enabled, smart luggage range designed to take the anxiety out of airport chaos. Debuting during Amazon Prime Day, the collection blends boAt’s tracking tech with Safari’s trusted build, offering stylish peace of mind starting at just Rs 4,499.

    Whether your suitcase has taken a detour to a different carousel or vanished into a hotel lobby’s backroom, Safari Trackr ensures you’re not left wondering where your life-in-a-bag has gone. Equipped with Boat Tag, powered by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the luggage range works seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices, letting users track their bags in real time no matter where they are in the world.

    The campaign’s tagline, “Your Safari Got Safer,” captures the pitch-perfect blend of reliability and innovation. Told through two witty digital films, the campaign spotlights those all-too-familiar travel fiascos swapped bags, forgotten check-ins, and suitcase slip-ups juxtaposed with the smooth, in-control experience of a tech-savvy traveller.

    The range comes in three sizes Cabin, Medium, and Large and three colours: Signature Black, Blue, and Green. Crafted from 100 per cent polycarbonate and strength-tested, the bags are built to last and be found.

    “People don’t just carry luggage, they carry their life,” said Safari Industries MD Sudhir Jatia. “Safari Trackr is our answer to the very real fear of losing that life in transit. With Boat as a tech partner, we’ve created a solution that’s smart, stylish, and simple.”

    Boat CEO Sameer Mehta added, “We’re bringing Boat Tag tech to something deeply practical keeping your belongings safe, visible, and connected. This partnership solves a real-world problem at scale.”

    The product will be available across India through Amazon, with the e-commerce giant promising fast delivery to 100 per cent serviceable pin codes. Amazon director of fashion & beauty, Siddharth Bhagat noted, “This collaboration is all about innovation and everyday utility. It’s a fresh take on what luggage can be.”

    With 330 plus service touchpoints and free installation in metros (plus virtual support for remote areas), GRIPIT’s servicing model adds another layer of ease to an already impressive offering.

    Safari Trackr doesn’t just hold your belongings, it holds your trust. In a world where travel is unpredictable, at least now your luggage won’t be.

  • Titan announces leadership reshuffle in jewellery and watches

    Titan announces leadership reshuffle in jewellery and watches

    BENGALURU: Titan Co Ltd  has announced key appointments within its senior management, effective later this year and early next. These changes follow previous intimations regarding the succession of C.K. Venkataraman as managing director and the resignation of Suparna Mitra, CEO of the watches division.

    Arun Narayan, currently overseeing the Tanishq India business for retail, marketing, and merchandising, is set to become the chief executive officer of the jewellery division from 1 January 2026. He will succeed Ajoy Chawla, who is slated to take over as managing director on the same date.

    A post-graduate from IIM Calcutta and a veteran of the Tata Administrative Services cadre, Narayan brings nearly three decades of experience in retail, marketing, and sales leadership roles within the Tata group and Titan. Since April 2020, he has been leading the Tanishq India business and previously held key positions as regional business head (west, all categories), Helios business head, and national sales & retail head for Titan watches.

    Meanwhile, Kuruvilla Markose, currently the CEO of Titan’s international business division, will take over as the chief executive officer of the watches division from 13 August  2025. He steps into the role vacated by Suparna Mitra. Markose, who holds degrees in agriculture and an MBA from IIFT, New Delhi, also joined the Tata Administrative Services in 1995. His three decades of experience span diverse sectors including FMCG, telecom, BPO, consulting, digital, and retail across the Tata group. He joined Titan in 2015 as chief digital officer and has been leading the company’s international expansion in watches, jewellery, and eyecare as CEO of the international business division.

    These appointments are part of a broader leadership transition within the company’s senior management.