Britannia CEO Rajneet Singh Kohli Resigns, Effective March 14

Britannia Industries has announced that Rajneet Singh Kohli, the company’s Executive Director and CEO, has resigned. Kohli submitted his resignation on March 5, 2025, and the board acknowledged it on March 6, 2025. He will be relieved from his position at the end of business hours on March 14, 2025.

Kohli’s Tenure and Resignation Details

Kohli joined Britannia as CEO on September 26, 2022. His resignation letter, addressed to Britannia’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Varun Berry, stated that he was stepping down to pursue an external opportunity. The company has not announced a successor.

“After much thought and deliberation, I have reached a tough and difficult decision to resign from the services of the company,” Kohli mentioned in his resignation letter, as per the filing. Before joining Britannia, he held leadership roles at Domino’s India (Jubilant Foodworks), Asian Paints, and Coca-Cola.

Other Recent Exit

Britannia’s Chief Marketing Officer, Amit Doshi, also resigned in February 2025 after a three-year tenure.

Financial Performance

For the quarter ending December 2024, Britannia reported a 4.8% year-on-year increase in net profit, reaching ₹582.3 crore. Revenue from operations grew 7.9% year-on-year to ₹4,592.62 crore. As per the reports, the company has raised prices across its portfolio by 2% and expects a 4-4.5% increase by the end of the financial year.

Britannia Industries Ltd was trading at ₹4,744.00 as of March 7, 11:58 AM, up ₹41.45 (0.88%) for the day, but down 2.60% over the past month and 20.13% over the past six months.

Conclusion

Britannia has stated that it does not plan to make major capital expenditures unless there is a rise in demand. The company’s estimated spending for expansion is capped at ₹150-200 crore for the next financial year.

The company has not provided any details on its leadership transition or long-term strategy following Kohli’s resignation.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

NFO Alert: HDFC Mutual Fund Launches Nifty Top 20 Equal Weight Index Fund

HDFC Mutual Fund has launched the HDFC Nifty Top 20 Equal Weight Index Fund, an open-ended index fund that tracks the Nifty Top 20 Equal Weight Index (TRI). The fund follows a passive investment strategy, aiming to generate returns in line with the index while maintaining equal weightage across the 20 stocks.

NFO Details

The New Fund Offer (NFO) details are as follows:

  • Issue Dates: March 7, 2025 – March 21, 2025
  • Minimum Investment: ₹100
  • Fund Type: Open-ended
  • Category: Equity – Large Cap
  • Benchmark: Nifty Top 20 Equal Weight Index (TRI)
  • Exit Load: Nil
  • Risk Level: Very High
  • Available Plans: Regular & Direct (Growth Option only)

The fund will be managed by Nirman S. Morakhia, responsible for maintaining the portfolio as per the index and managing tracking errors.

Investment Strategy

The scheme invests in the top 20 Nifty stocks, each assigned equal weightage. This approach diversifies exposure and prevents over-concentration in a few stocks. The fund does not follow active stock selection and replicates the index composition, subject to tracking error.

Investors can subscribe to the fund both online and offline through mutual fund distributors and investment advisors.

Liquidity and NAV Disclosure

Being an open-ended scheme, investors can buy and redeem units on any business day at Net Asset Value (NAV)-based prices. The first NAVs will be disclosed within 5 business days after allotment. Daily NAV updates will be available on the AMC and AMFI websites by 11:00 p.m. Redemption proceeds will be processed within three working days of a valid request.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the HDFC Nifty Top 20 Equal Weight Index Fund offers exposure to large-cap stocks with an equal-weight methodology, aligning returns with the benchmark index.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF Filed Draft

Axis Mutual Fund has filed a draft for the Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF, an open-ended exchange-traded fund designed to replicate the Nifty500 Value 50 TRI index. This ETF will track a basket of 50 stocks selected from the Nifty 500 based on their value scores.

NFO Details

The New Fund Offer (NFO) details are as follows:

  • Fund Type: Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)
  • Dates:  March 10, 2025 –  March 12, 2025
  • Benchmark: Nifty500 Value 50 TRI
  • Category: Open-ended passive fund
  • Listing: NSE and BSE
  • Entry Load: Nil
  • Exit Load: Nil
  • Expense Ratio: Capped at 1% of daily net assets

Investment Strategy

The fund will invest 95-100% of its assets in stocks that are part of the Nifty500 Value 50 Index and up to 5% in debt and money market instruments for liquidity. It may use equity derivatives in certain cases, such as during rebalancing or corporate actions.

The objective of the fund is to provide returns before expenses that correspond to the performance of the Nifty500 Value 50 TRI, subject to tracking error.

Trading & Liquidity

  • The ETF’s units will be listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for trading.
  • Investors can buy/sell ETF units through the stock exchange like regular stocks.
  • Authorized Participants and Market Makers will provide liquidity.

Risks

  • Market Risk: The ETF’s value will fluctuate based on stock market movements.
  • Tracking Error: Returns may slightly differ from the index due to transaction costs and other factors.
  • Liquidity Risk: Trading volumes on the exchange can impact ease of buying/selling.

There is currently no analyst commentary available on this ETF.

Conclusion

All in all, the Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF aims to track the Nifty500 Value 50 TRI with a passive strategy. Listed on NSE and BSE, it allows trading like regular stocks. Investors should consider market fluctuations, tracking error, and liquidity risks. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Tata Steel Becomes Tata Group’s Fourth-Largest Company by Market Cap

Tata Steel Ltd has surpassed Trent Ltd in market capitalization, reclaiming its position as the fourth-largest company within the Tata Group. As of March 6, 2025, Tata Steel’s market capitalization stands at ₹1.88 lakh crore, which is ₹9,600 crore higher than Trent’s valuation of ₹1.78 lakh crore.

As of March 7, 12:13 PM, Tata Steel Ltd was trading at ₹150.10, down 0.23% today, but up 8.52% in the past month, while Trent Ltd is at ₹5,014.55, down 1.08% today and 8.06% lower over the past month.

Stock Movement and Market Cap Changes

Trent had previously overtaken Tata Steel in market cap seven months ago, when its stock hit an all-time high of ₹8,345 per share in October 2024. At that time, the gap between the two companies was ₹95,000 crore, with Trent holding a major lead. However, Trent’s stock has declined 40% from its peak, leading to a drop in its market capitalization.

Meanwhile, Tata Steel’s stock has increased by 21% from its January lows. On March 6, the stock saw a 3% rise on the BSE, contributing to its higher market valuation.

Market Cap Share

Tata Steel now accounts for 6.9% of the Tata Group’s total market capitalization, compared to Trent’s 6.5%. The Tata Group’s overall market capitalization currently stands at ₹27.5 lakh crore, making it India’s largest conglomerate.

In October 2024, Trent’s market cap stood at ₹2.93 lakh crore, briefly surpassing Avenue Supermarts (D-Mart), which had a valuation of ₹2.73 lakh crore at the time. However, a decline in Trent’s stock price has since reduced its market cap.

Performance of Tata Group Stocks in 2025

Among Tata Group companies, only three stocks have delivered positive returns in 2025 so far:

  • Benares Hotels: 47% gain
  • Tata Steel: 21% gain from January lows
  • Tata Consumer Products: 4% gain

Conclusion

Tata Steel’s increase in market capitalisation has changed its ranking within the Tata Group, while Trent’s decline reflects a shift in stock performance trends over recent months.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

JioHotstar to Lay Off 1,100 Employees Following Merger

JioHotstar, the newly formed media company backed by Reliance Industries through Viacom18 after the merger of Viacom18 and Disney’s Star India, is to lay off approximately 1,100 employees. The layoffs, which began in early February, are expected to continue until June 2025. The job cuts are aimed at eliminating overlapping roles across departments, as per the reports.

As of March 7, 12:59 PM, Reliance Industries Ltd is trading at ₹1,249.75, up ₹40.15 (3.32%) today, but down 1.34% over the past month and 15.50% over the past year.

Departments Affected

The layoffs will primarily impact corporate functions, including finance, commercial, legal, and distribution teams. Employees across different levels, from entry-level positions to senior directors, are reportedly affected by the restructuring process.

Severance Package Details

JioHotstar is offering severance packages based on tenure. Employees who are laid off will receive between six and 12 months’ salary. Additionally, for every year completed at the company, an extra month’s full salary will be provided. The notice period ranges from one to three months.

JioHotstar’s Ownership and Market Position

JioHotstar is valued at ₹70,352 crore ($8.5 billion) and is backed by Reliance Industries and The Walt Disney Company. Reliance holds a majority stake through Viacom18, while Disney owns 36.84%. Nita Ambani serves as the chairperson, and Uday Shankar is the vice chairperson.

JioHotstar Launch and Streaming Consolidation

As part of its restructuring, JioHotstar recently launched JioHotstar, a merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. The platform, which launched on February 14, offers free content access for limited hours and has subscription plans starting at ₹149.

The combined platform integrates content from both streaming services, with Disney+ Hotstar reporting 333 million monthly active users as of December 2023, and JioCinema reaching 225 million monthly active users in FY24.

Conclusion

The layoffs are part of the broader integration process following the Viacom18-Disney merger. The company has not responded to queries regarding the job cuts. The restructuring is to align resources across different divisions as JioHotstar continues consolidating its operations.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Laurus Labs Commits ₹833 Million to KRKA Pharma Joint Venture

Laurus Labs Ltd. has approved an ₹833 million investment in KRKA Pharma Private Limited, its joint venture with KRKA d.d., Novo mesto, Slovenia. KRKA d.d. will contribute ₹867 million, maintaining the 51:49 shareholding structure between the two companies.  

Following the announcement, as of March 7, 12:50 PM, Laurus Labs Ltd is trading at ₹571.20, down ₹9.35 (1.61%) for the day. Over the past month, the stock has declined by 10.94%, but it remains up by 35.36% over the past year.

Investment Details

Laurus Labs will complete its ₹833 mn investment by March 31, 2025, through a cash subscription to 83.3 million equity shares of KRKA Pharma at ₹10 per share. KRKA d.d. will invest ₹867 mn, ensuring no change in the existing shareholding ratio, with KRKA d.d. holding 51% and Laurus Labs 49%.

As per the filing, the investment will go towards land acquisition and setting up a manufacturing facility for KRKA Pharma. The joint venture was incorporated in April 2024 and has not yet started operations. The manufacturing unit will focus on finished pharmaceutical products for new markets, including India.

The company has not provided further details on the timeline for the facility’s completion.

Regulatory Compliance

Since KRKA Pharma is a joint venture of Laurus Labs, the investment falls under related party transactions. However, Laurus Labs has stated that the transaction is being conducted at arm’s length. The company also confirmed that no additional regulatory or government approvals are required for the investment.

KRKA Pharma’s Background

KRKA Pharma was incorporated on April 12, 2024, under the Companies Act, 2013. The company has an authorized share capital of ₹270 crore, divided into 27 crore equity shares of ₹10 each. Its paid-up share capital currently stands at ₹45 crore, with 4.5 crore equity shares of ₹10 each.

Conclusion

Overall, the investment will be used for setting up a manufacturing facility, with no change in the existing shareholding structure between Laurus Labs and KRKA d.d.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Blackstone-Sattva JV Firm Files Draft For ₹6,200 Crore REIT IPO

Knowledge Realty Trust (KRT), a joint venture between Sattva Group and Blackstone, has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI to raise ₹6,200 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). This will be the largest Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) IPO in India. KRT owns a diverse portfolio of 48 million square feet of office space across six major cities, making it the most geographically spread office REIT in the country.  

Portfolio, Ownership and Market Presence

Blackstone holds a 55% stake in Knowledge Realty Trust, while Sattva Group owns 45%. The portfolio includes 30 premium office assets, with nearly 95% of the total value concentrated in India’s top three commercial hubs—Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Major properties include Sattva Knowledge City, Sattva Global City, Cessna Business Park, One BKC in Mumbai and the upcoming Image Tower in Hyderabad. 

Comparison with Existing REITs in India

Currently, there are four listed REITs in India: Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Parks REIT, and Nexus Select Trust. Among them, Embassy, Mindspace and Brookfield focus on rent-yielding office spaces, whereas Nexus specialises in retail properties. KRT will be the fifth REIT in the country and the fourth backed by Blackstone. The trust is projected to have the highest Net Operating Income (NOI) in India at ₹4,300 crore and a Gross Asset Value (GAV) of ₹60,000 crore, making it a market leader.  

IPO Details and Financial Use

The IPO will be executed through a book-building process, with leading financial institutions such as Kotak Mahindra Capital, Axis Capital, BofA Securities India, ICICI Securities, SBI Capital Markets, Morgan Stanley India, JM Financial and IIFL Capital Services acting as book runners. The listing will take place on both BSE and NSE. Funds raised from the IPO will be used for repaying or prepaying financial debts of its special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and investment entities, as well as for general corporate purposes.  

Sattva and Blackstone’s Strategy for Growth

Sattva Group, a leading real estate developer in India, has delivered 74 million square feet of commercial, residential and co-working spaces and has another 75 million square feet in the pipeline. Blackstone, one of the world’s largest investment firms, has played a crucial role in shaping India’s REIT market with previous listings like Embassy REIT, Mindspace REIT and Nexus REIT. 

Conclusion

With strong backing from Blackstone and Sattva, Knowledge Realty Trust is set to reshape India’s REIT landscape, offering investors exposure to a high-value office portfolio with strong occupancy and global tenants.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

FMCG Distributors File Petition Against Quick Commerce Platforms

The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) has filed a petition with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against leading quick commerce platforms—Blinkit, Swiggy’s Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto. 

The petition, submitted on February 28, accuses these platforms of selling products at 50% lower prices than those available in traditional and modern trade outlets. The distributors argue that this practice is unfair and harms both offline retailers and FMCG distributors by disrupting market competition.  

Impact on Retailers and Traditional Trade

 AICPDF claims that such deep discounting has resulted in the closure of over 2,00,000 local retail shops in nearly 75-80 cities where these quick commerce platforms operate. The petition highlights that if FMCG companies are funding these discounts, it raises concerns about why quick commerce, which currently accounts for only 9% of overall trade, is being prioritised over established retail formats. The industry body has also submitted evidence of 25 discounted products to support its claims of predatory pricing and possible exclusive supply agreements.  

Previous Complaints and Regulatory Actions

 This is not the first time AICPDF has raised concerns. In October 2024, it had written to CCI and the Ministry of Commerce, urging an investigation into Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart. This time, the organisation has directly approached the antitrust regulator, reinforcing its stance against the growing dominance of quick commerce platforms. The petition also suggests introducing a minimum discount limit of 10% on FMCG products to maintain a fair playing field for all sellers.  

Market Growth and Investor Interest in Quick Commerce

Despite the controversy, quick commerce has been expanding rapidly. A March 4 research note by Bernstein states that the sector has grown to a $10 billion market within two years, with projections to surpass $75 billion by 2032. Research firm Datum Intelligence found that 82% of buyers have shifted at least 25% of their purchases from Kirana stores to quick commerce platforms. Zepto alone raised $1.2 billion in funding last year and is preparing for an IPO in 2025.  

Concerns Over Market Monopoly and Future Challenges

AICPDF warns that the deep pockets of quick commerce firms enable them to engage in deliberate losses through predatory pricing, pushing small retailers out of business. 

In response to similar issues, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has also filed a separate case against Zomato and Swiggy over their 10-minute food delivery services. While analysts predict that quick commerce firms may reduce discounts due to profitability pressures, traditional retailers continue to demand stricter regulations to prevent market monopolies.  

Conclusion

The petition by AICPDF has reignited the debate on market fairness and competitive practices in India’s retail sector. While quick commerce platforms provide convenience and competitive pricing to consumers, their rapid expansion raises concerns about sustainability, fairness, and the survival of traditional retailers. The CCI’s response to this complaint will be crucial in shaping the future regulatory framework for quick commerce in India.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

TCS Expands Partnership with Northern Trust to Enhance Global Securities Services

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has expanded its collaboration with Northern Trust, a leading financial institution, to improve securities services in 99 markets. This partnership builds on their existing relationship since 2017, with TCS already managing corporate actions and income processing for Northern Trust.  

Deployment of Advanced Technology

TCS will implement its TCS BaNCS™ Global Securities Platform, a recognised securities processing system, to streamline operations. The platform’s capabilities will support Northern Trust in optimising trade settlements, asset servicing and data analysis, ensuring efficiency, accuracy and risk reduction.  

Enhancing Market Operations

With the increasing need for faster settlements and reliable financial solutions, this collaboration will help Northern Trust create a seamless and integrated securities back-office system. The platform will also strengthen data management and analytics, improving decision-making and regulatory compliance.  

TCS’s Market Presence & Innovation

TCS, a global leader in IT services, has a strong presence across North America with nearly 46,000 associates. It actively collaborates with universities like Carnegie Mellon and continues to innovate through AI and IoT solutions. Recognised in FORTUNE®’s World’s Most Admired Companies™, TCS is also a certified Top Employer in North America.

About TCS & TCS BaNCS™

TCS is part of the Tata Group, providing IT and business solutions globally for over 56 years. The TCS BaNCS™ platform, adopted by top financial institutions, enhances customer experience through cloud-based, AI-driven solutions. It supports multi-entity, multi-currency transactions, ensuring compliance with global and regional standards.  

Share Performance 

As of March 07, 2025, at 10:50 AM, the shares of TCS are trading at ₹3,598.05 per share, reflecting a loss of 0.099% from the previous day’s closing price. Over the past month, the stock has registered a loss of 10.71%. The stock’s 52-week high stands at ₹4,592.25 per share, while its low is ₹3,457.00 per share.

Conclusion 

This expansion reinforces TCS’s commitment to transforming financial services with cutting-edge technology and trusted partnerships.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Eris Lifesciences to Transfer 100% Stake in Subsidiaries to Eris Therapeutics

Eris Lifesciences Limited, a leading Indian pharmaceutical company, has reorganised its holdings by transferring 100% of its shares in 2 subsidiaries—Eris Oaknet Healthcare Private Limited (EOHPL) and Aprica Healthcare Limited (AHL)—to Eris Therapeutics Limited (ETL), a fully owned subsidiary.  

“As a part of Eris Groups’ internal structuring of the holdings, the Company has transferred 100% of its holdings in the below mentioned entities to Eris Therapeutics Limited (“ETL”), a wholly-owned subsidiary: Eris Oaknet Healthcare Private Limited (“EOHPL”), wholly-owned subsidiary Aprica Healthcare Limited (“AHL”), wholly-owned subsidiary,” Eris Lifesciences said in filing.

Financial Impact

  • Aprica Healthcare Limited (AHL): Contributed ₹604.05 million in revenue (3.0%) and had a net worth of ₹805.75 million (2.5%) in the last financial year.  
  • Eris Oaknet Healthcare Private Limited (EOHPL): Contributed ₹726.47 million in revenue (3.6%) and had a net worth of ₹633.33 million (2.0%).  

Transaction Details

  • Agreement Date: March 6, 2025  
  • Expected Completion: March 31, 2025   
  • Total transaction value: ₹862 crore.  

About the Company 

Eris Lifesciences, founded in 2007, is a publicly listed pharma company specialising in chronic and lifestyle-related treatments. With a plant in Guwahati and a nationwide network, it focuses on advanced science, patient care and specialist doctors. Key areas include diabetes, cardiac care, CNS and nutrition. It specialises in the production and distribution of generic pharmaceuticals, offering a diverse portfolio of oral dosage forms like capsules, tablets, and sachets across chronic and acute therapeutic areas.

Share Performance 

As of March 07, 2025, at 9:30 AM, the shares of Eris Lifesciences Ltd are trading at ₹1,274.10 per share, reflecting a surge of 0.35% from the previous day’s closing price. Over the past month, the stock has registered a loss of 13.85%. The stock’s 52-week high stands at ₹1,593.90 per share, while its low is ₹809.15 per share.

Conclusion

This transfer streamlines Eris Lifesciences’ operations, enhances efficiency and strengthens subsidiary management, positioning the company for growth and innovation.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.