MAM
Sony is No. 2 second time in a row
MUMBAI: Even as viewers were watching a bigger drama unfold on news channels with Anna Hazare holding ground at Ramlila Maidaan and the Government in the Parliament, the Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs) didn‘t lose there share of viewership.
Sony Entertainment Television (Set) continued to be the second most-watched GEC, according to TAM data for the week ended 27 August (Hindi speaking markets ,4+, C&S) Though the channel lost 3 GRPs (gross rating points), it still ended the week with 242 GRPs, well above Colors (228 GRPs in the week).
For Set, good news is that KBC is maintaining an average TVR of 4+, while its fiction shows – Bade Acche Lagte Hain (4.11), Crime Petrol, C.I.D. and Saas bina Sasural – are also getting good viewership numbers.
Star Plus, the numero uno channel, closed the week with 299 GRPs (last week 297). Star Plus‘ Saathiya Saath Nibhaana (7 pm show) is leading the shows chart with 5.6 TVR.
Zee TV, which has now slipped to fourth position, remained the only channel which saw a fall in GRPs. The channel lost 14 GRPs from its last week‘s tally and has registered 180 GRPs in the week.
Sab, meanwhile, remained unscathed at 128 GRPs, while Imagine TV closed with 75 GRPs (76 in previous week).
Star One and Sahara One closed the week with 32 and 31 GRPs respectively.
Brands
Siguler Guff invests $40m in Trimex Foods to fuel India expansion
Private equity bet backs global dining brands as India’s appetite grows
MUMBAI: Siguler Guff has committed $40 million to Trimex Foods Private Limited, marking the company’s first institutional fundraise and signalling fresh momentum in India’s fast-evolving food services sector.
Trimex, which brings global names such as Chili’s Grill & Bar, PAUL and Cinnabon to Indian diners, plans to use the capital to expand its footprint across the country and add new international brands to its portfolio.
Founded in 2010, the company operates more than 50 outlets across 13 cities, employing nearly 1,900 people. It has carved out a niche as a reliable partner for global restaurant chains looking to tap into India’s growing appetite for organised dining experiences.
Siguler Guff, which manages over $18 billion in assets, is betting on that appetite only getting bigger. “India’s food services sector is undergoing a structural shift as consumers increasingly gravitate toward globally recognised dining experiences,” said Siguler Guff partner and co-portfolio manager Shaun Khubchandani.
He added that Trimex’s 15-year track record offers a scalable platform with strong execution and customer loyalty, making it well-placed to grow further with the right backing.
For Trimex, the partnership is as much about expertise as it is about capital. A company spokesperson said the firm is looking to build on its reputation for consistent, high-quality dining while tapping into Siguler Guff’s global network to accelerate growth.
The investment also reflects a broader trend of private equity firms doubling down on India’s consumer story, particularly in sectors where rising incomes and urban lifestyles are reshaping spending habits.
Ernst & Young acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Trimex for the deal.
With fresh capital on the table and global brands waiting in the wings, Trimex now appears ready to turn up the heat in India’s increasingly competitive dining landscape.
