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Tag: Darshan Mehta

  • Darshan Mehta, luxury retail titan, passes on after sudden heart attack

    Darshan Mehta, luxury retail titan, passes on after sudden heart attack

    MUMBAI: Darshan Mehta, the man who draped India in designer labels, has tragically died at 63, succumbing to a sudden heart attack. The former managing director & chief executive of Reliance Brands Ltd. (RBL), Mehta was a titan of the fashion and retail world, a true pioneer who shaped India’s luxury landscape.

    For over 17 years, Mehta steered RBL, transforming it into a powerhouse that brought more than 90 global brands to India, from Valentino to Versace, Armani to Zegna. He had an eye for style and a flair for deals, bringing in those high end labels that, only he saw would thrive.

    He’d only just stepped down from his executive role in November 2024, shifting into a mentor’s chair at the Reliance Group. But even in a non-executive capacity, he remained a key player, mentoring the new crop of executives and sniffing out new opportunities.

    Before his Reliance reign, Mehta was president of Arvind Brands Ltd., where he was instrumental in crafting India’s early organised apparel retail scene. 

    Known for his sharp wit, strategic mind and an uncanny sense of the markets before any of the trends appeared, he truly was a legend of the Indian fashion scene.

    Mehta’s legacy is immense. He was, in essence, the fashion professional who introduced India to high-end luxury, long before the country was ready for such things. A sad loss for India’s high-street.

  • Mothercare and Reliance Brands form joint venture to expand in South Asia

    Mothercare and Reliance Brands form joint venture to expand in South Asia

    Mumbai: Mothercare plc, a global leader in parenting and young children’s products, partners with Reliance Brands Holding UK Ltd to form a new joint venture, JVCO 2024 Ltd, aimed at strengthening the brand’s presence across South Asia. The joint venture will manage the mothercare brand and all related intellectual property (IP) assets for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, creating new opportunities for growth in the region.  

    Under the agreement, Reliance Brands Holding UK (RBL UK) will acquire a 51 per cent stake in the joint venture for a cash consideration of £16 million, while Mothercare Global Brand Limited will retain a 49 per cent stake. This strategic move further solidifies the long-standing partnership between the companies, with RBL UK set to take on franchising responsibilities to ensure brand consistency and deepen customer engagement.  

    Reliance Brands Ltd, managing director, Darshan Mehta shared his excitement about the deal: “Mothercare has been a trusted name for parents in India for years, and this joint venture marks an exciting new chapter in our partnership. It’s been incredibly rewarding to work alongside the talented Mothercare team, and this deeper collaboration reflects the strong relationship we’ve built over time. I’m excited about the opportunities this new era brings as we continue to expand the brand’s presence across South Asia.”  

    Reliance Brands first brought Mothercare to India in 2018, and currently operates 87 stores across 25 cities, as well as having a strong e-commerce presence. The joint venture aims to expand its footprint in the region while retaining the quality and heritage associated with the Mothercare name.  

    Mothercare chairman, Clive Whiley commented on the significance of the agreement: “Today’s agreement strengthens our operations in South Asia through an even closer working relationship with Reliance, our existing valued franchise partner, and underlines the intrinsic value of the Mothercare brand strength. We have renewed confidence in the opportunity that this reinvigorated joint venture now presents. We look forward to working even more closely with Reliance Brands as our joint venture partner and not just as a franchisee in the region, moving forward together.”  

    Key highlights of the joint venture:  

    – Ownership and Management of IP Assets:JVCO 2024 Ltd will hold all rights to the Mothercare brand and related IP for the specified regions.  

    – Franchise Operations: The joint venture will oversee franchising and brand management across South Asia, ensuring a consistent customer experience.  

    – Strategic Investment: RBL UK’s 51 per cent stake acquisition underscores the partnership’s strength and Reliance’s commitment to growing Mothercare’s reach.  

    This collaboration is set to bring fresh momentum to the Mothercare brand in South Asia, blending Reliance’s market expertise with Mothercare’s global reputation to offer quality products to parents across the region.